by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
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| However, throughout the world, especially in Europe and Asia, a tremendous renaissance has occurred in the use and appreciation of Herbal medicine. Nonetheless, herbal teas and products are a major business in the United States as well, with an estimated annual sales figure of more than $4 billion.
This rebirth of Herbal medicine, especially in developed countries, is largely based on renewed interest by the public and scientific researchers. |
| In Herbal medicine, ginger is regarded as an excellent carminative, a substance that promotes the elimination of intestinal gas, and intestinal spasmolytic, a substance that relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract. These properties can be attributed to its volatile component. Modern scientific research has revealed that ginger possesses numerous therapeutic properties, including carminative and intestinal spasmolytic effects, antioxidant effects, an ability to inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds, and direct antiinflammatory effects. |
| This rebirth of Herbal medicine, especially in developed countries, is largely based on renewed interest by the public and scientific researchers. During the last 20 to 30 years, there has been an explosion of scientific information concerning plants, crude plant extracts, and various substances from plants as medicinal agents. This research has lead to increased marketing and consumption of herbal remedies.
Plants play a major role in modern pharmaceuticals. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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 While most herbs cannot yet be mass-produced, the potential of Herbal medicine lies not in staying within limits but in going beyond them—using herbs to soften, support, and reinforce the healing efficacy of other forms of treatment.
The recent renewal of interest in Herbal medicine has been made possible by the same method that once seemed destined to replace it: herbs are not only good Medicine, but more and more are being recognized as scientific Medicine. Herbs are now subjected to clinical testing in the same way as other medicines are, in scientifically designed double-blind tests. |
| The Origins of Traditional Chinese Medicine
The most widely used system of Herbal medicine in the world today, traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is an example of how herbalism began as a means of demystifying medical practice. In the second century b.c.e., Chinese scholarship produced perhaps the earliest medical textbook, The Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine. This book consisted of two parts, a discussion of medical philosophy later known as the Basic Questions and a guide to medical practice known as the Magic Pivot. |
| Chosen in consultation with a health-care provider who can recognize the need for emergency treatment, Herbal medicine can be a valuable method of treating psychosomatic and psychiatric complaints. The complex herbal formulas of traditional Chinese Medicine and Japanese Herbal medicine, in particular, are valuable in that they neither depress nor overstim-ulate the central nervous system. These herbal treatments do not induce drowsiness, tremors, or fatigue. Nor do they trigger nightmares, hallucinations, or manic behavior.
• Subjective symptoms. |
| The gift that Herbal medicine confers is the restoration of control to the individual. Herbs can and should be used with conventional Medicine, providing just the right amount of help for the body to regain its balance after an assault by disease. Herbal medicine has an ageless ability to improve the condition of the whole person and can be wisely used to help anyone achieve a better state of health than ever experienced before.
Principles of Herbal Healing
Just a few decades ago, the most widely recognized advertising slogan in America was "Better living through chemistry. |
| The recent renewal of interest in Herbal medicine has been made possible by the same method that once seemed destined to replace it: herbs are not only good Medicine, but more and more are being recognized as scientific Medicine. Herbs are now subjected to clinical testing in the same way as other medicines are, in scientifically designed double-blind tests. These clinical trials make sure that an herb's effects lie in the herb itself rather than in the wishful thinking (either positive or negative) of the researchers. |
| The root is used in Herbal medicine.
Kudzu is used in Japan as both food and Medicine. The common term kudzu in English corresponds to the Japanese term for kudzu starch, used in thickening soups and making noodles. The stems yield a fiber called kokemp that is useful in making cloth and paper.
EVIDENCE OF BENEFIT
Kudzu has been used in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) since at least the year 100 for the treatment of headache and stiff neck with pain due to high blood pressure. It is used in modern Chinese Medicine as a treatment for angina pectoris. |
David Winston, RH(AHG), and Steven Maimes
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 This is in contrast to traditional Herbal medicine that favors using the whole herb.
Modern herbalists in the United States, Great Britain, and Australia have begun to carefully chronicle their clinical experience and conduct small-scale clinical studies of herbal treatments.
TRADITIONAL HERBAL MEDICINE
Traditional systems of Medicine such as ayurveda from India, traditional Chinese Medicine, Tibetan Medicine, Greco-Arabic Medicine (Unani-Tibb), Eclectic Medicine, and kampo from Japan have a long and impressive history of effectiveness. |
| CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE
Chinese Herbal medicine has been used for thousand of years and continues to be used today by more than one-fifth of the world's population.
