At the beginning of the twentieth century, plants gradually lost their preeminent position as a source of medicine. In the West, in particular, herbalists gave way to physicians and herbal remedies to chemical and synthetic drugs.
Unrecognized by official medicine, herbal medicine (also known as phytotherapy) is often practiced by quacks. Furthermore, the sale of medicinal plants lacks regulations; consequently, most manufacturers of herbal remedies, categorized as dietary supplements by the US Food and Drug Administration, are not required to prove the safety of their product.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80 percent of the world’s population presently uses herbal medicine and three quarters of the plants that provide active ingredients for prescription drugs came to the attention of researchers because of their use in traditional medicine. Moreover, at least 7,000 medical compounds in the modern pharmacopoeia are derived from plants. Plants have provided us with some of our most effective drugs, including aspirin, made from willow bark, yet only two percent of plants have been explored for manufacturing therapeutic drugs.
Recent studies show that two thirds of traditional medicinal plants are as effective as medical drugs but it is still difficult to get a sound advice. A growing number of people are looking for guidance on the Internet while others believe dishonest ads. Here are some important rules to follow before buying and taking any herbal remedies:
1.) Never believe in the miraculous effects of exotic plants
2.) Avoid food supplements especially those sold on the Internet.
3.) Buy your herbal medicine from certified herbalists or in pharmacies.
4.) Do not believe herbal medicines are safe just because they are natural.
Always inform yourself about potential side effects and any possible interactions with drugs you are already taking. Some herbal remedies may cause severe reactions when they are used in combination with synthetic drugs and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. For example a sudden extreme low blood pressure may be caused by the intake of an herbal medicine together with a prescription drug that has the same effect.
5.) Always consult with your physician about what herbal remedies you are taking.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the UK’s leading agency for research funding and training in economic and social sciences, is striving to educate the public on how plants make a difference in supporting personal and global health.
“Plants could be a perfect focal point for joined-up government thinking on food security, health, industry and climate change,” says Dr. Emma Frow, ESRC research fellow, in a recent publication by the organization. “Scientific advances are creating opportunities for all sorts of new and clever uses for plants as bio-fuels, plastics and bio-factories for chemical or drug production.”
However, a number of plants are at risk of extinction from over-harvesting and deforestation, threatening the discovery of future cures for diseases. The Botanic Gardens International (representing botanic gardens in 120 countries) believes at least 400 medicinal plants are at risk of extinction. The herbs at risk include the American Ginseng, used to improve memory, Echinacea, for treating and preventing the common cold, and Golden Seal, which lowers blood pressure and possesses anti-microbial properties. Many suppliers now mention that their herbs are “wild crafted,” meaning they are carefully taken from nature, leaving adequate amounts in the ground to grow.
