Botanical medicine, also known as herbal and phytomedicine, involves the use of plant-based substances to treat and prevent disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 74 percent of the most common pharmaceutical drugs derived from medicinal plants are used in exact correlation to how the plants themselves are employed by traditional healers in the cultures in which they are found. For example, common aspirin is derived from the plant yarrow, which has been used by Native Americans for centuries as a pain reliever, while the cardiac drug digoxin, is derived from foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), a plant traditional herbalists in both North American and Europe have long recommended as a tonic for the heart. The plant compounds used in botanical medicine act similarly to pharmaceutical drugs. Both are taken orally, and both possess chemical compounds that trigger physiological effects.
The word botanical is derived from botany, the study of plant life. Botanical medicine is one of the oldest and most commonly used health care practices in the world, having been practiced by all indigenous cultures around the globe for thousands of years. Botanical preparations in the form of standardized extracts (distillations of medicinal plants’ primary active ingredient), capsules and tablets, teas, tinctures, powders, ointments and poultices, and essential oils, are used by practitioners of botanical medicine, which include integrative physicians (MDs and DOs), herbalists, and practitioners of naturopathy (a system of natural care approaches for maintaining and restoring health), Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine (the main forms of traditional medicine in India and China, respectively) according to the specific needs of each individual patient. The healing properties of the medicinal herbs vary greatly, and many botanical preparations act in multiple ways. For example, cayenne pepper acts as a digestive aid, and is also helpful for stimulating the immune system, and for aiding the body’s circulatory system because of its ability to increase blood flow and strengthen the heartbeat. Knowing which botanical formulas to use and when is an essential aspect of botanical medicine.
History Of Botanical Medicine
The use of medicinal plants to heal can be traced back to nearly every world culture as far back as 8000 BCE. By 3000 BCE, a number of cultures, such as Babylon, China, Egypt, India, and Mesopotamia, had codified the medicinal properties of various plants in some of the world’s earliest medical texts, such as Sheng Nung’s Herbal, an ancient Chinese treatise that described the medicinal properties of over 250 herbs that was written by the Chinese emperor Sheng Nung (considered to be the father of Chinese agriculture) around 2800 BCE, and the Charaka Samhita, which was written approximately 3,000 years ago in India and was one of the earliest medical texts of Ayurveda. Around this same period, botanical medicine was also developing into an essential subsystem of healing in both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in China and India respectively.
The ancient Greeks and Romans also prized medicinal plants for their healing properties. Records of the works of Hippocrates (477 to 360 BC), considered the “father of Western medicine,” reveal that he used over 250 medicinal plants as part of his healing repertoire. Inspired by his teachings, the Greek physician Dioscorides, who accompanied the armies of the Roman emperor Nero during military campaigns throughout Gaul, Greece, Italy, Spain, and the subcontinent of Asia Minor, studied and catalogued the medicinal properties of the herbs used by healers in each of these lands. His resultant work De Materia Medica became an influential medical text used by physicians and herbalists throughout Europe well into the 16th century because of the information it contained about literally hundreds of medicinal plants common to the lands through which Dioscorides traveled. In the early 18th century, botanical medicine also provided the basis for much of the research of Samuel Hahnemann, the German physician who founded homeopathy, a system of healing that uses minute doses of herbs and other ingredients, which, in larger doses, can cause the disease conditions treated by homeopathic remedies, and to a large degree also serves as the basis of aromatherapy, which uses the essential oils and fragrances of plants to stimulate healing and flower essence therapy, a system of healing that theorizes that the bottled essences of certain flowers are capable of resolving the emotional issues that may be associated with various diseases.
Today, botanical medicine remains an integral part of traditional healing systems as they are practiced in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the indigenous peoples in Australia and New Zealand, as well as Native Americans in the US and Canada. Latin America, and Europe. In France, all practitioners of botanical medicine are also licensed physicians (MDs), while in Germany, 70 percent of all physicians prescribe botanical remedies for their patients, many of which are also covered by Germany’s national health insurance. Germany is also home of the Commission E monographs on medicinal plants, which was created in 1978 by the German Ministry of Health and is considered to be one of the most extensive and scientific modern-day catalogues on the use of botanical medicine. Botanical remedies are also popular among American consumers, and botanical medicine is one of the fastest growing disciplines of integrative medicine.
Botanical Medicine In Practice
The medicinal actions of medicinal plants are based on how their specific properties interact with the human body. Though all botanicals direct effect physiological activity, the way they do so varies. In addition, many botanicals trigger more than one physiological response and therefore can have multiple uses. One of the most important keys to using botanical medicine effectively lies in knowing what actions botanicals perform and when they should best be employed.
Caution: Some botanical remedies act quickly and can cause serious side effects if they are not used properly or are not high in quality, in terms of their preparation and manufacture. In addition, many herbs are contraindicated when prescription medications are being used to treat patients, as they can nullify the benefits of the medications and/or cause harm when taken in conjunction with them.
