Herbal Treatment in Traditional Medicine
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is also known by the name medicinal aloe. There are several species of Aloe vera, but they all share common appearance traits. All Aloe veras are stemless or almost-stemless plants with outspread succulent leaves. These leaves are green to gray-green in color, and some varieties have white spots on top of and under the leaves. The sides of these leaves are barbed with short but sharp thorny outgrowths.
Aloe vera grows in tropical regions. The succulence of the plant's leaves allows it to survive the dry conditions of areas with little rainfall. Sandy, well-drained soil is the best kind for Aloe vera. It does not fare well with frost, so cultivators beware.
One of the spotted varieties is called Aloe vera var. chinensis, a result of it being found in China. It is believed that Aloe vera was introduced to China in the 17th century. Since then it has been part of the Chinese pharmacopeia and is used to treat many conditions.
Aloe vera is usually used in juice or gel form. Aloe vera is taken to reduce stomach acidity. It is believed to balance the chemicals in the gastrointestinal tract, and is ingested for improved digestive functions. Aloin, a substance also found in Aloe vera, was used as a laxative. Makers of Aloe vera juice usually process it to remove the Aloin content.
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is used in Chinese medicine primarily for external treatment. Aloe vera gel squeezed out from the leaves is applied directly to skin to treat various skin conditions. Athlete's foot is shown to be curable with Aloe vera treatment. Burns, bruises, cuts, scrapes, and rashes are treated in the same manner. The antibacterial properties of the gel destroy the bacteria, preventing infection. Other compounds help accelerate cell regeneration and healing. Muscular pains are also said to be reduced with the application of this gel.
Insect stings and bites are also treated with it. Swelling is reduced and itchiness stops with the application of gel. The antibacterial properties also make it useful in treating acne. Aloe vera makes for a great skin moisturizer. Extracts from aloe vera are used to boost the immune system, treat respiratory system infections, and relieve allergic reactions.
Other problems that can be treated with Aloe vera are hair loss, herpes, eczema, psoriasis, and other fungal infections. It is used to stimulate bile production and increase appetite. Some uterus, liver, and colon disorders are also treated with Aloe vera. It also plays a role in obesity treatment.
Recent studies have shown that Aloe vera extracts may be useful in treating diabetes and excess lipids in the blood. These are attributed to the presence of compounds like polysaccharides, mannans, anthraquinones, and lectins.
Aloe vera is a popular ingredient because everyone believes in how well it soothes and rejuvenates. Some of the most common products containing Aloe vera in one form or another are juices, packaged gels, and beauty products. The appeal of Aloe vera is not limited to Chinese medicine -- in fact it is also used in other traditional medicinal systems. Aloe vera truly is universal in its popularity and usefulness.
Aloe vera grows in tropical regions. The succulence of the plant's leaves allows it to survive the dry conditions of areas with little rainfall. Sandy, well-drained soil is the best kind for Aloe vera. It does not fare well with frost, so cultivators beware.
One of the spotted varieties is called Aloe vera var. chinensis, a result of it being found in China. It is believed that Aloe vera was introduced to China in the 17th century. Since then it has been part of the Chinese pharmacopeia and is used to treat many conditions.
Aloe vera is usually used in juice or gel form. Aloe vera is taken to reduce stomach acidity. It is believed to balance the chemicals in the gastrointestinal tract, and is ingested for improved digestive functions. Aloin, a substance also found in Aloe vera, was used as a laxative. Makers of Aloe vera juice usually process it to remove the Aloin content.
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is used in Chinese medicine primarily for external treatment. Aloe vera gel squeezed out from the leaves is applied directly to skin to treat various skin conditions. Athlete's foot is shown to be curable with Aloe vera treatment. Burns, bruises, cuts, scrapes, and rashes are treated in the same manner. The antibacterial properties of the gel destroy the bacteria, preventing infection. Other compounds help accelerate cell regeneration and healing. Muscular pains are also said to be reduced with the application of this gel.
Insect stings and bites are also treated with it. Swelling is reduced and itchiness stops with the application of gel. The antibacterial properties also make it useful in treating acne. Aloe vera makes for a great skin moisturizer. Extracts from aloe vera are used to boost the immune system, treat respiratory system infections, and relieve allergic reactions.
