HERBALISM

History

Scientific Basis

Safety

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HERBAL MEDICINE – A BRIEF HISTORY

Herbal medicine is likely the oldest form of health care in the world. The first documented use of plants as healing agents was depicted in the cave paintings discovered in the Lascaux caves in France, which have been radiocarbon dated to between 13,000 - 25,000 BC. Herbalism as a rational system of medicine was, most likely, first practiced by ancient Ayurvedic (Indian) or Chinese herbalists. What is certain is that by 220 A.D., the Chinese medical clinician Zhang Zhong Jing published the world’s first complete clinical textbook in medical history. His text, Shang Han Lun or “On Cold Damage,” catalyzed the development of a systematic medical herbalism that has remained a primary component of the Chinese health care environment until the present time.

Herbalism has long thrived in the west as well. From its roots in Native American herbal medicine, western forms of herbalism were a major component of the American health care landscape well into the beginning of the last century. Herbalism was practiced by licensed medical doctors and lay practitioners alike, and homeopathy and herbal medicine were regularly prescribed by doctors in both hospital and rural settings.

HERBAL MEDICINE – A SCIENTIFIC BASIS

Ironically, many of the major pharmaceutical interventions that are used in allopathic medicine were originally derived from plants. Drugs such as digoxin, which is used for congestive heart failure, is derived from the Foxglove plant (Digitalis lanata). Morphine, one of the most widely used analgesics in the world, is derived from the Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum). Even aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, has its roots in salicylic acid extracts first isolated from the White Willow tree (Salix alba) in 1828.

Today, there exists a wealth of research on herbal extracts. Recently, many studies have been undertaken to ascertain the clinical value of herbal extracts for modern health disorders, much of which show remarkable efficacy. Herbal medicines like St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum) have been shown to perform as well as pharmaceutical antidepressants for mild to moderate clinical depression. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) has been shown to be effective for stabilizing blood sugars in diabetic patients. Hawthorn fruit and flowers (Crataegus oxycantha) have performed well in clinical trials for early congestive heart failure. The list goes on and on.

HERBAL MEDICINE – IS IT SAFE?

Herbal medicine is extremely safe and effective when administered by a licensed health care practitioner. A qualified practitioner will be certain to prescribe herbal medicine at the proper therapeutic dosage. Good practitioners will also be sure to avoid any potentially unsafe interactions with pharmaceutical medications.

Licensed practitioners that have undergone extensive training in the proper administration of herbal medicine include Doctors of Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine (D.Ac., D.O.M.), Naturopathic Doctors (N.D.) and Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.).