Herbal-Medicine a review
Herbal medicine -- also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine -- refers to using a plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers as it is called samoolam for medicinal purposes. Herbalism has a long tradition of use outside of conventional medicine. It is becoming more mainstream as improvements in analysis and quality control along with advances in clinical research show the value of herbal medicine in the treating and preventing disease.
Plants had been used for medicinal purposes long before recorded history. Ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal uses for plants. Indigenous cultures (such as African and Native American and Indian tribes) used herbs in their healing rituals, while others developed traditional medical systems (such as Ayurveda Siddha and Traditional Chinese Medicine) in which herbal therapies were used. Researchers found that people in different parts of the world tended to use the same or similar plants for the same purposes. n the early 19th century, when chemical analysis first became available, scientists began to extract and modify the active ingredients from plants. Later, chemists began making their own version of plant compounds, and over time, the use of herbal medicines declined in favor of drugs.
Recently, the World Health Organization estimated that 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some part of their primary health care. In Germany, about 600 - 700 plant-based medicines are available and are prescribed by some 70% of German physicians. In the last 20 years in the United States, public dissatisfaction with the cost of prescription medications, combined with an interest in returning to natural or organic remedies, has led to an increase in herbal medicine use.
How do herbs work?
In many cases, scientists aren' t sure what specific ingredient in a particular herb works to treat a condition or illness. Whole herbs contain many ingredients, and they may work together to produce a beneficial effect. Many factors determine how effective an herb will be. For example, the type of environment (climate, bugs, soil quality) in which a plant grew will affect it, as will how and when it was harvested and processed.
How are herbs used?
The use of herbal supplements has increased dramatically over the past 30 years. Herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements by the U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. That means herbal supplements -- unlike prescription drugs -- can be sold without being tested to prove that they are safe and effective. However, herbal supplements must be made
What is herbal medicine good for?
Herbal medicine is used to treat many conditions, such as asthma, eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome, among others. Herbal supplements are best taken under the guidance of a trained health care provider. Be sure to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbs. Some common herbs and their uses are discussed below.
WHO Developing New Traditional Medicine Classification
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced a new project that could bring greater respect and more widespread recognition to traditional medicine* systems across the world. With the goal of easing and encouraging the use of traditional medicine in clinical, epidemiological, and statistical settings, WHO’s International Classification of Traditional Medicine (ICTM) will provide a harmonized traditional medicine evidence base with stated terminologies and classifications for diagnoses and interventions.1
In a recent press release, WHO said the ICTM is in part a response to the increasing worldwide usage of traditional medicine while classification and terminology tools remain sparse. The classification will initially include information on practices and customs in China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, and will use an interactive, online platform that traditional medicine users can use to document terms and concepts with which they are familiar. Joining other significant activities like the 1978 Alma Alta Declaration and the recent 2008 Beijing Declaration,2 the ICTM further illustrates WHO’s dedication to aiding traditional medicine’s globalization and integration into worldwide healthcare.
What is Complimentary and Alternative Medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard care. Standard care is what medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy and allied health professionals, such as registered nurses and physical therapists, practice. Alternative medicine means treatments that you use instead of standard ones. Complementary medicine means nonstandard treatments that you use along with standard ones. Examples of CAM therapies are acupuncture,chiropractic and herbal medicines.