Other problems that can be treated with Aloe vera are hair loss, herpes, eczema, psoriasis, and other fungal infections. It is used to stimulate bile production and increase appetite. Some uterus, liver, and colon disorders are also treated with Aloe vera. It also plays a role in obesity treatment.
Recent studies have shown that Aloe vera extracts may be useful in treating diabetes and excess lipids in the blood. These are attributed to the presence of compounds like polysaccharides, mannans, anthraquinones, and lectins.
Aloe vera is a popular ingredient because everyone believes in how well it soothes and rejuvenates. Some of the most common products containing Aloe vera in one form or another are juices, packaged gels, and beauty products. The appeal of Aloe vera is not limited to Chinese medicine -- in fact it is also used in other traditional medicinal systems. Aloe vera truly is universal in its popularity and usefulness.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a group of approximately 400 species of fungus that grows across Asia. It looks like a worm at times and a grass at times, depending on the season. As a result, it is called "winter worm, summer grass" in Chinese medicine; it looks like a worm in winter and looks like grass in summer.
Cordyceps has been a part of Chinese herbs for several centuries, but the roots of its medicinal value lie in Tibet. One other form of this medicinal plant demonstrates the strange ways of Mother Nature.
Cordyceps sinensis is one strange creature or Chinese herb. It is the figurative fruit of a parasitic relationship between a caterpillar and the fungus Cordyceps. The caterpillars live underground in Tibet and China. When they feed on the roots of the Cordyceps fungus, they are infected with fungus spores. The spores then start growing inside the infected creature's body, replacing the tissue with its own. What follows next is even stranger. When the caterpillar is about to die, the fungus somehow commands it to move to the surface. When the caterpillar finally expires near or on the surface, the spores are exposed from within its decaying body and thus it propagates itself. The Tibetans and Chinese handpick the infected caterpillars and dry them for use in medicine. It is considered as having an excellent balance of yin and yang, since it appears to be both an animal and a plant at once. This Chinese herb is also known by the name deer fungus, because of the antler-like appearance of the branching limbs of the fungus.
On a side note, insects like ants can also be infected by this Cordyceps. The behavior modification effects of the fungus also cause them to behave in particular ways before death. The insects climb plants and attach themselves to it, and then die. The fungus then has a maximized chance to spread its spores far and wide.
Chinese herbs, both forms -- "plant" form and "worm" form -- are used for pretty much the same things. It was believed to be a panacea of sorts, a medicine to cure any and all illness; after all, it had a great balance of yin and yang. Most notable of the supposed effects was the ability to improve male sexual performance. The Chinese medicinal ideology work on the idea "if it looks like a body part, it is good for that body part". As such, the elongated, slightly curved appearance of either form looked like a man's stimulated genitals and so they thought "it must be good for that".
Cordyceps has ability to improve all systems of the body: slow aging, boost immune responses, and increase strength and power -- all related to the life energy qi. Even angina, high cholesterol levels and cancer are said to be cured by this wonder drug.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a plant often found in south-eastern Europe and part of West Asia. It is now available freely in Egypt, India, Argentina, Southern Nepal, Morocco and Lebanon. It has an interesting history and dates back to the ancient Egyptians and Hippocrates time. Its botanical name is foenum-graecum which means "Greek hay." Unlike chinese herbs this plant is used for medical and culinary purposes more so its seeds do wonders and heal wounds in no time.
During the month of June or July it bears yellowish flowers for its growth it depends on the sun and rich soil. Its fruits are small with reddish-brown seeds.
During ancient Egypt this herbal plant was being used to augment milk flow in women and was effective in their labor pain and their menstrual pain. Even today, If taken as a tea, also called hilba tea, it can be used to help ease stomach upset problems of the tourists. In China, the Southern province, its beans are being used for medical purposes from times as early as China's Tang dynasty. Well known throughout India, Fenugreek's seeds are rather used for flavouring the same as maple sugar. What is more, this herbal plant is used in Indian curry and chutneys, while its seeds can be used as a replacement for coffee.
According to a study carried out in India, fenugreek seeds established to reduce harmful fats and blood-sugar, in the study the author recommended making the seeds of this herba part of the diet of diabetic patients. Recently fenugreek is being taken as a beverage however, in various parts of Europe the herb is used in veterinary preparations.
