2:24:00 PM
There have been many dark times in history. Knowing how to use botanical medicine undoubtedly helped many to survive when medical help as we know it today was not available. A wonderful body of knowledge (that some dismiss as folk tales similar to myths) has come down to us from centuries of experiment and observation. It's short-sighted to ignore this treasure trove, especially since research and clinical trials continue to substantiate claims of the benefits of many plant substances.
Medicine is something used to prevent and treat disease. 'Botanical' means derived from plants. In all cultures, people have discovered that flowers, leaves, berries, roots, and bark have strengthening, soothing, and curative properties. Many pharmaceutical drugs prescribed today are derived from plants. Most of us are familiar with some botanical remedies.
During long voyages of exploration on land and especially on sea, men learned that a diet of preserved meats and dried beans lacked nutrients needed for health. Scurvy was a disease that afflicted sailors or arctic travelers. It was discovered that the juice of fresh lemons and limes could prevent this condition or cure it if it were not too advanced. The Royal Navy of Great Britain made citrus fruit a part of the supplies for every ship.
People gathered rose hips during war time and still do today. The red seed pods contain a lot of vitamin C and bioflavanoids. Carrots were eaten by fighter pilots to boost their night vision. American ranchers watched wild horses gnaw the bark from trees and realized this was an effective way to dispel worms. Dandelion greens have long been used as a spring food after a long winter without fresh vegetables. Desert dwellers discovered the benefits of aloe vera, jojoba, and yucca.
Herbals sold as dietary supplements are a huge money maker today. Expectant mothers drink red raspberry leaf tea, nibble candied ginger for morning sickness, or turn to plant-based iron supplements. Fenugreek is sold as tea or in capsules to help nursing mothers feed their infants. Insomniacs drink chamomile and passion flower teas and sleep on hops-filled pillows. Fatigue, a common complaint, calls for ginseng, guarana, gota kola, and nutrient-dense green drinks.
Tea tree oil is sold as an antiseptic, a fungal fighter, and get rid of head lice. Neem oil is used for oral health, to prevent and cure fungus infections, and even as birth control. Tea tree oil comes from Australia, neem from India, pau d'arco from South America, ginseng from the Far East and from America, pine bark from France, and chlorella from Japan. Every country and continent has its beneficial plants which are becoming globally popular as information spreads and 'folklore' is investigated.
Food is the best medicine, they say, and we now know that onions and garlic have healing properties, that broccoli sprouts can fight cancer, that cultured foods improve digestion, and that green drinks can restore health. 'The body will heal itself' is another old saw which researchers are finding is true, if nutritious foods are provided. Plants hold the key to better health and to survival in hard times.
No one today denies that plants are medicinal. It's good to learn ways in which wild or garden plants can keep us healthy. Knowing the benefits of garlic, fresh berries, and salad herbs brings new meaning to a home garden, and the fields and forests are open to those who want to learn their secrets.
Medicine is something used to prevent and treat disease. 'Botanical' means derived from plants. In all cultures, people have discovered that flowers, leaves, berries, roots, and bark have strengthening, soothing, and curative properties. Many pharmaceutical drugs prescribed today are derived from plants. Most of us are familiar with some botanical remedies.
During long voyages of exploration on land and especially on sea, men learned that a diet of preserved meats and dried beans lacked nutrients needed for health. Scurvy was a disease that afflicted sailors or arctic travelers. It was discovered that the juice of fresh lemons and limes could prevent this condition or cure it if it were not too advanced. The Royal Navy of Great Britain made citrus fruit a part of the supplies for every ship.
People gathered rose hips during war time and still do today. The red seed pods contain a lot of vitamin C and bioflavanoids. Carrots were eaten by fighter pilots to boost their night vision. American ranchers watched wild horses gnaw the bark from trees and realized this was an effective way to dispel worms. Dandelion greens have long been used as a spring food after a long winter without fresh vegetables. Desert dwellers discovered the benefits of aloe vera, jojoba, and yucca.
Herbals sold as dietary supplements are a huge money maker today. Expectant mothers drink red raspberry leaf tea, nibble candied ginger for morning sickness, or turn to plant-based iron supplements. Fenugreek is sold as tea or in capsules to help nursing mothers feed their infants. Insomniacs drink chamomile and passion flower teas and sleep on hops-filled pillows. Fatigue, a common complaint, calls for ginseng, guarana, gota kola, and nutrient-dense green drinks.
Tea tree oil is sold as an antiseptic, a fungal fighter, and get rid of head lice. Neem oil is used for oral health, to prevent and cure fungus infections, and even as birth control. Tea tree oil comes from Australia, neem from India, pau d'arco from South America, ginseng from the Far East and from America, pine bark from France, and chlorella from Japan. Every country and continent has its beneficial plants which are becoming globally popular as information spreads and 'folklore' is investigated.
Food is the best medicine, they say, and we now know that onions and garlic have healing properties, that broccoli sprouts can fight cancer, that cultured foods improve digestion, and that green drinks can restore health. 'The body will heal itself' is another old saw which researchers are finding is true, if nutritious foods are provided. Plants hold the key to better health and to survival in hard times.
No one today denies that plants are medicinal. It's good to learn ways in which wild or garden plants can keep us healthy. Knowing the benefits of garlic, fresh berries, and salad herbs brings new meaning to a home garden, and the fields and forests are open to those who want to learn their secrets.
About the Author:
When searching for botanical medicine refer to our homepage as a good source of information. To learn more, see the recommended website http://natmedsol.com right away
0 commentaires:
Post a Comment