The Healing Power of Herbs and a Brief History of Prescription Drugs

While I believe that diet and lifestyle are the true key contributing factors to our health - Herbs are what we can use to support our bodily functions, organs and glands; without the harmful side effects that come with using prescription drugs or supplements (isolated chemistry).

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Almost all of the ancient cultures have records of using herbs for medicine. Just to mention a few - The Sumerians (which dates back to over 5,000 years old), Egyptians, Chinese, Indians, Native Americans, Greeks, Romans, etc.

The first important figure in Chinese herbology was the divine husbandman Shen Nong, who is believed to have lived around 5,000 years ago. Shen Nong is mentioned in dozens of books dating as far back as 607 B.C. He is said to have discovered the medicinal properties of herbs by systematically trying herbs himself, sometimes with toxic or adverse reactions, compelling him to quickly find an antidote.

Herbal medicine is deeply embedded in our ancient cultures and even modern day pharmaceutical medicine; but it doesn't get nearly the amount of exposure or credit that it deserves.

The Roots of Western Pharmacology

Although we in the West have grown used to a more removed presentation when it comes to medicine, the fact is that Western pharmaceuticals developed directly from herbology. The roots of Western pharmacology extend as far back as the Ebers Paprus, Egyptian compilations of medical texts circa 1550 A.D., which contain seven hundred magical formulas and folk remedies.

..."When I went to school we had a yearlong course called pharmacognosy, the study of plant life and how it relates to human beings and their health," said Sheldon Miller, R. Ph., who earned his pharmacy degree in 1952. "In those days, many of our medications were from herbs, plants, trees, shrubs, and so on. Before i graduated from pharmacy school I apprenticed in a drug store. We had what they called masquerading jars - five gallon glass jars in which you weighed out a certain amount of tree bark or roots or whatever you were working on. You would add a dilutant such as alcohol or water. The jars would be turned every twenty-four hours. That was my job, picking them up and turning them over. As far as herbs are concerned, we were one step removed from the actual harvesting process. In those days, you were grinding and mixing and folding and filling"

... Since that time, more drugs have been made by chemical synthesis - many of which are chemical imitations of plant medicines. However, a quarter of modern prescription drugs still come from plant sources.

Two thousand years ago, Chinese medical scholars became aware of active ingredients and actually isolated a number of them from mineral sources. However, they quickly noted the problem of side effects and by the late third century, decided to stay with the use of whole natural substances, which contain ingredients that are meant to interact synergistically and to counteract potential side effects.

-Quotes taken from Ancient Herbs, Modern Medicine
(Sorry for the long quote, but I feel that some context is necessary)

I'm (self) educated mostly with the Chinese history of herbs and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I love to learn about and practice TCM for many reasons. In this modality it is based in the concepts of Taoism, Yin and Yang, Qi (& Qi Gong), bringing overall balance to the body and energy of the person, etc. I don't want to go too off topic here - I may have to make a whole other post about Traditional Chinese medicine and all that entails.

The funny thing is, most of the topics I like to study and talk about all connect in some way ... things get a little weird sometimes ;)

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In my opinion, there is an herb (or herbal combination) for just about every type of ailment.

The numerous properties of herbs are astounding -

• *Adaptogenic
• Analgesic (relieves pain)
• Antacid
• Anti-bacterial
• Antibiotic
• Anti-catarrhal
• Anti-depressant
• Anti-emetic
• Anti-fungal
• Anti-histamine
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-microbial
• Anti-oxidant
• Anti-viral
• Astringent (an agent that has a binding/pulling effect)
• Blood cleanser/purifier
• Calmative (gently calms nerves)
• Carminative (relieves intestinal gas pain and distention; promotes peristalsis)
• Cell Proliferator (enhances the formation of new tissue to speed healing process)
• Demulcent (softens and soothes damaged or inflamed surfaces, such as the gastric mucous membranes)
• Digestive (aids digestion process)
• Diuretic (increases the flow of urine)
• Expectorant (encourages the loosening and removal of phlegm)
• Immuno-Stimulant (enhances and increases the body's immune (defense) mechanism)

and the list goes on ...

For example, instead of taking something like Pepto Bismol for an upset stomach (which just covers up the symptoms), you can correct your diet and use herbs like ginger by itself, or a combination of ginger, licorice and marshmallow root.

Ginger (root) - Properties/Bodily Influence:

• Analgesic (Relieves pain)
• Antacid (An agent that neutralizes acidity, especially in the stomach and duodenum)
• Anti-emetic (lessens nausea and prevents or relieves vomiting)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-spasmodic
• Aperitive (stimulates appetite)
• Aromatic (agent that contains volatile, essential oils which aids digestion and relieves gas)
• Carminative (relieves intestinal gas pain and distension; promotes peristalsis)
• Nervine (strengthens functional activity of nervous system)
• Stomachic (strengthens stomach function)
• Tonic (restoring, nourishing for the entire body)
• plus more

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Ginger is known to soothe the stomach and relieve vomiting. It is a stimulant for the digestive system. It also has numerous other benefits such as: helping prevent strokes (due to a compound called Gingerol, which inhibits an enzyme that causes cells to clot), Blood thinning properties (without the harmful side effects from drugs such as Aspirin), it's used in respiratory clearing combinations (along with licorice/fenugreek, etc.), is a kidney stimulant to increase kidney filtration, helps with migraine headaches, menstrual cramps, etc.

