MEDICAL HERBALISM handout.pdf

This is medical herbalism notes on complementary and alternative medicine.

1. MEDICAL HERBALISM
Topic outline
•Definition
•History
•Herbal Medicine
•Herbs as therapeutic agents
•Various ways of preparing herbs as
therapeutics in traditional medicine
•Areas of practice
•Significant herbs used in CAM
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2. Herbalism
Herbalism refers to using a plant’s seeds,
berries, roots, leaves, bark or flowers for
medicinal purposes.
With the growing interest in health and
wellness, alternative medicines are becoming
increasingly popular worldwide.
 Also, with the increasing prices of
prescription medicine, herbal medicines are
often cheaper than their conventional
medicine counterparts.
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3. Herbalism
In addition, a growing body of scientific research
shows that herbal medicines can be highly effective
for certain diseases and conditions.
Moreover, as research in this area increases, the
optimum doses for herbal medicines are known to
have greater accuracy.
Moreover, some can interact with other drugs. For
that reason, it is vitally important for the patient to
inform the physician if he is taking herbal
medicines.

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4. Definition
•Medical herbalism is today a sophisticated system of
natural medicine using plant extracts and herbs to help
treat physical and mental disorders.
•Herbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk
medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant
extracts.
•Herbalism is also known as
–botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbal
medicine, herbology, and phytotherapy.
•The scope of herbal medicine is sometimes extended
to include fungal and bee products, as well as
minerals, shells and certain animal parts
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5. Definition
•According to the World Health Organization (WHO)
Guidelines, herbal medicines are considered to be:
Plant-derived materials or products with
therapeutic or other human health benefits which
contain either raw or processed ingredients from
one or more plants.
•In some traditions materials of inorganic or animal
origin may also be present.

6. •Every country, region or area has its own
traditional system of health and medical
care such as
Chinese - Acupuncture
French - Magnetic healing
Germans- Heilpraxis
India - Ayurveda
southern part of India - Siddha
Muslim countries – Unani
Japan - shiatsu etc.
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7. What is a herb?
•The loose definition of herb is any plant that is
used for its culinary, medicinal, or fragrant
properties.
•Herbs are such a diverse group of plants that it
is very difficult to separate them into logical
groups.
•Some disguise themselves as wildflowers, some
are fragrant ground covers, and some are
weeds that we try to eradicate from our
driveways.
•Medicinal herbs have been used for centuries.
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8. How do herbs work?
•How do herbs work? In many cases, scientists
aren't sure what specific ingredient in a
particular herb works to treat a condition or
illness? Whole herbs contain many
ingredients, and they may work together to
produce a beneficial effect.
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9. •Some herbal preparations are
standardized, meaning that the
preparation is guaranteed to contain a
specific amount of the active ingredients
of the herb.
•Plants are multi faceted and multi
factorial operating on biochemical
pathways we are only beginning to
understand capable of treating chronic
disease with no side effects.
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10. Why Use Herbs
•We would all benefit if we fill our home medicine
cabinets with herbal remedies.
•Herbs can effectively treat many medical problems,
but there is also a great deal herbs cannot do.
•We cannot always look to herbs as an alternative to
medical science, especially in life-threatening
situations.
•One of the biggest problems with modern medicine
is the overuse of antibiotics.
•We have used antibiotics to a point that we have
found ourselves in an age of Super Diseases that are
resistant to every tool known to modern medicine.
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11. The theory of Medical Herbalism
•Herbs have been used since the dawn of time as
medicines and, in fact, many common drugs are
made from herbal extracts.
•The natural chemical properties of certain herbs
have been shown to contain of themselves,
medicinal value.
•However, unlike conventional medicine,
herbalists use the 'whole' herb or plant rather
than isolating and breaking down chemical
compounds and then synthesising it.
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12. •For centuries herbs have been thought to have the
ability to cure the body.
•Present medical knowledge recognizes that some
herbs are beneficial to ones health.
•Herbs used for medicinal purposes should be used
carefully. Some herbs are harmless but others can
be dangerous if eaten.
•Herbs are also used as health foods.
•Many herbs have multiple purposes and are
included in more than one category. A good
example is mint, which can be used in cooking,
tea, and even pest control.
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General types of herbs

