Herbs, or medicinal plants, have a long and storied history in the treatment of various diseases and ailments. Traditional Chinese medicine, for instance, has a written history of herbal medicine that spans over 2,000 years. In the West, herbalists have also long used “weeds” to address a wide range of health issues. Common herbs like Garlic, Chamomile, Peppermint, Lavender, and many others are well-known for their therapeutic properties.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in medicinal herbs, primarily from the pharmaceutical industry. This industry is constantly on the lookout for new drugs and more effective substances to treat diseases, especially those for which there are few or no effective treatments available. This renewed interest highlights the potential of herbs as a source of valuable medicinal compounds.
Given the extensive traditional use and the substantial body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of herbal medicines, it is surprising that traditional herbal medicine is not more widely encouraged. Instead, synthetic versions of herbs, known as drugs, are often promoted. This is despite the millions of dollars spent on research to identify and isolate the active ingredients in herbs. Herbs are considered treasures in ancient cultures and by herbalists, and many so-called weeds, such as Dandelion, Comfrey, Digitalis (Foxglove), the Poppy, Milk Thistle, and Stinging Nettle, have well-researched and established medicinal qualities that are difficult to match in the pharmaceutical industry. In fact, many pharmaceutical drugs are derived from these herbs.
Current research into the medicinal properties of herbs like Dandelion is being conducted by scientists at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, west London. These scientists believe that Dandelion could be the source of a life-saving drug for cancer patients. Early tests suggest that Dandelion may hold the key to combating cancer, a disease that claims tens of thousands of lives each year. This research is part of a larger project to examine the natural medicinal properties of numerous British plants and flowers.
Professor Monique Simmonds, head of the Sustainable Uses of Plants Group at Kew, explains that they are not randomly screening plants for their medicinal properties. Instead, they are focusing on plants with a long history of traditional use in treating specific medical problems. The goal is to identify the active compounds in these plants that can effectively treat illnesses. However, this approach of isolating active ingredients is not in line with traditional herbal medicine practices. When active ingredients are used in isolation, the functions of the herbs change, much like how a car engine cannot function without the rest of the car.
The need to isolate active ingredients is understandable from a scientific perspective. Establishing the efficacy of a particular herb against a specific disease or pathogen and understanding the mechanism of action is crucial. However, traditional Chinese medicine and other holistic practices emphasize the use of combinations of herbs that have a synergistic effect. These combinations treat not just the disease but also any underlying conditions and the overall health of the patient. This holistic approach is difficult to test using standard scientific methodologies.
Anecdotal evidence, which has a history of thousands of years, is often overlooked by scientists. Instead of isolating active ingredients, why not test these herbs on patients in vivo, using the knowledge of professional herbalists and the advanced technology available to researchers and medical diagnosticians? This approach could provide valuable insights into how and why these herbs work in living, breathing patients, rather than in test tubes or on laboratory animals.
One reason for not following this procedure is that pharmaceutical companies are more interested in isolating therapeutic substances that can be manufactured cheaply and marketed as new drugs. This is where the profit lies. Medicinal plants like Comfrey, Dandelion, and others contain hundreds, if not thousands, of chemical compounds that interact in complex ways. Many of these compounds are not yet understood and cannot be manufactured. As a result, drugs based on isolated active ingredients often do not work as effectively or produce side effects.
Aspirin is a classic example. Salicylic acid, the active ingredient in Aspirin, was first isolated from the bark of the White Willow tree. While it is relatively easy to synthesize, Aspirin is known to cause stomach irritation and, in some cases, ulceration of the stomach wall. In contrast, the herbal extract from the bark of the White Willow tree generally does not cause stomach irritation due to other “non-active” ingredients that protect the stomach lining. This highlights the importance of using the whole herb rather than just the isolated active ingredient.
The underutilization of herbal medicines is partly due to the fact that they are not profitable for pharmaceutical companies. Herbs are freely available, grow easily, and multiply readily. Moreover, correctly prescribed and formulated herbal compounds often resolve health problems over time, eliminating the need for ongoing treatment. This contrasts sharply with pharmaceuticals, which primarily aim to relieve symptoms, leading to ongoing consultations, sales, and health problems.
It is important to note that not all pharmaceutical drugs are ineffective or harmful. Many are life-preserving and invaluable. However, herbal extracts can be similarly effective and are often under-promoted. The daily news frequently reports on the potential medicinal properties of herbs, such as Dandelion’s anti-cancer properties. These herbs need to be investigated in the correct way, considering their complex interactions and the holistic approach of herbalists.
In conclusion, medicinal plants have proven their effectiveness over millennia and are inexpensive and potentially transformative in treating various diseases. Despite this, herbal medicine is still not at the forefront of medical treatments and is often dismissed by orthodox medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies. The potential of herbs to provide safe, effective, and holistic treatments should not be overlooked.
