About Herbs
Difinition
Most of people may picture western tea, spices or dietary supplements if they hear the word, "Herb". The difinition of "herb" is actually much wider, and the plants, with which the aroma, taste and medical effect have been utilized, are called "herbs" in general. After all, Japanese traditional folk drugs or Chinese traditional medications also are herbs.Ingredients of Herbs
So, you may wonder why such plants have special aroma or medical effects. It is because of the compounds contained in the plants. Here are some examples of the compounds contained in plants.Alkaloids
Alkaloids are alkaline compounds with containing nitrogen. There are various alkaloids and their effect also are various. Some of them affect central nervous system. Famous ones are molphine, cocaine and so on.
Flavonoids
Generally called "polyphenols" are parts of them. Red wines have boomed in these days, however flavonoids are contained most of the plants. Depending on the structure, they indicate various colors such as yellow, orange, red or purple, and they are sometimes the sources of the color of flowers. They have anti-oxidant or antibiotic features.
Saponins
They are named after the Latin word "sapo" (soap) because they generate foams in water. Their effect is various, and some of them have anti-inflammatory or hormonal effect.
Terpenoids
One unit contains 5 carbons, and terpenoids are called as monoterpenoids (with 10 carbons), sesquiterpenoids (15 carbons), diterpenoids (20 carbons) and so on. Menthol in mint or peppermint is a kind of monoterpenoids.
Volatile Oil
It is ingredients derived from herbs with heat or extraction, and they tend to have strong aroma. Such oils are often used for aromatherapy as essential oils. Pure volatile oils have so strong effect that they may cause some inflammation in contact.
Herbs in the World
ChinaThe history of the study of herbs in China dates back to before Christ. In its theory, the nature is devided into "yin and yan" or "tree, fire, earth, metal, water", and people get sick if such elements are not well-balanced. So, people become healthy if something lacking is supplied... this theory may sound complecated.
Chinese traditional medication is "to get rid of the cause, which causes the disease". So, basically, you should take something, which makes you feel hot, if you are feeling cold, and you should take something, which gets rid of extra water, if extra water persists inside your body. Traditional remedies are the mixtures of the herbs with such effects, and indicated for the specified disease. Because the cause of the disease differs depending on the constitution of the person, the remedies also differs depending on the constitution of the patient (ex. fat or skinny, with red face of pale face).
It is different from symptom-related medication as "I take painkiller because I have a headache", and it cures the origins of the disease. So, though the effect is mild, this medications could be effective.
Japan
Chinese medical technology was imported around 500 AD. Though folk medications had been performed by trial and error before that, Japanese scientists have started to study about herbal medication throughly since then, and established their own remedies. The word "kampo" is commenly used for such herbal medications, which means "Chinese Medications".
Europe
It is said that the tradition of ancient Greek and Rome has conbined with Egypt, India and Assyria, and the herbal culture has been established.
The history of aromatherapy dates back to the ancient times, however the effectiveness has been scientifically clarified in 20th century. The name of "aromatherapy" has been used, since a French chemist found the healing effect of lavender oil for burns by chance. Then, the method to let aromatic ingridient be absorbed externally with massaging has been developed. It is common to use herbs externally in Western medication, while it is common to take herbs internally in Eastern medication.
Mid and South America
Because of the diversity of the climates, such as rain forests or Andes, Mid and South America is rich in the variety of plants, and these plants have been commonly utilized among native residents.
"Crare" is one of the most interesting ones. Originally, it has been used as arrow poison, and animals die if they are shot by the arrow coated with the liquid, which was made from the bark of the plant called "Strychnos nux-vomica", while people are all right even if they have eaten the killed animals. The compound called d-tubocrarine is highly toxic if it is absorbed in the blood, while it is not poisoness if it is eaten because it is not absorbed from the digestive system. d-tubocrarine is commonly used all over the world for surgeries.
India
Ayurveda is famous. Hundreds of Indian herbs are used for this traditional medication, and the history also dates back to before Christ. Same as Chinese traditional medication, the remedies differ depending on the constitution of the patient, and it includes not only medical purpose but also such psycological element as "how to live a great life".