The Chinese have accumulated a sizeable pharmacopoeia based on actual human usage and have faithfully recorded their experience and knowledge of these herbal medicines. Knowledge about herbs had been passed down from generation to generation, first as oral tradition and then in the voluminous Chinese medical literature. Currently, Chinese Herbal medicine is integrated into the traditional Chinese Medicine that is practiced today. |
| Herbal Medicine (or botanical medicine) is any system of Medicine that relies on herbs or other plant-based materials as the source of remedies. Traditional Medicine is a term used to denote ancient forms of Medicine (usually based on the use of medicinal plants) that are still practiced in many communities and countries. Phytotherapy is the term primarily used in Europe for the treatment and prevention of disease by using herbal medicines. The prefix phyto- refers to plants.
Medicinal plants can be found in every region of the world. |
| It is thought that Shennong lived from 2737 to 2697 BCE, nearly five thousand years ago; this is why it is common to hear that Chinese Herbal medicine has a history of five thousand years. However, there is little information about how herbal medicines were used prior to the compilation of this text by authors who lived about 220 CE, nearly eighteen hundred years ago.
Theories of Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal medicine is based on a theory of energy that reflects traditional Chinese philosophy. |
| Genesis 1:12
Let's begin by reviewing some of the basic terms used to discuss Herbal medicine.
A botanical is a substance made from part of a plant, including the bark, roots, or leaves. An herb is a plant lacking a permanent woody stem (not a tree or shrub). Herbal medicine (or botanical medicine) is any system of Medicine that relies on herbs or other plant-based materials as the source of remedies. Traditional Medicine is a term used to denote ancient forms of Medicine (usually based on the use of medicinal plants) that are still practiced in many communities and countries. |
| Theories of Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal medicine is based on a theory of energy that reflects traditional Chinese philosophy. As such, it is plainly different in principle and practice from Western conventional or Herbal medicine.
According to the principles of Chinese Medicine, health exists when the body is balanced and its energy is freely flowing. The term energy refers to qi, the life energy that is said to animate the body. The term balance refers to the relative factors of yin and yang—the classic Taoist opposing forces of the universe. |
Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.
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 We are so glad you mentioned this Herbal medicine, and we have shared the information with others.
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
Another interesting allergy treatment involves the herb butterbur. This botanical Medicine has been used to treat symptoms of migraine headaches, asthma, and allergy. It has antiinflammatory activity and blocks the formation of compounds called leukotrienes (pronounced lew-co-TRY-eens). These rascals cause all sorts of mischief in the nose, including itching, sneezing, swelling, and congestion. |
| Ginkgo Biloba
There has been some interesting research on this ancient Chinese Herbal medicine. From the more than 100 clinical trials that have been published, there seems to be a reasonable amount of data suggesting that standardized ginkgo extracts (Ginkgold, Ginkoba, and Ginkai) improve circulation throughout the body, in general, and may modestly improve symptoms of dementia.815 A 1999 review of clinical studies of ginkgo concluded that "overall, the results of these trials are favorable to ginkgo biloba as a treatment for tinnitus, but a firm conclusion about efficacy is not possible . . |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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 It taught a system of Medicine that included the best of what was then known about nutritional therapy, natural diet, Herbal medicine, homeopathy, spinal manipulation, exercise therapy, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, stress reduction, and other natural therapies. The basic
Old Paradigm
The body is a machine The body and mind are separate Emphasize the elimination of disease Treat symptoms
Specialize (with the risk of tunnel-vision) Use high-technology, heroic measures Focus on objective information
(how the patient is doing based on charts, statistics, test results, etc. |
| In many instances, scientific investigation has not only validated the natural treatment measure (such as diet therapy, nutritional supplementation, or herbal medicine), but also led to significant improvements and greater understanding. In the past thirty or so years, there have been tremendous advances in the understanding of how many natural therapies and compounds work to promote health or treat disease. |
| Ginkgo biloba extract is another useful Herbal medicine in menopause because of its effectiveness in dealing with the forgetfulness, as well as cold hands and feet because of its ability to improve blood flow.
