Before taking an herbal remedy, keep in mind that while it may soothe a scratchy throat, it could have another effect on your body that you may not want to deal with. Learn all of the key active components of a plant. You want to know all of the side effects and actions that it will cause your body to undergo. For example, yarrow is known for its volatile oil, flavonoids, salicylic acid, and tannins. Other key active components are discussed in this article along with medical uses and history.
Key Active Components
· Sweet flag, a significant herb within Ayurvedic treatments, possesses volatile oil, saponins, and mucilage.
· The ancient Chinese and Egyptians used celery in their medicinal treatments, as it contains volatile oil, coumarins, and flavonoids.
· Chinese Angelica (also known as dang hui in Chinese) contains volatile oil, coumarins, vitamin B12, and beta-sitosterol.
History and Folklore
Knowing how the ancient Romans or Greeks used a particular herb may shed light on how potent, relevant, or promising your chosen natural treatment. It is pretty encouraging to know when a specific remedy has been working for centuries. It is also helpful to know some of the ancient ways of healing that you may want to revisit with the help of a professional. Follow up on the traditional tales surrounding an herb. Seek old quotes from ancient healers pertaining to the herb. Read up on the medical journey of an herb, which can also help you learn how the cures of today measure up. For example:
· The wood of the babul tree was used to make wheels and tool handles during ancient Egyptian days, but the culture also used the leaves, flower pods, and leaves to create medicines for the treatment of worms diarrhea, and stop a patient from coughing up blood.
· Native Americans and early settlers of Canada used balsam fir resin to treat a number of illnesses. The Penobscot would smear the resin on cuts, sores, and burns. When colds and chest issues surfaced, they would smear it on the chest and back.
· Traditionally, aconite has been used to create poison arrows and has a history that traces back to southern or central Europe.
Medical Uses
One of the most important pieces of information regarding the use of plants and herbs for medical treatment is what an herb has been used for and how you can use it today. Learn all of the confirmed uses of a plant, as well as some of the ailments that have been linked in some way, shape or form. This can be helpful for when you are trying to decide what sort of plant to use in your medical treatment plan. Find out the symptoms and actual ailments that the herb has been connected to.
Ancient Egyptians used cardamom to create perfumes, while ancient Greeks used the ancient herb as a spice and medicinal treatment. Today, the Chinese use the herb as a way to fight urinary incontinence, while India herbalists prescribe cardamom for an array of conditions, including bronchitis, kidney stones, anorexia, and asthma.
