Herbalism

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Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG See book keywords and concepts

This is the way in which information about herbs has been passed from generation to generation, but an unquestioning reliance on empirical evidence also gives herbalism a bad name among members of the scientific community. Their loss! Folk wisdom is of inestimable value and relevance. Generations of accrued experience and insight are not to be taken lighdy. As an example, consider the fact that these same folk remedies from around the world often point the way for pharmacologists searching for new and powerful medicines. The use of Dioscorea spp.

In fact, it is a word coined by Hahnemann, partially to describe herbalism! Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary defines homeopathy and allopathy thus: homeopathy \ho-me-o-p'a-thy\, n. [Gr. likeness of condition or feeling; like (fr. same; cf. Same) + to suffer: cf. F. hom['e]opathie.] The art of curing, founded on resemblances; the theory and its practice that disease is cured (tuto, cito, et jucunde) by remedies which produce on a healthy person effects similar to the symptoms of the complaint under which the patient suffers, the remedies being usually administered in minute doses.

In fact, as coal is geologically processed wood, this broad view includes the petrochemical industry as a subset of modern herbalism! THERAPEUTIC ECOLOGY A common idea among holistically orientated practitioners of all modalities is that a human being is a self-healing individual, and, at best, all a medical practitioner can do is facilitate this profound inner process. Addressing pathology is relatively straightforward, but, as emphasized in the WHO's definition, health is much more an active state of well-being than the absence of disease.

However, it is even more important to protect the land for the sake of Earth itself. herbalism is part of a dawning awareness in humanity that Earth and its inhabitants do not existence solely for our use. It is no wonder that the production of herbal medicines, and in our example marshmallow, involves no abuse of laboratory animals. The traditional use of marshmallow is ancient, and we can accept the great knowledge of its healing properties without needing to take the lives of animals.

Today, Western herbalism commonly recognizes three major categories of herbs that act on the nervous system, collectively called nervines. These are nervine tonics, nervine relaxants, and nervine stimulants. Other important categories of nervines include hypnotics, analgesics, antispasmodics, antidepressants, and adaptogens. For more information on these actions and the primary and secondary actions of specific herbs, please see chapters 25 and 26. Of many potential remedies that could be mentioned, table 16.1 provides a listing of the best-known nervines in European phytotherapy. Table 16.1.

The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine: The Ultimate Multidisciplinary Reference to the Amazing Realm of Healing Plants, in a Quick-study, One-stop Guide Brigitte Mars, A.H.G. See book keywords and concepts

As American herbalism evolves, the concept of temperature will become a more integral part of our healing tradition, with more agreement among herbal practitioners. Moisture Asian medicine speaks of dampness and dryness as conditions of imbalance in the body. Dampness is evidenced by swelling, edema, diarrhea, and other conditions. Dryness is evidenced by dry cough, dry skin, constipation, and other conditions. Depending on their content and predisposition to moisturize or dry, plants can help normalize the moisture state of the body.

Prescription for Natural Cures: A Self-Care Guide for Treating Health Problems with Natural Remedies Including Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements, Bodywork, and More James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Nevertheless, herbalism remained an important and respected tradition in Europe, as well as in America, up through the early 1900s. By the middle of the twentieth century, however, herbal remedies were almost completely eclipsed by the development of synthetic "wonder drugs." Scientists learned how to isolate the active ingredients in herbs and patent them as medications like morphine and aspirin. Pharmaceutical companies made huge profits from the sales of their products and used the money in part to fund medical schools that shunned teaching herbalism.

PDR for Herbal Medicines, Fourth Edition Thomson Healthcare, Inc. See book keywords and concepts

Aust J Med Herbalism; 7(3):69-78. 1995. Lumb AB. Effect of dried Ginger on human platelet function. Thromb Haemost; 71(1):110-111. 1994. Macolo N, Jain R, Jain SC et al., Ethnopharmacologic investigation of Ginger (Zingiber officinale). J Ethnopharmacol 27:129-40, 1989. Manusirivithaya S, Sripramote M, Tangjitgamol S, et al. Antiemetic effect of ginger in gynecologic patients receiving cisplatin. Int J Gynecol Cancer; 14(6): 1063-1069. 2004.

