Presented By CJ Pickering Live Your Best Life The Wild World of Herbal Medicine: Characteristics and Common Usages of Herbs Found Around the World

Agenda What is herbal medicine? How does herbal medicine work? Why should you know about herbs? Discuss various types of herbs and their common uses.

What is Herbal Medicine? Sometimes called ‘Herbalism’ or ‘Botanical Medicine’ Refers to the use of herbs for therapeutic or medicinal purposes Herbalists use leaves, flowers, stems, and various parts of plants to treat an illness or disease The oldest form of healthcare known to man Many drugs used today originated from herbs About 25% of prescription drugs sold in the United States contain at least one active ingredient derived from plants Plants used for medicine is older than recorded history

How Does Herbal Medicine Work? Whole herbs Harmonious approach transfers to patient Herbs harvested are used in several different forms

Why You Should Know About Herbal Medicine Over the years, the trends are beginning to reverse, where more and more people are seeking out CAM practitioners. This is indicated in the graphs. It is also more cost- effective than other traditional treatment options.

Herbs Around the Globe - TCM Over 100,000 medicinal recipes recorded throughout ancient literature Plant parts and extracts are the most common elements used Four Natures-TCM uses hot and warm herbs to treat cold diseases and cool and cold herbs to treat hot diseases

Common Herbs and Uses - TCM Ephedra - stimulant herb used to treat asthma Licorice - helps treat hepatitis, sore throat, muscle spasms Ginger - commonly used to treat nausea Rhubarb – used as a strong laxative Rehmannia – used for anemia, constipation, and dizziness Cinnamon – used to reduce glucose and LDL cholesterol Bupleurum- used to treat liver diseases, skin ailments, arthritis, ulcers, and mental disorders Astragalus – used to treat immune deficiencies and allergies

Herbs Around the Globe – Native American Medicine Native Americans use many different herbal remedies to treat and cure their illnesses and diseases Made good use of their surroundings-never let any plant or animal parts go unused Had various spiritual practices they would use while they harvested herbs for medicinal purposes Use various herbal remedies to detoxify the body and cleanse the spirit

Common Herbs and Uses – Native American Medicine Skunk Cabbage – helps to treat asthma Mullein – smoked the dried leaves to relieve asthma Creosote Bush – helps to treat bronchitis and other respiratory problems Pleuris Root - used to treat pneumonia and remove phlegm Yellow-Spined Thistle – used to treat burns and skin sores Partridge Berry – used as a tea taken regularly prior to the expected date of delivery, used to speed child birth Buckwheat – used to stop hemorrhaging Wild Black Cherry – used to relieve pain of childbirth

Herbs Around the Globe – Ancient Egyptian Medicine Magic and religion were considered a vital component of everyday life Evil demons were thought to be the culprits of many ailments Used simple recipes to formulate medications commonly added to food in the form of spices and liquids

Common Herbs and Uses – Ancient Egyptian Medicine Onion – was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians, believed that the shape symbolized eternal life, used to treat heart disease, inhibit strokes, lower cholesterol Castor Oil – found in the tombs of ancient Egyptians dating back to 4000 BC, doctors used oil to protect against eye diseases - particularly to help with irritation and dryness

Common Herbs and Uses – Ancient Egyptian Medicine Continued Garlic Henna Coriander

Herbs Around the Globe – India (Ayurveda) Hygienic living is an integral part of the Indian culture and practice of Ayurvedic medicine (for example: bathing, cleaning of teeth, skin and eyes, etc.) A main focal point of their medical system is using plant- based medicines to treat and cure injuries, illnesses, and diseases

Common Herbs and Uses – India (Ayurvedic) Ashoka- small evergreen tree from India, it is brewed into a tonic and used to stop uterine bleeding and maintain proper function of female reproductive system. Bitter Melon- used to regulate the bodies ability to process sugar

Common Herbs and Uses – India (Ayurvedic) Continued Brahmi Chitrak

Common Herbs and Uses – India (Ayurvedic) Continued Arjuna- mostly used in tonic form to treat cardiac conditions and also supports circulation and oxygenation of all tissues

Herbs Around the Globe – South America During ancient times more than 1200 plants were harvested from the jungles of Central and South America and concocted into teas, tinctures, baths, and plasters These herbal remedies were the primary means of taking care of people afflicted with illness, injury, and disease.

Common Herbs and Uses – South America Yerba Mate- herb found in South American rainforests. Known fro its stimulant effects. It is used to treat hay fever, asthma, improve digestion and combat fatigue Cat’s Claw- used to enhance the immune system.

Common Herbs and Uses – South America Boldo Passion Flower Lapacho Suma

In Summary… People from all regions of the globe have been using herbal remedies to treat their sick for thousands of years. Some of these herbs are still used to today. Many of the herbs have been studied extensively with sufficient evidence to support the health claims. However, more research still needed for some. If you are thinking about incorporating herbal medicine into your overall treatment plan, please do your research and consult with your primary care physician before you begin. Theses are exciting times to be alive we are now living in an age where we can combine the knowledge of the past with science of the present to make a healthier future.

References: medicine.html htm Veria Living. (2011, December 17).Ayurvedic Herbs. Retrieved from herbs