Assalam_o_Alaikum
Thank you teacher @afzalqamar for organizing this wonderful contest of herbal remedies here.
I am happy that my friend @tanvirhussain invite me to join this lecture about herbs. I search the history of herbs and some of herbs available in our home kitchen. I took the pictures of these herbs that I will use here.
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Q.1 - Research Assignment: Research and write a history of herbal medicine in your culture or region.
Prevalence of Herbal Medicine in Pakistan (3300-1300 Before Christ)
Traditional medicine specifically the herbal type in Pakistan has been in existence from ancient days specifically dating back to the times of the Indus valley civilization. Paleo botanical findings indicate that people in the area consumed plant based remedies for health hence the birth of traditional medicine.
Unani Pharmacopoeia – An Introduction and Integration (700 AD)
With the advent of Islam in that region, speaking of which, it is considered that medical system intervened by Greeks and then systematized by Middle East called Unani medicine was introduced into the region. Unani medicine which is mainly based on herbal treatments was found to fit well into the locals way of cure. Hindrances were minor, and local plants, such as neem, turmeric, and fennel, became intrinsic to the Pakistani Unani system of practice today.
Mughal Period of India (1526–1857)
The Mughal period up till now became a very progressive sign for the evolution of herbal medicine in Pakistan. The Mughals imported some of medicinal plants from Central Asia and Persian that added in the existing knowledge of that period. Popular and knowledgeable in the community, “Hakims”, traditional practitioners in Unani system of medicine, came to practice Greek, Islamic and local practices under one system.
Colonial Impact on Maintenance of Herbalism and its Conservation (19th Century)
The colonization of the Britain affected the social phase in particular by bringing medical civilization which is scientific modernity and cure. But it dominated traditional worse herbal medicine, the worst was prevalent especially in rurally indigenous practices. These viable conventional medicinal plant knowledge sources still remained as the main caregivers.
Recognition and Integration after India’s Independence (1960s)
The official attempt to save the culture of traditional healing in the country was initiated immediately after the independence of Pakistan in 1947. In the 1960s, the government recognized Unani and Ayurvedic systems as the natural systems of health and hence the recognition of the herbal medical system was maintained.
IMPORTANCE OF HERBAL MEDICINE IN THE PRESENT GENERATION
Even today the use of herbal medicine is still patent and essential part of the healthcare system of Pakistan. Having cultural relevance, it fits together with the contemporary methods of treatment as it provides people with natural sources to prevent and cure diseases that still remain important to Pakistanis.
Q.2 - Comparison Task: Create a table comparing the benefits and side effects of modern medicines vs. herbal medicines for common ailments (e.g., cold, headache).
Modern medicines vs. herbal medicines: a comparison table Recent modern medicines compared to the traditional herbal medicines will be compared in this outline especial in the context of fighting ailments common to many individuals such as colds and headaches. The table also shows both the advantages and disadvantage of the two forms of treatment.| That is why the following aspects of the given range of medicines require improvement: | Modern Medicines | Herbal Medicinesl medicines, focusing on common ailments like colds and headaches. The table includes benefits and side effects of both types of treatments.
| Aspect | Modern Medicines | Herbal Medicines |
March 31,2008 | Title of Article | Writer | Newspaper|
TREATABLE ILLNESSES | Flu, colds, fever, allergies, pain, infections | Cold, headache, indigestion, sleeping disorders, mild pain.Advantages | Quick result, precise dosage, standardized preparation, clinically proven, high relief for severe symptoms, no preparation time. | Coarser and natural preparation, lesser side effects, used for prevention, provides health support.|Possible side effects | - Gastrointestinal problems
- Allergic reactions
- Physical dependence or tolerance in some cases
- Hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity with long-term use | - Mild allergy reactions
- Contraindicated with modern pharmaceuticals
- Takes longer for acute conditions to soothe
- Quality and strength may be unsteady || Availability | Can be obtained from pharmacies through prescription or purchased directly from over the counter | Can be gotten through teabags or extracts, capsules, powders, and tincture from health foods stores |Again, the cost is usually higher compared to over the counter drugs especially for prescription drugs | It is less costly and easily accessible compared to counter drugs |Time for Relief | Often gives quicker og symptom improvement | Takes longer (days to weeks) to produce its effects |adaches. The table includes benefits and side effects of both types of treatments.
| Aspect | Modern Medicines | Herbal Medicines |
|---|---|---|
| First-Aid Cured | Colds, headaches, fever, allergies, pains, infections | Colds, headaches, stomach upsets, sleeping disorders, milder pains |
| Advantages | - Has immediate effects - Its dosages/ formulations are well-defined - scientifically proven - Very effective for acute conditions | - It’s natural usually the side effects are mild - Some are used to promote preventive health care - It supports the well-being of the body |
| Side Effects | - Gastrointestinal side effects - allergic reactions - dependency on the substance - the substance may strain liver or kidney when used for longer periods | - Mild allergic reaction - risk of interaction with new types of medicine - may take time to relieve acute conditions - The product may be of low quality and contain low potency. |
| Availability | Freely obtained from pharmacies with prescriptions or from over-the-counter drugs store | Easily accessible in the form of teas, capsules, powders and tinctures in heath food stores |
| Cost | Often higher, especially for prescription medications | Generally more affordable and accessible |
| Time for Relief | Usually provides faster symptom relief | Slower onset, may take days to weeks to see effects |
| Research & Approval | :Meticulously researched and controlled by health bodies such as FDA and EMA | Very little research; traditional knowledge in practice; few controls |
Q.3 - Herb Identification: Choose 3 herbs from your kitchen like mint, ginger, or turmeric and list their health benefits. Mention the recipes where you have used these herbs.
