SLC S21 Week 1 - A Comprehensive guide to Herbal Medicines

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It is said that the history of herbal medicine has started since Civilization. In many cultures, herbal medicine is highly regarded or given, such as Chinese, Greek, Hindu, Egyptian and Islamic cultures. The use and knowledge of herbal medicine still survives in many cultures.

Research and write a history of herbal medicine in your culture or region.

Herbal Medicines originated from ancient times in the Indian sub-continent, especially in the region of Pakistan.

As my professor has now asked me how herbal medicine originated in my own culture and region. Let's discuss Subcontinent and specifically about this region, Pakistan.

Indus Valley Civilization

Being a student of history, let me tell you a little here that herbal medicine originated from the Indus Valley Civilization about 25 years BC. Because this civilization settled on the bank of the Indus river, their livelihood was agriculture and farming, so many herbs were cultivated at that time, which people used to increase their strength, fight diseases, and heal themselves.

Ayurvedic

As we know that some part of Pakistan was also a part of British India before independence, so if we talk about this region there are many ayurvedic medical traditions that are about five thousand years old. Humans first used herbal medicines for their treatment.

And the testimonies of this we get from the two major Ayurvedic books in existence, in which the properties of herbs and herbal medicines are mentioned and their use is described very well, from where we get the evidence.

Names of these two books are:

• Charaka Samhita
• Sushruta Samhita

Islamic Era / Muslim Scientists

In our region, when we mention herbal medicine, we cannot forget the herbal expert of Arab countries, that is, who has been promoted in our Islamic era. It is about the era of 8th century.

During this period, Muslim scientists mentioned the benefits of herbs and their uses and for this there is also an excellent book by Ibn Sina, which shows that the use of herbs in the region of the subcontinent.

It is glory this Islamic era. And this book remained a source of guidance for the Muslims and people of the subcontinent.

• Canon of Medicine

Modern Era

There has been a huge interest in the use of natural herbs in the present day. People are again attracted to the use of natural herbs. Because many herbal medicines have been made in Pakistan. It has been seen that people are using herbal medicines in many teas and other recipes to improve their health.

Create a table comparing the benefits and side effects of modern medicines vs. herbal medicines for common ailments (e.g., cold, headache)

Modern medicine and herbal medicine have their advantages and disadvantages as well. If we are talking about common diseases specifically, we will tell it like this in table form.

Treatment	Benefits	Side Effects
Herbal Medicines	It provides natural Treatment who is not speedy.	There may be Allergies from some herbs.
	It have additional healthy benefits.	It takes time to show effects.
	Herbs are more Affordable. As there are some herbs in my kitchen at this time too.	A person should have some digestive issues like bloating and acidity.
	It is holistic approach to our health.	There may be standardize lackness in dosages.
Modern Medicines	these are scientifically proven.	Acidity and other digestive issues.
	It provides immediate relief.	A person face Drowsiness.
	Such medicines are easily available.	It is harmful for prolonged use.
	It is always centric like only helpful for targeted ailment.	There may have allergic reactions.
	It have standardized dosages.	It have interactions with other medicines that is harmful for health.

For Instance, let's make a table for common health. Let's suppose Stomach and Cold. These are common ailments, that's why I choose to show the effects of benefits and side effects of both Modern Medicines and Herbal Medicines.

Cold	Herbal Medicines	Modern Medicines
	It provides a slow relief and Drowsiness	It provides immediate relief.
	It improve overall health. I mean it's not centric or targetted. It have contradictory effects and having natural Treatment.	It is centric and targetted and only use for specific ailments.
Stomach	It has natural effects but a person should have to face digestive system.	As usually it will provide immediate relief. But there will be some issues like acidity. And it depends on the dose.
	A person must have proper balanced food. And improper use of food will be harmful.	A person should use it for long time. But it's effective.

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.

The biggest advantage of herbal medicines is that they are available in our kitchen, so now I did not face any difficulty in making this post because these things were available in my house.

^{Three herbs that I taken from my Kitchen}

I have selected Coriander, Ginger and Turmeric, now I will let you know about their health benefits and then recipes where we can use these herbs.

Ginger

• It has also anti oxidants and anti inflammatory effects.

• It prevents from clotting.

• It is helpful is digestive issues.

• It is helpful in weight loss.

• It is helpful in heat burns.

• It prevents us from seasonal diseases like influenza, cold , flu etc.

• It is also helpful in muscle fatigue and give us relief from body pain too.

• It is helpful in boosting out immunity.

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Recipes

Ginger Tea all time my favorite. Cut the ginger in slices and put in utensil. Add water in utensil. Boil the water with the slices of ginger. We can add honey or lemon in it for more soothing effects. This is most common tea that we use in our daily life.

2 years back, I have shared a complete recipe of Ginger tea on Steemit. Even I have used some other dried herbs too. Here you can find it . Let me share you old pics of recipes.

^{These three images are already used on Steemit. I have shared for this purpose that you people can learn a complete recipe there. link is here}

Green Coriander

• It is necessary for our Digestive system. I use it in my cooking too with not only flavourful our dishes but also give us overall health.

• It has anti-inflammatory effects. As we know there are more heart patients in our country so it is best for them to use it in daily use. Because it gives us suport to our heart health too.

• It has anti oxidants properties too. It means it is useful to reduce stress. It will freshen us. So use it if you are in a depression.

• It has Vitamin A, C and K. It minerals like magnesium and potassium.