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
In Asia, dong quai s reputation is perhaps second only to that of ginseng. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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 Phytomedicine, a recently coined term, refers to an Herbal medicine that is a whole-plant preparation, rather than a single isolated chemical compound. (The prefix phyto comes from the Greek word phyton, meaning "plant.") The herbal preparation derived from a whole plant or plant part is considered the active entity, even though it may actually contain hundreds of individual active components. Phytomedicines are standardized, however—that is, they
The medicinal benefits of herbs have been known for centuries. |
| Every Native American nation has its own Herbal medicine tradition based on the plants growing in the geographic area where it lives. Common among all Native American cultures is the spirituality attached to the gathering and use of herbs, and many peoples use the same herbs both medicinally and ceremonially. 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. |
| Many people with irritable bowel syndrome have experienced improvements in symptoms after using Chinese Herbal medicine (CHM).
Q Research and testing have found not only that breathing exercises can control IBS, but that people who practice stress management have fewer and less severe attacks. Stress management also relieves symptoms. (See stress in Part Two. Also see Breathing Exercises under pain control in Part Three.)
Q The symptoms of IBS are similar to those of many other disorders, including cancer. |
Leslie Taylor, ND
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 Erythroxylum catuaba and Trichilia catigua are the preferred Brazilian Herbal medicine species, with the longest documented history of use as "big and little catuaba." Both types are used interchangeably in Brazilian Herbal medicine systems for the same conditions.
TRIBAL AND Herbal medicine USES
Catuaba has a long history in Herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac. The Indians in the Amazon have composed many songs praising its wonders and effects as a sexual stimulant.
Catuaba has a long history of use in Herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac. |
| Muira puama is employed around the world today in Herbal medicine. Early European explorers noted the indigenous uses and the aphrodisiac qualities of muira puama and brought it back to Europe, where it has become part of Herbal medicine in England. It is still listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (a noted Herbal medicine source from the British Herbal medicine Association); it is recommended there for the treatment of dysentery and impotence.3 It is also used elsewhere in Europe to treat impotence, infertility, nerve pain, menstrual disturbances, and dysentery. |
| Both types are used interchangeably in Brazilian Herbal medicine systems for the same conditions.
TRIBAL AND Herbal medicine USES
Catuaba has a long history in Herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac. The Indians in the Amazon have composed many songs praising its wonders and effects as a sexual stimulant.
Catuaba has a long history of use in Herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac. The Tupi Indians in Brazil first discovered the aphrodisiac qualities of the plant, and over the last few centuries have composed many songs praising its wonders and abilities. |
| I know there is some truth in that statement, but I also believe that Herbal medicine went a long way in curing my cancer and healing my body.
What I didn't understand then (or now, really) is why they call chemotherapy and today's modern Medicine "conventional medicine" and refer to Herbal medicine as "alternative." My personal journey showed me that Herbal medicine was much more conventional. |
| TRIBAL AND Herbal medicine USES
Virtually all parts of the fedegoso plant are used in Herbal medicine systems around the world.
PLANT CHEMICALS
BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND CLINICAL RESEARCH
Fedegoso has been used as natural Medicine in the rainforest and other tropical areas for centuries. Its roots, leaves, flowers, and seeds have been employed in Herbal medicine around the world. In Peru, the roots are considered a diuretic, and a decoction is made for fevers. The seeds are brewed into a coffee-like beverage for asthma, and a flower infusion is used for bronchitis in the Peruvian Amazon. |
| What I didn't understand then (or now, really) is why they call chemotherapy and today's modern Medicine "conventional medicine" and refer to Herbal medicine as "alternative." My personal journey showed me that Herbal medicine was much more conventional. It dates back literally centuries in time, with the less-than-100-year-old pharmaceutical industry offering the "alternatives" to the plant medicines we've used since before human beings even learned how to chronicle their uses. |
Bill Gottlieb
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 The techniques they use in their practices include (but are not limited to) nutritional therapy, Herbal medicine, homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many types of physical therapies.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Naturopathic physicians believe that the body is a self-regulating mechanism that has the natural ability to maintain a state of homeostasis, or balance. When people are ill, naturopaths attempt to restore or enhance homeostasis. They do this by supplying the body with what it needs for optimal functioning, such as dietary supplements, herbal remedies, and other natural medicines. |
| Oriental Medicine and specialist in Herbal medicine in Beverly Hills. And, he says, some of the most powerful alternative methods are from the ancient healing system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Using TCM to Enhance Fertility
The first and most important step is to restore general health to the man and woman through a dietary regimen, herbal decoctions, and acupuncture. Even if you and your spouse can't see a TCM practitioner to help boost your fertility by restoring health, though, the following home remedies can be extremely helpful. |
| Chinese Herbal medicine utilizes thousands of herbs. Using the correct herbal prescriptions, which usually consist of customized formulas combining multiple herbs, requires getting an accurate diagnosis. And since these herbs, just like the drugs of Western Medicine, have many limitations and possible side effects, TCM practitioners advise using them only with the supervision and approval of a trained practitioner.
