There are approximately
380,000 species of plants on earth that have been identified and
several hundred thousand that have yet to be discovered. In the number
of known plants 260,000 are classified as higher plants, this means
that they contain chlorophyll and perform a process called
photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is when a plant utilizes the energy
provided by the sunlight to manufacture carbohydrates from carbon
dioxide and water. Now all members of the higher plant group have the
potential to offer medicinal benefits, but however only 10 % have
actually been studied for this purpose.
The living cells of
plants are like miniature chemical factories, that take in these raw
materials carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight then convert them to
useful nutrients. This being said many herbs are
rich in compounds (nutrients) that are pharmacologically active,
meaning they exert a profound effect on certain animal tissues and
organs. Therefore they can be used as a natural drug in treating,
curing or preventing disease. Several components of the plant including
leaves, roots, fruit, bark, stems, or seeds contain active ingredients
that give the plants its medicinal properties.
The herbal attributes
target specific organ systems, there are herbs that soothe pain and
inflammation and reduce muscle spasm. There are herbs that have a
stimulating effect, and others that have a relaxing effect. Some herbs
can be used to kill bacteria; while others activate the body's own
immune system to help defend off invading organisms. There are also
herbs that are used as general tonics to promote overall health.
When herbs were first
used thousands of years ago, people had no idea why they worked. All
that was known was that when a certain herb was used a certain way, it
provided a desired result. When comfrey leaf was used to
sooth a scraped knee, it was not known that the plants astringent
tannins formed a protective surface over the wound which helped promote
healing. When foxglove was used to treat heart failure it was
not known that the plant contained molecules called glycosides that
stimulate heart cells. Licorice was prescribed by Chinese healers for
arthritis flare-ups, but it was not known that it contained soponins a
anti inflammatory compound similar to natural steroid hormones. Garlic
that was fed to slaves by the Egyptians to keep them healthy, but it
was not known that it contained volatile oils that fight infections.
Nowadays with modern
laboratory techniques, it is now understood how these herbs function.
Science is able to break down each plant into its molecular structure
and analyze its extracts. A lot of research has been done on herbs
work, but a lot more needs to be done, and because of lack of
scientific data for many herbs we rely on folklore, word of mouth, and
antique herbals.
Now I must put in a
word of caution, just because herbs are natural substances it does not
mean that they can be used haphazardly. They are a strong medicine, but
before trying any herbal remedy make sure you know what it does, how to
use it, and possible side effects, and never exceed the recommended
dose. Now generally speaking, few medical problems occur when herbal
remedies are ingested, but there is the potential for an allergic or
toxic reaction. Also 1 % of all plants are poisonous, therefore consult
with a skilled herbalist before taking any herbs, and consult with your
family practitioner. |
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