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Herbal Therapy
introduction
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Herbal Medicine, sometimes referred to as Herbalism
or Botanical Medicine, is the use of herbs for their therapeutic or medicinal
value. An herb is a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, aromatic
or savory qualities. Herb plants produce and contain a variety of chemical
substances that act upon the body.
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Herbal medicine is the oldest form of healthcare known
to mankind. Herbs had been used by all cultures throughout history. It
was an integral part of the development of modern civilization. Primitive
man observed and appreciated the great diversity of plants available to
him. The plants provided food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. Much of
the medicinal use of plants seems to have been developed through observations
of wild animals, and by trial and error. As time went on, each tribe added
the medicinal power of herbs in their area to its knowledgebase. They
methodically collected information on herbs and developed well-defined
herbal pharmacopoeias. Indeed, well into the 20th century much of the
pharmacopoeia of scientific medicine was derived from the herbal lore
of native peoples. Many drugs commonly used today are of herbal origin.
Indeed, about 25 percent of the prescription drugs dispensed in the United
States contain at least one active ingredient derived from plant material.
Some are made from plant extracts; others are synthesized to mimic a natural
plant compound.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that
4 billion people, 80 percent of the world population, presently use herbal
medicine for some aspect of primary health care. Herbal medicine is a
major component in all indigenous peoples' traditional medicine and a
common element in Ayurvedic, homeopathic, naturopathic, traditional oriental,
and Native American Indian medicine. WHO notes that of 119 plant-derived
pharmaceutical medicines, about 74 percent are used in modern medicine
in ways that correlated directly with their traditional uses as plant
medicines by native cultures. Major pharmaceutical companies are currently
conducting extensive research on plant materials gathered from the rain
forests and other places for their potential medicinal value.
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Substances derived from the plants remain the basis
for a large proportion of the commercial medications used today for the
treatment of heart disease, high blood pressure, pain, asthma, and other
problems. For example, ephedra is a herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine
for more than two thousand years to treat asthma and other respiratory
problems. Ephedrine, the active ingredient in ephedra, is used in the
commercial pharmaceutical preparations for the relief of asthma symptoms
and other respiratory problems. It helps the patient to breathe more easily.
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Another example of the use of a herbal preparation
in modern medicine is the foxglove plant. This herb had been in use since
1775. At present, the powdered leaf of this plant is known as the cardiac
stimulant digitalis to the millions of heart patients it keeps alive worldwide.
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Herbal Medicine can be broadly classified into various
basic systems: Traditional Chinese Herbalism, which is part of Traditional
Oriental Medicine, Ayurvedic Herbalism, which is derived from Ayurveda,
and Western Herbalism, which originally came from Greece and Rome to Europe
and then spread to North and South America.
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Chinese and Ayurvedic Herbalism have developed into highly
sophisticated systems of diagnosis and treatment over the centuries. Western
Herbalism is today primarily a system of folk medicine.
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Interest in the United States had been growing in the
recent years from the reported success stories from the use of herbs.
For example, St. John's Wort is widely used in the treatment of mild depression
without the need for Prozac. St. John's Wort does not have the side effects
such as that of Prozac. There are some Ayurvedic herbs that are very useful
for reducing cholesterol, diabetes etc. Similarly the popularity of Ginseng
and Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) is rising due to its beneficial effects.
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Glossary Of Medical Properties Of Herbs
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Confused about the various terminologies used in Herbal
medicine such as carminative, antilithic, antispasmodic, etc.? We provide
here with a complete description what these terms mean and some examples.
The terms are collected alphabetically. You may scroll through the list
or jump into the specific section you are looking for.
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Abortifacient: Induces the premature abortion of
the fetus. Example: pennyroyal, aloe, sandalwood.
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Adaptogens: Herbs that help us adapt to stress
by supporting the adrenal glands, the endocrine system, and the whole
person. Examples are ginseng root, nettle leaf, sarsaparilla, licorice
root, and ashwagandha.