Visualization
WHAT IS IT?
Imagine being on a beach, feeling the warm sun shining on your skin, hearing the slap of the waves, and smelling the salty tang of the breeze. |
| A cream works better than other healing mediums, says Fischer, because it lets the Herbal medicine stay next to the wound.
Here are her step-by-step directions for making your own Boo-Boo Cream. Apply it three or four times a day or as needed for minor irritation and abrasions.
1. Combine equal parts of dried com-frey root, calendula flower, and plantain.
2. Grind the herbs in a clean coffee grinder. (Fischer recommends that you invest in a coffee grinder that you can dedicate to grinding herbs.)
3. Pour the mixture into a jar.
4. |
| These techniques include dietary therapy, acupuncture (insertion of sterile needles into specific points on the body in order to control the flow of chi, or life-energy), moxibustion (burning an herb, called moxa, over acupuncture and other points), Herbal medicine, and qigong (a combination of exercise and meditation).
Each technique that's used in TCM is meant to balance various systems in the body, mind, and spirit. These systems include chi, shen (spirit), the 12 organ systems, and the meridians, or channels of energy that connect the organ systems.
WHAT CAN IT DO FOR YOU? |
Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.
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 One example of this comes from Asian Herbal medicine. The most celebrated Eastern medicinal tonic, ginseng, is considered an adaptogen. Ginseng is believed to endow those who use it with greater ability to adapt to life's changes, rather than to rigidly resist them, and then become stressed by them.
This Eastern interpretation of ginseng's value is paralleled by the Western view. According to Western nutritionists, ginseng is a powerful adrenal tonic—and your adrenals, of course, are vitally important in enabling you to respond to stressful change in a positive way. |
Andrew Pengelly
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 This process is often referred to in Herbal medicine circles (e.g. for Hypericum perforatum) although it is a difficult one to prove. The primary application of this concept is in the traditional methods of combining herbal medicines in formulas; however, in recent times it has also been applied using the combined effects of active constituents within the same herb.
A review of herbal synergism is outside the scope of this text. However, for readers who would like to pursue the topic there is literature available and attempts are being made to qualify and quantify the processes involved (e.g. |
| Rather, it adapts the technical information to existing knowledge, in the process helping to better define the traditional understanding that underlies the practice of Herbal medicine. As such, this book provides both a unique education and a rationale for practitioners to broaden the range of clinical indications for many existing medicines. Useful technical data for better understanding potential adverse reactions and interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is another important learning outcome. |
| Owing to their high toxicity the Veratrum species are not used in Herbal medicine.
Alkaloidal amines
Amines are simple compounds derived from ammonia (NH3) in which one or more hydrogen atoms is replaced by carbon. Replacement of one, two or three hydrogen atoms results in primary, secondary and tertiary amines respectively. Amino acids and alkaloids are derived from amines; however, in one group of alkaloids the only nitrogen atoms occur in the amino side group attached to a benzene ring—they are not heterocyclic. Hence alkaloidal amines are often regarded as 'pseudo alkaloids'. |
| In excess they cause insomnia, tachycardia and dizziness.
In Herbal medicine Ephedra is valued highly as a reliable treatment for asthma and allergic conditions of all types. Being both bron-chodilatory and nasal decongestant (due to constriction of blood vessels), Ephedra is useful also in bronchitis, emphysema, rhinitis, as well as common colds and influenza. It is contra-indicated for hypertension, angina pectoris, hyperthyroidism, during pregnancy and where monoamine oxidase inhibitors are being used. |
| It is therefore essential that all practitioners and students of Herbal medicine, whatever their philosophical leanings, have the tools to understand and effectively manage these issues as they pertain to the wellbeing of their current or future patients. An effective understanding of modern herbal practice fundamentally begins with a sound knowledge of the phytochemistry and related therapeutics of medicinal plants.
Given this, Andrew Pengelly's much revised second edition of The Constituents of Medicinal Plants is a welcome arrival. |
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