Cures, herbal

It is one of the peculiarities of herbal drugs that their indications have for the most part been determijied empirically. The reason is easily understood most herbal drugs have been used for a very long time to alleviate or cure illnesses and more especially disorders. Their introduction in therapeutics happened at a time when pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics were unknown concepts, when there was no Medicines Act to require proof of the quality, efficacy, and innocuity of herbal medicines. Today, when introducing a new medicine, extensive investigations are required in the interest of safety. To many the requirement of the proof of activity of such a drug as chamomile appears to be superfluous, but nevertheless, as a representative of a scientifically oriented pharma-... 

CN049 Singh, Y. N. Traditional medicine in Fiji some herbal folk cures used by Fiji Indians. J Ethnopharmacol 1986 CN060... 

Folklore Limeflowers were thought to cure epilepsy if the sufferer sat under the tree. The wood of the lime tree is valued for its pale colour and its suitability for turning and carving. It is used in the manufacture of musical instruments (Bown, 2003 British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983 Graenwald et al., 2002 Shealy, 1998 Tierra, 1998). 

Folklore Although there are steroidal compounds present in sarsaparilla, the rumoured presence of testosterone, which made it of interest to body-builders, has not been substantiated. The root has been used in soft drinks and root beers. Sarsaparilla was introduced into Europe following the Spanish colonization of South America. It was regarded as a cure-all and was established in pharmacopoeias until the early twentieth century (Bown, 2003 British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983 Giuenwald et al, 2002 Tierra, 1998). 

Many of the herbal drugs used in the United Sates and Europe are derived from traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine in India. These traditions are thousands of years old, and they rely heavily on plant-based prescriptions to treat various illnesses. Many other herbal drugs are folk remedies from other cultures. Historians of medicine note that every culture has its own tradition of folk medicine treatments or cures widely believed to be effective, based on information gathered from trial and error on the curative properties of plants and passed down through generations. 

It may seem like there is an herb available to cure anything that ails you. Herbal pills and other dietary supplements claim to provide a solution for everything from memory problems to frequent colds. Supplement companies have a pill for weight loss, too. 

In general, consumers use herbal products as therapeutic agents for treatment and cure of diseases and pathological conditions, as prophylactic agents to prevent disease over the long term, and as protective agents to maintain health and well-being. Additionally, herbs and phytomedicinals can be used as adjunct therapy, to support... 

St. John s wort. The St. John s wort plant (Hypericum perforatum Figure 6.4) is an increasingly popular herbal supplement that proponents claim has the ability to cure a vast array of ailments. St. John s wort appears to boost the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which may be the reason it is able to treat anxiety and depression. The herb contains numerous substances, two of which, hypericin and hyperforin, maybe key active ingredients. St. John s wort appears to be effective in relieving the muscle pain associated with fibromyalgia and the tissue pain associated with hemorrhoids. The herb comes in tablet, capsule, cream, and ointment forms and must be taken for several weeks before it takes full effect. St. John s wort should not be taken with antidepressants such as... 

The diuretic property of celery has been used to prepare herbal medicine (Houghton, 1995). The ripe seeds, herb and root are diuretic (Lust, 1983 Chiej, 1984 Grieve, 1984). The seeds are used mainly as a diuretic and can help clear toxins from the system, especially in cases of gout where uric acid crystals collect in the joints. Root tinctures have been used to cure urinary disorders, such as urinary stones, and used as a kidney stimulant and cleanser. Fresh juice from the whole plant is also used as a cure for urinary tract inflammations and urethritis (http //www.innvista.com/health/herbs/ celery.htm). The herb is used against kidney complaints (Launert, 1981). 

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