All in all because of its curative values fenugreek is being used to cure coughs, colds, flu, fever, headaches, swollen glands, debility, furuncles, rickets, anaemia, educes blood sugar, it reduces calcium oxalate in the kidneys, reduces toothache, menstrual cramps, intestinal inflammation, stomach ulcers, bronchitis, skin irritation, is effective for mucous membranes, cystitis, bronchitis etc.
People use its tea for sore throat gargle. The plant is beneficial in reducing fever, dandruff, sores, diminishes cholesterol and is good for eyes and lubricates the intestines. People suffering from tuberculosis, will find natural strength when they take fenugreek in any form. Fenugreek seeds are used in tea and coffee, they can be sprouted just like bean sprouts and can be used in vegetable and salad. Its oil contains maple flavour and is used for flavouring different cookies and syrups. Like other chinese herbs its seeds have a bitter taste that is the reason why majority of chinese herbs can be found in the form of a capsule. For intestinal gas and stomach problems, fenugreek powder can be sprinkled over food or it can be had in the form of a tea just like other chinese herbs are savoured. This herbal plant is rich in proteins and vitamins like Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5 etc. Its oil is rich in iron and contains vitamin A and D.
Mangosteen
The term "mangosteen" refers to the Purple Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) over the other members of the mangosteen genus. The Purple Mangosteen, also considered as a Chinese herb, is the most widely-known of this group. The fruit has is round, has deep purple skin, a thick rind that pales to white farther from the skin surface, and fleshy innards. The soft flesh within the rind is that which is eaten, and it can be described as sweet and tangy, with an aroma and texture reminiscent of peaches.
The sections of edible flesh contain the seeds. The rind secretes a bitter liquid when squeezed, along with a purple juice. Eaters must be wary of both, as the bitter sap might affect the taste and the dark juice could stain cloth or skin and nails.
Mangosteen fruits grow on trees that grow up to 20 to 80 feet (7 to 25 meters) tall. The plant is ultra-tropical, meaning it will not grow except within the tropical band extending for a few degrees both ways from the equator. Exposure to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (four degrees Celsius) will kill a mature plant. Thus, it is mostly grown in Southeast and South Asian nations like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippine Islands and India, where the climate is consistently warm all year long. The origins of the mangosteen are rather unclear. It is believed that they came from the Indonesian peninsula, but the exact history of its spread and cultivation are unclear. Mangosteens are also grown in Australia now, but most of the world's mangosteens still come from the tropical regions of Asia.
No doubt it is the sweet flesh that is prized above all the other parts. The fruit is rich in iron and fiber, and contains a significant amount of carbohydrates. The substances in the flesh that has attracted the most attention are the xanthones. Xanthones are said to possess powerful antioxidant properties that reduce cellular damage, speed cellular healing, slow aging, and fight cancer. Xanthone research is still very young, though, and little is known about the effects of xanthones on the human body. The skin of the fruit, including the rind, contains the majority of the phytochemical value of mangosteens. Mangostin, extracted from the rind and various other parts of the tree, has been investigated for anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. These properties mean that mangosteen can be used to treat skin problems like eczema, urinary tract infections, diarrhea, and gonorrhea. Dysentery can also be cured with fruit and root extracts. The roots are steeped in hot water to make a tea that is said to set regular cycles for menstruation in women. In some places, the mangosteen is held to have "cooling" effects on the body.
Spirulina
There are a lot of healthy herbal supplements out there. One of the best is Spirulina. Spirulina is a blue green microalgae that is grown in tropical lakes. The algae was first discovered by a French doctor in 1962, a man by the name of Dr. Clement. Dr. Clement made a startling discovery that people living around Lake Chades (Africa) had stronger and healthier bodies when compared to that of North Americans. When he looking into this more deeply, he found that the Ganimou consumed algae floating on the surface of the tropical lake.
Spirulina is a very digestible food; it contains almost 70% protein and practically all the essential amino acids required by the human body -- something rare among plants. Studies have shown that Spirulina is easier to digest than meat -- to the order of 5 times! Spirulina is a very rich source of natural Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, calcium, iron, antioxidants ,carbs, and special enzymes. It is packed full of carotenoids, phycocyanin, and chlorophyll (which can be used as a blood purifier).
