Herbal Medicine
How does herbal medicine differ from conventional medicine?
Many of our conventional drugs come from the purified extracts of herbal preparations. However, herbalists claim that one of the great strengths of using the unrefined whole plant is that the active ingredient is given along with a number of other naturally occurring plant chemicals and this, in itself, makes the action of the active ingredient far safer and so diminishes the chance of unpleasant side effects. Such views represent an attractive, but as yet unproven, hypothesis. Herbalists will tend to use many herbs in combination, the combinations are largely based on clinical experience rather than rigorous science. It seems that in conventional medicine we are trying to decrease the number of drugs we give to people, whereas in herbal medicine sometimes the opposite occurs. As with many other forms of complementary medicine, the prescription of a specific herb or mixture of herbs is not based on a conventional medical diagnosis but rather on the traditional diagnostic system that underpins the herbal prescription. For instance, a herb may be prescribed the strengthen the kidney or liver or to dispel heat.
Does herbal medicine work?
Herbal medicines have been used widely for a large number of conditions over many thousands of years. Herbalists tend to treat chronic, benign conditions such as allergic disease (asthma and eczema), hormonal problems such the menopause, premenstrual syndrome and painful, irregular or difficult periods, headache (including migraine), irritable bowel, and arthritis (both rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis). In practice many herbalists will combine their suggested herbal remedies with dietary recommendations and a variety of nutritional supplements. The aim of the herbal medicine, particularly in these chronic, persistent complaints, is to generally improve your well-being, and perhaps slow down or modify the natural history of the illness from which you are suffering. Herbs can also be used to relieve depression or help sleep. Herbal medicines almost invariably work through the same biochemical and physiological pathways as conventional medications.Herbal medicines have been used widely for a large number of conditions over many thousands of years. Herbalists tend to treat chronic, benign conditions such as allergic disease (asthma and eczema), hormonal problems such the menopause, premenstrual syndrome and painful, irregular or difficult periods, headache (including migraine), irritable bowel, and arthritis (both rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis). In practice many herbalists will combine their suggested herbal remedies with dietary recommendations and a variety of nutritional supplements. The aim of the herbal medicine, particularly in these chronic, persistent complaints, is to generally improve your well-being, and perhaps slow down or modify the natural history of the illness from which you are suffering. Herbs can also be used to relieve depression or help sleep. Herbal medicines almost invariably work through the same biochemical and physiological pathways as conventional medications.
Echinacea root (American coneflower root)
The use of echinacea in the treatment of bacterial and viral infections
is well established and there has been much research interest in the
immuno-stimulating properties of this plant. Taking echinacea persistently
seems to work far less well than taking it when you have an acute infection.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Several good clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of
feverfew in preventing migraine attacks.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger has been shown to have a number of actions but it is probably
best known for its effects in avoiding nausea and vomiting; there has
been considerable interest in this in view of its lack of side effects
in comparison with conventional anti-emetics.
Ginkgo biloba
The main indications for Ginkgo biloba are diseases of the circulatory
system, particularly peripheral vascular disease in which the arteries
are narrowed by the deposition of fat in the arterial wall. Ginkgo
biloba can also help to improve circulation in the brain and so has
been used to treat both depression and Alzheimer’s disease with
some degree of success. In Western countries standardised extracts
from the leaves are available in tablet, liquid and intravenous formulations,
and in France and Germany these extracts are among the most commonly
prescribed medications.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
The seeds of milk thistle have been used medicinally for over 2,000 years;
this herb is useful in a whole range of liver and gall bladder conditions.
St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
St John’s Wort has long been used for its anti-inflammatory, mild
sedative and analgesic properties, although recent research has demonstrated
that it does have some anti-viral properties as well. St John’s
Wort has caught the public interest as the, "natural answer to Prozac",
and there is no doubt from the clinical trials available that it acts
very effectively as a mild antidepressant, although it is currently impossible
to patent and make medicinal claims on the basis of traditional use.
Valerian root
The sedative action of valerian is well established and the herb compares
very favourably with other conventional sleeping tablets in the treatment
of insomnia.
Kava kava
Several well conducted clinical trials have shown that Kava is useful
in the treatment of mild anxiety.
Chinese herbal remedies
Chinese herbal mixtures have been shown to be particularly useful in
the treatment of eczema, especially childhood eczema.
