MEDICINAL PLANTS

There are records of plants being gathered and used for healing that go back at least 4,000 years, but herbs have almost certainly been used for far longer than this. In many parts of the world herbal medicines are still widely used, but in Western medicine they have largely been replaced by pharmaceuticals. Even so, a number of frequently used drugs, such as aspirin and digoxin, have a chemical composition based on the herbs they replace. In addition, the pharmaceutical industry is actively studying plants with the aim of extracting active ingredients to use in new drugs.

What Are Herbs?
There is no straightforward definition of a herb, Horticulturists define herbs as plants that die back at the end of the growing season, but many of the plants used medicinally or in the kitchen have woody stems, and are shrubs or even trees. For these purposes, herbs can be broadly defined as plants that have properties which can be used in healing or that impart a flavour or perfume that is pleasing. Many of the herbs that are gathered and used for flavour or perfume also have pharmacological properties.

Medicinal Herbalism
Herbs can be used as safe and effective home remedies for minor illnesses, but professional advice is needed to treat more serious and persistent symptoms. Most cultures have practitioners of herbal medicine who make their living from applying the pharmacological properties of plants, but the availability and quality of professional help today vary greatly from country to country. In some countries, almost anyone can set up as a practitioner with very little training, but in other countries there is strict regulation of both training and professional practice. It is illegal to prescribe hrbal medicines, even though self-medication is permitted.

How Are Remedies Made?
Remedies are made from different parts of plants, such as flowers, leaves, seeds, roots, sap, resin, fruit, bark or bulbs. Ideally, these are carefully harvested during the correct season, sometimes according to the weather and time of day. Apart from the sap or resin, the plant parts are dried quickly in a dry, warm, airy place before being stored, away from sunlight, in clean, dry, dark glass or pottery containers with airtight lids. Many plant preparations have to be freshly made, but the dried ingredients should keep for up to 18 months.

One of the simplest herbal remedies is an infusion, which is made in much the same way as tea(see in later post). The softer parts of the plant such as flowers and leaves, are most suitable for this method of preparation. Woody stems, roots, bark, seeds and some berries have to be chopped or broken, to release the active ingredients. The plant parts are simmered in water for up to an hour, and the liquid strained through a nylon sieve. This preparation is caled decoction. Syrup is sometimes used to preserve infusions and decoctions. This method can be useful for treating a cough or to disguise any unpleasant taste.

The active ingredients can also be extracted from dried herbs by steeping them in an alcohol and water mix, resulting in a tincture - or in oil, resulting in an infusion. Some herbs are ground into powders to be taken orally, while others can be made into ointments, creams, compresses or poulties for external application.

Herbs are very versatile, however, and your herbalist or pharmacist may recommend herbs that have been prepared in other ways. These include tonic wines, soothing lotions for skin irritations, skin washes to bathe wounds, pessaries or suppositories and even juices, which are often expensive since they are made from large quantities of herb.

Getting Herbal Advice
Your first consultation is likely to take about an hour. Your herbalist will take a full history, which will include:

• Your current problem, how long you have had it and which medicines you are taking.
• Any past medical problems.
• Your lifestyle, work and any exposure to environmental hazards.
• Your emotional state. This can cause illness, have an effect on your illness or reflect how your illness is affecting you.
• A physical examination, which is similar to a conventional medical examination.

Conditions that can be treated with the help of a professional herbal therapist include:

• Digestive problems.
• Allergies.
• Joint problems.
• Blood pressure that is too high or too low.
• Menopause.
• Problems with sleep.
• Skin conditions.
• Headaches.
• Urinary infections.

This is not intended to be comprehensive. It is best to make a preliminary enquiry about your own conditions, or ask your doctor's advice.

Cautions
Herbal medicines are generally safe and often fewer side effects than conventional medicines. However, it is important to seek professional advice before taking herbal medicines at the same time as conventional medicines and before giving herbs to children or pregnant women. Elderly people who have lost weight or who are particularly sensitive to medicines may need lower doses than younger people.

Simple Self-Help
A good way to start using herbal medicines is to make infusions of some of the herbs that are readily available. An infusion is similar to herbal tea, but because it is being taken as a medicine it is important to measure accurately the quantities of herb and water that you are using, to infuse for a consistent length of time and to take a standard dose. If your symptoms persist seek professional help.