Below is a brief look at three regular kitchen herbs – mint, ginger, and turmeric along with their uses and a few recipes.
- Mint
Mint is useful and easily digested besides helping cure headaches and nausea. I often use mint in mint lemonade. Of course, you don’t need any complicated recipes: simply mix fresh mint leaves, lemon juice and sugar for a popular beverage. They should also be included in salads and chutneys, and most preferably with yoghurt.
- Ginger
Ginger has been studied for being an effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. This food assist in digestion, relieves nausea and vomit and also improves immunity. I often include it in making ginger tea and this is best during the cold season. One had only to peel ginger and slice it and then put it in boiling water and add sugar/lemon honey to taste. Ginger is also used in taste in stir-fries or marinating the foods.
- Turmeric
These include; Turmeric is known to aid relief of joint purpose and has anti inflammatory properties as well as antioxidant properties that help in improving skin health. I put turmeric into golden milk – a warm drink that you prepare using turmeric powder, milk, and honey, amongst other ingredients. Turmeric is also used for colouring many curries and rice dishes a bright orange colour while adding some health benefits as well.
Most of these herbs are widely available and can be easily incorporated into mundane meals, thus increasing both taste and nutrition.
Recipes:
Here are some simple recipes where I’ve used mint, ginger, and turmeric:
Mint Lemonade
- Recipe: Crush a handful of fresh mint leaves, one lemon juice, one tablespoon of sugar or honey and a glass of cold water. Don’t forget ice for the cold one. This drink is good for warm weather and makes your stomach feel great.
Ginger Tea
- *Recipe:Connoisseurs recommend the following drink: prepare 2 cups of water and 3-4 fresh ginger slices, boil the ingredients during 5-10 minutes. You can also stir in a spoonful of honey or squeeze some lemon juice if you would like. This tea is taken in cold season to provide warmth and cure nausea and indigestion illnesses.
Golden Milk or Turmeric Milk
- *Recipe:Heat up a mug of fresh milk (or dairy-free milk) and mix in ½ teaspoon of turmeric, ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper and 1 teaspoon of honey. This drink is taken before night and it also helps in the well being of the bones.
All of these recipes introduce a touch of flavor plus, the nutrients gotten from the kitchen herbs commonly used in our day to day meals.
Q.4 - Forms of Herbs: Write about the different forms of the herbs.
Different Forms of Herbs
Herbs are available in forms and each form has its own properties and usage. The most common forms include:
Fresh Herbs: These are the fresh produces, which may be green, and may be used in cooking or in fact are used as food decoration. Other green parts include basil, coriander and parsley which give your food the fresh taste and smell. It is preferable to incorporate them towards the last stages of food preparation to afford the meals the taste and nutrients they boast.
Dried Herbs: Dried herbs are obtained by the process of removing water from fresh herbs. This process condenses their flavor and increases their shelf life so that they are in a position to be more potent. Some of the examples are oregano, thyme and rosemary. When used, dried herbs are more potent than fresh herbs hence are applied in small amounts than fresh herbs.
Herbal Teas: These are made using hot water infusion of herbs. Herbal teas can include a number of plant materials including chamomile, mint and hibiscus. They are usually taken on account of their sedative action and can be used to facilitate digestion.
Herbal Extracts: Tinctures are the most potent forms of herbs; they are made from their either soaked in alcohol or glycerin. Some of them are used in herbal medicine because of these therapeutic uses. Tinctures are popular types of herbal extracts Tinctures are one herbal preparation that is common to most people.
Herbal Powders: Herbs may be chopped or ground to produce powders for cooking or for supplement intaking. Some of the commonly used include; Turmeric powder and ginger powder, which is believed to possessing curative substance.
Both forms of herbs are different from the other with differences in flavor and other uses in cooking and medication.
Q.5 - Safety Report: Pick one herb and research any potential side effects and how to avoid them.
Herb: Turmeric
Introduction
Curcumin is a yellow coloured spice, which extracts from the plant which the spice and the medicine is derived from and it is called turmeric. It contain curcumin an active ingreafnt which has antr-inflammatory properties and an anthoxydant. But as it is with every herb in the world, turmeric also has negative effects on the users as well.
Potential Side Effects
- Digestive Issues: While taking large quantities of turmeric some people may suffer from problems of stomach upset, nausea or diarrhea.
- Blood Thinning: Turmeric has an effect of causing the blood to thicken thereby promotes bleeding especially when consumed alongside blood thinning drugs.
- Allergic Reactions: Occasionally, the skin may develop an allergic reaction manifested by rash or itchiness.
- Gallbladder Problems: Patients with gallstones or any disease related to the gallbladder should not take this spice because it could make matters worse.
How to Avoid Side Effects
- Moderation: Instead of using large amounts of turmeric or consuming it as supplements, it’s healthier to include it occasionally in your cooking.
- Consult a Doctor: If you are under medication especially on blood thinner drugs or have some pre-existing conditions doing with turmeric may affect you.
- Start Slow: When using turmeric for the first time or when making a switch to raw turmeric, then you should begin with a little quantity to check on the results that you are going to get before increasing the dosage levels.
- Quality Products: If taking a supplement is required, select good quality turmeric supplements from reliable stores so as to avoid side effects which may result from admixture.
Conclusion
However, turmeric can have some positive effects when consumed and thus it advisable to know some of the side effects and how best to avoid them in case they occur.
I invite @shovro, @najmul1 and @abi24 please participate in herbal lecture and course
Thank you all
Regards @waseem215.