13. Sources of reference
•Materia medica
•Repertory
•The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia
•The American Herbal Pharmacopoeia
•Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia

14. Herbal Preparations
•Crude herbs need to be prepared with
certain procedures before they can be
used.
•Because herbs are natural products, they
need to be purified and processed.
•Some special processing methods are
used to detoxify certain herbal
ingredients, and to change the effects of
certain herbs.
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15. Herbal Preparations
•A herbalist's definition of a herb differs from that
of a botanist.
•The botanist defines a herbaceous plant as one
with a fleshy stem that dies back in the winter.
•The herbalist, however, considers all medicinal
plants as herbs includes trees, shrubs,
mushrooms, lichens and, of course, fruits and
vegetables that have medicinal properties.
•Treatments are divided into internal preparations
and external preparations, as the nature of the
ailment generally determines the nature of the
treatment.
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16. There are many forms in which herbs can be
administered
Tinctures
Tisanes
Decoctions
Macerates
Vinegars
Topicals
Essential oils
Salves, oils, creams and lotions
Poultices and compresses
Whole-herb consumption
Inhalation as in aromatherapy can be used as a mood
changing treatment, to fight a sinus infection or cough
or to cleanse the skin on a deeper level
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17. Herbal Preparations
•Most of medicinal herbs are not-in their natural
state-fit for administration.
•Preparations suitable for administration are made
according to pharmacoepoeial directions.
•Following is a list of basic herbal preparations for
medicinal use:
Compress
Soak a cloth in a cool herb solution, then apply
directly to the injured area.
Decoction
Make a tea from the root, seed, berry, or bark of
the herb plant. Simmer the tea, do not boil.
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18. Herbal Preparations
Essential Oils
•Oils are distilled from plants or by cold
extraction.
•Usually they are mixed with vegetable oil or
water and used as an inhalant, douche, or tea.
•Also, they may be used as eyewash, earwash,
mouthwash, or used externally for massage, and
to treat cuts and abrasions.
•Essential oils easily and readily combine with
the natural fats and oils of the skin.
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19. Herbal Preparations
Extracts
•Place the herbs in a solvent and soak, allowing the solution to
extract the active constituents. This solution is the most
effective form of using herbs when severely or acutely ill.
•A few of the herb extracts found in health food stores are
listed here. They are very beneficial in healing. May be added
to juices and taken while fasting for best results.
Celery Parsley
Echinacea Paud'arco
Fig Pumpkin
Goldenseal Red beet crystals
Hawthorn Red clove
Horsetail Suma
Nettle Valerian root
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20. Herbal Preparations
Herb Vinegars
•Put herb in raw apple cider vinegar, rice or malt
and left to stand for two or more weeks.
Ointment
•A powdered form of an herb added to a salve.
Salves
•Salves, oils, creams and lotions are generally
used on sores, bruises, and inflammations (such
as for poultices).


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21. Herbal Preparations
Creams
•Creams are a blend of oil and beeswax.
•To make your own, melt two ounces of beeswax in
a double boiler, add one cup olive oil and blend.
•Add two ounces of your herb. Simmer for 20
minutes, mixing well. Add a drop of tincture of
benzoin as a preservative.
•Strain through a cloth into a sterilized jar. Or,
purchase an unscented, water based cream.
•Add the herb to the cream, simmer in a double
boiler for 30 minutes, and strain.
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22. Herbal Preparations
Oil Infusions:
•Oil Infusions are excellent promoters of healing, to
be applied externally to wounds or skin disorders.
•Fill a small jar with fresh herb and cover with olive
oil. Place the jar in a saucepan of water up to the
neck, bring the temperature up and simmer for
about three hours.
•Strain this through a coffee filter (paper) or cloth
into a brown glass bottle. You can repeat the
process with the strained oil and fresh herbs to
make the infusion stronger.
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23. Herbal Preparations
Cold Oil Infusion
•Loosely pack a jar with desired herb. Fill with Olive
oil, making sure all plant material is submerged.
•Place in a sunny spot for 6-8 weeks, rotate by
turning jar upside down and up once a day.
•Strain into clean coloured glass bottles or jars.
Infusion
•The tenderest leaf, flower or part of the plant to be
used is steeped (not boiled) for five minutes in hot
water, thus the benefits of the herb is not
destroyed.
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24. Herbal Preparations
Poultice
•A hot, moist, soft mass of herbs, flour, mustard, and
other substances is spread on muslin or cloth and
applied for one to eight hours on a sore or inflamed
area of the body to relieve pain and inflammation.
Ground or granulated herbs are best. The cloth or
muslin should be changed when cooled.
Powder
•The useful part of an herb is ground into a powder
and is also used in capsule or tablet form. Capsules
and tablets are generally used for certain disorders
and should be used no longer than six months at a
time.

