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By Flora McCraith,
MSN Malaysia, 10/2/2009
Alternative natural medicines
Ancient civilizations used plants and roots to treat ane heal people to much success, especially those living within rainforests. MSN Life & Style re-examines this culture to find ways of making it work in the modern world.
Before test tubes, Bunsen burners and laboratories, medicines didn't come in pills or capsules; you plucked them from the trees or dug them up from the ground. And, their efficacy is proven, even in today's world of advanced science. Research shows that there are over 120 prescription drugs that still contain plant extracts. The U.S. National Cancer Institute has also claimed that there are over 3000 plants that have cancer battling properties, and that rainforests have sources within them that contribute toward a quarter of the world’s medicine.
With more and more people preferring alternative medicines, we take a look at some plants and their natural healing ability.
Asam Gelugor
A traditional Malaysian herb, it is used to promote vitality in both men and women and increase metabolism. The plant has also been attributed with anti-inflammatory properties, making it a handy treatment in cases of acne. More recently researchers at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) also found asam gelugor to be an effective appetite suppressant. (source: New Straits Times)
Aloe Vera
This plant has earned itself the title of ‘miracle plant” or ‘elixir of health’ due to its many remedial benefits. Believed to have originated in Africa, it has a well established medicinal record that dates back to the time of Cleopatra. Whether in gel, juice, cream and other forms, the plant is lauded for its many healing influences, especially in burns. Many sunburn relief lotions contain this plant extract. Other beneficial effects include cell regeneration, skin supplementation, aiding the digestive system and also increasing metabolism. On the National Centre for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine website, it was stated that “today, in addition to traditional uses, people take aloe orally to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. People use aloe topically for osteoarthritis, burns, and sunburns”.
Aloe can also in antiseptic creams, medicated shampoos, toothpaste, and body lotions.
Shiitake
There has been lots of research done on the medicinal value of shiitake mushrooms, mainly focused on their anti - tumour properties. The Cancer Institute in Japan identified a compound called lentinan found in these mushrooms, which stimulate immune-system cells to clear the body of tumour cells. Other studies have also shown the effects of the fungi on lowering cholesterol - research conducted in Japan identified a specific amino acid that helps speed up the processing of cholesterol in the liver.
Shiitakes have natural antiviral and immunity-boosting properties and are used nutritionally to fight viruses. The other benefits these mushrooms have include improved immunity, increased production of anti-bodies to fight the liver disease Hepatitis B, and in other crucial studies in Japan, another element found in the shiitake mushroom was found to block HIV cells from reproducing!
Ginseng
Used for thousands of years in Chinese traditional medicine, it is believed to be an energy tonic, providing better levels of alertness. It has a magical reputation for being able to promote health, general body vigour, longevity and treat many ailments including depression, diabetes, fatigue, ageing, inflammations and internal degeneration.
“It is also used orally for depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Pseudomonas infection in cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, swine flu, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, and skin cancer.”
(Source: www.naturaldatabase.com)
Chamomile
This could be called the European equivalent of ginseng. The US National Library of Medicine claims that “chamomile has been used medicinally for thousands of years, and is widely used in Europe. It is a popular treatment for numerous ailments.”
It is a mild relaxant, used to combat the symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is also used to help skin recover from burns and other ailments, as a muscle relaxant and can greatly help soothe menstrual cramps. Some have even turned to it as a remedy for more serious medical ailments like asthma, colic, fevers, inflammations, nausea, nervous complaints, children's ailments, skin diseases and cancer.
Chamomile's reported anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions relax the smooth muscles lining the stomach and intestine. The herb may therefore help to relieve nausea, heartburn, and stress-related flatulence related to irritable bowel syndrome.
Tongkat Ali
Also known as Pasak Bumi, it is said to be one of nature’s testosterone boosters. Used with the principles of ramuan, men have relied upon the ancient herb to retain youthful vitality and virility, which is considered a measure of overall good health. Testosterone is also responsible for the growth and development in male reproductive organs, making tongkat ali helpful with libido and erectile dysfunction.
FRIM's Deputy Director-General of Research, Dr Abdul Rashid Ab Malik, says "Tongkat Ali has male enhancing properties, like a form of steroid, but is safe and natural....the most popular Tongkat Ali products in the market are health drinks, tablets and food supplements.” As such, they have been marketed at bodybuilders as a means to increase strength.
Bupleurum
“Bupleurum (Bupleurum falcatum, Bupleurum fruticescens) has been widely used for over 2,000 years in Asia and is today used today in Japan and China for hepatitis, cirrhosis, and treatment of other conditions associated with inflammation.”
(Source: www.healthline.com)
The roots of this plant are used in Chinese medicine and are a general prescription for common colds with fever. Studies have shown that it has substantial health benefits and can relieve the numerous conditions like those related to the liver. It is also a highly trusted plant in Japanes medicine, used to complains like indigestion, haemorrhoids and also liver dysfunctions. Its medicinal properties are thought to be due to a component called saikosaponins.
Red Buck eye
Not just for medicinal purposes, Red Buck eye was also a meal and good luck charm for the Native Americans. The nuts were thought to be the equivalent of a four-leaf clover for good fortune, and also a cure for rheumatism. Extracts from the inner bark have been used in cerebro spinal treatments.
“Orally, red bush tea is used in cases of HIV infection, preventing cancer, and improving cognitive function." (Source: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.) It has many other medicinal properties that are beneficial. For example, the poultice of the pounded nuts has been used to treat tumours and various infections. It has been used as a stimulant to prevent fainting and as gynaecological aid.
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