HOME REMEDIES
The plants that you see around your farmlands, homes and even offices
are of great importance to the man who knows their uses, but to a
layman, these are ordinary weeds to be removed and burnt. Many of
these so-called ‘weeds’ serves as food and medicine for both man and
animals. Or haven’t you noticed that dogs run into small bushes to
chew a handful of weeds when they are sick?
Even chickens know what plant to eat and get a cure (hence the name
‘chickweed’; ‘dog grass’ etc). Some animals chew some special kinds of
leaves during labour. In a recent observation, chimpanzees were found
chewing the leaves of Vernoniaamygladina(Bitter leaf) whenever they
had a stomach upset. In His infinite grace and mercy, the Almighty,
Jehovah has provided us with herbs for food and medicine to heal all
manners of diseases and it’s only for us to understand and recognize
them.
The tropical rain-forest consists of millions of species many of which
have been studied for their efficacy and toxicity. Today, different
companies are packaging many of these plants parts after processing
and these products are highly in demand. Regardless of one’s education
and financial status, investing in medicinal plants not only put money
in to your pocket, it also helps you, your family and friends to save
money from hospital visits.
CLASSES OF HERBS& THEIR MEDICINAL ACTIONS.
Medicinal plants can be classified into different groups on the basis
of their chemical composition and their effect on the body. Below are
the basic classes;-
BITTERS are herbs that are used to promote liver functions,
they are used in sluggish digestion, constipation, diabetes, skin
conditions, etc.
STIMULANTS are those used to stimulate or to increase the
normal functioning of particular organs, thus there are stimulants for
digestive, circulation, hormones etc.
SEDATIVES are herbs that slow down the nervous system and are
used in controlling excessive brain activity especially when it is
damaging to health.
RELAXANTS are those that calm the organs and muscles of the
body, unlike sedatives that only calms the brain, relaxants calm the
body.
ANTISPASMODICS are related to relaxants, but more specific as
they are used in calming muscular spasms, cramps and other localized
spasms. Many antispamodic herbs are used as relaxants.
DIURETIC are herbs that increases the flow of urine, they are
useful in kidney malfunction, many foods are also diuretic eg.
Taraxacum, Eupatoruim and Celery.
HYPO\HYPERTENSIVES are those used in the treatment of raised
or lowered blood pressure.
CARDIOACTIVES: are herbs used in treating heart failure,
angina, clots or thrombosis
LAXATIVES; are used in the elimination of waste i.e. bowel movement.
EMETICS are herbs that stimulate vomiting, can be life saving
in cases of poisoning
ANTI-EMETICS are used to suppress vomiting especially used in
travel and morning sickness. E.g. Ginger, Mentha, etc.
CARMINATIVES are those used in digestive complains, especially
for wind and colic. These are usually rich in aromatic oils. Eg.
Ginger, Tumeric, Dill, etc
ANTIBIOTICS are used to combat bacteria. Anti-viral used to
destroy viruses. Antiseptic combats infection. Anti-fungal against
fungi ,
ANTHEMINTICS are used in the removal of worms
EXPECTORANTS\ANTITUSSIVES are used to stop unproductive coughs
(i.e. irritating coughs) while expectorants helps soften thick mucus
in the lungs or airways and then expel it,
DIAPHORETICS are used to encourage sweating, a natural
function that is very useful in certain ailments. It is used in
promoting fever and then for control.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: These are herbs used in controlling
inflammations as seen in rheumatoid arthritis and eczema. Most bitters
are anti-inflammatory.
ALTERATIVES: are herbs used in conditions with tissue
congestion or reduced immune functions. They have the effects of
altering the nutrition and waste elimination of tissue and organs so
their metabolic function is enhanced to a more normal level. They are
associated with depuratives i.e. plants with the action of cleansing
the blood.
UTERINE HERBS include emenagoguesie herbs used to encourage
menstruation, they cause miscarriages. Useful uterine actions of herbs
include reducing excessive menstrual flow, relaxing contractions,
increasing pelvic blood flow, and lymph drainage to reduce congestion.
HORMONAL: They either stimulate glands to release hormones or
provide look-alike chemicals so the body thinks there are more
hormones available than the gland is releasing.
ANTIPURITICS are herbs used to reduced itching especially
during wound healing or from liver diseases to allergies and stings .
DEMULCENT\EMOLLIENTS: Demulcents protect tissues from
irritation and soothes them, while emollients soften and protects.
They are symptomatic treatments but are very efficient. They are
mostly mucilaginous herbs
RUBIFACIENTS: It is heating and causes the local blood vessels
to dilate and more blood rushes into the area. They are useful on
sprains, arthritic joints, torn muscles etc. Many are rich in
essential oils hence their strong aromas.
ANODYNES: These are herbal pain killers that either sedate or
anesthetize the local nerves,
WOUND HEALERS They are herbs used to speed wound healing; they
include antiseptic. blood dispensers, anti-inflammators, etc.
METHODS OF PREPARATION
Tea or infusion: this method involves the infusion of the dried
leaves in hot water. It should not be boiled as some plants lose their
active components during boiling.