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Licorice (root) - Properties/Bodily Influence:

• *Adaptogen
• Anti-inflammatory
• Demulcent (softens and soothes damaged or inflamed surfaces, such as the gastric mucous membranes)
• Expectorant (encourages the loosening and removal of phlegm from the respiratory tract)
• Laxative (mild)
• Gland Tonic
• Sugar substitute
• plus more

Licorice is known for many things. Firstly, it soothes the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive tract. Licorice is also known for anti-arthritic activity. It stimulates the adrenal glands without depleting them, and it also tastes delicious. "Glycyrrhizic acid is the chief active principle in Licorice. is 50 times sweeter than sugar cane, but will not increase the thirst; It actually relieves thirst and dry mouth".

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Marshmallow - Properties/Bodily Influence:

• Astringent
• Absorbent-soothing
• Demulcent
• Laxative
• Mucilant (protect mucous membranes and inflamed tissues)
• Nutritive (having the property of nourishing/assimilating food)
• Tonic
• plus more

"Marshmallow is a mucilaginous calcium-rich herb and can be used to sooth and heal mucous membranes such as the lungs, digestive tract, and bowel ... Internally, it has a soothing effect on inflammation and irritation ... When eaten as food, Marshmallows' non-absorbable polysaccharides coat the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and absorb toxins ... Marshmallow is anti-inflammatory in nature and also works as an anti-irritant making it a soothing treatment for the gastro-intestinal tract."
Marshmallow is also extremely high in vitamin A (286,000 units per pound), is useful for urinary problems, and for poultices to heal the skin/wounds.

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With this information I think you can see how this combination would help with a stomach ache (and much more)! You also may have realized that many herbs have multiple functions and purposes that we should use; to help us through our time here on Earth :)

I encourage you to get in tune with your body - learn what it needs by assessing your symptoms in all aspects (physical, emotional and mental). Keep in mind the Law of Cause and Effect.

For example - A big issue these days is STRESS. Stress comes from many different areas in life; but it is essential that we find a method of bringing our self back out of the fight or flight response and back to balance. Being in that state for too long effects the adrenal glands in a very negative way. There are many herbs that are great for people that are always in stress. One class of herbs are called Adaptogenic herbs.

*Adaptogenic herbs are herbs that increase resistance to stress and have the ability to adapt to certain stressors happening in our body. Stress can cause actual physical changes to our body including harm to the neurological, endocrine (adrenals, thyroid, pineal, pituitary, pancreas and sex glands), and immune systems.

Some of the most popular Adaptogenic herbs are: Licorice, Ashwagandha, Schisandra, Siberian Ginseng & Reishi Mushroom.

Also take into consideration that the adrenal glands have many functions in the body including the production of hormones and steroids, like adrenaline and cortisol. They sit on top of the kidneys and actually govern the ability of our kidneys to function properly. The adrenal glands and kidneys are some of the most important glands/organs in the entire human body in not only my opinion, but thousands of others who have learned about and practice Traditional Chinese Medicine and/or Regenerative Detoxification.

Using Medicinal Herbs

There a few ways to use herbs. My favorite way is to make a decoction - by simply putting your herb(s) in a glass or metal pot, boil or bring to a specific temperature and time (depending on the herbs used), strain the herbs out and drink the tea throughout the day, or multiple times per day; depending on the issue being addressed.

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The next preferred method of using herbs is through herbal tinctures. This is when the properties of herbs are extracted using a solvent (like alcohol or glycerin). These are very potent formulas where small amounts are dosed out using a dropper. I usually like to take tincture(s) by putting them in a small shot of water, juice or tea and drinking them.

Another method would be taking capsules that have the dried, powdered herbs inside of them; or eating powdered herbs with food. These ways usually do not absorb as well as the tea or tinctures do. The main reason being is that they have to pass through our digestive tract, which in many cases is damaged to some degree. There are certain cases where this type of method would be very beneficial though, such as using herbs that soothe and heal the digestive tract.

I highly suggest doing research on herbs and herbal medicine. Especially if you believe herbs can help you in anyway, please do take the time to do the research on the specific herbs(s) that you are thinking about taking - because there can be complications, especially with prescription medications, people with high blood pressure, etc. Better yet, would be to contact a certified Herbalist or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. For many cases, Acupuncture is used simultaneously with herbs depending on the treatment goal and the practitioner.

*This Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This is for informational purposes only, based on opinion and personal experiences.

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Resources:

The Little Herb Encyclopedia by Jack Ritchason N.D.

Ancient Herbs, Modern Medicine by Henry Han, O.M.D., Glenn E. Miller, M.D., and Nancy Deville

Medicinal Herb Info

Images from Pixabay

P.S. - the Tesla post is coming next, I promise :)