Senna alexandrina (Alexandrian senna, in Arabic عشرج or عشرق or سنامكي and see below) is an ornamental plant in the genus Senna. It is used in herbalism. It grows natively in upper Egypt, especially in the Nubian region, and near Khartoum (Sudan), where it is cultivated commercially. It is also grown elsewhere, notably in India and Somalia.

Alexandrian Senna is a shrubby plant that reaches 0.5–1 metres (20' to 40'), rarely two metres (6') in height with a branched, pale-green erect stem and long ...

senna alexandrina

What-is-Swedish-bitters?

What is Swedish bitters? 

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Swedish bitterness is an herbal infusion made with a mixture of many herbs, roots, seeds and flowers. Typically, Swedish bitterness is used for medicinal purposes and can be consumed alone or mixed with other beverages. Although originally named by Swedish physicians, Dr. Klaus Samst in the 18th century, Austrian herbalist and author Maria Treben is considered to promote herbal tonic.

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In Treben's bestseller, Health Through God's Pharmacy: Advice and Proof of Healings with Medicinal Herbs, she shares her personal experience with Swedish bitterness and its myriad applications. She is best known for using the little Swedish bitterness recipe that appears in the book. Swedish bitterness contains 11 different ingredients, including aloe (Aloe Vera), camphor, angelica root (Angelica sinensis.), saffron, senna leaves (Senna alexandrina), mildew, myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), rhubarb roots (Rheum rhabarbarum), zedoir roots, milk thistle roots (Onopordum acanthium) and theriac venetian (valerian root, cinnamon, cardamom). The traditional recipe for Great Swedish Bitters contains 22 ingredients, but the two different versions have almost the same effect.

Swedish-bitterness-for-overall-health

Swedish bitterness for overall health 

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Swedish bitters is often called a natural detoxifier, which can help organs work in a synergistic way. While there is tons of anecdotal evidence for this purported miraculous tonic, we want to highlight two of the most popular, modern uses of Swedish bitters known to date.

Swedish-bitters-for-digestion

Swedish bitters for digestion 

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Swedish bitters is primarily known for the effects it has on digestive health. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that bitterness both prevented and alleviated indigestion. Swedish bitters stimulates receptors in the mouth and throat, which are activated by bitter foods. This increases the production of saliva, gastric juice and bile, all of which contain digestive enzymes that help break down fats and other foods. Applied for this purpose, bitters often has a quick effect. 1

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For example, if you have digestive problems, we recommend drinking one teaspoon of Swedish bitters three times a day in herbal tea or diluted with warm water due to its digestive properties. By the way, the same applies to stomach ailments or nausea. If stomach ailments are more like stomach cramps, we recommend a tablespoon of Swedish bitters rather than a teaspoon.

Swedish-bitters-as-a-helpful-tool-during-the-cold-season

Swedish bitters as a helpful tool during the cold season

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Cough, cold, nasal congestion and more symptoms can accompany us during the autumn-winter season. Swedish bitters can also support us for a stronger immunity, and this does not exclude the role of food.

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With a severe cold, a simple inhalation with Swedish bitters can provide quick relief. Just drip a little bitter into boiling water and inhale the fumes.

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Those who suffer from fever can try mixing a tablespoon of Swedish bitters with half a cup of chamomile tea. Half of the tea is drunk half an hour before and half an hour after each meal. You can do the same with a sore throat. However, you need to reduce the dose a little: in this case, one teaspoon is enough for half a cup of herbal tea.

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Swedish bitters against headaches 

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We can also use the power of Swedish bitters for headaches. To try if it works, drip a little Swedish bitters on a cotton cloth and place it on the painful area. Ideally, you should let the towel act for a quarter of an hour in the supine position.

