SLC S21 Week 1 - A Comprehensive guide to Herbal Medicines

Asalam Alaikum teachers and students!

I am so happy that we are going to join Season 21.
First of all, I would like to welcome the newly elected Teaching Team. This course is from respected teacher @afzalqamar, who has given an excellent lecture on a very good topic.

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A History of Herbal Medicine in Our Region:

As we all know that herbal medicine has a very long history. From the beginning, when diseases arose among people, they started treating themselves with herbs. The reason for this was that in ancient times the facilities of modern medicine were not yet available. And this tradition continued from generation to generation. People still have more faith in herbal medicine and insist on herbal treatment.

Ancient Herbs Research and History in Pakistan:

Research on herbal medicine in Pakistan began in the 1960s. Institutions like Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) started studying local herbs like kalonji (black seed), neem, turmeric, and asbagol (psyllium). This research helped to understand their health benefits, and today universities and research centers are exploring these herbs for their medicinal uses.

Ancient Wisdom and Herbs:

If we talk about ancient doctors and sages, they knew the benefits of herbs and they knew how to use them. They knew which herb could be effective in treating which disease, for example.

• Ginger

Ginger supports digestion, helps to prevent nausea, and helps treat cough in winter.

• Turmeric

Turmeric has antibiotic properties which make it useful for purposes of treating wounds, managing pains as well as inflammation.

• Onion

Onion is used for blood purification, cold, other diseases and inflammation. It is also used in herbal medicine. Onion is also known as the antiseptic.

Islamic Medicine and Herbal Remedies:

Herbal treatment is also present in Islamic medicine and herbs are very important. During the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), under the guidance of the Sunnah of the Prophet, natural remedies were used with various herbs which helped in increasing the immunity of the body and maintaining general health.

Today's era and Herbal Medicine:

In today's advanced age where the field of medicine has developed a lot and patients are recovering well with modern treatment methods. But in some new and urban areas, herbal medicine is still used because it is cheap and easily available. It is said that the use of herbs is a bridge between our traditional wisdom and modern medicine. Doctors and patients use herbs as natural remedies.

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Here is a comparison table between the benefits and side effects of modern medicines and herbal medicines for common ailments like cold and headache:

Aspect	Modern Medicines	Herbal Medicines
Benefits
Effectiveness	Rapid relief from symptoms (e.g., pain, fever, congestion)	Gradual relief, helps boost immune system naturally
Availability	Widely available in pharmacies and hospitals	Easily accessible and can be grown at home
Standardization	Consistent dosage and regulated production	Natural and often minimally processed
Specificity	Targeted towards specific symptoms and conditions	Broad therapeutic effects, often with multiple benefits
Duration of Action	Short-term but effective for acute symptoms	Longer-lasting relief, especially with regular use
Side Effects
Digestive Issues	May cause nausea, stomach upset, or acid reflux	Generally mild; some may cause bloating or mild nausea
Allergic Reactions	Risk of side effects, including allergies and reactions	Lower allergy risk, but some herbs may cause sensitivity
Long-term Use	Possible side effects with prolonged use (e.g., liver or kidney issues)	Safer for long-term use if taken appropriately
Dependency	Some risk of dependency, especially with painkillers	Lower risk of dependency; herbs generally non-addictive
Drug Interactions	Can interact with other medications, requiring caution	Potential interactions with certain herbs, but generally fewer than synthetic drugs
Cost	Usually more expensive, especially prescription drugs	Generally cost-effective and affordable

This table highlights how each type has its benefits and limitations, depending on the condition and the individual's needs.

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In this section of the homework task we will discuss the herbs and vegetables commonly found in home kitchens. They have numerous benefits for human health. I am going to talk here about ginger, turmeric and onion, try to explain their benefits in simple and concise language.

Onion

• Onion is a known herb which is easily found in most of the_home kitchens. There are special substances called antioxidants which help clean out the body and improve the immune response. It also has an important role in reducing from cold, cough and sore throat. This has a compound known as carotene in it and it is used to enhance heart health and maintain cholesterol. Onions also have natural antiseptic properties that reduce skin inflammation when applied to wounds and its juice improves hair health and prevents hair loss.