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Alterative: (Sanskrit: Parivartakas or Rakta Shodhana
Karma ) These herbs alter or change a long-standing condition by aiding
the elimination of metabolic toxins. Gradually facilitates a beneficial
change in the body. Also known as "blood cleansers' in the past,
these herbs improve lymphatic circulation, boost immunity, and help clear
chronic conditions of the skin. These herbs also heal sores, boils, tumors,
cancers; reduces fevers; detoxifies the liver, kills parasites and worms;
helps in the treatment of infectious, contagious diseases and epidemics,
flu, acne herpes, and venereal disease. Examples are: ginseng, aloe, sandalwood,
red clover, burdock, bayberry, black pepper, cinnamon, myrrh, and safflower.
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Amoebicidal: For amoebic dysentery.
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Analgesic or anodynes: (Sanskrit- Vedana shamana)
These herbs reduce or eliminate pain (e.g., digestive, circulatory, respiratory,
nervous system, nerve, muscle, tooth pain, nervous digestion, headaches).
Some herbs are strong pain relievers, often working best against pains
of specific causes. Examples: Camphor, chamomile, cinnamon, cloves, echinacea,
lavender flower, feverfew herb, cabbage leaves, wintergreen leaf , passionflower
herb and flower.
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Anaphrodisiac: Herbs that decrease or allay sexual
feelings or desires.
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Anesthetics: For surgical anesthesia. Examples
are: ashok, calamus, gudmar, and jatamanshi.
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Anthelmintic (Sanskrit: Krumighana karma or krimighna)
Herbs that destroys and dispels worms, parasites, fungus, yeast See also:
vermicide, vermifuge. Examples are: Pau d'arco, goldenseal, wormseed,
wormwood, ajwan, cayenne, peppers, and pumpkin seeds.
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Anodyne: (Sanskrit- Sula-orasa-mana) Herbs that
relieve pain and reduces the sensitivity of the nerves. (See analgesic)
Examples: Ashok, barberry, cedar, and ginger.
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Antacid: Neutralizes the acid produced by the stomach.
Helps the stomach lining recuperate to accommodate the healthy gastric
acid needed for good digestion. Examples are: marshmallow root and leaf,
meadowsweet herb, hops flower, and sweet flag.
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Anthelmintic: an agent that destroys and expels
worms from the intestines. Same as vermifuge.
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Antibilious: Herb that combats nausea, abdominal
discomfort, headache, constipation, and gas that is caused by an excessive
secretion of bile. (These symptoms are called biliousness.)
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Antibiotic: Inhibits the growth of germs, bacteria,
and harmful microbes. Examples: Turmeric and echinacea.
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Antidiabetic: Examples of herbs: Amalaki, blackberry,
fenugreek, gudmar, senna, and shilajit.
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Antidiarrhea: An alterative. Examples are: Blackberry,
comfrey, gentian, red raspberry, and yellow dock, black pepper, and ginger.
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Antiemetic: (Sanskrit: Chherdinashana) Prevents
or alleviates nausea and vomiting. Examples are: Cloves, coriander, ginger,
and raspberry.
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Antiepileptic: Herb that combats the convulsions
or seizures of epilepsy.
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Antilithic: Aids in preventing the formation of
stones in the kidneys and bladder.
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Antiperiodic:( S- Visham Jvara har ) Prevents the
periodic recurrence of attacks of a disease; as in malaria. Examples:
Barberry, chirayata, guduchi, kutaj, and vacha.
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Antiphlogistic: Herb that counteracts inflammation.
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Antipyretic: (Sanskrit- Jwarahara) reduces fever
by reducing production of heat at its centers; destroying fever toxins;
sweating to increase the loss of heat; drawing out the heat (e.g., cold
baths). Same as febrifuge or refrigerant. Examples: Amalaki, black pepper,
brihati, nirgundi, safflower, sandalwood.
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Antirheumatic: Herb that relieves or cures rheumatism.
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Antiscorbutic: Effective in the prevention or treatment
of scurvy.
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Antiseptic: (Sanskrit- Shodhaniya) prevents decay
or putrefaction. A substance that inhibits the growth and development
of microorganisms without necessarily destroying them. Also see bitter.