Aust J Med Herbalism; 10(4): 135-140. 1998 Bettini V, Aragno R, Bettini MB et al. Facilitating influence of Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides on the acetylcholine-induced relaxation of isolated coronary arteries: role of the endothelium-derived relaxing factor. Fitoterapia; LXIV (l):45-57. 1993 Bettini V, Aragno R, Bettini MB et al. Vasodilator and inhibitory effects of Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides on the contractile responses of coronary artery segments to acetylcholine: Role of the prostacyclins and of the endothelium-derived relaxing factor. Fitoterapia; LXII (l):15-28.

PDR for Herbal Medicines Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

In: Aust herbalism 7:11-16. 1995. Purple Coneflower See Echinacea Purple Loosestrife See Lythrum Salicaria Pyrethrum See Chrysanthemum Cinerariifolium Pyrola Rotundifolia Wintergreen DESCRIPTION Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the leaves. Flower and Fruit: The white, sometimes reddish flowers are in many-blossomed, nodding racemes turning to all sides. The calyx is divided in 5 almost to the base and has lanceolate, revolute, splayed tips. The corolla has 5 petals and is flatly campanulate. The 10 stamens are curved upwards.

PDR for Herbal Medicines, Fourth Edition Thomson Healthcare, Inc. See book keywords and concepts

The Herb Users Guide, the Basic Skills of Medical herbalism. Wellingborough. Thorsons, 1987. Ippen H, Gamma-Linolensaure besser aus Nachtkerzen- oder aus Borretschol? ZPT; 1995;16(3):167-170. Jamal GA & Carmichael H. The effect of gamma-linolenic acid on human diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. DiabetMed; 1990;7(4):319-323. Kiehl R, Ionescu G, Manuel Ph et al. Klinische, immune- und lipidmodulatorische Effekte einer Behandlung mitungesaettigten Fettsaeuren bei atopischer. Dermatitis. Z Hautkr, 1994;69(1):42-48. Leventhal LJ, Boyce EG & Zurier RB.

Aust J Med herbalism 7:57-62. 1995. Teazle Dipsacus silvestris description Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the whole flowering plant with root. Flower and Fruit: The flowers are lilac in color, with 8-cm cylindrical capitula. The thorny bracts are lanceolate/awl-shaped, curved upward, and longer than the capitula. The outer bracts with their straight, flexible, thorny tips are longer than the flowers. The calyx is basin-shaped, and the corolla is fused with 4 tips. There are 4 stamens and 1 inferior ovary. The fruit is a nutlet.

Prescription for Natural Cures: A Self-Care Guide for Treating Health Problems with Natural Remedies Including Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements, Bodywork, and More James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Since the time of Paracelsus, European medicine has been a battle between the holistic philosophy of herbalism and an increasingly mechanized view of the body. And as Europeans began to explore and colonize, this battleground spread to North America, where Native Americans had been using herbal remedies for centuries, if not millennia. Nevertheless, herbalism remained an important and respected tradition in Europe, as well as in America, up through the early 1900s.

The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth About What You Should Eat and Why Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts

Walnuts * The "Doctrine of Signatures" is a concept in herbalism that's been around for centuries and is based on the idea that God marked everything God created with a sign (signature). The signature was an indication of the item's purpose. According to the Doctrine of Signatures, since the walnut looks just like a human brain, its purpose is to support that organ. This just might be one case of modern science supporting centuries-old wisdom, because walnuts—like fish are truly "brain food." Read on. Can Eating Walnuts Improve Your Mood?

