1. LECTURE 3 Herbal Remedies
Robyn Bowen
Health and Wellness Professional
HW499

2. What is Herbal Medicine
The use of plants and plant parts for its medicinal value.
The process of using plant parts to heal and prevent
disease and sickness.
(American Herbalist Guild, n,d,)
Many of us may be surprised that we can use herbs and plants to heal our bodies. This lecture will help educate you on this fact and how you can try herbal remedies for yourself.

3. What is Herbal Medicine
Herbs can help heal and promote your immune system. It is used for the whole person: body, mind and spirit.
Using herbal remedies is vastly different from using synthetic drugs that are offered in modern medicine.
(American Herbalist Guild, n,d,)
The side effects from herbal remedies is non existant in comparison to synthetic drugs. Side effects may happen when you combine herbal medicine with the synthetics. Therefore, it is always recommended to check with your primary care physician before taking any.

4. History of Herbalism
Herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years.
Egyptian papyrus writings were found from 3000BC showing the use of herbal medicine
(University of Virginia, n.d.)
How interesting that we have evidence proving herbal remedies long surpass our current scientific medicine that primarily used synthetic medications to treat and heal sickness.

5. History of Herbalism
Ancient Greeks and Romans were known for their use of herbal medicine.
Greek surgeons from 30BC-200AD used herbal medicine and was known in the materia medica texts for 1500 years.
During the middle ages it was used in monasteries around Europe which served as medical schools at that time.
(University of Virginia, n.d.)
As noted there is a lot of evidence showing us the history and uses for herbal medicine and herbal remedies.

6. History of Herbalism
In the late 1500’s herbal medicine started to separate from biological and medical science thanks to Francis Bacon and William Harvey.
As time progressed herbal medicine was overlooked for more modern practices and remedies that could be scientifically proven to work.
(University of Virginia, n.d.)
I am excited that many are turning to natural healing. As time progresses more are hearing and reading about seeking herbal medicines that will heal and not adversely affect the body.

7. How is Herbal Medicine Viewed in the 21st Century?
Modern medicine is based on scientific research.
As time progresses, many studies have been done.
Peer reviewed studies
An example is Frankincense and how it kills cancer cells. Check out this study at:
/ /
Therefore, it may be frowned upon because a study was not done.
Studies are being done are being done to prove the truth of how herbal medicine does work.
Peer reviewed studies proving the effectiveness of many herbal remedies. An example is Frankincense to kill cancer cells.

8. How can you use Herbal Remedies
Capsule
Tincture
Glycerite
Poultice
Decoctions
Infusions
Ointments
Capsule - ground up herbal matter is put inside a capsule then ingested.
Tincture – Soaking the matter (herbal parts) in alcohol to extract the properties. This is done over a period of time and the herbs are strained out of alcohol. The tincture is then consumed in small parts with water.
Gycerite – similar to a tincture except glycerin is used. This gives the extract a sweet flavor which is better for children.
Poultice – A small amount of herbal matter that is softened with water then applied to the body. A great example would be if you are iin a field and get stung by something, search for plantain. Put it in your mouth to macerate it then apply to the bite. This herb will stop the sting and even has ant inflammatory properties.
Decoction - Taking roots, bark or berries and boiling them in water. Then strain out the matter and drink either hot or cold.
Infusions – This is like making tea, simmer the herbal parts in hot water then drink after a few minutes.
Ointments – Taking herbal parts that have been infused in oil for a time then strained and the oil can be used as a herbal ointment. I personally add some beeswax to thicken the ointment.

9. Suggestions when purchasing
Buy Organic
Research contraindications before taking
Make sure there is no side effects
Check with your primary physician
Before taking any medicine even herbal it is important to research what the herb can and will do. Also, contraindication can happen. Any example is St. Johns Wort, it is taken for depression but will cause you to be photosensitive. Also, very important to check with your doctor in case the herbal remedy can react to prescription drugs.

10. Websites Herbs: https://ods.od.nih.gov/
Buying:
Mountain Rose Herbs
Frontier
There is a lot of good and bad information out there. Here are 2 websites that are sponsored by the government that help verify the use of herbs. This is an excellent way to research different herbs to better understand what they do and how they work.

11. Handout Explains how to make a tincture or glycerite.
Follow exactly depending on herb.
A great start is astragalus tincture or glycerite
Astragalus has been used in Chinese medicine for a thousands of years. It has been used to help the immune system fight infection by increasing white blood cells. Astragalus is considered an adaptegen because it will protect your body from things that will cause illness like stress. It also has antioxidants that help your body fight off infections and diseases like cancer. Check out the reference at the end from University of Maryland. It lists many scientific studies proving astragalus and its effectiveness.
You can either make a glycerite or tincture depending on who it is for. It is recommended to use glycerides for children so they do not consume alcohol.

12. References
American Herbalist Guild (n.d.). Herbal Medicine Fundamentals. Retrieved from fundamentals. Picture Retrieved from Picture Retrieved from information. Picture Retrieved from Picture Retrieved from for-safe-herbal.html. Picture Retrieved from _generaleUniversity of Virginia (n.d.). A Brief History of Herbalism - The use of plants for medicinal purposes. Retrieved from

13. References
Picture Retrieved from +Huang+Qi+%26+Wu+Wei+Zi. University of Maryland Medical Center (n.d.). Astragalus. Retrieved from stragalus.