Swedish-bitters-to-relieve-oral-problems

Swedish bitters to relieve oral problems 

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For unpleasant pains such as toothache, you can try standard painkillers or Swedish bitters. Maria Treben in her book recommends using a 1 tablespoon Swedish bitter mouthwash diluted in a glass of water or herbal tea to relieve toothache. Of course, this is a temporary solution and a visit to the dentist is advisable.

Swedish-bitters-for-skin-irritations

Swedish bitters for skin irritations 

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You can use bitters as more than just an internal remedy. This blend of herbs can help speed up the healing of rashes and insect bites or help soothe dry, irritated skin.&nbsp;

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There is evidence of the use of bitters to treat inflamed nails, torn corners of the mouth, lichen, eczema and more, but they are not scientifically proved. There aren't many published studies to explain why bitters may be good for the skin, although one study found an improvement in acne when applied to the skin. 2 Some people believe that the regenerative and detoxifying properties of Swedish bitters are responsible for its effects on the skin.&nbsp;

Maria-Treben's-Old-Swedish-Bitter-Recipe

Maria Treben's Old Swedish Bitter Recipe 

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One of the main functions of Swedish bitters is to promote the secretion of pancreatic and gastric juice and soothe the digestive tract. The drink stimulates the functions of the liver and promotes the secretion of bile by the liver, which serves to emulsify or break down dietary fats and clear cholesterol from the body. Having a healthy liver, in turn, will improve the overall digestion process and prevent bloating and flatulence.&nbsp;

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If you want to try to make homemade Swedish bitters that has a beneficial effect on digestion, try this recipe:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">10 g aloe root or gentian, wormwood powder</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">5 g myrrh</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">0.2 g saffron</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">10 g senna leaves</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">10 g camphor (natural camphor)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">10 g lemon root</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">10 g mana</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">10 g&nbsp; Teriyak Venetian</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">5 g ginger root</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">10 g angelica root</li></ul>

Other-health-benefits-of-Swedish-bitters

Other health benefits of Swedish bitters 

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Promotes the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Balancing the appetite</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Relieve constipation and regulate bowel movement</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Maintaining liver function and healthy skin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Improves biliary, pancreatic and gastric secretion</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Relieve bloating, flatulence, gas, cramps and nausea</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Helps eliminate toxins</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tones and soothes the digestive tract</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Acts mild laxative</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Restores the natural acid balance in the stomach</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stimulates blood circulation</li></ul>

What-are-the-side-effects-of-Swedish-bitters?

What are the side effects of Swedish bitters? 

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Some of the side effects of taking Swedish bitters that are important to know:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If you have liver or stomach disease, you should avoid alcohol.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Taking Swedish bitters before, during and after Candida treatment is possible, but do not take Swedish bitters for too long. Consult a doctor for precise guidelines.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Depletion of potassium levels may also be a possible side effect that can lead to high blood pressure. However, if the bitterness is taken in small amounts and for about 2 weeks at a time, this side effect can be avoided.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Swedish bitter can also cause dehydration (especially in children), uterine bleeding and miscarriage in pregnant women. It is not recommended for pregnant women, children under 12 years and ulcers.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Do not use Swedish bitters if you have abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, or if you have diarrhoea.</li></ul>

Swedish bitters contains angelica, rhubarb, myrrh, aloe, senna leaves, as well as other herbs providing its general strengthening and refreshing effects. Studies of the mixture of herbs used in Swedish bitters have shown that it stimulates the salivary glands, stomach, promotes the active action of gastric juices and digestive enzymes, increases peristalsis and cleanses the liver. Along with the benefits, there are some side effects that should also be considered and be careful with the consumption of this herbal tonic.