The Healing Actions of Medicinal Plants
Medicinal plants can act in a number of ways to help stimulate healing. Because of their healing properties they can act as:
Adaptogens to enhance the body’s ability to resist and respond to stress;
Antioxidants to protect the body from damage at the cellular level due to free radicals;
Anti-inflammatories to prevent or reduce inflammation in body tissues;
Antimicrobials to enhance the body’s ability to resist and destroy bacteria, virus, fungi, and parasites;
Anodynes to relieve pain;
Antispasmodics to reduce cramping and tension in the body’s musculature;
Astringentsto help tone body tissues and, as a secondary action, help protect against infection;
Carminatives to stimulate digestion and relieve inflammation of the digestive organs;
Cholagogues to aid the liver in bile production;
Demulcents to sooth and protect mucus tissue;
Digestive bitters to improve digestion by triggering the proper release of saliva and stomach acid;
Diuretics to help the body eliminate fluid retention
Emmenagogues to regulate menstruation and the overall health of the female reproductive system;
Expectorants to promote the elimination of phlegm and mucus from the lungs;
Immunomodulators to help boost immune function;
Laxatives to help regulate proper bowel movements;
Nervines to help strengthen nerves and relieve nerve tension;
Stimulants to enhance metabolic activity; and
Tonics to promote the overall health of the body’s systems.
Common Medicinal Herbs And Their Healing Properties
Aloe Vera: Widely used in many mainstream cosmetic products, aloe vera, applied in the form of a topical gel, as an antimicrobial agent that protects against bacterial and fungal infections. It can also act as a stimulant when taken internally as a juice or gel added to water, and also acts as a carminative to soothe indigestion caused by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Aloe vera is also a safe and effective laxative during times of temporary constipation.
Bilberry: Bilberry contains compounds that have strong antioxidant properties that not only help to protect against free radical damage, but also help stimulate microcirculation, especially in the retina. As a result, bilberry is often prescribed by practitioners of botanical medicine to protect the health of the eyes. During World War Two, pilots in the British Royal Airforce reported improvements in their nighttime vision when they ate bilberry jam.
Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper acts as a general tonic, as well as a stimulant that improves immune function and circulation, and as a carminative that can aid in digestion. Externally, it also acts as an anodyne for soothing pains related to rheumatism.
Chamomile: Chamomile is a popular digestive aid that also acts as an anti-inflammatory herb, making it a common ingredient in many over-the-counter preparations for oral hygiene and skin care products. In Germany, chamomile is registered by the German Ministry for Health as an over-the-counter drug for treating inflammatory conditions in the gastrointestinal tract. Chamomile also has antimicrobial properties, and can be used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, gums, and mouth.
Echinacea: Also known as purple coneflower, echinacea has long been prized by Native Americans of the Great Plains states because of its ability to heal wounds and treat inflammation. More recently, echinacea has been shown by researchers to possess immune-stimulant properties, and in Germany, the herb is approved for use as a botanical treatment for recurrent respiratory and urinary tract infections, and progressive systemic disorders, including multiple sclerosis and tuberculosis.
Garlic: Garlic is best known for its natural Antibiotic properties, making it a potent antimicrobial botanical remedy for treating fungal and viral infections. Garlic also acts as an immune stimulant as well as an immunomodulator, and helping to boost immune function and increase the products of natural killer (NK) cells, which target invading bacteria, viruses, and other microbial infections, and also play an important role in targeting and destroying cancer cells. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), garlic, when consumed regularly, can also reduce the incidence of stomach cancer. It has also been shown to improve cardiovascular function by helping to regulate blood pressure, thin blood, and reduce platelet aggregation, which can lead to heart attack and stroke.
Ginger: Ginger is valued by practitioners of Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine as a carminative herb that improves digestion and the overall function of the gastrointestinal tract. It also acts as a tonic, and is useful as a treatment for nausea and morning sickness during pregnancy.
Hops: In addition to being a primary ingredient in beer, hops acts as a natural nervine, and is useful for promoting restful sleep and for relieving conditions such as nervous tension, restlessness, and sleep disorders.
Milk Thistle: Milk thistle is commonly prescribed by herbalists as a natural liver and gallbladder tonic because of its properties as a natural cholagogue. Not only does it aid the liver in expelling toxins, it also helps to protect it from conditions such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Peppermint: Peppermint is another natural carminative agent that is very useful for aiding digestion and soothing an upset stomach. It is also effective for relieving flatulence. Peppermint also has antimicrobial and demulcent properties, and is approved by the German Ministry of Health as a remedy for conditions of the upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal disorders, including cramps and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort acts as a natural anodyne, nervine and anti-inflammatory agent. Its most common use in recent years is as a natural remedy for cases of mild to moderate anxiety and depression. (It is not effective for more serious forms of these conditions, however.) Used externally in the form of a lotion, St. John’s wort can also be helpful for speeding the healing of mild bruises, burns, and wounds.
