Healing in Food: Herbs' Therapeutic Properties
Herbalism is an ancient practice rooted in utilizing some properties of plants and their components for medicinal benefits. It notably finds its origins among non-Western cultures and pagan religions. In fact, when most Christians think of herbalism, they often picture nature worship, Hinduism, witchcraft, and other occult practices. This perspective led to the decline and eventual disregard of traditional herbal practices in Africa, particularly in countries influenced by the colonization efforts of western Christian nations.
Despite many attempts to dismiss herbalism as witchcraft, there are biblical scriptures that advocate the use of herbs for healing. Furthermore, herbalism has grown in popularity over the last two decades as a result of its effectiveness and evidence-based studies that support its ability to promote good health.
"And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the LEAF thereof for MEDICINE." ~ Ezekiel 47:12.
"Now Isaiah had said, “Let them take a cake of figs and apply it to the boil, that he may recover.” ~ Isaiah 38:21
The Lord spoke to Moses: Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, two hundred and fifty, and two hundred and fifty of aromatic cane, and five hundred of cassia—measured by the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil; and you shall make of these a sacred anointing-oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil.” ~ Exodus 30:22-27
The Therapeutic Use of Herbs
Cardiovascular disease. Herbs have been used to treat cardiovascular disease such ss congestive heart failure, hypertension, chest pain, atherosclerosis, and irregular heart rhythms. For example, digoxin is used to treat atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. This medication is made by compounds found in a herb called foxglove (Digitalis lanata).
The herb Crataegus (Hawthorn plant) is recognized to help relieve chronic chest pain, enhance circulation, especially coronary blood flow, lower blood pressure, and protect against dangerous rises in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. As a result, Hawthorn may prevent or slow the progression of atherosclerosis, a cardiovascular condition that causes heart attacks and strokes.
Various Cancers. Did you know that around 70% of authorized cancer treatments are derived from herbs (natural plants)? Yes! That's correct. Anti cancer drugs like Paclitaxel (Taxol®) and Camptothecin owe action to the bark of a few trees called the Pacific Yew tree and the Chinese Happy tree. Combretastatin, derived from the South African Bush-willow tree, a potent inhibitor of tumor cell formation.
Diabetes Mellitus. Some herbs have been found to promote hypoglycemic effects. In one study, dried extracts of Coccinia indica were discovered to restore the function of glucose-6-phosphatase, which regulates glucose levels. Other herbs recognized for their hypoglycemic properties include Indian gooseberry, bilberry extract, bitter melon, cinnamon, fenugreek, ginger, and okra.
Common Viruses. Garlic, onions, ginger, sage, thyme, cayenne pepper, honey, and lemon are common herbs that are known for their antimicrobial properties against the common cold, flu, and stomach viruses.
Eczema and Itching. Herbs such as chamomile and grains such as oats, provide therapeutic or soothing qualities for eczema.
Chamomile is a flower with hypoallergenic properties that can neutralize skin irritants. In a human experiment, chamomile was found to be 60% as effective as hydrocortisone when applied topically. Oats have been used for thousands of years to relieve itching and irritation. This grain contain avenanthramides which are potent anti-inflammatory agents. This is why some brand-name lotions have oats as an ingredient.
Herbs have long been used to improve health. Although herbalism has been demonized out of ignorance by Western cultures, it is not a bad or demonic practice. Today, herbal medicine is integrated into modern medicine and is gaining popularity in the West.
Disclaimer: This post was written by Jennifer Anyanwu, B.S. in Nursing (Registered Nurse) and a B.S in Nutrition and Dietetics. Ifediora Nutrition does not intend to outlaw or oppose modern medicine. Never disregard medical treatment or attempt to cure yourself of an illness without medical attention, based on the information presented in this article. Always work with a licensed or certified health professional to make informed decisions about using herbs to treat a medical diagnosis. Remember to inform your medical provider that you are taking herbs. This is because certain herbs can work against the effectiveness of prescribed medications or increase the availability of medications in your body. This can result in drug toxicity.
References
Cardiovascular Diseases
(Digitalis Medicines | the Texas Heart Institute, 2020)(Digitalis Medicines | the Texas Heart Institute, 2020) https://www.texasheart.org/heart-health/heart-information-center/topics/digitalis-medicines/
Mashour NH, Lin GI, Frishman WH. Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease: Clinical Considerations. Arch Intern Med. 1998;158(20):2225-2234. doi:10.1001/archinte.158.20.2225
Wachtel-Galor S, Benzie IFF. Herbal Medicine: An Introduction to Its History, Usage, Regulation, Current Trends, and Research Needs. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 1.
Wang, J., Xiong, X., & Feng, B. (2013). Effect of crataegus usage in cardiovascular disease prevention: an evidence-based approach. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 149363. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/149363
Cancers
Combretastatin For Advanced Cancer. (2014, February 04). Retrieved from http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/in-development/combretastatin-for-advanced-cancer
Dancey, J., & Eisenhauer, E. (1996). Current Perspectives on Camptothecins In Cancer Treatment. British Journal of Cancer, 74(3), 327-338. doi:10.1038/bjc.1996.362
Fridlender, M., Kapulnik, Y., & Koltai, H. (2015). Plant derived substances with anti-cancer activity: from folklore to practice. Frontiers in plant science, 6, 799. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2015.00799
General Cancer Information: Herbal Medicine. (2015, February 02). Retrieved from www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/herbal-medicine
Martino, E., Della Volpe, S., Terribile, E., Benetti, E., Sakaj, M., Centamore, A., Sala, A., & Collina, S. (2017). The long story of camptothecin: From traditional medicine to drugs. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters, 27(4), 701–707. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.12.085
Tozer GM, Kanthou C, Parkins CS, Hill SA. The biology of the combretastatins as tumour vascular targeting agents. Int J Exp Pathol. 2002 Feb;83(1):21-38. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2613.2002.00211.x. PMID: 12059907; PMCID: PMC2517662.
Diabetes Mellitus
Azad Khan, A. K., Akhtar, S., & Mahtab, H. (1979). Coccinia indica in the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus. Bangladesh Medical Research Council bulletin, 5(2), 60–66.
Modak, M., Dixit, P., Londhe, J., Ghaskadbi, S., & Paul A. Devasagayam, T. (2007). Indian Herbs and Herbal Drugs Used for the Treatment of Diabetes. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 40(3), 163–173. http://doi.org/10.3164/jcbn.40.163
Herbal and Natural Therapies. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.co.uk/Diabetes-herbal.html
Academy, H. (2017, January 23). Eight Herbal Home Remedies For Colds And Flu. Retrieved from https://theherbalacademy.com/8-herbal-home-remedies-for-colds-and-flu/
Dallmeier, L. (2014, July 01). Twenty Best Skincare Herbs for treating Eczema. Retrieved from http://www.herbhedgerow.co.uk/20-skincare-herbs-for-treating-eczema/#ixzz4l4dv8bhK
