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.
Actually, much of mainstream medicine (something used to prevent or treat maladies) is derived from plants. Quinine, one drug many people know, is an extract of tree bark used to alleviate the symptoms of malaria. All over the world, bark, roots, leaves, fruit, flowers, and berries are used to strengthen, soothe, alleviate, and cure.
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 may need to know the healthful resources of field and forest someday, as they did during the world wars. The English scoured the hedgerows for rose hips, the red seed pods that are rich in vitamin C and bioflavanoids. They grew carrots for the fighter pilots who needed excellent night vision, and supplemented their own meager rations with dandelion greens and other field and roadside weeds. Ranchers watched the wild animals and learned which tree bark would eliminate worms in their horses. Desert dwellers harvested aloe and jojoba and feasted on many kinds of cactus.
Herbal remedies have never lost favor with country people. Today the market is huge for natural remedies. Some popular western herbs are red raspberry leaves, ginger, chamomile, fenugreek, ginseng, passion flower, and milk thistle. Hundreds more are known and used in Chinese, Indian, Central and South American, and African home remedies.
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.
Actually, much of mainstream medicine (something used to prevent or treat maladies) is derived from plants. Quinine, one drug many people know, is an extract of tree bark used to alleviate the symptoms of malaria. All over the world, bark, roots, leaves, fruit, flowers, and berries are used to strengthen, soothe, alleviate, and cure.
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 may need to know the healthful resources of field and forest someday, as they did during the world wars. The English scoured the hedgerows for rose hips, the red seed pods that are rich in vitamin C and bioflavanoids. They grew carrots for the fighter pilots who needed excellent night vision, and supplemented their own meager rations with dandelion greens and other field and roadside weeds. Ranchers watched the wild animals and learned which tree bark would eliminate worms in their horses. Desert dwellers harvested aloe and jojoba and feasted on many kinds of cactus.
Herbal remedies have never lost favor with country people. Today the market is huge for natural remedies. Some popular western herbs are red raspberry leaves, ginger, chamomile, fenugreek, ginseng, passion flower, and milk thistle. Hundreds more are known and used in Chinese, Indian, Central and South American, and African home remedies.
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
No comments:
Post a Comment