Swedish bitter: Herbal miracle for every home medicine cabinet

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Swedish bitter: An herbal miracle for every home medicine cabinet

Бетина Цветкова

The-unpleasant-problem-called-"constipation"

The unpleasant problem called "constipation"

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Constipation is condition where someone has fewer than three regular bowel movements within a week. However, some people may decide that they have constipation if they have missed their daily defecation. In fact, these body-purifying processes depend on the way of eating (and the fiber content in the diet), sleep, physical activity, medication intake and personal habits, so there is no universal rule for the number of bowel movements per day for all people. Also it is important that the consistency and form of the feces - they can be hard, dry or difficult to release from the body. In this situation we're talking about constipation. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6140151/" target="_blank" data-ref="Page not available - PMCTwitterFacebookLinkedInGitHubSM-TwitterSM-FacebookSM-Youtube" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

Diagnosing-constipation

Diagnosing constipation

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To claim with certainty that a person suffers from constipation, a set of criteria must be analyzed. A panel of experts developed the main diagnostic criteria for functional constipation and updated them regularly. &nbsp;<a href="https://badgut.org/information-centre/a-z-digestive-topics/constipation/" target="_blank" data-ref="Constipation" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp; These are the Rome IV diagnostic criteria, which include:

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<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Two or more of the following:</li></ol><ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pushing in more than a quarter of bowel movements.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hard stools or lumps in more than a quarter of cases of bowel movements.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Feeling of incompleteness in more than a quarter of cases.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Feeling of anorectal obstruction/blockage more than a quarter of cases.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Need to push to facilitate more than a quarter of defecation cases.</li></ul><ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Less than 3 spontaneous bowel movements per week. Watery feces are rarely present without the use of laxatives.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Does not meet all criteria for irritable colon syndrome (IBS).</li></ol>An assessment under these criteria should be made for the last 3 months with a symptomatic occurrence at least 6 months before diagnosis.

Herbal-teas-to-relieve-constipation

Herbal teas to relieve constipation

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One of the most important necessary conditions for the formation of feces is water. Therefore, good hydration is important in terms of digestion, as well as for supporting normal excretory functions of the body.

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Various warm liquids such as teas and parks can help with constipation, directly or indirectly. Taking enough water and with good hydration, the risk of constipation is significantly lower than if you do not drink enough fluids.

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The presence of water in the stool also makes them softer and helps them to be separated from the body more easily. Here are which herbal teas can help support peristalsis and relieve constipation:

Senna-alexandrina

Senna alexandrina 

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Sena, also called "Mother Leaf, Cassia", is among the most well-known and commonly used laxative ingredients. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/17465" target="_blank" data-ref="Senna alexandrina" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

Mint-tea-(Mentha)

Mint tea (Mentha)

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Mint is a popular natural remedy for digestive disorders in the form of tea. Most often the species Mentha spicata is used for this purpose, as well as for culinary means.&nbsp;

Mint-tea-(Mentha)_2_1

Many over-the-counter medicines for digestive problems contain mint extract, which is explained by the calming effect of menthol in mint. Menthol can stimulate peristalsis to form and secrete feces through the intestines. Drinking a cup of mint tea after each meal can benefit people who have constipation or upset stomach. [ <a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14450" target="_blank" data-ref="Mentha" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;]

Mint-tea-(Mentha)_2_2

Dandelion-(Taraxacum-officinale)

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion-(Taraxacum-officinale)_2_0

Tea from ordinary dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) can help with mild digestive disorders, such as bloating or occasional episodes of constipation. Dandelion stimulates the liver to produce bile, which can indirectly help with constipation. Dandelion tea can also act as a diuretic in the body, as well as for hydration of the digestive system. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/15058" target="_blank" data-ref="Taraxacum officinale" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;]

Chamomile-(Matricaria)

Chamomile (Matricaria) 

Chamomile-(Matricaria)_2_0

Chamomile is a familiar aromatic herb with a calming effect on the body, used as tea or infusion. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea after eating or towards the end of the day can help to calm the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and speed up the time between nutrition and defecation. [ <a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14896" target="_blank" data-ref="Matricaria" rel="noopener">[ref. 6]</a>&nbsp;]

Licorice-root-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra)

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice-root-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra)_2_0

Tea made from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a popular tonic for people with digestive problems.