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25. Syrup
•Sugar is a good preservative and is ideal for
cough mixtures, especially since some herbs are
bitter.
•Prepare two parts of an infusion or decoction of
the required herb.
•Strain and add 1 3/4 parts brown sugar or a
honey and sugar mixture.
•Heat gently until the sugar dissolves.
•Pour into a clean glass bottle and seal.
•Store in refrigerator.
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Herbal Preparations

26. Tinctures
•Usually, most tinctures contain about 20-50% alcohol.
•Tinctures are stored for a long period of time and
should only be used if severely ill.
•Tinctures are alcoholic extracts of herbs, which are
generally stronger than herbal teas.
•Alcohol dissolves the active properties out of the plant
and acts as a preservative, allowing the tincture to
retain its effectiveness for up to two years.
•Any part of the plant may be used.
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Herbal Preparations

27. Tisane
•This is a type of tea that has no caffeine, theine or
tannic acids. Caffeine and theine drain vital forces
and reserves of energy.
•Nervous and weakened people are very
susceptible to beverages containing caffeine and
theine. Tannic acid beverages effect normal
digestive processes.
•The tisane contains no calories, good for weight
reduction dieting. This type of tea is harvested
from the natural plant and used fresh or dried, but
has no commercial processing or additives.
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Herbal Preparations

28. Tea
•To prepare herb tea, use approximately one to
three teaspoons of herbs per cup of boiling
water.
•Boil water in a kettle as you would for other teas
but do not use an aluminium kettle.
•Pour water into a mug or pot, leave herbs to
steep for at least five minutes, but don't leave
for longer than ten minutes or the tea will be
bitter.
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Herbal Preparations

29. •For stronger tea, use more herb rather than
steeping the tea for a longer time.
•Store herb tea in amber coloured jars, never in
clear glass jars.
•The potency of the herb is destroyed by light.
Mild teas may be used daily as tonics and for
general health and well-being. Strong but
beneficial herbs may be taken in teas with less
problems. Herb teas, usually, may be used over
long periods of time.
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Herbal Preparations

30. Absorbent pads
Sterile absorbent pads can be made by boiling dried
sphagnum moss, then drying it completely. The
dried moss is best Absorbent Pads used wrapped in
cloth to make wound dressings, sanitary napkins, or
diapers.
Steam, Inhalants
Use steam for skin problems like acne
and an inhalant for bronchial problems. Add a
strong decoction, one or two drops of essential oils,
or 2 teaspoons of tincture to boiling water.

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Herbal Preparations

31. Legal issues
•Herbal medicine is people's medicine. People don't
need licenses to care for themselves and their
families. Licenses don't protect people; they protect,
and create, institutions.
•In Germany, herbs and herbalism are licensed.
Many professional, licensed healers -- were
threatened with loss of their licenses when they
recommended home-made medicines such as
dandelion vinegar and St. Joan's/John's wort oil.
•Herbs are not manufactured. They grow naturally.
•Besides standards of purity and identity -- which are
in place -- we do not need rules.
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32. •Basically legal herbs are different varieties of plant
species that can be either smoked or burned like
incense to produce a sense of well being, and for some
individuals, euphoria or a mild marijuana like effects.
•A potent legal herb, Kanna has been around for
centuries as a mood enhancer and is related to St.
John's Wart, which is mainly used to treat depression.
•It is a good idea to check first with your doctor,
especially if you are taking any medications before you
use any type of herbal or dietary supplement.
•Like any other smoking substances there are certain
risks involved when inhaling or burning any type of
legal herb.