Can Botanical Medicine Help You?
Botanical medicine has potential applications for a wide range of health issues. However, despite their growing popularity, botanical remedies should not be used indiscriminately and for best results they should be administered under the guidance of physician or other type of health practitioner trained in their use. Though many health claims are made touting the benefits of botanical remedies, ongoing research is required to separate fact from hype. Some of the established benefits of botanical medicine include:
Anxiety and Depression. Gingko biloba has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs for older people with Depression when taken in conjunction with such drugs. In one study of patients aged 51-78 for whom antidepressants alone had provided little to no relief, gingko extract was found to reduce their symptoms when taken in conjunction with the same medications by 50 percent after one month of daily use, and by nearly 70 percent after two months.
Cancer. A number of botanicals have anti-cancer properties, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Garlic has been shown to help protect against colon, esophageal, and stomach cancer. One study of women aged 57-69 found that consuming garlic was more effective in reducing colon cancer than vegetables and dietary fiber. When garlic was eaten once a week, risk of colon cancer was reduced by 35 percent, and reduced y as much as 50 percent when garlic was consumed more frequently.
Another study found that test subjects who consumed Panax ginseng extract or powder for a year reduced their overall risk of cancer by 36 percent. After five years or more, the risk was reduced by 69 percent.
Green tea and tumeric are other botanicals which have been shown to protect against cancer. Green tea’s protective actions are primary due to its ability to protect against free radical damage, while research has shown that tumeric helps reduce damage to DNA due to exposure to chemical carcinogens and that, when applied topically as a salve, it can significantly reduce cancerous skin lesions.
Medicinal mushrooms are also being recognized for their anti-cancer benefits. Shittake and maitake mushrooms, for example, have both been shown to minimize the negative side effects caused by chemotherapy and radiation, as well as being capable of boosting the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which the immune system produces to target and destroy cancer cells, as well as invading microbial agents such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Cardiovascular Disease. Research shows that regular consumption of garlic can help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels while elevating HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. In study conducted in 1981 and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 20 healthy volunteers and 62 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) garlic was added to the subjects’ daily meals. After six months, the healthy group that consumed garlic daily exhibited significant LDL reductions and improved HDL levels, with similar results being achieved by the CHD group after ten months.
Hawthorn berry is another botanical that can aid cardiovascular function. In one study, subjects with early stage congestive heart failure who received 600 mg of hawthorn extract per day showed significant improvements in their symptoms, while another study of 132 patients with more advanced cases of congestive heart failure who received 900 mg of hawthorn extract had a 50 percent reduction in their symptoms after two months.
Headache and Migraine. Feverfew, widely prescribed in Europe as a botanical for headache and migraine, has been scientifically shown to reduce both headache and migraine symptoms even when no relief was obtained from conventional treatments. Research published in the British Medical Journal indicates that feverfew’s effectiveness in this regard is due to its ability to inhibit platelet coagulation and the release of prostaglandin, both of which are associated with headache and migraine pain.
Immunity. Echinacea has been shown to enhance T-cell production, aid antibodies in seeking out and destroying invading pathogen, and increase natural killer (NK) cell activity. It has also been shown to have some benefit as an antiviral agent, having properties similar to interferon, a protein group released by white blood cells to attacks viruses.
Astragalus and ginseng have also been shown to aid immune function. Studies have shown that astragalus increases T-cell activity and can reverse T-cell damage. It has also been shown to increase stem cell production and to enhance the body’s ability to produce interferon.
On a study of Panax ginseng, those who received 100 mg of standardized Panax ginseng extract every 12 hours showed increased production of lymphocytes and improved resistance to pathogens compared to test subjects who received placebo or 100 mg of water extract of ginseng. After two months, those who received the standardized ginseng extract exhibited even more noticeable improvements in overall immune function.
Garlic has also been shown to improve immunity due to its abilities to enhance the activity of T-cells, macrophages, and NK cells. Garlic has also been shown to protect against Candida albicans infection, a form of yeast that can cause systemic yeast infection or candidiasis, and salmonella and E. coli, parasitic microorganisms that can cause food poisoning and other gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea.
Sleep Disorders. Valerian root has historically been used as a sleep aid by traditional herbalists in Europe since the Middle Ages. In one double-blind study of 128 test subjects, valerian was found to significantly reduce the time it took the participants to fall asleep and to improve the overall quality of their sleep without causing drowsiness the next day.
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The Health Plus Letter, December 16, 2008, Vol. 6, No. 29
The Health Plus Letter, December 16, 2008, Vol. 6, No. 29. Copyright © 2008 by Larry Trivieri, Jr. All rights reserved.
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