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Recipes

We can make Coriander Chutney this will not freshen us our taste buds but also provides Vitamins A, C and K and will give us suport to our health too.

• We have to blend green, fresh coriander with green chilies. Then we will add the lemon use and then this chutney will be ready to enjoy.

• There is another recipe too, last time I made rice with coriander. Honestly Speaking it was so tasteful. And as well as healthy for our Digestive system too.

Turmeric

• It is helpful for all skin treatment. Being a girl I use it for my skin issues too.

• It has curcumin that's why it is use for Arthritis. Even my grandmother still make paste of turmeric for injuries. When I have any injury or accident our grandmother use it for treatment.

• It has powerful anti oxidant that prevents is from cell damaging.

• It support liver functions and also boost our Immunity.

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Recipes

Turmeric is used in so many recipes. Like we use it in our curries , rice . Let me share you one recipe with you.

Turmeric Tea Add water in a bowl. Now add 1 spoon of turmeric in it and boil it. Now add honey and now our soothing drink is ready for enjoy.

Write about the different forms of the herbs.

There are different forms of herbs are found in our region. Let me discuss some forms of the Herbs.

Fresh Herbs

This is the most important and natural form of herbs in which directly from the plants, we get herbs like green Coriander, ginger, mint, lemon etc.

This form of herb is also the most nutritious as it comes directly from the plant so its benefits are also high as it retains its aroma.

If we talk about their use, we can use them in different ways like we can make ginger tea. Ginger can be used in our food, green coriander can be used for rice. They can be used for salads. Even we can made different drinks and consumed in this way, nutrition is always maintained in this form.

Dried Herbs

Most of the herbs are also available in dry form. In which, we preserve various herbs by drying them in air or sun so that we can use it for a long time. It is also said that the nutrition is preserved too.

We use dry herbs in soups etc. We can keep in our homes for long time use. There are also other examples of our dried herbs. Like celery, cinnamon, fennel, we keep all these herbs stored in our homes.

Powder

In this form of herbs we dry the herbs and grind them. Then we store them in the form of powder and this also preserves the nutrients. We use it in our daily meals to enjoy the pleasure. For example, ginger powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder etc.

Oils

There are many herbs from that we extract oils such as mustard oil, black pepper oil, aloe vera and many other oils etc. We extract it from herbs that not only make us smell good but also our skin, mind and health fit and sound.

Extracts

There are many herbs whose juice is extracted and preserved and then used. Because it is known that it works quickly like we still have rose extract in our homes which keeps our face and skin soft and smooth.

Capsules, Tablets

There are many herbs whose taste we don't like. So we make their powder. Then use it in capsule or pill form. These are for immediate and easy use.

Infusion

In this form we put many herbs in a sealed container and soak it in water or boil it and seal it and then use it for a long time. Nowadays, there are many nutritionists who are suggesting that many herbs which are very important for our health and skin.

Pastes and Ointments

A lot of herbs are used as a paste which is used more for wounds. If there are some skin problems, it is also used for this. This is a method by which we can save the herbs and use them.

So here, I have presented you different forms of herbs with explanation and also there are many forms in which we can preserve herbs. Every form has its own benefits.

Pick one herb and research any potential side effects and how to avoid them۔

Above we have discussed about many benefits of different herbs. We also know that excessive consumption of anything always leads to danger. It's time to submit a Safety Report. Let me share it with you.

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Research on a Herb that I picked : Turmeric

I picked turmeric here because this herb is most commonly used in our homes. It is in dry powder form that we use most of the time in our homes. In almost every food we use it. Therefore, I have chosen turmeric for research.

Let me tell you about its use, it's side effects by its excessive use, and then how they can be avoided. In a nut shell, I'm going to present a Safety Report. Best solution is that use everything in a Balanced Way.

Irritation of the stomach and acidity/digestive system

Excessive consumption of turmeric causes irritation and acidity in the stomach and that affects our digestive system a lot, so we should avoid its excessive consumption.

People who have stomach problems should avoid using turmeric. So it's very important whenever you use turmeric, use it in milk so that it is beneficial for you and you can avoid its dangers.

Skin allergies

Nowadays it is seen that most of the females use turmeric for their skin problems by making different pastes. It's excessive use can cause many skin problems.

So avoid using it in excess and as a precaution whenever you need to use turmeric for skin problems, first apply a small amount of it on your skin and check it thoroughly. If you are not allergic to it, then use it wisely.

Blood thinning effects

Excessive consumption of turmeric thins our blood and also makes it difficult to absorb iron. Many pregnant women or lactating women should stay away from its use as it thins the blood and also causes hormonal problems with excessive use of turmeric. Therefore, such women should stay away from turmeric as much as possible.

Kidney stones

Turmeric contains a chemical that can cause kidney stones. Therefore, avoid excessive consumption of turmeric and especially those who have kidney stones should consume more water so that its oxalate chemical does not become a part of their body for a long time and along with water they keep going out.

Turmeric has many benefits which we have discussed above but its excessive use can also lead us to many possible dangers as I have just presented a Safety report to you. Let me advice you that ever consult your doctor periodically and avoid excessive use of turmeric.

Thank you professor @afzalqamar for guiding us in a very effective and detailed way. I have enjoyed this lesson and put my efforts to complete my task. It's time to invite my friends @suboohi, @sualeha and @steemdoctor1. Thank you!

Herbal Medicines Students,
Aalia Rubab 🌿 🍀