Decoction: this is the extraction of the active ingredient by
boiling, it is especially used in boiling hard plant parts like the
stem and roots or for boiling a combination of plants with the same
medicinal properties example malarial herbs when combined together.
Some plants that cannot be taken in the fresh form should be boiled,
example is African mistletoes.
Alcoholic tinctures: this method involves the soaking of the plant
in alcohol popularly called gin. The disadvantage is that the dosage
may be very high and alcohol is a highly intoxicating solvent. This is
a dangerous method and not recommended except in rare cases.
Here the medicinal ingredient is added to petrolatum or olive oil
and used to rub the affected area.
Bath lotion. The active component is added to the bath water and
used to wash the whole body as in the case of Ocimumspp, Lavender and
thyme used to cure skin infections like eczema or ringworms.
This involves the introduction of liquid into the large intestine
through the anus by the use of a rubber irrigator or enema can. It is
useful in evacuating the rectum in the case of extreme constipation,
hemorrhoids, and anal inflammations; and it prevents colon cancer.
Food supplements. This comes in the form of capsules/syrups. It
involves the combination of herbs with similar properties..
Dosage of Herbal Products.
This is the administration or determinationofa measured amount of a
drug, or the determination of the correct amount for a particular body
weight of a person. It must be determined according to the active
part used. Herbal doses cannot be measured to precision like other
pharmaceutical preparations; however, the rules of administration are
as follows;
Infusions: 20g – 30g of dry plant (leaves) per litre of water is
equivalent to a teaspoon (2g) per cup (150ml) of water.
Decoctions or Cold extracts: 30g – 50g of dry plant (stem bark or
root) per litres of water is equivalent to a teaspoon and should be
taken 3 – 4 times a day.
For easy absorption, storage and usage; grind the dry plant part into
powder form and use the following dosage for administration;
Volume Flowers or leaves Bark, roots or rhizomes
1 teaspoon=5ml 1g 3g
2 teaspoons =10ml 2g 5g
1 tablespoon=15ml 4g 10g
1 pinch=2ml 0.5g 1.5g
1 handful=20ml 5g 12g
Dosage is reduced significantly for children depending on age and body
weight. Some can be half of the dosage for adults or a quarter of the
dosage. Herbal teas can be sweetened with honey or molasses or cane
sugar as the all come from plant sources and also contains vitamins
and minerals. However, herbal for vermifuges functions (de-worming)
should never be sweetened. Flavors can also be enhanced by using a
slice of lemon.
Two or more plants with the same function can be combined for greater
effects, but the properties of these plants must be known to be
compatible. All ground herbs must be stored in bottles or capsules
not plastics as this deteriorates the chemical composition.
are of great importance to the man who knows their uses, but to a
layman, these are ordinary weeds to be removed and burnt. Many of
these so-called ‘weeds’ serves as food and medicine for both man and
animals. Or haven’t you noticed that dogs run into small bushes to
chew a handful of weeds when they are sick?
Even chickens know what plant to eat and get a cure (hence the name
‘chickweed’; ‘dog grass’ etc). Some animals chew some special kinds of
leaves during labour. In a recent observation, chimpanzees were found
chewing the leaves of Vernoniaamygladina(Bitter leaf) whenever they
had a stomach upset. In His infinite grace and mercy, the Almighty,
Jehovah has provided us with herbs for food and medicine to heal all
manners of diseases and it’s only for us to understand and recognize
them.
The tropical rain-forest consists of millions of species many of which
have been studied for their efficacy and toxicity. Today, different
companies are packaging many of these plants parts after processing
and these products are highly in demand. Regardless of one’s education
and financial status, investing in medicinal plants not only put money
in to your pocket, it also helps you, your family and friends to save
money from hospital visits.
CLASSES OF HERBS& THEIR MEDICINAL ACTIONS.
Medicinal plants can be classified into different groups on the basis
of their chemical composition and their effect on the body. Below are
the basic classes;-
BITTERS are herbs that are used to promote liver functions,
they are used in sluggish digestion, constipation, diabetes, skin
conditions, etc.
STIMULANTS are those used to stimulate or to increase the
normal functioning of particular organs, thus there are stimulants for
digestive, circulation, hormones etc.
SEDATIVES are herbs that slow down the nervous system and are
used in controlling excessive brain activity especially when it is
damaging to health.
RELAXANTS are those that calm the organs and muscles of the
body, unlike sedatives that only calms the brain, relaxants calm the
body.
ANTISPASMODICS are related to relaxants, but more specific as
they are used in calming muscular spasms, cramps and other localized
spasms. Many antispamodic herbs are used as relaxants.
DIURETIC are herbs that increases the flow of urine, they are
useful in kidney malfunction, many foods are also diuretic eg.
Taraxacum, Eupatoruim and Celery.
HYPO\HYPERTENSIVES are those used in the treatment of raised
or lowered blood pressure.
CARDIOACTIVES: are herbs used in treating heart failure,
angina, clots or thrombosis
LAXATIVES; are used in the elimination of waste i.e. bowel movement.
EMETICS are herbs that stimulate vomiting, can be life saving
in cases of poisoning
ANTI-EMETICS are used to suppress vomiting especially used in
travel and morning sickness. E.g. Ginger, Mentha, etc.
