Herbs and Medicinal Plants

HERBS AND MEDICINAL PLANTS

The history of medicinal plant science is as old as humanity itself. Everywhere in the world, since ancient times, people have gathered plants not only for food but also for healing. People soon gained experience that plants have great potential in folk medicine and pharmacy. After all, most modern medicines are derived from the effects of plants.

Healing became a science thanks to the founder of so-called Homeopathy, physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). This excellent doctor conducted many years of research lasting decades and thus transformed folk medicine into a scientific discipline. Homeopathy is still used today and is based on two basic principles: treating like with like and the correct potency or dilution. Essentially, it involves using a remedy that causes similar symptoms in a healthy person.

Women are usually drawn to herbal medicine and try the effects of plants on their own. They trust their bodily feelings and the experience they have gained with medicinal plants. Without immediately running to a doctor, they have the courage to try other alternative healing methods and it pays off. Medicinal plants are most commonly used for problems associated with colds. Popular home remedies include peppermint, lemon balm, sage, or warm milk with honey. Linden flowers and elderberry are commonly used to reduce fever.

Most of the active substances in herbs have already been clarified by science, but many of them are still unknown to science. An extracted active substance does not have the same effects as the whole plant drug. The most important factor that can connect medicine and healing is the identification of all medicinal substances in plants.

• Essential Oils - Essential oils are mixtures of aromatic volatile substances. In addition to having local irritant effects, they act as disinfectants and antiseptics. They often improve digestion, work against flatulence, and have diuretic properties. The most well-known plants containing essential oils include chamomile, eucalyptus, and fennel seeds.
• Alkaloids - This is a group of very potent substances affecting the human organism. They are also referred to as medicinal poisons. Plants with high alkaloid content should only be taken under medical supervision. Well-known alkaloids include, for example, atropine, which is abundantly present in deadly nightshade. The psychoactive substance atropine can lead to psychomotor restlessness, confusion, and other negative effects at doses above 0.5 mg. Conversely, in small doses, alkaloids positively influence blood pressure, nerve stimulation, and relief of spasms.
• Flavonoids - Flavonoids are a widely distributed group of plant substances. Approximately 5,000 different flavonoids are known. They don't have a specific mechanism of action. One group of these substances acts on capillaries (the smallest vessels) and another on spasms of the digestive tract, heart, and circulation. Flavonoids often multiply the effectiveness of other medicinal substances contained in the plant.
• Tannins - Tannins are defined as nitrogen-free substances that bind proteins. In this way, they create a protective film on mucous membranes or skin, which protects against the penetration of harmful substances and thus increases resistance. Tannins also have astringent effects.
• Glycosides - One of the best-known glycosides are foxglove glycosides from red foxglove, which support cardiac function. Otherwise, the effects of glycosides are very diverse.
• Silicic Acid - Silicon deficiency slows the development of bones and tooth enamel. Silicon has a diuretic effect and influences regenerative processes in the body.
• Saponins - These soap-like substances liquefy mucus and thus facilitate expectoration. They act as antibiotics and strengthen immunity. Saponins have a similar composition to glycosides. Calendula is particularly rich in saponins.
• Mucilaginous Substances - By mucilage, we understand carbohydrate-containing substances that swell strongly and increase in volume. These substances reduce irritation and thus help the healing process. For example, flaxseed.
• Mustard Oils - They taste sharp and support digestive processes. They have strong antibiotic effects.
• Vitamins - Provitamin A, or carotene, positively influences immunity and cell regeneration. B vitamins play a key role in metabolism. Vitamin C contributes to strengthening the immune system and improves defense capabilities. The highest vitamin C content is found in sea buckthorn fruits, several times more than in oranges.
• Minerals - Potassium is quantitatively the most important mineral in the field of medicinal plant use. In high doses, it has a diuretic effect. Many plants are rich in calcium and magnesium. Both these elements are important for optimal bone nutrition.

METHODS OF PREPARING MEDICINAL PLANTS

• Oil - Medicinal plant oils are typically made with an olive oil base. You should prefer dried plants over fresh ones, as fresh plants turn rancid more quickly. It's also important to shake the herbs infused in oil once daily during the extraction process and to strain the herbs from the oil after the active ingredients have been extracted. Medicinal oils should be made in small quantities and stored in dark bottles protected from sunlight. External use of the oil is preferred.
• Powder - the dried plant is ground. Powder is taken internally only when the particular herb needs to act especially quickly. In other cases, powder is added to ointments and used externally.
• Tincture - Also known as alcohol extract. Fresh plants are typically added to alcohol. Besides pharmacy alcohol, plum brandy, liqueurs, vodka or wine distillate are particularly suitable. The tincture is infused for approximately 2-6 weeks, and after straining should also be stored in a cool, dark place. Tinctures are used diluted or by drops.
• Decoction - A decoction is prepared by placing the plant in cold water and slowly bringing it to a boil. It is infused for a maximum of 10 minutes and then strained.
• Infusion - An infusion corresponds to classic tea preparation. Medicinal plants are poured over with hot water and infused for less than 10 minutes. Sweetened with honey or sugar.
• Cold Extract - With cold extraction, the plant is poured over with cold water and the contained substances are extracted from the plant over a longer period. Usually 1 day. The cold extract should be stirred frequently.
• Juice - Can be obtained from fresh plants by pressing leaves, fruits or roots. If consumed for vitamin content, they should be used immediately after pressing.
• Syrup - A thick sugar solution. Juice or herbal preparation containing water or wine serves as the starting material, which is boiled into a thick solution after adding sugar.
• Ointment - Ointments are used exclusively externally. The base for an ointment is usually medicinal oil, which is heated and solidified with lanolin and beeswax. The most popular ointment is hemp ointment.
• Bath - Full body, sitz or partial. Herbs or extracts from them are strongly diluted with hot water. Volatile essential oils are also partially inhaled during the process. The principle lies primarily in the combination of medicinal substances and heat, which warms the entire body, achieving relaxation and calming.
• Inhalation - Medicinal volatile substances and essential oils rise with water vapor. Used especially for respiratory diseases. They also have cosmetic effects on the skin.
• Compresses and Wraps - Warm compresses and wraps are mainly used. They help relieve strains, muscle pain or skin diseases. Alternatively, gauze is allowed to absorb tincture. Here, thanks to the cooling effect, the pain of bruises, minor burns or inflammations can be relieved.