Herbal Medicines

Products made from botanical, plants or parts of plants that are used to maintain health conditions or to treat specific diseases are called phytomedicines, herbal products, or botanical products. Herbal medicines can available in powdered, chopped, dried, liquid or in capsule form.

Can be use in different ways such as brewed as tea, swallowed as pills or powder, applied to the skin as lotions, creams or gel. ^[1]

Plants and the parts of plants have predates recorded history for their curing purpose and forms the origin of much of modern medicines. Many traditional drugs are originated from botanical sources. Hundreds of years ago many effective drugs were pant based. Example includes:

•    Morphine from opium poppy
•  Digoxin from foxglove
•  Aspirin from willow bark
• Quinine from cinchona bark

Drug development from plant continuous with drug companies engaged in large scale pharmacological screening of herbs. ^[2] The use of herbal medicines is common among American consumers. However, herbal supplements are not for everyone because these are not subject to close scrutiny by governing agencies or by FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The use of herbal medicines is still controversial. It is best to discuss with your doctor about any condition or symptoms you have and discuss the use of herbal supplements.

The FDA and herbal medicines:

Herbal supplements are considered as food not a drug by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) because herbal supplements are not subject to the same manufacturing, testing, and labeling regulations and standards as drugs.  Herbal supplements labels, which explain how herbs can influence different actions in the body. This label cannot refer to specific health conditions. Because herbal supplements are not subjects to the same preparations process or

clinical trials as prescription or traditional over-the-counter-drug. For example St. Johns wort is a famous herbal supplement which is considered as useful for the treatment of depression in few cases. A product label on St. John wort might say “enhance mood” but it cannot claim to treat depression. ^[1]

Herbal supplements and their uses:

·         Echinacea:

Echinacea is usually taken as tea or supplement but can also apply topically. ^[3] Echinacea considered as prevention against flu and cold. It is often used to strengthen the body’s immune system.

·         Garlic:

Garlic is generally used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases including high cholesterol and triglyceride levels associated with the risk of atherosclerosis.

·         Green tea:

Green tea can be used to prevent arteriosclerosis and certain cancer, to combat fatigue and aid in weight loss.

·         Black cohosh:

This shrub of eastern North America is generally used for menopausal conditions, painful menstruation, uterine spasm, and vaginitis.

·         Hawthorn:

Hawthorn is generally used for the treatment of several heart diseases. And it is supportive in the treatment of high blood pressure, angina, atherosclerosis and heart failure. ^[1]

·         Ginseng:

Ginseng roots are usually dried to make powder or steeped to make a tea. It is commonly use to increase immunity, energy levels, and to reduce inflammation.

·         Turmeric:

Turmeric is a herb that belongs to ginger family. Used for thousands of year for their anti-inflammatory purposes.  It is commonly used to treat chronic inflammation, anxiety, pain, metabolic syndrome.

·         Ginger:

Ginger can eaten fresh or dried its main medicinal forms are tea or capsule. It has been traditionally used to treat migraines, cold, nausea, high blood pressure. ^[3]

Above mentioned herbal supplements are only for informative purpose. Don’t self diagnose discuss with your doctor if any symptoms you have.

By: Aisha Mehak