The use of plants in medicine by Caisey Harlingten
Nature is an integral part of our lives. We crave to be surrounded by nature even though we live in concrete jungles. People go on vacations to enjoy the beauty of nature. Nature provides us with everything that we need to survive. All our food comes from nature. Plants components are used as medicines from prehistoric times. Before scientists developed modern medicines, plants were used to cure most diseases. Even today, plants and nature-based therapies are used to treat some health problems. They are called alternative medicines and therapies. Plants contain numerous chemical compounds for fighting against insects, fungi, viruses, and other diseases.
The different terminologies related to alternative medicine are: The cultivation of medicinal plants: Most of the medicinal plants grow in the wild. However, some experts have started growing these plants in exclusive spaces. Medicinal plants need a lot of care and attention to grow properly. Steps to ensure that the plants are not affected by pests and other plant diseases are taken. Many medicinal plants require a particular type of soil, so care should be taken while cultivating such plants.
Preparation of medicines: Plant in the raw form cannot be used as medicines as they might have thorns and are fibrous. Different parts of a plant like the bark, stem, roots, etc., are used as medicines. The parts are not fit for consumption in their original form. The forms of the plants have to be changed to make them useful. Some plants are dried and then converted to powder for easy consumption and compression into capsules. The plants can also be crushed and boiled in water to prepare a decoction. The decoction can either be administered orally or applied locally on wounds. In the present day, the chemical compounds from the plants are extracted and used in modern drugs.
The use of medicines made from plants: Plant medicine is used excessively even in modern times. In some parts of underdeveloped countries, medicines from plants are the only source of healthcare. In developed countries, plant-based medicines are excessively being advertised as health supplements. In the present situation of the pandemic, people have become more dependent on natural immunity boosters rather than using modern drugs. The world has seen a boost in the consumption of natural ingredients in the last two years.
• Government regulation of medicines made from plants: World Health Organization has been trying to regulate the usage of plant medicine. The organization is also trying to improve the quality of plant-based drugs available in the market. Most countries do not have a dedicated regulatory authority for alternative medicines. The World Health organization aims at integrating alternative drugs into the healthcare systems of a region. They aim at providing better information to people about the use of such drugs.
Our lifestyle has taken us away from nature. Alternative medicines are made from ingredients available naturally. They are free from side effects, are safe and eco-friendly. Synthetic drugs have become an integral part of our lives. Everybody is affected by lifestyle diseases from an early age. People like Caisey Harlingten have dedicated their lives to researching the benefits of alternative medicine and promoting a healthier alternative to synthetic pills. SOURCE CREDIT: https://caiseyharlingten.tumblr.com/post/672069059352903680/the-use-o f-plants-in-medicine-by-caisey-harlingten
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