Examples are: Aloe, Chitrak, gokshura, gudmar, sandalwood, and turmeric.
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Antispasmodic: (Sanskrit- Vikashi) Relieves or
prevents involuntary muscle spasm or cramps (also see nervines) by strengthening
nerves and the nervous system. Examples: Camomile, ashwagandha, basil,
calamus, guggul, licorice, myrrh, sage, gotu kola, jatamanshi, peppermint,
sandalwood, and spearmint.
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Antisyphilitic: Herbs that improve or cure syphilis.
Also called antiluetic. Examples: Black pepper, cedar, guduchi, guggul.
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Antitussive: Prevents or improves a cough.
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Antivenomous: Acts against poisonous matter from
animals.
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Antizymotic: Herbs that destroy disease-producing
organisms.
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Aperient.- (Sanskrit- Bhedaniya) A mild or gentle
laxative. Also called aperitive. Example: Rhubarb.
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Aphrodisiac: (Sanskrit- Vajikarana) Restores or
increases sexual power and desire. Two types: Tonics: Develop tissue substance.
Stimulants: increase the functioning of the reproductive organs. Examples:
Angelica, ahwagandha, asparagus, fenugreek, fo-ti, ginseng, gokshura,
hibiscus, kapikachu seeds, pippali, rose, saffron, and shatavari. The
nutritive tonics such as aghwagandha, bala, fo-ti, ghee, licorice, marshmallow,
sesame seeds, and Shatavari increase semen and breast milk.
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Appetizer: For stimulating the appetite. Examples:
Cardamom, coriander.
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Aromatic: (Sanskrit- Sugandhi-tadravya) Herb with
a pleasant, fragrant scent and a pungent taste. Examples: Cardamom, cinnamon,
cloves, fennel, peppermint, and turmeric.
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Astringent: (Sanskrit- Sankeshanlya or Stambhana
karma ) Causes a local contraction of the skin, blood vessels, and other
tissues, thereby arresting the discharge of blood, mucus, etc. Usually
used locally as a topical application. Examples: Amalaki, arjuna, ashok,
cinnamon, jasmine, sandalwood, and yarrow.
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Balsam: The resin of a tree that is healing and
soothing. For example: myrrh.
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Balsamic: a healing or soothing agent.
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Bitter: a solution of bitter, often aromatic, plant
products used as a mild tonic. These herbs reduce toxins, toxins in blood
and weight, destroy infection, high fever, heat, fever in blood, internal
fever, heated liver, much thirst, sweating, inflammation, and infection.
Examples: aloe, barberry, chirayata, gentian, and golden seal.
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Calmative: Herbs that are soothing, sedating-see
also nervines.
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Cardiac Stimulant: Herbs that promote circulation
when there is a weak heart.
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Carminative: (Sanskrit- Vata-anuloman or Dipaniya)
Herb that helps to prevent gas from forming in the intestines, and also
assists in expelling it. Also increases absorption of nutrients, dispels
water, mucus, promotes normal peristalsis; relieves spasms and pain; improves
weak digestion from anxiety, nervousness, or depression. Examples: Chamomile,
chrysanthemum, coriander, fennel, lime, peppermint, and spearmint, ajwan,
basil, calamus, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric.
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Cathartic: (Sanskrit- Bhedana) Causes evacuation
of the bowels. A cathartic may be either mild (laxative) or vigorous (purgative).
Examples are: figs, prunes, olive oil (laxatives), senna, castor oil,
and aloe vera.
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Cephalic: Refers to diseases affecting the head
and upper part of the body.
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Cholagogue: Herb that stimulates the flow of bile
from the liver into the intestines. Examples: Arka, guduchi, licorice,
safflower, senna, and sesame.
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Condiment: Enhances the flavor of food.
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Cordial: a stimulating medicine or drink.
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Decongestant: For relieving congestion-see expectorant.
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Demulcent: (Sanskrit- Mridukara or Kasa-Svasahara)
Soothes, protects, and relieves the irritation of inflamed mucous membranes
and other surfaces. (i.e., protects stomach and urinary bladder lining).
