Part2:About herbal therapy
♣ Prepared by: Ahmed Helmy
-Part2 Disclaimer: This article is prepared to teach about herbs, wild herb conservation, historical uses and latest herb research. This information is presented for educational use only. It is not meant to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. Please discuss your health issues as well as herb and supplement use with your doctor.
2-About herbal therapy
Herbal therapy is the use of plants or plant parts for medicinal or therapeutic purposes. The flowers, fruits, leaves, root, bark, seeds and stems of a plant may be used. Different herbs are associated with a wide range of effects on the body. Some herbs have been used for hundreds of years, although scientific evidence of their efficacy and safety is rarely conclusive, Herbal therapy may also be referred to as herbal medicine, herbal remedy and phytotherapy ("plant therapy").
Certain conventional medications make use of substances extracted from a plant. The salicylate originally used to make aspirin was extracted from the willow plant, for example. Herbal therapy, on the other hand, typically uses the plant or plant part in its whole form. Many herbs are available as supplements (e.g., capsule, tablet, powders). Some may be added to beverages or foods. Herbs may also be purchased as fresh, dried or liquid products.
♥ Herbs may be prepared in several different ways, including:
● Herbal infusion. Hot or boiling water is poured over the fresh or dried herbs and allowed to steep. The resulting liquid is consumed as a hot or cold beverage; this is the most common method of consuming herbs. An herbal Infusion is often called a tea, although this is a misnomer because it does not typically contain leaves from the tea plant.
●Herbal decoction. Similar to an infusion, except that the herbs are simmered over low heat for a longer period of time. This preparation may be useful for certain roots, barks and berries from which it may require time to extract the desired components.
● Herbal tincture. Herbs are soaked in a solution of alcohol and water. The alcohol acts as a natural preservative, and the resulting liquid contains a higher concentration of herbal components than is consumed in an infusion or decoction. Tinctures may also be stored for long periods of time in an airtight container. They may be diluted in tea, juice or water before being consumed, although small amounts (e.g., a drop or two) can be placed directly on or under the tongue.
● Herbal extract. Herbs are soaked in a liquid that removes specific components of the herb, It may be used as a liquid (similar to a tincture) or, after evaporation, in capsules or tablets,
Because herbs are not considered nutrients (and therefore not necessary for the human body to function), there are no deficiency diseases associated with herbs. No recommended daily allowance has been determined for any herb.
Herbs contain hundreds of chemicals, each of which may have a different action in the body. All plants produce chemical compounds, including primary metabolites (e.g., sugar) and secondary metabolites (e.g., phytochemicals). The primary metabolites are essential to the plant's growth and development, while the secondary metabolites may have protective or therapeutic functions. When humans consume plant foods, these secondary metabolites are believed to provide protection for the human body as well.