Herbal teas are great for promoting better digestive function and detoxifying the body, but if the problem of constipation persists for a long time, you should consult a medicine specialist. It is possible that another condition may cause constipation, and then appropriate treatment is also required.

Best Herbal Teas to Relieve Constipation 

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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The importance of herbs for the treatment of various diseases, from ancient times until today, is evident from the various scientific disciplines that have formed around them [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281787581_Importance_of_plants_in_modern_pharmacy_and_medicine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Clinical use of medical plants is called phytotherapy;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Historical aspects of the use of medicinal plants in different societies around the world are united in the sciences ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Traditional medicine, on the other hand, means the role of plants in various popular "unscientific" medical systems, experience that is passed down through generations, but is not proven by science (often this is due to the fact that the mechanisms of action of specific herbs or combinations are simply not studied);</li>
</ul>

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Pharmacognosy is the science of biogenic or nature-derived pharmaceuticals and poisons. It deals with all medicinal plants, including complex mixtures that are used in the form of raw herbs or extracts (phytotherapy), pure compounds such as morphine, and foods that provide additional health benefits only in the context of preventive effects (nutraceuticals - garlic, ginger, turmeric, cocoa, red wine, foods containing flavonoids, anthocyanins and carotenoids). Pharmacognosy includes identification, physicochemical characterization, cultivation, extraction, preparation, quality control, and biological evaluation of drugs.</li>
</ul>

Herbs-and-medicine---what-is-the-connection

Herbs and medicine - what is the connection

Herbs-and-medicine---what-is-the-connection_0_0

It is estimated that more than 25% of prescription medicinal products contain herbal ingredients, but only a small percentage of the world's plants are studied&nbsp;for potential pharmaceutical use. [<a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4615-1455-8_4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 6</a>]

Herbs-and-medicine---what-is-the-connection_0_1

In recent years, there has been increased interest in plant research as a source of new medicines. This has also increased the number of newly discovered bioactive compounds of plant origin, and many programmes will continue to contribute to this in the near future.

Herbs-and-medicine---what-is-the-connection_0_2

China plays an important role in the development of currently used pharmaceuticals, with approximately 30,000 species of plants, many of them with a long history of use in traditional medicine.

Herbs-and-medicine---what-is-the-connection_0_3

Read more:

Herbs-and-medicine---what-is-the-connection_0_4

<a href="/p/mozhie_li_kitaiskata_traditsionna_mieditsina_da_podpomoghnie_liechieniieto_na_covid_19_66b2086f_3972_41b2_9eec_8869683711c1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Chinese experience in the treatment of COVID-19</a>

Herbs-and-medicine---what-is-the-connection_0_5

<a href="/p/9_bilki_koito_kitai_izpolzva_pri_borbata_s_koronavirusa_covid_19_090c722d_bb2f_42cf_9f29_3058e134a8e8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">9 herbs China uses to fight coronavirus (COVID-19)</a>

Herbs-and-medicine---what-is-the-connection_0_6

Herbs-and-medicine---what-is-the-connection_0_7

According to the American Society of Pharmacognosy, it represents "the study of the physical, chemical, biochemical and biological properties of medicines, medicinal substances or potential medicines and medicinal substances of natural origin, as well as the search for new drugs from natural sources."

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Often, medicinal substances of natural origin cannot be produced en masse, so they need to be studied in order to develop synthetic biologically similar products.

Herbs-and-medicine---what-is-the-connection_0_9

The production of these compounds synthetically allows modifications to be made to increase bioavailability, change pharmacokinetics and increase efficacy. These modifications can transform raw inactive plant extract into a powerful drug, as seen in some anticancer medicines. Thus, natural compounds are excellent models for the production of new drugs. [<a href="https://www.news-medical.net/health/Importance-of-Pharmacognosy.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 7</a>]

Herbs-and-medicine---what-is-the-connection_0_10

Pharmacognosy is recognized as a vital part of the processes of drug development and pharmaceutical education, but has recently been neglected, due to the emergence of effective drugs that can be synthesized in the laboratory.