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Legal issues

33. Standardization and Quality Control of Herbal Crude drugs
•Accounting to WHO it is the process involving the
physicochemical evaluation of crude drug covering the
aspects, as selection and handling of crude material,
safety, efficacy and stability assessment of finished
product, documentation of safety and risk based on
experience, provision of product information to consumer
and product promotion.
•Macro and Microscopic Examination: For Identification
of right variety and search of adulterants.
•Foreign Organic Matter: Remove of matter other than
source plant to get the drug in pure form.
•Ash Values: It is criteria to judge the identity and purity of
crude drug – Total ash, sulfated ash, water soluble ash
and acid insoluble ash etc.
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34. •Moisture Content: To check moisture content helps prevent
degradation of product.
•Extractive Values: These are indicating the approximate measure
of chemical constituents of crude drug.
•Crude Fiber: To determine excessive woody material Criteria for
judging purity.
•Qualitative Chemical Evaluation: It covers identification and
characterization of crude drug with respect to phytochemicals
Constituent.
•Chromatographic Examination: Include identification of crude drug
based on use of major chemical constituent as marker.
•Qualitative Chemical Evaluation: Criteria to estimate amount the
major class of constituents.
•Toxicological Studies: Pesticide residue, potentially toxic elements,
and Microbial count approach to minimize their effect in final
product.
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35. Analytical Methods
•Critical to compliance with any monograph
standard is the need for appropriate analytical
methods for determining identity, quality, and
relative potency.
•There are a plethora of analytical methods
available.
•However, it is often difficult to know which is the
most appropriate to use.
•The primary goal is to provide multiple methods of
identification and testing by which all aspects of
the botanical can be appropriately assayed.
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36. Safety herbal medicine
•An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavour or therapeutic
properties.
•Herbal medicine products are dietary supplements that people take to
improve their health.
•A number of herbs are thought to be likely to cause adverse effects.
Furthermore, "adulteration, inappropriate formulation, or lack of
understanding of plant and drug interactions have led to adverse reactions
that are sometimes life threatening or lethal.
•They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts and fresh or dried
plants. However, some can cause health problems, some are not effective
and some may interact with other drugs you are taking.
To use an herbal product as safely as possible
Consult your doctor first
Do not take a bigger dose than the label recommends
Take it under the guidance of a trained medical professional
Be especially cautious if you are pregnant or nursing.
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37. Treatment of herbalism
•Herbal medications are "crude" over-the-counter
drugs. While most people who use herbal medications
do not consider them to be drugs there is a very real
risk of drug interactions from the use of herbals.
•Remember that natural does not equal "safe". Many
prescription drugs are or were derived from plants.
•Herbal medications can be misused overused and
abused. They should only be used in the
recommended quantities and with approval of a
physician.
•Seek medical attention for any serious medical
problem.
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38. Applications of herbalism
•Generalised conditions
-Autoimmune conditions
-Acute inflammation of muscles, joints and
connective tissues
-Psoriasis and other skin conditions

39. Applications of herbalism
•Debility
-Chronic fatigue syndrome
-Fatigue and debility after illness
-Fatigue linked to depression
-Support during terminal illness
•Fevers
-Fevers resulting from infectious causes
-Febrile symptoms of non-infectious origin

40. Applications of herbalism
•Infectious disease
-Acute gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary
infections
-Topical bacterial infections
-Minor-to-moderate febrile infections
-Minor-to-moderate chronic bacterial, fungal
and viral infections
•Malignant diseases
-Cancers of varying types
-Symptoms resulting from cancer
-Problems with body systems

41. Applications of herbalism
•Cardiovascular system
-Hypertension
-Angina
-Ongoing symptoms of cardiac disease
Patients with heart disease are reported to
benefit from treatment with herbal medicine
with fewer side effects

42. Applications of herbalism
•Gastrointestinal (GI) system
-Dyspepsia
-GI reflux
-Food intolerance and allergies
-Constipation and diarrhoea
•Genitourinary system
-Urinary tract infections
-Benign prostate hypertrophy Impaired
lactation

43. Applications of herbalism
•Menopausal problems
-Premenopausal syndrome (PMS)
•Nervous system
-Anxiety states
-Insomnia
-Nervous exhaustion
-Pain control
-Stress symptoms

44. Applications of herbalism
•Respiratory system
-Upper respiratory tract infections
-Allergic rhinitis
-Bronchitis
-Asthma
•Skin diseases
-Acne
-Allergic reactions
-Eczema.

