Herbs and Plant Medicine

Plant medicine is generally recognized as encompassing specific plants and herbs that have been utilized over the centuries to treat disease and enhance general well-being, restoring equilibrium to mind and body. Plants have been in use as medicine since before recorded history, and many of our ‘modern’ pharmaceutical drugs are derived from them, such as the heart drug digitalis from foxglove and aspirin from white willow bark. Even now, almost 90% of the world’s rural population depends on plant medicine for the maintenance of good health. Most importantly, plant phytochemicals are combined in a synergistic manner within the plant, meaning that the effect of the whole exceeds the sum of its parts. Many herbalists and natural health practitioners believe that a plant’s active ingredient can be less effective or even be unsafe if used in isolation from the other supporting phytochemicals present in the plant, or if so-called ‘nature-identical’ singular plant molecules are synthetically manufactured in a lab setting. Plants exist on our Earth to assist us with maintenance and enhancement of our mind/body health, to help in healing and even bring about complete recovery from numerous disease states.

The benefits of herbal medicine can be realized in many ways, and can suit everyone’s individual needs and preferences. Herbs can be used fresh or dried in hot or iced teas, sweetened with lemon or honey for extra health benefits. Fresh herbs can be infused in oil, soaked in alcohol or treated with other natural solvents like vegetable glycerin to extract their medicinal properties in the form of infusions, tinctures and other liquid supplements. Dried herbs are ground into powders and are available as tablets and capsules of varying potencies. Herbal extracts can be applied to the skin topically in oils, lotions, and creams, or added to bathwater for a relaxing, hydrotherapeutic treatment. Lastly, herbs have a long history of being burned for inhalation, smoked, steamed, or vaporized to improve health, often providing the benefit of aromatic therapy for mental and emotional states. In fact, the original word ‘perfume’ derives from the Latin ‘per fumum’ meaning ‘through smoke.’

A vast number of plants contain phytochemicals of medical importance, and we will examine some of the major ones here. Herbs commercially available in the US market are governed by the FDA, are regulated as dietary supplements. Categorized separately from pharmaceuticals, which must undergo many years of testing, herbs have centuries of ethnobotanical medicine and established, traditional usage behind them. However, a qualified medical expert like an herbalist, naturopath or progressive doctor can advise you on the best herbal remedy or combination of herbs for your individual health profile and can be a trusted ally on your health journey. Let’s dive in and take a look at some of the most important herbs in plant medicine!

CBD (cannabidiol = Cannabis sativa)

Cannabidiol is one of over 100 naturally occurring chemicals found in the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa.) Most CBD is derived from the hemp plant, which has had a long and illustrious history across most continents for centuries. The Puritans brought hemp to New England in 1645 as a source of fiber for spinning and weaving into clothing, sailcloth, rope and other useful household items, and cultivation spread successfully in the 18th. century throughout Virginia and Kentucky, where most hemp is still cultivated today. The hemp industry flourished until the rise of the flax and cotton industries. Federal law meanwhile did not differentiate between hemp and other plants within the cannabis family, and for complex political reasons, all members of the cannabis plant species were made illegal in 1937 with the passing of the Marihuana Tax Act and its accompanying ‘reefer madness’ propaganda. In 1970, after the ‘hippie counterculture’ era of the late 1960's, cannabis was formally made illegal, lumped together with drugs like heroin and cocaine under Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act. Many of our current generation grew up fully aware of the stigma associated with the plant – then a surprising event occurred. With the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018, hemp cultivation was not only deregulated, but programs were put in place to study medical and market interest in hemp-derived products. The industry has since grown exponentially and now cannabis itself is legal in 37 states. There is one fundamental regulatory difference between ‘industrial hemp’ and marijuana. Hemp may not contain more than 0.03% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the substance in the plant responsible for its psychoactive ‘high’ effects. In the meantime, CBD has emerged as the most popular phytochemical derived from the plant for health purposes, and its siblings, THC, CBG, CBN, CBC and THCV appear poised to follow suit.

