Presented By CJ Pickering Live Your Best Life The Wild World of
Herbal Medicine: Characteristics and Common Usages of Herbs Found
Around the World
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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.
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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
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How Does Herbal Medicine Work? Whole herbs Harmonious approach
transfers to patient Herbs harvested are used in several different
forms
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Common Herbs and Uses Ancient Egyptian Medicine Continued
Garlic Henna Coriander
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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
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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
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Common Herbs and Uses India (Ayurvedic) Continued Brahmi
Chitrak
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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
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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.
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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 Cats Claw- used to enhance the immune system.
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Common Herbs and Uses South America Boldo Passion Flower
Lapacho Suma
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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.
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References: http://www.rain-tree.com/article4.htm
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/chinesemed.htm
http://www.native-american-online.org/native-american-
medicine.html http://www.indiana.edu/~ancmed/egypt.HTM
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ayurveda- 000348.htm Veria
Living. (2011, December 17).Ayurvedic Herbs. Retrieved from
http://www.veria.com/herbs-supplements/ayurvedic- herbs