Guide to Natural Cures: Through Herbs

The world has witnessed an unprecedented resurgence of interest in herbs during last two decades. This is a part of a global movement towards a natural lifestyle. An intricate and extensive herbal science evolved through ages. In fact ,the art and science of wholesome living, known as ayurveda, originated in the Himalayas when many highly evolved souls worked together to determine ways and means for mankind to live fulfilling healthy and long lives.

Herbs have been referred to even ancient Indian scriptures. In the Rigveda, the oldest of the Vedas( Indian scriptures), there is an entire hymn in praise of herbs, invoking the healing power.The yajurveda also mentions many plants, but the most detailed account of herbs is in the youngest of the Vedas- Atharvaveda.

In the time of Gautama Buddha, herbs were used extensively in Indian and neighbouring countries. The Buddha, who taught compassion for all beings, supported the study and practice of herbal medicine. In fact, Buddhists added a new knowledge and practised it, along with their religion, in many different countries. In 326 BC, when Alexander the Great invaded northern India, he was so impressed with Indian herbalists that on his departure, he insisted on including some of them in his retinue. For centuries, Europe had coveted Indian spices and herbs and had been trading for them, but with the advent of the British in India, the traditional Indian system of medicine suffered a decline. As a result, only western medicine was recognizes as legitimate and the eastern system was actively discouraged.

Today there is a tremendous international interest in Indian herbs and these are being exported. The human body has a natural affinity to plants which are healthier and more easily adsorbed as compared to chemicals. Modern research proves that herbs, while being very effective are also mild and soothing. The indiscriminate use of any medicinal product is harmful, be it a drug or a herb. However if one misuses a herb, the result relatively minor and generally over in a short span of a day or so, that it takes for the body to eliminate the residues of the herbs from the system. This is more difficult with synthetic drugs and chemicals. The body is not easily able to eliminate a drug from cells and tissues, nor is proper assimilation possible, so the drug circulates in the body, creating a toxin burden that impairs the vital organic physiological process.

The main methods of herbal preparations:

There are five basic methods of preparations:

1) Fresh juice- The herb is crushed and juice is extracted with a juicer or by pressing through a cloth. This is recommended for fresh, juicy herbs. For dried herbs, its powder is added to twice it weight in water and allowed it to set for eight hrs and then strained.

2) Paste or powder- Crushing a dried herb produces a powder , a paste is produced when the herb is crushed with a liquid.

3) Decoction - When the herb is hard or woody it is simmered in water for 15 to 30 minutes to ensure that the active ingredient enter the water. The herbs are heated over a low flame until the water is reduced to half or quarter of its original amount to make a stronger decoction.

4) Hot infusion - In order to extract the essence of delicate leaves and petals in water, since lengthy boiling destroys and dissipates the aromatic oil.The method is same as making tea the ratio of herbs to water is 1: 8.

5) Cold infusion - The herb is added to 8 parts of water, allowed to stand for 6 to 8 hrs or overnight then squeezed and strained.

Additional methods of preparation:

1) Herbal jams and confections

2) Herbal wines

3) Herbal oils

4) Herbal hair oils

5) Herbal ghee

Routes of administration:

Nose- Herbs are used in nasal drops or powders or their smokes is inhaled or as in aroma therapy, the fragrance of plants, particularly essential oils enter the blood stream and has a salutary effect on body and mind mechanism.

Eyes- Herbal preparations as eye drops, oils and ointment are applied around the eyes.

Ears- Pure herbal oil that have medicinal values are inserted in the ears. These may be used to fill the ear cavity.

Anus - Herbal enemas, which may be in the form of decoctions or herbal oils are administered.

Vagina - Herbal douches perform a cleansing and healing function. Tampons soaked in herbal oils are inserted.

Skin - Herbal oils, packs and poultices are applied externally on the skin.

Dosage:

The dosage varies according to an individual's constitution, age,digestive capacity and strength, as well as the nature of disease, the potency of the medicine and the season.There is always an exception in general rule regarding dosage. Women generally require smaller doses than men. Children and infants require very small quantities.

Times of administration:

Most tonics are taken in morning on fairly empty stomach. They are usually taken with honey or followed by a cup of milk. Herbs which increase the appetite and stimulate the gastric juices are taken before meals while those which help in digestion are taken with meal or after meals. Tranquilising herbs to promote better sleep are taken at night, an hour or so before going to bed. Herbal wines are normally taken after meals and should not be taken on an empty stomach. Purgative herbs should be taken at bed time, but may also be taken in the morning for those who rise early or go to bed late. Herbs may also be had in between meal times to help speed up the body metabolism. In acute conditions , herbal preparations can be taken every few minutes.