Recent scientific research into hemp and cannabis has focused specifically on the area of pain management. CBD has shown itself to be very helpful in addressing pain, inflammation and the overall discomfort associated with a wide variety of medical conditions, helping people who might otherwise risk the dangers of over-reliance on opioids. We are each born with an internal cell-signaling system network known as the endocannabinoid system, and we literally manufacture certain cannabinoids naturally within our bodies. Researchers have found that CBD when consumed or applied interacts with certain cannabinoid receptors within the brain and immune system, creating anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects that can help pain sufferers, even those with chronic pain. Studies conducted as far back as 1975 revealed that CBD is effective in treating fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain and even cancer pain, without producing any negative side effects. Arthritic conditions respond very well to treatment with CBD, as does migraine and head and neck pain. A recent study of 2,000 adults found that over 60% of those taking CBD did so to relax, reduce stress, relieve pain, alleviate anxiety, and improve sleep quality.

When researching a good CBD company, there are several factors to bear in mind. As a raw material, CBD is available in two forms, isolate and full spectrum. Isolate, as the name suggests, is a chemical isolate of the CBD molecule itself, while full spectrum CBD contains additional flavonoids and terpenes naturally occurring in the plant, including small amounts of THC, to help CBD work synergistically through the ‘entourage effect.’ CBD made with isolate provides pain relief comparable to an OTC pain reliever, while full spectrum CBD results in deeper, more long-lasting pain relief. Also, try to research the company to see if its representatives are knowledgeable about all the ingredients used in the manufacture of their company’s products, as opposed to ‘private label’ companies which simply label and sell a product without necessarily having much background ingredient knowledge. CBD is most popular in supplement form such as gummies, candies, edible oils, tinctures, and capsules. CBD is also available in topical applications like lotions, oils, balms and roll-ons, which generally work more slowly than oral methods due to their transdermal nature. Therapeutic dosage recommendations vary depending on the severity of pain as well as individual considerations, so it is best to start with a lesser amount of CBD and then increase it as necessary. As one cannot ‘overdose’ on CBD, we are fortunate to finally awaken to the plant’s enormous benefits for pain relief and equilibrium for mind and body.

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller)

The genus Aloe is only found in warm, fertile regions that experience large periods of drought. References to aloe can be found in many cultures, including the ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Chinese and Arab civilizations. Aloe vera is a large succulent plant containing primarily water with a pH value of 4.5. The plant also contains over 200 phytochemicals which include vitamins, minerals, enzymes, glycoproteins, polysaccharides, anthraquinones, lignin, saponins, plant sterols, amino acids and salicylic acid, all valuable health-promoting substances in themselves. Three of the plant sterols (lupeol, campestral and beta-sitosterol) provide remarkable anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects when applied to arthritic joints. Aloe can even slow the autoimmune reaction in rheumatoid arthritis, where the body attacks its own tissue. One enzyme in aloe, carboxypeptidase N, inactivates bradykinin in the body. Bradykinin is a peptide generated when the body experiences trauma or shock and then creates a reaction of allergy or inflammation, resulting in acute or chronic pain. Aloe vera gel or juice can be applied topically to the skin or consumed alone or added to water or juice. Taken internally, aloe is an effective remedy for the treatment of acid reflux, ulcers, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal disorders. Diabetics in particular benefit from drinking aloe vera juice because it regulates blood sugar and lipid levels. The presence of salicylic acid in aloe vera is of interest because salicylic acid, the precursor of aspirin, provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. Salicylic acid affects prostaglandin pathways in the body, acting as a cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitor and reducing the effects of histamine on the vascular system. Magnesium lactate in aloe vera also reduces the amount of histamine formed in the body’s mast cells. Since histamine is involved in many painful allergic conditions, aloe vera can play an important role in easing pain and inflammation naturally. Aloe is one succulent that truly deserves its folkloric nickname ‘the miracle plant’ due to its vast range of benefits in natural healing.

