Done by : Farah Ata Hourani

Herbalism

Contents:

1. Definition of Herbalism2. Herbs against diseases • Weight loss• Diabetes• Quit Smoking• Sleep Aids3. Herbs for skin care4. Risks to health5. Conclusion6. References

Definition of herbalism:- Herbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk medicine based on the use of plants and plant extracts. It is also known herbal medicine or herbology .

- The scope of herbal medicine is sometimes extended to include fungal ,bee products, minerals and certain animal parts.

**Herbs against diseases like:

1- Weight Loss:herbal supplements are thought to work for weight loss, increasing

metabolism , increasing fat burning, and mood enhancement . These

herbs are:

1- Green Tea

2- Cayenne

3- bitter Orange

Green Tea

Green Tea contains caffeine and is reputed to aid weight

loss amongst other health claims. It is also a rich source

of antioxidants.

Reputed to aid weight loss based on the principle of the heat of the plant matter.

Cayenne

Bitter OrangeIt contains beta antagonists which are known to cause body fat loss also to increase metabolism in those who are combining exercise and diet to lose weight. **( Bitter orange should be used with caution if you have heart disease or high blood pressure).

2- Diabetes:

The natural herbs for diabetes treatment focus on lowering blood sugar and reducing the damaging effects of the disease. Such herbs are:1-Cinnamon

2-Bitter Melon

Cinnamon - It has an active ingredient (MHCP)which is used to

increase the body’s cells’ sensitivity to insulin. This helps improve the efficiency of insulin and increase the conversion of glucose to energy.

- It also has anti-oxidant properties that help to reduce the damaging effects of diabetes.

Bitter Melon :- Its blood sugar lowering capabilities has attracted diabetics to this herbal supplements for centuries. -Charantin, one of the active ingredients in Bitter melon, has similar effects to many hypoglycemic drugs used in diabetes treatment.

3- Quit Smoking: It is essential to know that there are natural herbs to stop smoking and that not only will help you through this transition but will also assist in recapturing good health. These herbs are :

1- Oat Straw

2- Valerian

Oat Straw Oat Straw is also found in combination with the seed of

this popular herb, and is one of the best documented nerve tonics in use by herbalists and a popular herbal remedy to quit smoking. It can be taken as a fluid extract or as a tea.

Valerian -It is used to increase deep sleep and to relax , it contains antidepressant which is valuable in reducing symptoms of anxiety and fear. By reducing your anxiety levels, you will also reduce the need to smoke.

-Herbs mentioned above with Antioxidant vitamins such as A, C, E in combination with a quality B Complex vitamin are essential support for people who smoke.

4- Sleep Aids (Insomnia ) : Herbs to help you sleep are only a part of the overall treatment. The use of nutrition, herbal remedies, and finding and addressing the underlying cause of the condition with your health care practitioner, will lead to better health, both physically and mentally.

Herbs that are useful in this case:

1- Valerian 2- chamomile

Valerian:Valerian is the most popular herb for insomnia and it is the natural source of Valium. It eases nervous tension, muscle tension and anxiety. It can be used as an occasional treatment for restlessness.Advice: high doses of this herb can cause headaches, dizziness, and weakened heartbeat . Due to the tonic and relaxant effect it should not be taken when driving and It should not be combined with pharmaceutical medicines that have similar effects.

Chamomile:

Chamomile has been used for centuries as a herbal sleep aid. It is a very gentle herb and is considered safe both for adults and children. As a herb for insomnia is most often drunk as a tea, which has a mild, pleasant flavor. It has a mild soothing effect which aids sleep and reduces restlessness. It also has a positive effect on digestion.

Herbs for skin care• Chamomile• Cornflower• Lavender flowers• Lemon Balm• Peppermint Leaves• Rosemary• Aloe Vera

Chamomile

(From flowers):1- Chamomile herbs have well known sedative and relaxing properties. 2- Used in skin and hair care for its cleansing and soothing benefit. 3-Good for sensitive and irritated skin. Good also for scalp irritations.

Corn Flower(From flowers):1- Used as a Face Toner for its soothing and astringent

effect on the skin.2- It has antibacterial as well as antioxidant properties

and is successful when included in Eye products such as Gels, since it has a gentle astringent effect, but also soothes inflamed and irritated skin.

3- It is very successful when used for washing out wounds and for mouth ulcers.

Lavender Flowers

(From Flowers):1- Lavender is considered to be Beauty product. Lavender

has many sedative compounds that can penetrate the skin.

2- Good for normal and dry skin, Lavender is used as a tonic for all types of skin.

3- It can also be used in Deodorant

Lemon Balm[Whole plant (leaves)]:1- Effective in Creams and Toners for mildly oily skin,

cleanses and closes open pores.

2- It has an astringent and soothing effect when used as a Face Toner or Facial Steam for tired, sensitive skin.

Peppermint Leaves1- Peppermint cools, refreshes and stimulates. 2- It is considered to restore elasticity to the

skin, to close pores, reduce swellings, counteract bad smells, reduce redness and irritation.

3-It is good for oily and large pored complexions.

Rosemary(From Leaves):1- Rosemary is used as a fragrant additive in soaps and

other cosmetics.2- Rosemary added to a bath to strengthen and

refreshes, especially when used following an illness.3- Considered to stimulate blood circulation and to

restore elasticity to the skin, Rosemary is also effective for lifeless and oily skin, for blackheads and spots (antibacterial).

Aloe Vera

1- It is rich of vitamin E, C, zinc and many other beneficial substances in it, which are extremely beneficial for health and skin.

2- It can be used to soothe the skin from sunburn and heat infections because of its cooling properties.

3- Aloe Vera gel can be used as a heeling agent. It heals wounds and injuries too.

Risks of Herbs on Health • Many consumers believe that herbal medicines are

safe because they are natural and that is wrong. Herbal medicines may interact with synthetic drugs causing toxicity to the patient.

• Advice:Please have in mind that you should always educate your self about the herbs before you start using them. It is always a good idea to consult your health provider before taking herbal supplements or herbs.

ConclusionNowadays, Herbalism has played an important role in our life. Many people has come back to traditional medicine because of its great benefits.I learnt from this useful subject that herbalism is a very big world full of plants ,herbs and even parts of animals .And although it has great advantages, it also has side effects if we took it in over doses or if we took it with certain kinds of drugs so we should be careful and educate our selves about herbs.

For more informationVisit:

• www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/herbal-healing-for-women.html

• www.aromantic.co.uk/herbs.htm

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