PDR for Herbal Medicines, Fourth Edition Thomson Healthcare, Inc. See book keywords and concepts

In: Aust herbalism 7:11-16. 1995. Chauhan D, Chauhan JS. Flavonoid diglycoside from Punica granatum. Pharm Biol 39(2); 155-157. 2001 Foder GB, Colasenko B, In: Alkaloids, Vol. 3, Ed. SW. Pelletier, John Wiley 1985. Gaig P, Botey J, Gutierrez V, Pena M, Eseverri JL, Marin A. Allergy to pomegranate (Punica granatum). J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol, 2:216-8, Jul-Aug 1992 Gaig P, Botey J, Gutierrez V, Pena M, Eseverri JL, Marin A. Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet from petal cultures of pomegranate Punica granatum L.

Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG See book keywords and concepts

By this I mean clinical phytotherapy programs, not ethnobotany. In a cultural milieu in which the knowledge, skills, and experience of the herbalist are devalued or ignored, how can our expertise be recognized? HERB CONTRAINDICATIONS AND INTERACTIONS I have come to the conclusion that is it too soon in the development of modern phytotherapy to authoritatively define contraindications.

The Cure Within: A History of Mind-Body Medicine Anne Harrington See book keywords and concepts

From the beginning, articles in Hippokrates had made clear that psychosomatic medicine would work alongside homeopathy and herbalism in the larger effort to create a more natural and earthbound approach to healing. The introduction of a new monthly column by a figure as distinguished as Weizsacker, however, significantly raised the potential importance of the enterprise for New German Medicine as a whole. We do not know what Weizsacker thought of the New German Medicine project, or what pressure, if any, he came under by the Nazi authorities to contribute that column.

The Genie in Your Genes: Epigenetic Medicine and the New Biology of Intention Dawson Church See book keywords and concepts

In addition, doctors Dozor and Barnett have a compendious knowledge of Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, herbalism, and other alternative medical specialties. The treatment protocol is coordinated by a computer system that tracks patient files and updates them in real time. During a consultation with the naturopath, for instance, he enters his notes on a screen that is immediately available to all the other practitioners. He might also walk ten steps down the hall to consult with the psychologist or with the family physician.

Alternative Medicine Magazine's Definitive Guide to Sleep Disorders: 7 Smart Ways to Help You Get a Good Night's Rest Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac. See book keywords and concepts

Christopher Hobbs, cofounder of the American School of herbalism, recommends a valerian-hops preparation as a daytime sedative because it will not interfere with or slow reflexive responses32—again, unlike conventional pharmaceuticals. Passionflower Passionflower (Passiflora incarnatd) has enjoyed a long tradition of use for its mildly sedative properties. In Germany, passionflower is approved as an over-the-counter drug for states of nervous unrest.33 It is often used in combination with other calming herbs, usually valerian and hawthorn.

Understanding Medicinal Plants: Their Chemistry And Therapeutic Action Bryan Hanson, PhD See book keywords and concepts

One of the best books about what herbs to use for what conditions: also discusses para-herbalism and rational herbalism. Sumner. J. (2000). The natural histoiy of medicinal plants. Portland, OR: Timber Press. A potential companion to this book which presents a botanical/ecological perspective. Chapter 2 Interpreting the Symbolism of Chemical Structures, or, Finding Your Way Around a Molecule It is a pity that most people think a scientist is a specialized person in a special situation, like a lawyer or a diplomat. To practice law, you must be admitted to the bar.

Decoding the Human Body-Field: The New Science of Information as Medicine Peter h. Fraser and Harry Massey See book keywords and concepts

During the next year he married, moved to the country, and opened a practice that combined acupuncture, homeopathy, and herbalism. As his health declined, Peter sought the assistance of several alternative practitioners he knew, and they agreed his symptoms could be lumped into that most vague of diagnoses, CFS. Despite his own considerable healing knowledge and that of the circle of experts who 95 treated him, Peter's health continued to fail. He described the downturn of events as the CFS worsened: "Gradually it takes hold and despite trying all manner of treatments, your life falls apart.

