Page 41 - Time Special Edition Alternative Medicine (January 2020)

Native American
To the early indigenous populations of North and South America, plants,
stones and animals provided as much healing information as any of today’s
medical tomes. Their herbal remedies tended to be antimicrobial.

Goldenseal Saw palmetto Echinacea Chaparral
Used as an antibiotic and to This small palm has a An antibiotic, echinacea Claimed to offer antiviral,
clear the GI tract of harmful reputation for treating is said to activate white antifungal and antibacterial
yeast and bacteria, it may prostate problems, but blood cells. It’s a popular protections on top of an
have anti-mucus properties studies yield confl icting treatment for the common anti-infl ammatory action, it
as well. It’s not safe for results. It is also used cold, though studies have can be dangerous, causing
children or pregnant or for impotence and upper- generally failed to confi rm serious liver damage if not
lactating women. respiratory problems. its effectiveness. prepared properly.

European

Old World herbs have often served as a bridge between older, Eastern holistic
traditions and the symptom-based approach of modern medicine. They are
prescribed primarily as antidotes for the excesses of modern living.

St. John’s wort Celandine Chamomile Fennel
It has been shown to treat This herb is used as an Used to calm the nervous This aromatic is said to
mild depression, but this all purpose liver remedy as system and digestive tract, relieve intestinal bloating
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herb also interferes with well as a treatment for gout this well-known plant is and gas, including in babies
some prescription drugs. and insomnia. popular as a tea. being breastfed.

Common Ground
Several broad-based herbs span most traditions,
though they often have different names in different cultures.

Comfrey Ginger Barberry Angelica
Also called knit bone A digestive that dissolves Said to dissolve kidney The Chinese variety (dong
because of its reputation mucus, this popular herb stones and relieve gout, gui) is considered a fi rst-line
for healing fractures, it is for is used to treat nausea, the plant is considered a treatment for problems
topical use only and can be vomiting and motion digestive by the Chinese. related to menstruation
toxic if taken internally. sickness. and pregnancy.

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