Examples: Barley, licorice; linseed, olive, and almond oils.
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Dentifrice: For cleaning teeth and gums.
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Deobstruent.- Removes obstructions by opening the
natural passages or pores of the body.
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Depurative: Tends to purify and cleanse the blood.
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Detergent: Cleanses boils, ulcers, wounds, etc.
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Diaphoretic: (Sanskrit- Svedana Karma or Svedaniya)
Promotes perspiration, especially profuse perspiration. Promotes circulation;
dispels fever and chills; eliminates surface toxins; relieves muscle tension,
aching joints, and inflammatory skin conditions; relieves diarrhea, dysentery,
kidneys, liver, urinary, and gall bladder disorders; dispels stones of
kidney and both bladders. Also useful for genitourinary disease (herpes),
edema; painful, difficult or burning urination or infections. See sudorific.
Examples: basil, ajwan, cardamom, parsley, cinnamon, eucalyptus, ginger,
juniper berries, asparagus, barley, burdock, chamomile, chrysanthemum,
coriander, dandelion, fennel, marshmallow, spearmint.
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Digestives: (Sanskrit- Dipana-Pachana Karma) Assists
the stomach and intestines in normal digestion. Examples: Coriander, cumin,
rock salt, and turmeric.
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Discutient: Herb that dissolves or causes something,
such as a tumor, to disappear. Also called discussive.
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Disinfectant: (Sanskrit- Aguntaka-roganashaka)
Destroys disease germs and noxious properties of fermentation; These herbs
destroy pathogenic microbes (that cause communicable diseases). Examples:
Apamarga, arka, gudachi, katuka, sandalwood.
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Diuretic: (Sanskrit- Mutrala Karma or Mutra-virehana
) Promotes the production and secretion of urine. Examples: Parsley.,
apamarga, ashwagandha, barberry, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, gotu kola,
gokshura, gudachi, licorice, and sandalwood.
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Drastic: A violent purgative.
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Ecbolic: see abortifacient.
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Emetic: (Sanskrit- Vamakartya ) Causes vomiting.
There are three types of emetics- central, local and general. Central
emetics (e.g., chamomile) act through the vomiting center of the brain.
Local emetics irritate the nerves of the gastric mucus membrane (e.g.,
mustard). General emetics act through the blood on the vomiting center
. Examples of herbs with emetic action include pippali, rock salt, vacha,
ipecac, lobelia, apamarga, arka, chakramarda, chitrak and licorice.
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Emmenagogue: (Sanskrit- Rajastha-paniya or Rakta-
bhisarana ) Herb that brings on menstruation. Herbalists also believe
that these herbs clear blood congestion, blood clot; build the blood;
moisten female reproductive organs; counteract aging and poor nutrition.
Examples are: camomile, aloe, angelica, hibiscus, jasmine, peony, rose,
and saffron.
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Emollient: (Sanskrit- Snehopaga) A substance that
is usually used externally to soften and soothe the skin. Examples: oils,
honey, bread or bran poultice, carrots, turnips.
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Epispastic: (Sanskrit- Dosha-ghnatepa) Substances
locally applied to the skin. (e.g., mustard).
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Errhine: (Sanskrit- Shiro-virechana) Herbs applied
to the mucus membranes of the nose to increase nasal secretion. Examples:
black pepper, ginger, amalaki, apamarga, arka.
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Esculent: Edible or fit for eating.
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Exanthematous: Refers to any eruptive disease or
fever. An herbal remedy for skin eruptions such as measles, scarlet fever,
etc.
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Exhilarant:Herbs that enliven and cheer the mind.
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Expectorant: (Sanskrit- Kasa-Svasahara) Promotes
the thinning and ejection of mucus or exudate from the lungs, bronchi,
and trachea; sometimes the meaning is extended to all remedies that quiet
a cough. Examples: ginger, licorice, calamus, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves,
sage, eucalyptus, thyme, wild cherry.
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Farinaceous: Having a mealy texture or surface.
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Febrifuge: (Sanskrit- Jvarahar) Reduces body temperature
and fever. Same as antipyretic and refrigerant.
