Fogel 1 Jacob Fogel Mrs. Berg Adv.

Comp 10/28/13 Herbal Medicines Plants and Herbs have been used for medicine purposes long before any of us were born. Ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writing describes medicinal uses for plants as early as 3,000 BC. Indigenous cultures use herbs in their healing rituals, while others develop traditional medical systems in which herbal therapies were used. There are many different herbal medicines all around the world, such as Valerian, Dandelion, and Nettle. Herbalism has a tradition of the use of outside conventional medicine. It is becoming larger with improvements, along with advances in clinical research show the value of herbal medicine in the treating and preventing disease (Ehrlich). Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), is a commonly prescribed medications for sleeping problems because it is considered to be both safe and gentle. In some people it may have the unexpected effect of stimulating instead of sedating. Unlike many prescription sleeping pills, valerian may have fewer side effects, such as morning drowsiness (Ehrlich). The crude extract of the root is usually sold in the form of pills/capsules. It can also be declared as a drug, since its consumption produces a sedative or medicinal effect, while it is not exclusively a type of food (Boullata). However, Valerian does interact with other medications, particularly psychiatric medications (Ehrlich). So before using you should speak to your doctor to see if Valerian is right for you. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), is an herbal medicine. Doctors and Botanist use the above ground parts and the root to make medicine. Dandelion is used for the loss of appetite, upset stomach, intestinal gas, gallstones, joint pain, muscle aches, eczema, and bruises. Dandelion is also used as a laxative to increase bowel movements. It can also be used as skin toner, blood tonic, and digestive tonic.

Fogel 2 Some people even use dandelion to treat infections, especially viral infections, and even cancer. Dandelion contains different chemicals that may increase urine production and decrease swelling (Dandelion). You want to be cautious when youre using different medicines and combining Dandelion for medical purposes. Nettle (Urtica dioica), Nettle has been used for years and more to come to treat allergy symptoms, mostly hay fever which is the most common allergy problem. It contains biologically active compounds that reduce inflammation. Dr. Andrew Wiel M.D. says he knows of nothing more effective than nettle for allergy relief. His statement is backed up by studies at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Nettle has been studied extensively and has shown promise in treating Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, asthma, bladder infections, bronchitis, bursitis, gingivitis, gout, hives, kidney stones, laryngitis, multiple sclerosis, PMS, prostate enlargement, sciatica, and tendinitis! Externally it has been used to improve the appearance of the hair, and is also said to be a remedy against oily hair and dandruff. Taken orally, products made from nettle's aerial parts may interfere with the body's production of prostaglandins and other inflammation-causing chemicals. Nettle may also lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid chronic use due to its diuretic effects. Do not take if pregnant or breast-feeding, or if your diabetic (Wiel). There are many different herbal medicines all around the world, such as Valerian, Dandelion, and Nettle. Herbalism has a long tradition of use outside of conventional medicine. It is becoming more mainstream as improvements, along with advances in clinical research show the value of herbal medicine in the treating and preventing disease (Ehrlich).

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Work Cited Boullata, Joseph I. "Medscape Log In." Medscape Log In. Pharmacotherapy Publications, 2000. Web. 28 Oct. 2013. "Dandelion: MedlinePlus Supplements." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1995. Web. 25 Oct. 2013. Ehrlich, Steven D. "Herbal Medicine." University of Maryland Medical Center. N.p., 2 Oct. 2011. Web. 25 Oct. 2013. Wiel, Andrew, Dr. "Nettle (Urtica Dioica)." Nettle Benefits & Information. Hallnet, 2013. Web. 28 Oct. 2013.