Health> Herbal Medicines

Image: Herbal Medicines
Image by: gilly.flower

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Herbal as the name suggests is the research and use of herbs and plants to cure and heal ailments of the human body. This is more of an alternative medical therapy, not like the conventional ones like anti-biotic and allopathic drugs. Though certain drugs do have herbal elements present in them in small amounts.

Herbal medicines have originated right from the time of the pre-historic man. A wound on the leg, a few leaves of a plant mashed and placed over the wound, would heal it completely. There are more than 80,000 species of plants that are used in herbal medication. Herbal medicines have roots in Asia – especially China and India and Europe that has gradually spread all across the world.

Herbal medicines have a holistic approach, where the aim is to heal the entire body, and not just a particular ailment. In this way, herbal medicines encourage the entire human body to heal on its own.

Herbal medicines are extracted from special plants and herbs. In fact, every part of a plant right from the roots, stem, leaves, flowers and buds can be used to treat different ailments. While a lot of argument prevails whether herbal medicines actually work or not, here are certain examples to prove that it does.

• Ginseng – known to increase appetite and boost stamina. The Chinese believe that the ginseng plant has the ability to absorb the vitality of the earth that gets transferred to those who consume it.


• St. John’s Wort – known to heal trauma and inflammation. It is known to quickly heal wounds, cuts, burns and ulcers. This herb has been widely used in Roman battles to heal wounded soldiers.


• Ginger – known to cure indigestion and loose motions.


• Garlic – known to reduce cholesterol and reduce heart disease.


• Holy Basil – known to cure diabetes, reduce blood sugar level and a very good source of anti-oxidant.


• Clove – known to relive tooth ache and swelling of gums.

Herbal medicines are more of a folk tradition of medical practice. Usually, grandmothers, mothers and aunts are known to be the source of all herbal medication and certain herbs can safely be consumed as they have been tried and tested for generations within a family.

As long as certain herbal medicines that are commercially available in medical stores are approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there shouldn’t be a problem in consuming such drugs. It’s always wise to get a second opinion before consuming such drugs.

Some companies that promote herbal medicines produce herbal plants in clean environmental conditions that are further used for medicinal purposes. Hence, herbs/ plants undergo a purification process before they are converted into medicines.

Usually, herbal medicines are a combination of several herbs and it is common for a herbalist to prescribe several medicines at a go. In fact, herbal medicines are also used along with other treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy and massages.