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Galactogogue: (Sanskrit- Stanya-janana) Increases
breast milk secretion. Examples: Cumin, fennel, musta, pippali.
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Germicide: Destroys germs and worms. (see disinfectant.)
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Germifuge: Expels germs. (see germicide.)
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Hemostatic: (Sanskrit- Shonitasthapana) Astringent,
alterative, stops bleeding, purifies blood. Examples: durba, goldenseal,
red raspberry, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger.
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Hepatic: Promotes the well-being of the liver and
increases the secretion of bile. Example: golden seal.
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Herpatic: A remedy for skin eruptions, ringworm,
etc.
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Hypnotic: Tends to produce sleep.
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Laxative: (Sanskrit- S- Svalpabhedana or Virechanlya)
Herb that acts to promote evacuation of the bowels; a gentle cathartic.
Examples: castor oil, flax seed, psyllium, rhubarb, senna.
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Lithotriptic: Causing the dissolution or destruction
of stones in the bladder or kidneys. Examples, arjuna, arka, amalaki.
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Maturating: An agent that promotes the maturing
or bringing to a head of boils, carbuncles etc.
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Mucilaginous: Herbs that have a soothing effect
on inflamed mucous membranes.
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Myotic: (Sanskrit- Netra-kashitraroga) Cause the
contraction of the pupil and diminution of ocular tension.
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Narcotic: An addicting substance that reduces pain
and produces sleep.
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Nauseant. An herb that causes nausea and vomiting.
Somewhat similar to an emetic.
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NervineA substance that calms and soothes the nerves
and reduces tension and anxiety. Examples: ashwagandha, bala, gudmar.
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Opthalmicum: A remedy for diseases of the eye.
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Parasiticide: (Sanskrit- Krimighna) Destroys parasites.
(see germicide, antiparasitic.)
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Parturient: A substance that induces and promotes
labor.
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Parturifacient: Herbs that induces child-birth
or labor. Examples: Barley, pippali.
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Pectoral: Relieves disorders of the chest and lungs,
such as an expectorant.Pectoral: Relieves disorders of the chest and lungs,
such as an expectorant.
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Poultice: Plant material that is prepared in a
special way and applied to the surface of the body as a remedy for certain
disorders.
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Pungent: Irritating or sharply painful. Producing
a sharp sensation of taste or smell.
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Purgative: (Sanskrit- Virechanlya ) A substance
that promotes the vigorous evacuation of the bowels. Usually used to relieve
severe constipation. Examples: Aloe, Epsom salt, licorice, rhubarb, safflower,
senna.
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Refrigerant: (Sanskrit- Dahanashaka) Relieves fever
and thirst. A cooling remedy. Lowers body temperature. Examples: Aloe,
coriander, ginger, hibiscus, orange, lemon, licorice, sandalwood.
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Relaxant: Tends to relax and relieve tension, especially
muscular tension.
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Resolvent: Promotes the resolving and removing
of abnormal growths, such as a tumor.
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Rubefacient: (Sanskrit- Barlyalepana) An agent
that reddens the skin by increasing the circulation when rubbed on the
surface. Examples: black pepper, cayenne, ginger, licorice, mustard.
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Sedative: Herb that allays excitement, induces
relaxation, and is conducive to sleep.
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Sialagogue: (Sanskrit- Lalavardhaka) Promotes the
flow of saliva. Examples: Arka, black pepper, chitrak, ginger, licorice.
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Soporific: Herbs that help to produce sleep.
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Stimulant: (Sanskrit- Agni-sthapaniya or Dipana)
Herb that increases the activity or efficiency of a system or organ; acts
more rapidly than a tonic. Examples: cayenne, camphor,ephedra, barberry
extract, yellow thistle juice, sandalwood, gotu kola, guggul, myrrh.
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Stomachic: (Sanskrit- Kshudha-vardhaniya) Herbs
that give strength and tone to the stomach, stimulate digestion, and improve
the appetite. Examples: Amalaki, bilwa, black pepper, cardamom, cedar,
chitrak, cumin, ginger, licorice, turmeric.
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