Natural medicine Prepared by: Emilia Zając VII D OUTLINE • Definition & history • Herbalism • Herbal treatments • Effects of herbal medicines • Should herbal medicine continue being used? • Conclusion DEFINITIONS - The term “natural medicine” refers to practices and knowledge that existed before the arrival of modern conventional medicine which were used to promote, maintain and restore health and well-being - In industrialized countries, adaptations of natural medicine are termed “Complementary” or “Alternative”(CAM) DEFINITIONS - Worldwide, people developed unique indigenous healing traditions adapted and defined by their culture, beliefs and environment, which satisfied the health needs of communities over centuries. - In Western culture, alternative medicine is any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine" - In some instances, it is based on historical or cultural traditions, rather than a scientific (e.g. evidence-based) basis - However critics to this definition exist HISTORY - The use of medicinal plants dates at least to the Paleolithic, approximately 60,000 years ago. - The earliest known Greek herbals were those of Diocles of Carystus, written during the 3rd century B.C, and one by Krateuas from the 1st century B.C. - In ancient Egypt, herbs are mentioned in Egyptian Medical papyri, represented in tomb or on rare occasions found in medical jars. - Ancient Chinese describe medicinal uses for plants as early as 3,000 BC. - Herbs were also common in the medicine of ancient India, where the principal treatment for diseases. CHINESE HERBALISM The History of Chinese Herbalism • Chinese started using Herbalism since the stone age • Natural Chinese medicine dated back to the period of Huang Di Nei Jing • It was dramatically improving since the development of Chinese nation THE PRINCIPLE OF YIN AND YANG The concept of Yin and Yang is deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy (Miller, 2003; Watts, 1999). AYURVEDIC HERBALISM (AYURVEDA) Ayurveda is a medical system primarily practiced in India that has been known for nearly 5000 years. Concept of Ayurveda - To promote good health - Longevity - Beauty WESTERN HERBALISM - is a form of healing art that draw from herbal traditions of Europe and the Americas - is based on - physicians and herbalists clinical experience and traditional knowledge of medicinal - pharmocognosy HERBAL TREATMENTS The way of herbal treatments Herbal medicine used of natural products that are derived from natural source: - Plants - Animal and Micro-organism Type of plants using Plant regarded as the medicines that have their own ability to synthesize a wide variety of chemical compounds. - Whole plant using - Herb combining - Diagnosis Usage of Animal Blood or Micro organisms in herbal medicine Freshly or clear blood can treat the disease: - Found in animal’s blood (ox, cow…etc.) - Transfusion POSITIVE EFFECTS OF HERBAL MEDICINE • Reduced Risk of side effects • Low cost • Widespread availability NEGTIVE EFFECTS OF HERBAL MEDICINE • Inappropriate for many conditions • Poison risk associated with wild herb • Lack of regulation CONCLUSION • Herbal medicine has been used since 60,000 years ago. • Three kinds of herbalism: Ayurvedic herbalism,Chinese herbalism and Western herbalism. • Herbal medicine is good for curing ill-health, and its negative effect is usually derived from poor administration • Herbal medicine should be promoted, but it needs better law enforcement.