Herbs-and-medicine---what-is-the-connection_0_11

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However, many scientists share the belief that people's knowledge of the medicinal application of different plants should never be lost, as they provide a very good starting point for the development of <a href="/p/iekstrakt_ot_iednoghodishien_pielin_artemisia_annua_shchie_bdie_izsliedvan_za_aktivnost_srieshchu_covid_19_481480f7_9437_40b5_a59b_5071935e117a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> new drugs. An example of this is <a href="../p/iekstrakt_ot_iednoghodishien_pielin_artemisia_annua_shchie_bdie_izsliedvan_za_aktivnost_srieshchu_covid_19_481480f7_9437_40b5_a59b_5071935e117a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">artemisinin from the sweet wormwood Artemisia annua</a>, which is a recognized ancient Chinese medicine against malaria.

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Respect for ancient wisdom is reflected in phytotherapy (herbal treatment) and phytopharmaceuticals. The use of herbal products to treat diseases is well known in South America, China and India, where billions of dollars are spent on research to identify and market natural medicines.

Herbs-and-medicine---what-is-the-connection_0_14

The-hidden-healing-properties-of-herbs

The hidden healing properties of herbs

The-hidden-healing-properties-of-herbs_1_0

Different parts&nbsp;of the plant (flower, leaves, stems, roots, fruits) can be used as medicines or a specific active substance can be extracted from it, which can be put into a tablet, capsule, syrup.

The-hidden-healing-properties-of-herbs_1_1

Well-established in medical practice examples of the first method of administration are: St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) for the treatment of mild to medium-severity depression; Gingko biloba, the leaves of which are used to improve memory and anxiety; chamomile flowers (Chamomilla recutita) to relieve mild gastrointestinal disorders and as an anti-inflammatory agent; leaves and pods of Alexandrian senna (Senna alexandrina) against constipation); extract of hawthorn, mint and valerian for relaxation; decoction of European smoketree (smoke tree, Cotinus coggygria) for external use, due to its antiseptic properties and many others.

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Some of them are accepted into the ranks of classical or conventional medicine, while others are still part of the so-called <a href="/p/kakvo_priedstavliava_altiernativnata_mieditsina_i_kakvi_sa_polzitie_ot_nieia_e2ecb339_f300_472f_a460_f58ef33f08ee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">alternative medicine</a> [ref. 2] and are used as supportive, additional medical supplements.

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Due to their richness <a href="../c/herbs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> in active substances, herbs should not be taken lightly as something that "if it does not help, at least it will not harm you". Some of these ingredients are extremely potent, others may have an impact (beneficial or not) with prolonged use. Let us not forget that most poisons also have a natural origin.

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Some herbs have a hepatotoxic effect (they are toxic to the liver), others may cause photosensitivity, and when taken we should not expose ourselves to the sun (this is the case with St. John's wort), others may interact with other medicines that we take. Therefore, the herbal treatment is necessary to be perscribed and monitored by a specialist. Unfortunately, not every doctor or pharmacist is well aware of the characteristics of herbs and herbal preparations, but there are also many self-styled "healers".

The-hidden-healing-properties-of-herbs_1_6

The-hidden-healing-properties-of-herbs_1_7

When we talk about active ingredients, these are pure chemicals commonly used in the form of licensed medicines. Sometimes they are produced synthetically but initially found in plants. Examples of such substances are [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281787581_Importance_of_plants_in_modern_pharmacy_and_medicine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]:

The-hidden-healing-properties-of-herbs_1_8

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) morphine, used as an analgesic;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Digoxin and other glycosides from the foxgloves plant (Digitalis spp.), used to treat heart failure;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Taxol from Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia), used as an anticancer agent [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Taxol_dose_intensification_and_its_clinical_implications_8103561" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 9</a>];</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Quinine, from the bark of the red cinchona (Cinchona pubescens), used to treat malaria;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Galantamine derived from a type of snowdrops used to treat cognitive disorders.</li>
</ul>