45. Benefits of Herbs
1.They cost less – The rising cost of prescription drugs have led the people to
look for alternatives. While medicinal herbs may not be as strong or as fast
acting as conventional medicine, there is a growing body of scientific
evidence that shows their efficacy and in what doses.
2.They may have fewer side effects – While the side effects of any herbal
medication depend on the drug in question, many have fewer side effects
than conventional medicine. For example, St. John’s Wort, which is used for
mild to moderate depression, has fewer side effects than most other
prescriptive antidepressants.
3.There is a choice on how to use them – Medicinal herbs can be used in a
variety of ways, depending on the kind of herb that is to be used. Some
herbs can be mixed with food. Some can be made into tea, and there are
some that are available in capsule or tablet form.
4.They are good for more than one condition – Most prescriptive drugs are
designed for one specific health problem. By contrast, many herbal medicine
act on several parts of the body at once. For example Ginko (Ginko biloba) is
good for circulatory disorders, but it also helps enhance memory.

46. Remedies in Herbs
1.Cardiovascular diseases- There are a variety of medicinal herbs
that can address cardiovascular problems. Medicinal herbs
like garlic are said to be beneficial for many health problems
like lowering the blood pressure and cholesterol to prevent
cardiovascular problems.
2.Digestive problems – There are also many medicinal herbs that
can be used to treat and prevent problems with digestion like
ulcers, diarrhea, constipation, and others. Some medicinal
herbs that can be used for problems in the digestive system
include caraway, chicory, clove, ginger, red pepper, rosemary,
and others.
3.Respiratory Problems – There are different varieties of
medicinal herbs that can be used for respiratory problems like
asthma, bronchitis, and others. Some medicinal herbs that can
be used for respiratory problems like ginkgo can help people
with asthma.

47. Remedies in Herbs contd.
4.Skin problems –Some medicinal herbs that can help
with skin conditions are aloe, basil, mint,
and turmeric. (Related: Effective Natural Remedies
For Healthy Skin)
5.Cancer – There some medicinal herbs that can help in
preventing and slowing down the growth of certain
cancer cells in the body.
–Dandelion and garlic are an example of herbs that can help
in preventing cancer.
–Fennel and anise are said to be good at fighting the
development of prostate cancer.
–It is said that ginseng can help patients who are undergoing
radiation therapy for cancer.

48. 1.Anti Cancer Herbs
•Podophyllum, Turmeric, Milk thistle, Garlic, Dandlion
2.Anti spasmodic Herbs
•Aniseed, Caraway, Cardamom, Celery seed, Chamomile, Dill, Fennel,
Fenugreek, Ginger, Hops
3.Antifungal herbs
•Cloves, Oregano, Calendulla, Tea, Garlic,
4.Antibacterial herbs
•Acacia, Agave, Aloevera, Arnica, Basil, Black pepper, Canola oil, Carrot wild,
Coriander, Datura. Flax seed, Garlic, Ginger, Guggal, Lemon, Linseed, Mint
5. Antiviral herbs
•Asparagus roots, Cranberry, Elderberry, Ginger, Lemon, Liquorice root,
Oregano, Herbal tea
6. Anti inflammatory herbs
•Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, Sage, Cloves, Rosemary, Cayenne

49. 7. Antioxidant Herbs
•Garlic, Ginger, Sage, Rosemary, Turmeric, Basil, Belladonna, Black seed oil,
Chamomile, Cherry
8. Anti allergic herbs
•Chillies, Pepper, Walnut, Flax seed oil, Mustard
9. Anti septic herbs
•Marigold, Stevia, Acacia, Azadirachta, Guggul, Citrus aurantium, Garlic
10. Anti stress herbs
•Ashwagandha, Lemon balm, Passion flower, Hops, Holy basil, Genseng,
Chamomile, Lavender, Rose mary, Valerian
11. Anti malarial ( Antipyretic) Herbs
•Mangifera indica, Ricinus communis, Senna, Sida rhombifolla, Zingiber
officinale
12. Anti microbial Herbs
•Carrot, Turmeric, Tea, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Mustard, Garlic, Cloves, Thyme,
Bay leaves

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