Many experiments have shown phycocyanin proteins drastically increase the survival rate amongst populations of mice suffering from liver cancer. Spirulina thus serves to prevent and inhibit any sort of cancer cell growth. More studies have shown Spirulina to be quite effective against viral replication and can also greatly strengthen cellular immune systems. Even more, Spirulina has shown to effectively treat Anemia, a condition that causes deficiency in hemoglobin.
Spirulina is the best source of natural vitamin B12 in the world. This miracle plant even proves effective against stomach ulcers! Tests have shown that taking 2 grams of Spirulina a day coats the stomach with chlorophyll which causes the ulcers to vanish. Indeed, other diseases such as liver disorders, diabetes, and even hepatitis respond well to regular intake of Spirulina.
Spirulina is called a superfood for good reason. It contains the compound Gamma Linolenic Acid which is a specially type of fatty acid that is not produced by your own body. This fatty acid is crucial for the proper development of bones, brain tissues, hair and skin grown, and even rate of metabolism. Additional medical benefits of Spirulina are a reduction of cholesterol, detoxification of the blood, and increased energy.
Spirulina is absolutely safe for human consumption. Research has shown no negative effects from consuming moderate amounts of Spirulina on a regular basis. You can now find Spirulina in health stores across the world as it's a herbal health supplement. The plant is safe for children to ingest and can offer them a lot of health benefits. The WHO, in 1992, stated that "Spirulina is a high quality food product. It is rich in iron and protein. It is safe to consume and is an excellent nutrient supplement of children."
Goji Berry
The goji berry gets its name from the simplified reading of its Chinese name guoqizi. Also commonly known by the names mede berry, matrimony vine, bocksdorn, Duke of Argyll's tea tree, Murali (in India), red medlar, and most commonly by "wolfberry", it is one of the oldest plants in the figurative medicine cabinet of Chinese herbs. Goji berries are actually from two distinct but very closely related species of plant, the Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense. L. barbarum is called Ningxia gouqi in Mandarin. These two species belong to the same family as potatoes, tomatoes, deadly nightshade, peppers, eggplants, and tobacco.
Goji plants are woody perennial plants that shed their leaves in autumn. This Asian herb grows from around 3 to 10 feet (1-3 meters) tall, and has light purple flowers. The flowers have five petals that form a ring at their base, like morning glories. These flowers eventually form the red berries. The young leaves are eaten as leaf vegetables.
Goji berries are small and red, and are not usually found fresh outside of the regions where they are produced. The fruits are usually dried to preserve them. They are used in cuisine and are added during the cooking process. They are added to rice congee for color and flavor, and to tonic soups made with other medicinal herbs in addition to meat and vegetables.
The goji berry surprising amount of nutritional value. It contains 11 essential and 22 trace minerals, 18 amino acids, 8 polysaccharides, 6 monosaccharides, 6 essential vitamins, phytosterols, 5 unsaturated fatty acids (including omega-6 acids), carotenoids, and various antioxidants. Some examples of these are calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin. These berries are no doubt nutritious.
The berries are also used in medicine along with the leaves and root bark of the goji plant. Kidney, liver, eye, and skin problems are treated with goji berries in one form or another. In fact, goji tea made from the leaves and berries is said to clear up acne. Goji berry is a superfruit, with many beneficial effects attached to it. This Chinese herb is claimed to be effective against general ailments like tuberculosis, insomnia, and diabetes, as well as emotional disorders like anxiety and depression. It has also traditionally been used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and to improve the immune system. The bark from the roots is also used to treat cough, fevers, , nosebleeds, and irritability. Like the berries, it is also used to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol.
Conditions of Use and Important Information: This information on the above herb is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects.
The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. These supplements mentioned are not intended to cure, treat, diagnose or prevent disease. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only.
Kelab Rakan-Rakan Herba KK Sabah does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence.
Site design and webmaster : Ganesan. T Questions or concerns can be directed to the webmaster at [email protected]
The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. These supplements mentioned are not intended to cure, treat, diagnose or prevent disease. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only.
Kelab Rakan-Rakan Herba KK Sabah does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence.
Site design and webmaster : Ganesan. T Questions or concerns can be directed to the webmaster at [email protected]