CARMINATIVES are those used in digestive complains, especially
for wind and colic. These are usually rich in aromatic oils. Eg.
Ginger, Tumeric, Dill, etc
ANTIBIOTICS are used to combat bacteria. Anti-viral used to
destroy viruses. Antiseptic combats infection. Anti-fungal against
fungi ,
ANTHEMINTICS are used in the removal of worms
EXPECTORANTS\ANTITUSSIVES are used to stop unproductive coughs
(i.e. irritating coughs) while expectorants helps soften thick mucus
in the lungs or airways and then expel it,
DIAPHORETICS are used to encourage sweating, a natural
function that is very useful in certain ailments. It is used in
promoting fever and then for control.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: These are herbs used in controlling
inflammations as seen in rheumatoid arthritis and eczema. Most bitters
are anti-inflammatory.
ALTERATIVES: are herbs used in conditions with tissue
congestion or reduced immune functions. They have the effects of
altering the nutrition and waste elimination of tissue and organs so
their metabolic function is enhanced to a more normal level. They are
associated with depuratives i.e. plants with the action of cleansing
the blood.
UTERINE HERBS include emenagoguesie herbs used to encourage
menstruation, they cause miscarriages. Useful uterine actions of herbs
include reducing excessive menstrual flow, relaxing contractions,
increasing pelvic blood flow, and lymph drainage to reduce congestion.
HORMONAL: They either stimulate glands to release hormones or
provide look-alike chemicals so the body thinks there are more
hormones available than the gland is releasing.
ANTIPURITICS are herbs used to reduced itching especially
during wound healing or from liver diseases to allergies and stings .
DEMULCENT\EMOLLIENTS: Demulcents protect tissues from
irritation and soothes them, while emollients soften and protects.
They are symptomatic treatments but are very efficient. They are
mostly mucilaginous herbs
RUBIFACIENTS: It is heating and causes the local blood vessels
to dilate and more blood rushes into the area. They are useful on
sprains, arthritic joints, torn muscles etc. Many are rich in
essential oils hence their strong aromas.
ANODYNES: These are herbal pain killers that either sedate or
anesthetize the local nerves,
WOUND HEALERS They are herbs used to speed wound healing; they
include antiseptic. blood dispensers, anti-inflammators, etc.
METHODS OF PREPARATION
Tea or infusion: this method involves the infusion of the dried
leaves in hot water. It should not be boiled as some plants lose their
active components during boiling.
Decoction: this is the extraction of the active ingredient by
boiling, it is especially used in boiling hard plant parts like the
stem and roots or for boiling a combination of plants with the same
medicinal properties example malarial herbs when combined together.
Some plants that cannot be taken in the fresh form should be boiled,
example is African mistletoes.
Alcoholic tinctures: this method involves the soaking of the plant
in alcohol popularly called gin. The disadvantage is that the dosage
may be very high and alcohol is a highly intoxicating solvent. This is
a dangerous method and not recommended except in rare cases.
Here the medicinal ingredient is added to petrolatum or olive oil
and used to rub the affected area.
Bath lotion. The active component is added to the bath water and
used to wash the whole body as in the case of Ocimumspp, Lavender and
thyme used to cure skin infections like eczema or ringworms.
This involves the introduction of liquid into the large intestine
through the anus by the use of a rubber irrigator or enema can. It is
useful in evacuating the rectum in the case of extreme constipation,
hemorrhoids, and anal inflammations; and it prevents colon cancer.
Food supplements. This comes in the form of capsules/syrups. It
involves the combination of herbs with similar properties..
Dosage of Herbal Products.
This is the administration or determinationofa measured amount of a
drug, or the determination of the correct amount for a particular body
weight of a person. It must be determined according to the active
part used. Herbal doses cannot be measured to precision like other
pharmaceutical preparations; however, the rules of administration are
as follows;
Infusions: 20g – 30g of dry plant (leaves) per litre of water is
equivalent to a teaspoon (2g) per cup (150ml) of water.
Decoctions or Cold extracts: 30g – 50g of dry plant (stem bark or
root) per litres of water is equivalent to a teaspoon and should be
taken 3 – 4 times a day.
For easy absorption, storage and usage; grind the dry plant part into
powder form and use the following dosage for administration;
Volume Flowers or leaves Bark, roots or rhizomes
1 teaspoon=5ml 1g 3g
2 teaspoons =10ml 2g 5g
1 tablespoon=15ml 4g 10g
1 pinch=2ml 0.5g 1.5g
1 handful=20ml 5g 12g
Dosage is reduced significantly for children depending on age and body
weight. Some can be half of the dosage for adults or a quarter of the
dosage. Herbal teas can be sweetened with honey or molasses or cane
sugar as the all come from plant sources and also contains vitamins
and minerals. However, herbal for vermifuges functions (de-worming)
should never be sweetened. Flavors can also be enhanced by using a
slice of lemon.
Two or more plants with the same function can be combined for greater
effects, but the properties of these plants must be known to be
compatible. All ground herbs must be stored in bottles or capsules
not plastics as this deteriorates the chemical composition.
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