Turmeric (curcumin = Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is obtained from the rhizomes of a flowering plant in the ginger family grown throughout India and Southeast Asia. Its botanical name is Curcuma longa, from which the name of its major ingredient, curcumin, is derived. There are more than 40 species of turmeric grown in India, and the rhizomes are a household staple, used fresh or boiled, dried and ground into a bright yellow powder and used in cooking curries and cakes. Its yellow-orange color is also used as a fabric dye to color the robes of Hindu and Buddhist monks and priests. Its flavor has been described as warm, bitter, and like black pepper or mustard. Turmeric has a venerable history in many ancient branches of medicine, including Ayurvedic and Chinese. Diferurolyl methane, a constituent of curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory, and is recommended for those with rheumatoid arthritis, as its ability to modulate inflammation throughout the immune system enables it to reduce painful swelling around the internal organs as well as the joints. Curcumin reduces the amount of C-reactive protein in the blood, making it an important herb for cardiovascular patients. It can reduce amyloid plaques in those at risk for Alzheimer’s and aids the brain in forming new neural pathways. Turmeric is anti-bacterial and is advised for those who suffer from infections of the digestive system as well as for those with IBS or bowel disorders. Curcumin in supplement form has been the target of adulteration by some manufacturers, so it is recommended that you seek out a supplement containing between 1,000 – 1,500 mg. of turmeric with 95% standardized curcumin, third party tested with a Certificate of Analysis if possible, and with black pepper extract (known commercially as BioPerine A) added for bioavailability. If you choose to cook with turmeric, the heat and oils involved in the cooking process, together with the addition of black pepper, will not only create a delicious curry or stew but also provide all the healthy active benefits of curcumin.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

The digestive properties of ginger are well-known to Westerners. Ginger is widely used for all kinds of digestive pain, gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting, queasiness caused by air or sea travel, and headaches and stomach pains caused by ingesting unfamiliar foods. Like turmeric, ginger is the rhizome of a flowering plant that is native to India and southeast Asia. Its characteristic fragrance and flavor are distinctive and powerfully healing, and it contains around 400 volatile biochemical compounds including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, dietary fiber, proteins, phytosterols and sesquiterpenes. It is included in the pharmacopeias of most branches of traditional medicine and was widely used in ancient Greek and Roman times, later introduced to Mediterranean Europe by Arab traders. As a fragrant kitchen spice, ginger is widely used in the preparation of meat, seafood and vegetable dishes of many cultures, and ginger herb tea, made with the fresh rhizome sliced and simmered in water with the addition of lemon and honey, is an excellent ending to any meal, ensuring ease of digestion and providing a cleansing and relaxing effect. Candied or dried ginger is enjoyed world-wide as a sweet, yet spicy snack and its therapeutic qualities are concentrated and amplified in this form. In addition to its many therapeutic uses in the treatment of digestive disorders, ginger is considered to have mild pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory qualities which make it helpful in managing painful conditions throughout the body.

Frankincense (olibanum = Boswellia carterii)

Frankincense has a long, revered history as one of the gifts, along with gold and myrrh, brought by the three wise men to the birthplace of Jesus over two thousand years ago. Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is a sticky resin that exudes from the bark of the Boswellia species, small desert trees that exist in harsh environments throughout North Africa and the Middle East. The resin dries into small, bead-like asymmetrical shapes known as ‘tears,’ available in various grades and harvested by hand. Frankincense is traditionally used as incense in both church and home settings, in the making of natural perfumes, essential oils and skincare preparations, and for other spiritual and medicinal purposes. Frankincense for therapeutic use typically takes the form of the essential oil, which is steam-distilled from the aromatic resin, and contains polyphenols and other aromatic phytochemicals that are currently the subject of much scientific research, including limonene, alpha-thujene and alpha- and beta-pinene. When inhaled as either the essential oil or burning resin, frankincense slows down both blood pressure and heart rate, bringing calmness and serenity to those under stress. It is also a valuable oil to have on hand to dispel anxiety or ward off a panic attack. Frankincense is astringent and anti-bacterial, so is an excellent skincare oil to use to rejuvenate aging skin, treat eczema and psoriasis, heal wounds, and reduce scarring. It is beneficial to use if you suffer from bouts of gastroenteritis or gas, bloating and inflammation of your digestive system, which can be alleviated by mixing a few drops of frankincense oil with a couple of teaspoons of coconut oil and massaging your stomach in a clockwise direction with the mixture. This simple massage oil will also help reduce symptoms of systemic inflammation from arthritis or fibromyalgia when applied regularly. Frankincense is an excellent nervine and can be enjoyed used in an aromatherapy diffuser, or by adding a few drops to a warm bath. Used together with other calming essential oils, frankincense can help reduce stress, relieve inflammation, and boost your immune system.

Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)

Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of the evergreen tree that is native to the Moluccas Islands in Indonesia, commonly used as a spice or flavoring in consumer products like soap, toothpaste, and fragrance. The humble clove, typically used in cooking roast meats such as ham, or in baked fruit dishes, is in fact a powerful antioxidant with the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value of all botanical ingredients, at 314,446 per 100 grams. The ORAC score is a method developed by the National Institute of Health and Aging (NIH) to measure the antioxidant capacity of foods. Antioxidants are crucial for destroying free radicals that can lead to the progression of serious diseases. Cloves also contain a high percentage of eugenol, a chemical constituent which for many years was utilized in dentistry to numb tooth pain, reduce inflammation, and neutralize bacteria and toxins. Eugenol has an anodyne (anesthetic) effect, so a massage oil made by mixing several drops of clove oil with coconut oil provides excellent relief from the pain of arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia; Lavandula hybrida)

Lavender is one of the best-known herbs in the plant kingdom, and its essential oil is usually the first one selected by anyone new to aromatherapy. This is because it is a ‘broad spectrum’ oil with a multitude of beneficial effects on body and mind. The lavender plant is native to Europe, Africa and Asia, and flourishes in dry Mediterranean climates. There are more than 40 types of lavender cultivated for their essential oil, which is steam distilled from the flowering tops of the plants. Lavender is primarily known for its ability to relax and aid with restful sleep when the essential oil is used in an ultrasonic diffuser or applied topically in a massage oil or lotion. This ability to soothe and calm assists in overall healing of those who are experiencing high levels of stress and are at risk of hypertension or cardiovascular irregularity. Lavender is also one of the most important herbs for improving mental states, banishing anxiety and depression, and providing all-important benefits to the healthy functioning of the nervous system, lessening the possibility of long-term nerve-related disorders. Lavender also has wound healing and anti-spasmodic properties and is widely used to lessen both acute and chronic pain resulting from stressed or compromised muscles, providing comfort and ease that assists in overall healing.

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis; Matricaria recutita)

The plant chamomile derives its name from the Greek word khamaimelon meaning ‘earth apple’ which refers to its horizontal growth pattern and the delicious apple-like aroma the plant emits when trodden on. Chamomile has been known for its soothing nervine qualities since ancient times. An attractive herb with small white daisy-like flowers and yellow centers, there are two distinct varieties, Roman chamomile and German chamomile. German chamomile contains chamazulene, a phytochemical that turns deep blue when distilled and is well-known for its pain-reducing abilities in the treatment of arthritis and musculoskeletal pain. Tea made from the dried flowers is a household staple in many European countries, sipped at bedtime to aid digestion and induce deep and restful sleep. Both Roman and German chamomile are used by herbalists and aromatherapists to treat inflammatory conditions, to reduce back pain, soothe neuralgia, allay digestive upset, heal wounds and to ameliorate skin conditions.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

There are at least two dozen varieties in the versatile mint family, which includes peppermint, spearmint, corn mint and many unusual, flavored varieties, like pineapple mint and chocolate mint. Peppermint is the most common variety and is widely cultivated in Idaho and Washington for inclusion in commercial toothpaste, mouthwash, breath mints and similar everyday household products. Menthol is the most prized naturally occurring constituent of the peppermint plant, although most menthol in common products nowadays comes in the form of synthetically derived, lab made menthol crystals, which have the disadvantage of lacking the synergistic elements that provide the full benefits to be found in the peppermint plant itself. Peppermint is primarily known for its digestive benefits. Drinking warm peppermint tea or massaging the stomach in a clockwise direction with massage oil containing peppermint can quickly eradicate the effects of poor digestion or the over-consumption of fatty, fried foods, and will help to ease gastrointestinal pain. Peppermint is useful to treat nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Head pain ranging from tension headaches to migraines also responds fast to inhalation or topical application of a drop or two of peppermint essential oil. Many topical pain relief products contain peppermint oil as it can provide a marked improvement in muscle and nerve pain when applied topically in an oil, cream or lotion.

White willow (Salix alba)

White willow bark contains salicin, the natural ingredient that is the precursor to acetylsalicylic acid, which we known today as aspirin. Herbal remedies for pain relief invariably contain white willow bark, whose efficacy is unquestioned, as the bark has been in use for pain relief for centuries. Salicin’s action is supported by the presence of specific flavonoids in the bark which have an anti-inflammatory action. When salicin was first researched and aspirin manufactured in the 19th. century, aspirin was favored due to its rapid onset of action, but while salicin takes longer to work, its effects are more pronounced and long-lasting without side effects such as stomach upset and intestinal bleeding, common side effects of aspirin. Studies of white willow bark confirm its successful use in treating lower back pain and joint pain.

Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum)

Devil’s claw, also known as ‘wood spider’ due to its prickly, claw-like appearance, is a member of the sesame family, and is native to South Africa. Its major phytochemical, harpagoside, is an iridoid glycoside that tests show curbs inflammatory activity, and it has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic herb to treat back pain and osteoarthritis. Devil’s claw is available as a concentrated extract, powder, capsule or pill and can be made into an herbal tea. Like several herbal remedies, devil’s claw can cause reactions with certain pharmaceutical drugs, so consulting with a qualified herbalist or natural health specialist is recommended if you plan to use it in the long term.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John’s Wort is one plant in the large Hypericum plant family and is so named as the plant flowers around the time of the June birthdate of St. John the Baptist (‘wort’ is simply the Old English name for ‘plant.’) The plant as used in healing in Europe goes by a wide variety of names due to its long use in herbal folklore. It is an attractive plant with yellow flowers, and when held up to the light, transparent ‘dots’ can be seen throughout the flowers and leaves which give it a perforated appearance (hence its Latin name ‘perforatum.’) St. John’s Wort contains a vast array of naturally occurring phytochemicals including vitamins, volatile oils, flavonoids, tannins, phenols and saturated fatty acids, all of which contribute to its effectiveness in herbal medicine over the centuries in treating the mental states which often underscore pain. St. John’s Wort rose to prominence several decades ago with the introduction of anti-depressant drugs like Zoloft and Prozac. It has been tested extensively and found to provide equal, if not superior, results to pharmaceutical drugs. While it is used primarily to treat mental states like depression, anxiety, and ADHD, it has also been found to be useful in the treatment of nerve-related disorders like fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy. The plant is available in tablet or capsule form, as a liquid tincture, infusion, or herbal tea. Caution is recommended when considering St. John’s Wort as a treatment, as it can interact with a variety of pharmaceutical drugs, so check with your doctor or naturopath to determine its suitability for your personal situation.

Feverfew (Tanecetum parthenium)

Feverfew is an herb whose use dates back many centuries. It is a bushy plant with white daisy-like flowers with yellow centers native to mountainous areas in Eastern Europe and now found throughout North and South America. Feverfew’s main phytochemical is known as parthenolide, which together with natural flavonoids present in the plant provide anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving actions. Feverfew is recommended by many herbalists as a treatment for migraines, lessening pain, nausea, and the sensitivity to light and sound caused by these types of headaches. Studies have also been conducted using feverfew in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, with findings that accentuate its anti-inflammatory action throughout the body. Feverfew is often paired with white willow bark for its pain-relieving qualities, and their action appears to be synergistic.

Butterbur (Petasites hybrida)

Butterbur is a flowering plant in the sunflower family with Old World history, as it has been used for over two thousand years for pain, fever and muscle spasms and is often combined with feverfew for migraine and headache relief. The specific phytochemicals in butterbur that target migraines are petasin and isopetasin, high concentrations of which are found in the leaves and roots. Double-blind studies have shown that success in preventing and treating migraines increases with the amount taken, with higher doses being most effective. Butterbur is also an excellent herbal alternative to antihistamines in the treatment of allergies and rhinitis.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Comfrey has been cultivated in Europe and North America for centuries. It is a large plant, growing up to three feet in height, with broad hairy leaves. It has a long history in herbal medicine and was known as ‘boneset’ and ‘knit-all’ due to its use in poultices to treat pain, bruising, sprains, and bone fractures. The large leaves are still used by herbalists as a form of bandage, and the roots are mashed to make a ‘plaster cast’ to contain the injured body part. It provides a comforting, relaxing effect which diminishes pain and inflammation and stimulates rapid healing.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian is renowned for its ability to bring about relaxation and deep sleep. Like many of its companion herbs, valerian has a history in herbal medicine that stretches back thousands of years. Its reputation as a sleep aid is due to the presence of valerenic acid, which has marked sedative effects. Valerenic acid is believed to act on brain neurotransmitters involved in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) absorption. GABA slows down brain activity and brings about a state of calm that is conducive to healing. Valerian is used to treat disorders that are related to interrupted sleep, like depression and anxiety, which are also positively influenced by the herb, which is available as a concentrated liquid, tincture and tea.

