Herbal medicine
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is known as botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbology, and phytotherapy. Herbal medicines are classified under “Natural Health Products”*. According to “World Health Organization”, 80% of the world use herbs as their primary form of health care. WHO notes that about 122 compounds used in mainstream medicine which were either produced directly from plants or discovered from plant sources and later synthesized; about 74% of these compounds were used in the same or related manner as the traditional use. There are extensive researches on plant materials for their potential medicinal value.
Phytochemicals are plant-based micronutrients providing many health benefits. Within the context of natural health and nutrition, phytonutrients are bio- active plant chemicals that have significant positive effects on human health and metabolism. Phytonutrients are conditionally essential, meaning that their absence in the body does not cause deficiency disease, however; they are essential for optimal health and longevity playing an important role in preventing or reversing many illnesses.
As this field of science is progressing, thousands phyto nutrients and their function have been identified. According to recent researches; plant molecules connect with human cells by binding to the receptor sites on individual cells. The cell receives a message through enzymatic pathways then genes will react to the massage so the cell will perform a specific function. For example, sulforaphane, a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, boost the body’s detoxification enzymes in order to clear out potentially carcinogenic substances.
Phtyochemicals that are extracted or prepared in such a dosage as to have likely therapeutic effects are generally becoming referred to as nutraceuticals.
Phyto nutrients are highly varied in structure and function. Some have therapeutic effects which found only in a particular genus or species. Phytochemicals are classified into groups and sub-groups based on their chemical structure and biological activity.
Herbal products are derived from roots, stems, flowers or leaves of plants and are frequently sold in liquid extracts, capsules, tablets or teas.over the long term herbs can help the patient resist disease, and that in addition, they provide nutritional and immunological support that pharmaceuticals lack. They view their goal as prevention as well as cure.
The presence and interaction of different phyto-chemicals in herbs enhances the therapeutic effects of the herb. The synergism of these phyto-chemicals can’t be duplicated with synthetic chemicals. Phyto-chemical interactions and trace components may alter the drug response in ways that cannot currently be replicated in any synthetic way.
Since, some phytonutrients are destroyed or removed by modern food processing techniques, consuming fresh fruits and vegetables are important. The supplementation is recommended for therapeutic benefits, however the dosage and the methods of preparation to keep phytonutrients’ power intact is very important.
The method of extraction has been used to get the most benefit from the herbal active ingredients. Extracts are including Liquid extracts, dry extracts, and nebulisates. Liquid extracts are liquids with a lower ethanol percentage than tinctures being usually made by vacuum distilling tinctures. Dry extracts are extracts of plant material which are evaporated into a dry mass. They can then be further refined to a capsule or tablet. A nebulisate is a dry extract created by freeze-drying which can contain the most active ingredients. It is very important to make sure that any chemical solvents have not been used in the process of extraction which could make the product real harmful than beneficial (Please seek your practitioner advise)
Herbal medicines are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts and fresh or dried plants. Phyto nutrients are basically the therapeutically effective ingredients in such medicines so again it is very important to choose the supplementation which contains enough of undestroyed phytonutrient and of course in proper combination and ratio. Every herbal driven medicine has to be prepared under restrictive standards in a complete sterile environment to prevent any cross contaminations. (Please seek your practitioner advice).
Although many consumers believe that herbal medicines are safe because they are "natural", herbal medicines and synthetic drugs may interact, causing toxicity to the patient. There is also concern with respect to the numerous well-established interactions of herbs and drugs. Since some herbal remedies have the potential to cause adverse drug interactions when used in combination with various prescriptions and over the counter pharmaceuticals, patients should consult with Practitioners in order to achieve the best results with minimum risks of other interactions.