Natural medicine and chinese medicine Preparation Chapter 13
DEFINITION Also called herbalism a traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts The type of environment (climate, bugs, soil quality) in which a plant grew will affect its components, as will how and when it was harvested and processed
Why do people use herbal medicines? Provide a sense of control a mental comfort from taking action e.g. cancer, AIDS Cultural religious beliefs Use differs by ethnic group, income, age educational level
Disclaimer Critical evaluation is extremely important here I am not making any endorsements nor should you use this information to treat yourself without the consultation of a doctor!
Medicinal plants 1. Approximately 25% of today's prescription drugs come from plant extracts 2. Only about 15% of the known plant species have been screened for medicinal purposes 3. Most medicinal plants come from the Tropics