Herbal Remedies As Medicine

Herbal medicine, also known as phytomedicine or botanical medicine, is the use of berries, roots, bark, flowers, leaves or seeds to make medicinal preparations. Medical herbalism existed long before history recorded its use. Ancient Chinese and Indian writings contain detailed discussions of curative herbs, as stated in an article on herbal medicine from the University of Maryland. Conventional modern medicine continues the botanical medical tradition by employing many plant-based compounds in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. Talk with your physician before taking any herb.

Traditional Uses of Herbs

American folk healers traditionally used red clover tea to combat high fever, lavender for nervousness and ginseng for plague and asthma. Native Americans harvested wild oak bark as an astringent, snakeweed for snake bite and blackberries for dysentery, according to the Online Archive of American Folk Medicine. Dr. Subhuti Dharmananda of the Institute for Traditional Medicine relates that ancient Chinese herbalists employed astragalus root to normalize the immune system, cinnamon to improve circulation and ginseng as a general preventative.

Pharmaceuticals Derived from Herbs

Numerous modern pharmaceuticals are derived from plant sources. Hyla Cass, MD in her article, "Herbs for the Nervous System: Gingko, Valerian, Kava Kava, Passionflower," observes that the drug reserpine, used to treat cardiac conditions, is derived from Indian snakeroot. The source of morphine, a powerful narcotic, is the opium poppy. Perhaps the best known pharmaceutical manufactured from an herb is digitalis, a cardiac drug derived from the foxglove plant. Consult a qualified health care professional before using herbal remedies for any health condition.

Manufacture and Regulation of Herbs

Herbs may be purchased in a variety of forms, including pills, capsules, syrups, extracts, tinctures and teas. To make a tincture, the herb's active constituents are extracted and mixed with a base liquid of alcohol, water or glycerin in a 1:5 or 1:10 ratio. Liquid extracts are more potent, due to their 1:1 ratio of extract to base liquid. Generally, syrups are intended to treat sore throats or coughs and are made from herbal extracts mixed with a sweetener, writes Hyla Cass, MD. At this time, the Food and Drug Administration classifies herbs as "dietary supplements" and while regulations govern the manufacture and labeling of herbs, companies are not required to obtain FDA approval before putting them on the market.

Safety Considerations

In some cases, an herb is contraindicated for certain conditions or may interact with prescription medicines. For example, evening primrose should be avoided by those with seizure disorders, as it may increase symptoms. Kava kava, an herb taken to diminish anxiety, may be toxic to the liver and is no longer allowed on the market in some countries. St. John's wort, widely consumed for depression, interferes with the efficacy of the blood thinner warfarin as well as birth control pills, asthma medications and many other prescription drugs. Additionally, bleeding may be increased by consuming feverfew, ginger and gingko, notes Hyla Cass, MD. It is important to use herbs only under a doctor's supervision.