Ginger

• It is a common herb found in our kitchen that is warming. This herb helps in boosting immunity, is beneficial for colds and sore throats. It keeps the body warm in winter and its juice reduces stomach ailments like nausea and indigestion. The anti-inflammatory properties present in it cause reduction in joint pain.

Turmeric

• It is an antiseptic and reduces inflammation in the human body. It contains a component called curcumin, which has the ability to increase immunity and fight diseases in the human body. If consumed with milk, it relieves sore throat and colds. Also, its use improves facial scars, spots or allergies and pigmentation on the human body.

Mention in Recipe:

These herbs present in our homes are used in various dishes. Their use not only adds flavor to food, but it is also beneficial for health. I would like to mention here in which recipes they are used.

• Ginger Tea:
  Ginger tea is popular in winter or in cold weathers. Some fresh ginger pieces are placed in one cup of water and boiled for 5-10 minutes then tea leaves and sugar are added in it. It will take only one to two minutes and the ginger tea will be ready. This tea is good for a cold and sore throat.

• Turmeric Milk:
  It is true that milk is natural product or drink which make it even better when added with turmeric and helps the body from inflammation. Warm milk, mix half teaspoon of turmeric and add a spoon of honey. Take this at night before sleeping.

• Onion Recipe:
  Onions are often used in Pakistani recipes. Like biryani, kadhahi meat and dal etc. Onions bring a special flavor and zing to the curry. It also beneficial for health.

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Different forms of herbs:

Herbs have different forms and can be used in different ways. Each form has a different benefit and mechanism. I am going to describe some important forms here.

• Powder Form
  Herbs are dried into powder form. The dried herb is finely ground and used in food, dissolved in water or mixed with honey. Thus, its effectiveness also increases.
  

• Tablets and capsules
  This implies that for anyone who feels that experiences an unpleasant taste every time uses herbs, the herbs are prepared in the form of capsules or pills to enable easy usage.

• Oil Form

Oils are extracted from the leaves or roots of some herbs to make them into an oil. It is used to massage the skin or to treat various ailments and can sometimes be used as a perfume.

• Extract Form
  Herbal extracts are obtained after distillation from various plants. It is usually found in the form of It is mixed with water to drink or applied to the skin.

• Tea or Decoction Form
  The herbs are boiled in water and used in the form of tea or decoction, they provide relaxation to the body and are effective in the treatment of various diseases.

• Raw Form
  Some herbs are used fresh or in a dried form. For example, the leaves can be picked and eaten directly or used as a food garnish. The flowers or roots can also be used by soaking in the sun.

These different forms are used to enhance the efficacy of the herb and facilitate its use.

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A popular herb that brings ginger is used in the treatment of various diseases. Along with its advantages, there are also disadvantages. Which is very important for us to understand.

Side Effects of Ginger:

• Stomach Upset and Heartburn
  Some people overuse ginger, which can cause problems like heartburn or gas, which can occur in people who already suffer from stomach problems.

• Risk of Blood Thinning
  One of the remarkable effects of ginger is blood thinning which will lead to bleeding in the case of inflicting a wound. In fact, if ever you are consuming blood thinner like aspirin, then, it would be best not to take large quantities of ginger.

• Decreased Blood Sugar Levels
  Ginger can lower blood sugar levels, especially if it is best avoided by diabetic patients. Patients who are taking diabetes medications should limit their intake of ginger.

• Skin Irritation or Allergy
  Some people have skin conditions and applying ginger on the skin can cause irritation or allergies, especially if they have sensitive skin.

A Few Ways to Avoid Side Effects:

• Use in Moderation
  Its excessive consumption is harmful to health, so do not consume more than four grams.

• Consult a Doctor or Physician.
  Some people are taking medicine. Consult a doctor or physician before using ginger in your daily diet and then make ginger a part of your routine.

• Use with Food.
  Consuming ginger with food is beneficial. Some people use ginger on an empty stomach, which does more harm than good, so it should be taken with food to avoid stomach upset.

• Test before Applying on Skin
  If you want to apply ginger to the skin, test it first by taking a small amount. Do not use if allergic or irritated.

By taking these precautions, you can avoid the pitfalls and benefit from its use.

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This is my home work task. I would like to invite some of my friends to participate in it.
@shabbir86,
@josepha,
@malikusman1

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Regards: @amjadsharif
Thank You