Page 40 - Time Special Edition Alternative Medicine (January 2020)

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE NATURAL HEALING

Plants with Benefits

Plants were the original medicines. Long before FDA-approved pharmaceuticals

and synthetic vitamins, people relied on leaves, seeds and flowers as the best
lines of defense against illness. Every culture had its favorites, and we can learn

something from each. However, many have yet to be subjected to rigorous

study, so we still don’t know how safe and effective they are, both in general and
for each individual with his or her particular needs. Ancient claims are not the

same as scientific proof. Before adding any herbal product to your routine, do

your research about possible side effects and interactions it might have with

prescription drugs. And consult your caregivers before taking the plunge.

Ayurvedic

Ayurveda, “the study of life,” is a Hindu system that dates to 300 B.C. Taking into
account personality, pulse and habits, it is the original holistic approach. In India, Ayurveda
is still practiced by 80% of the population, but its complexity and controversy (some of its
herbs contain toxins) keep it outside the Western mainstream.

Ashwagandha Gotu kola Shatavari Amla
“That which has the smell This is used to revitalize Also known as asparagus One of these walnut-size
of a horse” is said to offer nerves and brain cells— root (no relation to the fruits has the vitamin C of
the vitality and sexual and thus supposedly to vegetable), it is used 10 oranges.
energy of a stallion. increase intelligence, to treat fertility and
memory and longevity. menopause problems.

Chinese

Another ancient holistic system that continues to evolve, Chinese medicine counts herbal
remedies and acupuncture as primary elements. The herbs—more accurately “medicinals,”
as they often include minerals and animal parts—are almost always used in combination.

Ginseng Bupleurum Fo Ti Astragalus
One of the most popular of This herb is used for a A restorative, this tonic Also known as yellow vetch,
all herbs, it is said to boost variety of liver diseases, herb is said to strengthen it purportedly bolsters the
energy, ward off mental including cirrhosis and the lower back, darken gray immune system. There
decline and aid digestion. hepatitis. hair, and nourish semen are claims that it helps
and blood. digestion and the lungs.

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