Passionflower (Passiflora)

Passionflower is a stunning flowering vine with showy purple flowers with asymmetrical pale yellow stamens. The flowers look as if they arrived from a distant planet, with a unique design and complex markings, and they ripen into delicious fruits. Passionflower flourishes throughout the Caribbean, South America and Florida. The vine was known to Native Americans, who made a sedative tea out of it. Spanish settlers were introduced to the plant and brought it back to Europe, where it soon took an important place in the herbal pharmacopeia. The plant is rich in organic acids, phenols and the amino acid l-alanine, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar, making it useful for diabetics. It also benefits the immune system. Passionflower has calming and relaxant effects and is particularly useful for insomnia, generalized pain, muscle spasms and nervous system disorders. It is most effective in liquid form, taken as a tincture, extract or made into a tea, and is often combined with other herbs that bring about restful sleep.

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Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Skullcap (also spelled ‘scullcap’) is a perennial herb native to North America, and has a delicate appearance with tiny pale blue flowers. The herb is used in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine to treat a variety of ailments, from anxiety to heart issues and chronic pain. There are two distinct varieties of skullcap: American and Chinese. Dried roots of Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) known as Huang Qin have been used for centuries to treat high blood pressure, infections, and inflammation. American skullcap is one of the best herbs to encourage deep sleep and demonstrates anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory activity, as it balances stress hormone levels. When drunk as a warm tea, skullcap eases inflammation throughout the body, helping to reduce the pain of GI tract disorders and arthritis. For diabetics, skullcap enhances pancreatic insulin content and improves blood lipid profiles. Skullcap is a potent nervine and can be used to diminish almost any type of nerve pain that affects the spine or peripheral nervous system. The liquid form includes tinctures, infusions and concentrates, and it is recommended in the form of herbal tea.

Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Hops are best known for their role in beer production, as these pale green seed cone flowers contribute floral, fruity, and citrus flavors to the beverage. Hop cultivation dates to the 8th. century in Germany, and hops’ medicinal benefits were discovered early. Hops contain alpha and beta acids, flavonoids and terpenes including humulene, myrcene and caryophyllene, the latter of which are currently the subject of scientific research for their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential. Hops also contain xanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin, phytochemicals which have demonstrated the ability to kill various types of cancer cells in test tube studies. Xanthohumul also reduces calcification in veins and arteries, helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Hops can relax muscles, boost cognitive ability and aid in providing deep, uninterrupted sleep.

Oat straw (Avena sativa)

Oats in general are known for their excellent nutritive value and their ability to positively affect blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and improve immunity. Oat straw is obtained from the unripe green stalks of the oat plant and offers substantial health benefits of its own. Specifically, oat straw improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, boosts brain function and improves mood. It has a relaxing, calming effect and is often added to herbal sleep formulas along with valerian, skullcap and hops. The amino acids in oat straw appear to influence brain wave function and enhance focus and memory, valuable for preventing cognitive decline. Oat straw is available in capsules, pills, powders, teas liquid tinctures.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)

Mitragyna speciosa is an evergreen tree in the coffee family that grows in southeast Asia and is native to Thailand. Its leaves have been used in folk medicine for almost 200 years and are used in tea as well as being chewed for its stimulant effects. In the 19th. century, kratom was used as an opium substitute in Thailand and Malaysia. When dried and powdered, kratom is used loose, as well as in capsules and pills. Kratom leaves contain a bitter alkaloid with opioid properties, and many have sought to quit their opioid medications and avoid opioid addiction by switching to kratom. While animal tests have been conducted to test the efficacy of kratom as a pain reliever, no clinical trials have yet been undertaken in the USA. Despite this, kratom has a large following of people who claim that they have had remarkable results finding relief from chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, infections and intestinal disorders with kratom. More scientific study is required to determine if long term consumption of kratom is effective and safe.

This is a quick guide to some of the more efficacious herbs and beneficial plants available to anyone who wants to educate themselves on the benefits of plant medicine to treat disease states, ameliorate painful conditions, and expand their experience of good mental and physical health. As mentioned earlier, the support and knowledge of a trusted naturopathic doctor, herbalist or medical professional is an ideal adjunct to your exploration of the natural healing benefits of herbs. Finding the right plant medicine protocol for you can open the door to a new world of opportunity, clarity, and power to experience a higher level of health than you might have dreamed possible!