What is a Botanical?

January 6, 2009

What is a botanical? The study of plants is called botany, so a botanical is a plant, or part thereof, that is valued for its medicinal or therapeutic properties. Some people groups have used these botanical – or herbal – supplements for thousands of years to alleviate some conditions. However, even though they are gaining in popularity, many professional health carers in the western world still doubt their usefulness. (more…)

Brief History of Herbal Medicine

January 3, 2009

Herbal Medicine is the use of botanicals (plants) either singularly or in
combination to prevent and treat certain ailments and illnesses.

People native to different geographical locations have long used plants and
plant extracts to cure specific maladies.  Sometimes referred to as “folk”
medicine, it is generally recognized that there are three schools of research one
can follow with regard to the history of these treatments. (more…)

Acne and Herbal Remedies

December 30, 2008

Acne is not caused by dirt, though careful attention to hygiene helps to keep inflammation at bay. A trial done in Singapore a few years ago points to acne being caused by the failure of the body to break down and metabolize oil in the body. Why does this happen?

According to an article published by Lit-Hung Leung, MD in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine Vol. 12, Number 2, 1997, when the particular vitamin that is responsible for the job of metabolizing the oil is needed by the body for a different function – such as the development of the sex organs, eg, – a deficiency is created and there is not enough of this vitamin to do both jobs. This is why acne often shows up at puberty. (more…)

Ayurvedic Medicine

November 11, 2008

Before the advent of modern medicine as we know it many cultures developed natural medicines called herbs. These cures usually came from plants and other natural substances which today can often be found in the kitchen.

Ayurvedic Medicine is a tradition of treating people holistically that has a history of treating disease and preventing illness through herbs and even some of your every day spices found in the kitchen. (more…)

Hello world!

November 8, 2008

Herbal Lessons was switched to a Word Press style on November 8, 2008.