Understanding Medicinal Plants: Their Chemistry And Therapeutic Action Bryan Hanson, PhD See book keywords and concepts

If the difference between rational herbalism and paraherbalism interests you, and I hope it does, be certain to see the introduction to his book Herbs of Choice for more information (details are given in the suggested reading). I'd like to briefly emphasize one other concept that should be kept in mind at all times. The art of healing is complex and multifaceted. In any culture, healing practices are part psychological and symbolic, part physiological.

1000 Cures for 200 Ailments: Integrated Alternative and Conventional Treatments for the Most Common Illnesses Marshall Editions See book keywords and concepts

If the prospect of giving up seems difficult, consider using complementary therapies, such as homeopathy, acupuncture, herbalism, or hypnotherapy, to support your efforts. Manage your stress: If you know high stress levels are contributing to high blood pressure readings, make a point of taking some time each day to relax. This does not mean slumping in front of the TV, but instead use some tried and tested formal relaxation techniques. Choose from meditation, progressive muscular relaxation, visualization techniques, or a system of movement such as T'ai chi.

There are several herbs that can be useful. Your herbalism practitioner should make sure that there is not a particular fungal infection from Tinea capitis present, which can appear like cradle cap in some infants and children and for which there are other more appropriate treatments. Burdock root: Make a poultice by macerating the burdock root and applying it directly to the skin. This can calm inflammation and promote healing. Plantain leaf: A salve of plantain leaf, available at local health food stores, is healing and soothing when used topically.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

For the Navajos, for example, herbalism is a complex and specialized religion, in which the Navajo healer serves as both doctor and priest. Before plants are collected, prayers and offerings are made to the earth and the plant spirit. Herbs used in healing ceremonies are not thrown away, but are reverently placed back into the earth. Much like the Asian approach, Native American herbalism aims to achieve balance within the total person.

The Food-Mood Connection: Nutrition-based and Environmental Approaches to Mental Health and Physical Wellbeing Gary Null and Amy McDonald See book keywords and concepts

He integrates relaxation therapies, hypnosis, meditation, acupuncture, nutrition, herbalism, musculoskeletal manipulation, dance, yoga, and physical exercise in his own practice of medicine and psychiatry. Center for Mind-Body Medicine 5225 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 414 Washington DC 20015 Tel: (202)966-7338 www.cmbm.org www.jamesgordonmd.com JAN CACNON, M.D., is a naturopathic physician in Seattle, Washington.

The Cure Within: A History of Mind-Body Medicine Anne Harrington See book keywords and concepts

He would have been told that continuing allegiance to the old traditional healing methods—acupuncture, herbalism, cupping—was actually undermining the health of the people. Above all, he would have learned that it was interfering with government-led efforts to control the epidemic spread of infectious disease by educating the Chinese people in modern germ theory.54 What changed everything was the 1949 Communist revolution, spearheaded by Mao Tse-Tung.

Slow Food Nation: Why Our Food Should Be Good, Clean, And Fair Carlo Petrini See book keywords and concepts

In Europe, women were the repositories of pharmacological knowledge connected with herbs, until the Inquisition began to stigmatize them as witches; a vast heritage of knowledge disappeared with them, and only today, thanks to developments in herbalism, can we attempt to recover it. One only has to think of the medical school of Salerno" to realize that a good diet has always been regarded as the basis of good health.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Huperzia has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information): Rating Health Concerns **ft Alzheimer's disease (page 19) Age-related cognitive decline (page 8) Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies) Huperzia moss tea has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese herbalism for fever, as a diuretic, for blood loss, and for irregular menstruation.

In traditional Thai herbalism, the plant is used for coughs (page 139), skin diseases, and intestinal problems. The seed is used as a bulk-forming laxative and diuretic.3 Active constituents Basil contains a strong-scented volatile oil composed primarily of terpenoids, particularly eugenol, thymol, and estragole. Basil also has what are known as chemotypes, minor variations among plants that con- Active constituents The alkaloid, berberine, receives the most research and widest acclaim as the active component of barberry and its relatives.

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