Archive for October 4th, 2008

The History Of Herbal Medicine

Saturday, October 4th, 2008

The history of herbal medicine literally goes back to the beginning of civilization. and although it is really impossible to know exactly when herbal medicine history first began, archaeological remains from early civilizations have revealed that plants were used in burials as well as in various other types of rituals.

In comparison, modern medicine only started around 300 years ago, from around the end of the industrial revolution, prior to that Herbal medicine was the only form of medicine known to man., and it was considered as being an integral part of the overall development of civilization. Herbs have been used by all cultures throughout history, and much of the medicinal use of plants seems to have been developed through observations of wild animals and as well by trial and error.

How To describe Herbal Medicine?

As there are many varied civilizations around the world so there are many different types of natural medicine that use herbs as a part of their practice, and herbal medicine is considered as being a type of approach that uses plant or plant-derived preparations in order to treat, prevent or cure various different health conditions and ailments.

This has changed, today, herbal medicine is considered as being a complementary type of therapy, one which uses plants or plant extracts in order to treat illness. There are also many well-established medicines that come from plants, for instance morphine, which comes from poppies, aspirin and willow bark and which is used quite commonly in the modern day.

It is recommended that before you take any herbal medicine yourself, you should be aware of the herbal medicine history and as well you should make a consultation to see an herbalist. This first consultation will typically take around an hour to complete, and during this time they will ask you various questions about your health, including your medical and family history, lifestyle and emotional state.

Understanding The Importance of Herbal Medicine History

Understanding the importance behind herbal medicine history, namely that by understanding the history you will be able to make better use of the various different herbs that are available at your disposal. Herbs offer a variety of benefits that you can use to add to your life, and so you should definitely incorporate them as much as possible.

By studying the history of herbal medicine along with the relevant uses you will be in a better position to discuss with professional naturopaths and herbalists what herbs are best suited for your requirements. With more and more modern research being carried out on herbal medicines, there is a realization of their complimentary nature. Herbal medicines are now becoming recognized by modern medicine as a valuable adjunct to the overall healing process.

How Graviola is giving hope to cancer patients

Saturday, October 4th, 2008

Graviola, also known as soursop, guanabana, or Brazilian Paw Paw, is an evergreen tree found in tropical areas of North and South America. The heart-shaped fruit, along with leaves, roots, and stems, has been used in traditional herbal medicine in native cultures for many years. Graviola is a fruit tree native to North and South America and the Caribbean, where it is known by such names as Paw-Paw, Soursop, and Guanabana. The species native to South America is the Guanabana tree, and it is prized for its fruit, which is used in drinks, ice cream, and marmalades. Graviola is a small, upright evergreen tree growing 5 to 6 meters in height with large dark green and glossy leaves. It is indigenous to most of the warmest tropical areas in South and North America including the Amazon.

Graviola should only be taken as a complementary therapy upon the advice of your physician. Graviola products (capsules and tinctures) are becoming more widely available in the U.S. As one of Graviola’s mechanisms of action is to deplete ATP energy to cancer cells, combining it with other supplements and natural products which increase or enhance cellular ATP may reduce the effect of Graviola..

Graviola seeds demonstrated active anti-parasitic properties in a 1991 study, and a leaf extract showed to be active against malaria in two other studies (in 1990 and 1993). The leaves, root, and seeds of Graviola demonstrated insecticide properties, with the seeds demonstrating strong insecticidal activity in an early 1940 study. Graviola is indigenous to warm tropical areas in the Americas, including the Amazon. It produces a 6-to-9 inch, heart-shaped edible fruit, yellow-green in color, with white flesh. Graviola has a long, rich history of use in herbal medicine as well as a lengthy recorded indigenous use. In the Peruvian Andes, a leaf tea is used for catarrh (inflammation of mucous membranes) and the crushed seed is used to kill parasites.

Graviola Max combines both species of graviola (Annona muricata and Annona montana) to provide 12 different types of acetogenins,108 distinct powerful chemicals in all. Graviola is thought to relieve temporary depression and nervous conditions. It acts as a nervine that strengthens the functional activity of the nervous system and performs as a relaxant, easing the discomforts of nervous disorders, stress and anxiety. Graviola Capsules are a group of Annonaceous Acetogenins which are only found in the Annonaceae family to which Graviola belongs.

Graviola extract produces these natural compounds in its leaf and stem, bark, and fruit seeds. Three separate research groups have confirmed that these chemicals have significant antitumorous properties and selective toxicity against various types of cancer cells (without harming healthy cells) publishing eight clinical studies on their findings. Graviola tea taken orally or applied on the skin is also used as an insect repellent. Graviola seeds demonstrated active antiparasitic properties in a 1991 study, and a leaf extract showed to be active against malaria in two other studies in 1990 and 1993. The leaves, root, and seeds of Graviola demonstrated insecticidal properties with the seed demonstrating strong insecticidal activity in a early 1940 study.