Originally published October 18 2005
Herbal medicines are a well-proven healing practice
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Using the roots, leaves, stems, flowers and seeds of plants to produce medicines, herbalists practice an ancient tradition, but contemporary practices are closely monitored.
Herbalism is probably the mother of all healing practices known to man, i.e. both traditional and modern Medicine.
Active compounds are extracted from these plants and studied to design similar ones than can be mass produced for global marketing.
In Nigeria, traditionally, most families have a person who is an expert in treating ailments, especially those that are peculiar to that family.
It is interesting to note that, as early as the first book, Genesis, a herb was used to enhance sexual performance.
"Thou must come in unto me; for surely I have hired thee with my son's mandrakes.
(Genesis 30, 16). Mandrake is a plant, Mandragora officinarum, whose root is used as an aphrodisiac. If one was interested, it is actually possible to compile a book of herbal medications in the Bible.
Herbalism is an ancient form of Medicine which uses herbal remedies (meaning plants), to treat illnesses and injury.
It has been used since the dawn of humanity and medical researchers have discovered valid scientific principles behind many ancient healing beliefs and practices.
A good example of this is the fact that some herbal medicines are combined in such a way that the side effects of the active ingredient are also taken care of.
Unlike in orthodox medicine where you take a single potent drug to treat a serious condition and warned about the side effects, herbalist sometimes combine another herb that will counteract the side effect.
This way, you do not have to take four or five different medications.
Not all herbal medicines are combined, there are single ingredient herbal preparations as well.
Precautions on the use of herbal products: One of the major problems attached to the use of herbal medicines in Nigeria is ignorance and blind optimism.
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