Is-there-a-difference-between-herbal-medicines-and-homeopathy

Is there a difference between herbal medicines and homeopathy

Is-there-a-difference-between-herbal-medicines-and-homeopathy_2_0

Unfortunately, many people still do not distinguish between homeopathy and herbal treatment, incorrectly calling herbal preparations homeopathic. Therefore, we need to distinguish between the two.

Is-there-a-difference-between-herbal-medicines-and-homeopathy_2_1

What is common between treatment with herbs and homeopathy is that both enter the category "alternative treatment", as well as in that the content of certain homeopathic preparations lists herbs and other plants.

Is-there-a-difference-between-herbal-medicines-and-homeopathy_2_2

Is-there-a-difference-between-herbal-medicines-and-homeopathy_2_3

Herbal treatment is the use of plants, lichens, algae and mushrooms for healing or therapeutic effects on the body. The earliest evidence that the herbs were used for healing was found on clay tablets created around 3000 BC from the Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq).

Is-there-a-difference-between-herbal-medicines-and-homeopathy_2_4

The foundations of Chinese traditional medicine were probably laid between 200 and 250 AD, and meanwhile the foundations of Ayurveda in present-day Pakistan were being laid. Centuries later, in 1500 BC, the ancient Egyptians wrote about the use of plants for medicinal purposes on scrolls called Ebers Papyrus. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Ebers_Papyrus_The_book_of_medical_knowledge_of_the_16th_century_B_C_Egyptians_15586450" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 8</a>]

Is-there-a-difference-between-herbal-medicines-and-homeopathy_2_5

In herbal treatment, various preparations are used, such as tinctures, teas, powders, essential oils, honey soaked in herbs, herbal vinegars, elixirs and numerous local forms. The main feature shared by all of them is that they contain physiologically active substances from the herbs used for their production.

Is-there-a-difference-between-herbal-medicines-and-homeopathy_2_6

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In turn, homeopathy was developed in the late 18th century in Germany by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann.&nbsp;It is based on the principle "like cures like" - the root of the word homeopathy, as "homeo" means "like" and "pathos" means "disease".

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What does this mean? Homeopathic preparations usually contain negligible doses of substances that are thought to have created the same symptoms as the disease. Homeopathy is based on the philosophy of 'less is more', according to which the more diluted the medicine is, the stronger its effect. Even today homeopathy uses highly diluted substances of natural origin for its medications. [<a href="https://www.herb-pharm.com/pharm-journal/difference-between-homeopathy-and-herbalism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 3</a>]

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Homeopathic preparations use herbs such as arnica (Arnica montana) and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), but also minerals such as phosphorus and animal products such as snake venom (Lachesis mutus). The preparations are made in infinitesimal dilutions so that very few or no molecules of the original substance remain. They are then included in topical preparations, tinctures or small sugar pills that dissolve under the tongue.

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So, the main difference between the two methods is that in herbal treatment, preparations rely on the phytochemicals that herbs contain. These phytochemicals are present in physiological levels and are accordingly found in herbal preparations. In homeopathic preparations, materials are diluted repeatedly - so much so that only a miniature amount of the original substance remains, if any at all.

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Another significant difference is that homeopathy is not based on any scientific evidence [<a href="https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmsctech/45/4502.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 4</a>], despite attempts to confirm its effects. Unlike herbal medicine, homeopathy has been rejected by the scientific community as an ineffective method of "treatment." [<a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/sps-homeopathy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 5</a>]

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Herbs have an established role for the development of medicine and pharmacy, both in the past and in the present and future. Their potential continues to be studied and realized as we enjoy another cup of aromatic thyme tea, mint and oregano.

senna alexandrina

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