Why herbs?

In the age of modern medicine, herbal remedies are often seen by many as archaic mumbo jumbo. But one must realise that up until the twentieth century, humans relied almost entirely on plants to treat every type of disease.
The paths of herbalism and science-based medicine really began diverging in the sixteenth century, but in the early nineteenth century, scientists learned how to isolate chemicals from plants and modern medicine claimed superiority over herbal remedies.

Today,

there is a herbal revival. Health conscious people are seeking alternatives to over-the-counter medicines. Herbal toothpastes and herbal beauty products line the shelves, while complimentary health shops and alternative health workers are flourishing.

Many people who are dissatisfied with the declining efficacy of antibiotics have gone back to herbal remedies and ancient medicinal wisdom. Most herbs are safe and don't have the side effects of conventional medicines. Many medical doctors have found that herbal remedies can indeed compliment conventional treatments.

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History of Herbs

The ancient European, Indian (or Ayurvedic) and the Chinese medicinal systems, although vastly different, all believed that imbalance in the human body is the cause of all illness. Therefore all these systems essentially work to restore balance after which good health will follow.
Plants were the only medicines used before 500 B.C. During this time, it was believed that plants had both ritual magic powers and medicinal qualities. After 500 B.C., starting with the age of Hippocrates, illness was gradually seen as a natural human condition and started to shed its supernatural qualities.

During the explosion of world trade in the fourteenth century, herbal remedies and herbs were exchanged between the Chinese, the Muslims, the Indians and the Europeans. New herbs like ginger, cardamon and cinnamon began appearing in Europe. While European herbs like sage were traded in the Far East.

Between the twelfth and eighteenth century, various epidemics and plagues ravaged Europe. European medicine proved unable to combat these fatal diseases.

When the Spanish and the Portugese landed in central and South America, potent herbal remedies were discovered and exported to Europe. These herbs were used to treat smallpox, malaria and syphilis. Homeopathy and herbal medicine became very popular for this reason.

The age of western medicine
Before the sixteenth century, most of the mainstream medical systems were based on the idea that one should work with nature and that the body's own healing capacity could be strengthened and complimented by the right herbs.

All the old medical systems had, at their centre, a belief in a primal energy that sustained life and health. The Chinese called it "qi," while the Indians referred to it as "prana". Western herbalists called it the "vital force". When modern medicine took over in the nineteenth century, these concepts were dismissed as remnants of the superstition and ignorance of earlier healing practices.

The age of western medicine had dawned and had overshadowed traditional practices in China and India. When the British colonized India, Ayurvedic medicine was labelled "inferior" and was subsequently squashed and replaced by western medicine. China was less influenced by the west medical ideas. In most European countries and the US it became illegal to practice herbal medicine without an official qualification.

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Little-known perungalli herb from India shows powerful anti-inflammatory effects in latest clinical trials

A new Indian study has found that the herb Plumeria acuminate -- commonly known as perungalli and widely used in Ayurvedic medicine -- may be a potent treatment for both acute and chronic inflammation.

Researchers from Jadavpur University in Kolkata and ASN Pharmacy college tested the effectiveness of a methanol extract of Plumeria acuminate (MEPA) on both acute and chronic inflammation in laboratory rats.

In separate experiments to test the effects of MEPA on chronic and acute inflammation, the researchers split 24 rats into four groups of six, and induced acute inflammation into the hind paws of two groups, while using one group as a control and another group as a standard.

The first group of rats with acute inflammation were treated with 250 mgkg-1 of MEPA, while the second inflammation group was given 500 mgkg-1 of MEPA. The same model was used for rats induced with chronic inflammation.

The researchers found that the rats with acute inflammation that were treated with 500 mgkg-1 of MEPA experienced an average 36 percent reduction of inflammation. The rats with chronic inflammation that were treated with 500 mgkg-1 of MEPA experienced a reduction in the formation of granuloma tissue -- firm nodules or masses that form as a result of chronic inflammation -- of 45 percent.

The researchers concluded: "...the methanol extract of Plumeria acuminate possess potent anti-inflammatory activity in both acute and chronic models." They also found that the effectiveness of the herbal extract was comparable to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Perungalli has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine in Southern India and Sri Lanka to treat a wide array of health disorders. The plant material is often used to treat diarrhea and itch, while the milky juice of the plant is used to treat rheumatism and inflammation.

The bark is traditionally used as a plaster to cover inflammation or hard tumors, and the leaves reportedly have purgative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the researchers note, scientific research is needed to verify the effectiveness of the traditional uses of the herb.

(by: Jessica Fraser)

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Exotic Cures: Devil’s Claw is God’s Gift for Back and Muscle Pain

Brazilians are using all sorts of plants and herbs to alleviate pains and strains. What’s “in vogue” today is an herb called garra do diabo, or devil’s claw (scientific name, Harpagophyitum procumbens). But don’t be startled by the name; it’s not what you think. Devil’s claw got a bad rap in the name department. As you will see, it’s more like a gift from the gods in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, fibromialgia, bursitis, tendonitis, spinal problems, osteoporosis, and general muscular pain.

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Ora Pro Nobis: Give us this day our daily…hedge clippings

In the month of May, there is an interesting festival in the interior of Brazil in the state of Minas Gerais, called The Festival of Ora Pro Nobis. The name is Latin meaning “pray for us,” but this is not a religious festival by any means. On the contrary, it’s a festival of food, specifically in regional dishes made with the leaves of the Ora Pro Nobis plant -- not to mention all the beer and caipirinhas one can drink. Ora Pro Nobis…pray for us.

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Boldo do Chile: A cure for the common hangover…and more

Boldo do Chile is one of the most well known herbs in Brazil, although due to its horribly bitter taste, it’s not necessarily one of the most popular. In the southern half of Brazil, you can find a boldo bush growing in the back yard of just about any rural or suburban home. It’s a hearty plant that is easy to grow and cultivate. And as much as Brazilians love to party…it’s good to have this natural hangover remedy close at hand.

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