Herbal medicines

The painkilling power of plants

Herbalism is the world’s oldest form of medicine. It’s been used by every ancient civilisation – from the Chinese, Egyptian and Greek to the Tibetan, Persian and Indian civilisations. And today, the popularity of herbalism is as strong as ever.

Harvesting the healing power of plants

Herbal remedies are created from plant extracts. The medicinal part of the plant is harvested or extracted and then either dried for use in teas or made into ointments, powders, pills, capsules, lozenges or liquid tinctures.

The remedies are thought to help feed and nourish sick organs and stimulate the body’s natural healing powers.

Putting Mother Nature to the test

Although individual herbal remedies haven’t been thoroughly investigated, some research – carried out by pharmaceutical companies – confirms that many of them can have a healing effect.

One piece of research, published in the British Medical Journal in 1985, showed how the herb feverfew reduces the frequency and severity of migraine attacks if taken regularly.

Other herbal remedies known for their pain relieving properties include:

• Camomile and wood betony – used to soothe tension headaches
• Ginger root and yarrow – used to ease for period pains
• Evening primrose oil – used to relieve generalised breast pain

For more information, please contact: National Institute of Medical Herbalists.

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