LIFE z WELL LIVED Plants in Medicine P lants have been used for medicinal purposes dating back to ancient times and still today, herbal medicine is the mainstay of many traditional healing systems like Oriental medicine, Ayurveda and African medicine. Plants contain alkaloids, which are biologically active chemical compounds found in the leaves, flowers, roots, stems and seeds. Morphine was the first individual alkaloid ever isolated and was derived from the opium poppy in 1804. Since then, plant alkaloids have been used to develop many pharmaceuticals because of their wide range of medicinal activity. These compounds can relieve pain, kill bacteria, dilate blood vessels, regulate heart rhythm, lower blood sugar and fight cancer. Examples of pharmaceuticals containing plant alkaloids include the blood thinner Warfarin, which is derived from sweet clover and the anti-cancer drugs Vincristine and Vinblastine, which are derived from the Madagascar periwinkle. Terpenes are another type of chemical compound produced by plants. Terpenes typically have a strong odor and are the main component of essential oils. Essential oils are commonly used to invoke relaxation (lavender, rose, yang ylang), aid digestion (peppermint, ginger, fennel) and boost the immune system (lemon, tea tree, eucalyptus). Terpenes are active constituents in both natural remedies and pharmaceuticals. Full-spectrum CBD oil, made from the Cannabis plant, contains terpenes as well as phytocannabinoids which help produce its pain-relieving, immune boosting, calming and relaxing effects. Taxadiene is a terpene that comes from the yew tree and is used in the synthesis of the chemotherapy agent Taxol. Herbal medicine is increasingly being used to treat illness by those seeking a more natural approach to healthcare, either as a stand-alone treatment for specific health problems or in conjunction with modern medicine. Often, plant-based medicine is capable of producing a similar effect to a pharmaceutical, often without the unwanted side effects. For example, many sinus infections, allergy symptoms and unhealthy gut microbiota can be eliminated with herbal medicine rather than antibiotics or anti-histamines. High dose turmeric, boswellia, and cat’s claw can decrease inflammation and relieve pain without the damage to the GI system caused by chronic NSAID use or the dependence on opioids caused by narcotic pain relievers. However, herbal medicines are often incorrectly assumed to be safe just because they are natural. Herbal medicines are not regulated by the FDA and several investigations have shown inferior quality products often don’t contain the stated amount of active ingredient and are contaminated with OTC pharmaceuticals, bacteria, fungi, mold or cheap fillers. For this reason, it’s essential to purchase your herbal medicines and supplements from a licensed healthcare practitioner who has vetted suppliers to guarantee the purity and efficacy of their products. Additionally, a knowledgeable professional will ensure your herbal medicine does not negatively interact with your prescription medicine. At Indian River Acupuncture and Functional Medicine, we have advanced training in the evidence-based use of natural medicine. We carry only pharmaceutical grade products and painstakingly compare them across top vendors for potency per capsule and cost to the patient. We’re committed to offering our patients the best product at the best price to produce the best result. For an herbal consultation or more information on natural medicine, call (772) 564-8383 or visit IndianRiverAcupuncture.com. Written by ANGELA KING, AP, DOM, INDIAN RIVER ACUPUNCTURE & FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE GET GETHEALTHY. HEALTHY. BE BEHAPPY. HAPPY.LIVE LIVEWELL. 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