Western Herbal Medicine

Western Herbal Medicine

Western Herbal Medicine

Introduction

Herbal medicine, a part of alternative and complementary medicine, is the usage of herbs and plant extracts as a therapeutic option for various diseases and medical conditions. The use of herbal medicine dates back to centuries. However, herb use as curative elements is only recently accepted by the medical community. Herbalists claim that many plants and herbs contain chemicals that may help in the healing process.

Herbal medicine could be sub-divided in three forms: Traditional Chinese Medicine (popularly known as TCM), Western Herbal Medicine, and Ayurvedic Herbalism. Herbal medicines are holistic in nature. That is, they do not explicitly target a specific disease symptom. Instead, they initiate a whole body rejuvenation process. Although there is a dearth of scientific evidence to claim the efficacies of drugs, many studies that deal with herbal trials showed favourable results (Der, 1988). Herbal efficacies are particularly established for infectious diseases and skin disorders. In addition, numerous herbs are widely recognised to help ailment of chronic diseases, as well. Some of the diseases where herbal treatment brought impressive results include temper colds, heart failure, and mild depression (without the help of the conventional drug Prozac). The herbs used to treat these medical conditions included Echinacea, St. John's wort, and Hawthorn berries.

This paper proposes a comprehensive research into 'Western Herbal Medicine'. The subject is of particular interest especially as it relates to the Western world, where little cognizance of herbal therapy and herbal modes of treatment exist. The framework for this proposal is presented under the following diagram:

Proposal Framework

Relevant Research Studies

The use of herbal medicine is a subject of many research studies to date. In fact, herbal medicine is increasingly gaining popularity in the Western world recently. Some of the relevant research studies under this subject are discussed here:

1. According to a research study titled' Botanical flavonoids on coronary heart disease; the herbal flavonoids potentially contain chemical properties that may help prevent Ischemic heart disease (IHD). IHD stands on the top of death causes especially amongst the western countries. According to the authors of this study, flavonoid consumption is closely related to prevention of various cardiovascular anomalies. Flavonoids are not only found naturally in herbs; but many fruits and vegetables have some flavonoid content in them. The authors are optimistic about further research into the health benefits of flavonoid use (Wang et al 2011).

2. In another study titled 'Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future' the researchers found the therapeutic possibilities of the medical herb 'Chamomile'. The herb is used as medication since prehistory and is still population among the healthcare community in various countries. Chamomile is reported to contain different phytochemical whose bioactive responses lead to beneficial effects. Specifically, the herb is recommended for improvement in cardiovascular activity and stimulation of the body's immune system. A strengthened immune system may reduce the cancer risk, as well (Srivastava et al 2010).

3. According to a journal article titled 'Olive oil consumption, plasma oleic acid, and stroke incidence' published ...