Homemade Infusions For Everyday Use
To make an infusion
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Place the quantity of herb indicated below into a container that has a lid; a clean teapot is ideal.

Add 500ml (just under 1 pint) of almost boiling water.

Infuse for the time suggested below, then strain through a nylon strainer.

Drink 150ml (6fl oz) of the liquid either warm or cold, up to three times a day, sweetened with a little honey if desired.

Stored any leftover infusion in a sealed container in a cool place.
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Fennel
What to use: Dried seeds; 30g (1oz), infused for 10 minutes

When to use: After meals to relieve indigestion and wind

Mint
What to use: Leaves and stems; 30g (1oz) dried, or 75g (3oz) fresh, infused for 10 minutes

When to use: To relieve nausea, indigestion or nervous exhaustion

Caution: Mint can irritate the lining of the mouth

Rosemary
What to use: Leaves and stems; 75g (3oz) fresh or 30g (1oz) dried, infused for 10 minutes

When to use: To relieve exhaustion, colds, influenza or rheumatic pains

Raspberry
What to use: Leaves; 75g (3oz) fresh or 30g (1oz) dried, infused for 10 minutes

When to use: As a gargle or mouthwash to soothe a sore throat or mouth ulcer.

Caution: Should be avoided during pregnancy

Frequently Used Herbs
The medicinal effects of some of the more popular herbs are described here. These herbs are available in capsule or pill form, but some of them are also used in the kitchen, either fresh or dried. Doses are not given as they can vary and the manufacturer's guidance should be followed, or normal culinary usage employed. If you have any medical condition or take regular medication you should seek professional advice before taking herbal preparations. If you experience any side effects, stop taking the herb and consult your doctor.

Herb: Cone flower (Echinacea spp.)
Possible benefits: Enhanced immune system; reduced risk from infection
Notes and cautions: High Notes and cautions: Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
doses can cause dizziness and nausea. Avoid if you have multiple sclerosis or an auto-immune disease.

Herb: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Possible benefits: Natural diuretic. Liver tonic.
Notes and cautions: Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Herb: Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)
Possible benefits: Control of menopause sysmptoms and blood pressure. Enhances immune system.
Notes and cautions: Essential oil can cause the skin to be sensitive to the sun.

Herb: Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Possible benefits: Prevention and treatment of migraine.
Notes and cautions: The leaves may cause mouth ulcers.

Herb: Garlic (Allium sativum)
Possible benefits: May reduce risk of infection, cancer or heart disease. Digestive aid.
Notes and cautions: Can irritate mouth and digestive tract.

Herb: Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Possible benefits: For nausea and sickness. A digestive aid. Relief of arthritis.
Notes and cautions: Avoid high doses if you have a stomach ulcer.

Herb: Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
Possible benefits: Stronger and healthier nails, bones, skin and hair. Control of heavy periods.
Notes and cautions: Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Herb: Liquorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Possible benefits: Relief of arthritis. Healing effect on stomach ulcers and upper respiratory tract inflammations.
Notes and cautions: Avoid if you have high blood pressure or are taking medication for it.

Herb: Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
Possible benefits: A liver tonic. May reduce psoriasis.
Notes and cautions: Avoid alcohol-based extracts in liver disease.

Herb: Sage (Salvia spp.)
Possible benefits: Digestive aid and liver tonic. Relief from night sweats
Notes and cautions: Avoid if you have epilepsy.

Herb: Saw palmetto (Serenca repens)
Possible benefits: Relief of prostate symptoms.
Notes and cautions: Check first with your doctor for correct diagnosis.

Herb: Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Possible benefits: Relief of insomnia, and from effects of stress.
Notes and cautions: Can overstimulate in high doses taken over a period of time.

Herb: St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Possible benefits: For mild depression. Action against viral infections.
Notes and cautions: Can cause the skin to be sensitive to the sun and interacts with many presciption medications

Herb: Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Possible benefits: Relief of insomnia and anxiety.
Notes and caution: Avoid driving or using machinery. Do not exceed recommended dose.
Seek professional consultations before beginning this herb for mild to moderate depression.