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Combs, D. (n.d.). 10 Terms To Know When Researching Medicinal Herbs. Retrieved from: https://
www.diynatural.com/medicinal-herbs/
Handout #4
Herbalism Timeline History of Herbal Medicine
Neanderthal / Cro-Magnon
100,000 BCE
Neanderthal’s had remnants of medicinal plants found in their teeth.
Ayurvedic Medicine (Science of Life)
2,500 BCE
Eberys Papyrus - Egypt
1,500 BCE
Oldest complete medical document discovered.
Contained information on treatments for diseases, particular detail of circulatory
system.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
1,000 BCE
Ancient Chinese understanding of body and universe, and ultimately balance - Yin
& Yang
Assyrian Herbal
-650 BCE
660 cuniform (one of the earliest systems of writing) clay tablet with over 300
plants!
Greco-Roman Era - Hippocrates
-400 BCE
Rich history of therapeutic use of plants - "let the body heal itself."
Theophrastus
-350 BCE
Known as the Father of Botany - philosopher studied with Plato and Aristotle.
Much of his work is lost to history, mere fragments were found.
Early Han Period
-240 BCE
252 plants described into 3 categories. 1. lord plants (non-toxic to sustain life) 2.
minister plants (aid health in moderation) 3. assistants/runners (toxic, but effec-
tive in small doses)
Aulus Cornelius Celsus
50
First to explain the signs and symptoms of inflammation
Herbalism Timeline
Dioscorides
80
Greek physician, botanist that wrote 5 volume "De materia Medica". Earliest known
herbal pharmacology book to be found intact.
Overviewed relationships of natural substances on human body.
Galen
200
Greek physician that reintroduced Hippocrates to Roman citizens. Focused on en-
hancing body's self-healing ability. Continued to be the major approach to medicine
for 1600 years!
Tang Dynasty - Compendium of Materia Medica
Jan 1, 659
Compiles 52 volumes and over 30 years of research - 1892 substances and 10,000
prescriptions!
European Medicine
Jan 1, 850
Roots in Greek tradition - translation of Latin texts to English
Wise Women caring for the sick
Mar 9, 900
Monasteries were the central healing places of the time, with large herb gardens
often tended by the wise women healers.
Abbess Hildegard von Bingen
Mar 9, 1150
A remarkable woman who had visions during her life - a clairvoyant.
The Book of Healing Herbs was one of her great publications.
The Great Plague - Black Death
Mar 9, 1350
The epidemic of bubonic plague. Changes the course of European history affecting
aspects of social, religious and economic.
Estimated 1/3 to 2/3 of the population wiped out!
Page 2
Herbalism Timeline
Paracelsus
Mar 9, 1541
An alchemist,chemist, physician and teacher. Demanded a return to simpler medi-
cine and introduced the Doctrine of Signatures.
Nicholas Culpeper
Mar 9, 1654
A renowned herbalist for translating the College Physician Medical text into English
as well as writing the best-selling herbal of all time.
Also found common English plants to be used similarly to the more exotic and and
costly ones.
US Pharmacopeia
Jan 1, 1820
First US Pharmacopeia published - contained 296 substances, 130 of which were
based on the Native American tradition.
Thomsonian Medicine
Mar 9, 1839
Sameul Thomson created a whole system for herbal medicine - known as Thomsoni-
an Medicine. Gained over 3 million followers in his time.
Alexander Flexner
Jan 1, 1911
"Flexner Report detailed guidelines and standards for practicing medicine, requiring
higher expectations and evaluations.
Forced many smaller Eclectic schools to close due to insufficient funding and/or
recognition"
Present day herbalism
Mar 9, 2017
Clearly, the modern rebirth of herbal medicines and the tendency of consumers to
combine herbal, prescription, and over-the-counter medicines gives us once again
the responsibility to learn about herbal medicines.
Page 3
Handout #5
Terry, Y. (2012). Using Herbal Supplements Safely-Pharmacy Times. Retrieved from: https://www.pharmacytimes.com/
Chamomile Handout #6
Ginger
(Root)
Ginger is used to ease nausea and motion sickness. Research suggests that ginger can relieve nausea caused
by pregnancy or chemotherapy. Other areas under investigation are in surgery and for nausea caused by
motion. Reported side effects include bloating, gas, heartburn, and nausea.
Gingko
(Leaf)
Ginkgo leaf extract has been used to treat a variety of conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and
tinnitus. It is also used to improve memory and to prevent dementia and other brain disorders. Some stud-
ies have supported its slight effectiveness. But exactly how gingko works isn't understood. Only extract from
leaves should be used. Seeds contain ginkgo toxin. This toxin can cause seizures and, in large amounts,
death. Because some information suggests that ginkgo can increase the risk of bleeding, it should not be
used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, anticoagulants, anticonvulsant medicines, or tricyclic
antidepressants.
Medicinal Herbs Ginseng
(Root)
Ginseng is used as a tonic and aphrodisiac, even as a cure-all. Research is uncertain how well it works, partly
because of the difficulty in defining "vitality" and "quality of life." There is a large variation in the quality of
ginseng sold. Side effects are high blood pressure and tachycardia. It's considered safe by the FDA, but
shouldn't be used with warfarin, heparin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, estrogens, corticoster-
oids, or digoxin. People with diabetes should not use ginseng.
Goldenseal
(Root, rhizome)
Goldenseal is used to treat diarrhea, and eye and skin irritations. It is also used as an antiseptic. It is also an
unproven treatment for colds. Goldenseal contains berberine, a plant alkaloid with a long history of medici-
nal use in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Studies have shown that goldenseal is effective for diar-
rhea. But it's not recommended because it can be poisonous in high doses. It can cause skin, mouth, throat,
and gastric irritation. It is also not recommended because of the plant's endangered species status.
Milk thistle
(Fruit)
Milk thistle is used to treat liver conditions and high cholesterol, and to reduce the growth of cancer cells.
Milk thistle is a plant that originated in the Mediterranean region. It has been used for many different ill-
nesses over the last several thousand years, especially liver problems. Although study results are uncertain,
some promising information exists.
Saint John's wort
(Flower, leaf)
Saint John's wort is used as an antidepressant. Recent studies have not confirmed that there is more than a
slight effect on depression. More research is needed to determine the best dose. A side effect is sensitivity
to light, but this is only noted in people taking large doses of the herb. St. John's work can cause a danger-
ous interaction with other commonly used medicines. Always talk with your healthcare provider before
using this herb.
Saw palmetto
(Fruit)
Saw palmetto is used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). But recent studies have not found it to
work well for this condition. Side effects are digestive upset and headache, both mild.
Valerian
(Root)
Valerian is used to treat sleeplessness and to reduce anxiety. Research suggests that valerian may be a help-
ful sleep aid, but there are no well-designed studies to confirm the results. In the U.S., valerian is used as a
flavoring for root beer and other foods. As with any medicinal herb, talk with your healthcare provider be-
fore taking it.
Page 2
Handout #7
Ailment/Drug Statistics Natural Alternative
High Cholesterol-Statins > 45 million prescriptions a year Diet rich in oats, garlic, olive oil,
(Zocor, Lipitor) for Lipitor alone and other whole foods.
Corbett, H. (2012). Natural Alternatives to the 10 Most Prescribed Drugs. Retrieved from: https://
www.prevention.com/health/a20438374/top-10-prescription-drugs-and-natural-remedies/
Handout #8
https://www.beinghealthynaturally.com/heartdiseasecholesterol/bloodpressuremedications.php
And
https://draxe.com/