SLC S21 Week 1 - A Comprehensive guide to Herbal Medicines

Hello friends, I welcome you to this week's learning challenge, the guide to herbal medicines, there's a saying that if a sick person hides his sickness the sickness will hide the person in the grave, as such this learning is very useful to everyone. I will start my post by answering the homework.

Research Assignment: Research and write a history of herbal medicine in your culture or region. (2 marks)

Herbal medicine has been in existence since time immoral in my country, growing up I saw my grandparents depending on herbs and I can beat my chest to tell you that the herbs did not fail them, they have varieties of herbs for any sickness, As at then many people didn't have opportunity of going to the hospital, the only medical care available was herbs. Today some of those herbs are what we are relying on .

In my country today, herbalist are not neglected because there are some sickness that requires their medication and attention. The history has not changed we believe in herbs and the wonders it can do .

Comparison Task: Create a table comparing the benefits and side effects of modern medicines vs. herbal medicines for common ailments (e.g., cold, headache). (2 marks)

Modern medicine	Herbal medicine
Modern medicine is made from herbs with some chemical preservatives	while herbal medicine is purely plants
Modern medicine is relatively not affordable to everyone	while herbal medicine is readily available and affordable to everyone
Modern medicine has toxic agents that harmful to the body system	while herbal medicine is mild
Modern medicine is faster in curing minor sickness	while herbal medicine takes longer time
Modern medicine can cause drowsiness if taken in excess	while this can be controlled

Herb Identification: Choose 3 herbs from your kitchen like mint, ginger, or turmeric and list their health benefits. Mention the recipes where you have used these herbs. (2 marks)

utazi leaf

This is a greenish bitter leaf that is used for curing of so many stomach disorders.

• It is used for stomach ache.
• It serve as an antifungal.
• It helps the blood circulation
• It can help to soften the stomach of a constipated person.
• It reduces heartburn.

I have use utazi leaf in so many things like making my local delicacy called nkwuobi or goat head (is ewu) . Making use of it I plugged my utazi leaf ,washed thoroughly and then sliced into smaller sizes ,I then sprinkle it on my food and I'm good to go.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the native herbs that used by many, it has numerous health benefits.

• Ginger is a good immune booster.
• It helps in weight loss.
• It helps the brain to function well.
• It fights gems

I have used ginger to fight my weight, I cut them into pieces and soaked with water after the first day it was good and ready for drinking. In an empty stomach for 3days.

Turmeric

Turmeric is good ,it helps to fight some cancerous cells in the body, it helps to relieve pains in the body system. It can be used as a skin care.

Sundry your tumeric and grind and then squeeze out the oil then it can be used on the face morning and evening. Mind you the color of can stain but it's washable.

Forms of Herbs: Write about the different forms of the herbs. (2 marks)

Oil herbs. These are the used of herbs to make oils for humans consumption or usage. Like turmeric oils that are used for dry skin.

Powered herbs. This a process of drying the leaves,or roots then properly grind it into powered for usage.

Liquid herbs. This can be done by extracting the herbs into liquid.

Safety Report: Pick one herb and research any potential side effects and how to avoid them. (2 marks)

Garlic

Every good thing has it's side effects, that's why it is good to apply caution in anything we don't eat. I have few side effects of garlic and how to avoid them.

Side effects of garlic	How to avoid them
Bad odor	Avoid chewing it too much and Rinse your mouth after chewing
Vomiting	Avoid eating garlic on an empty stomach,it can lead to upset stomach
Low blood pressure	moderation is the key avoid eating atleast three per day

Conclusion.

I strongly believe in natural medicine and I know my friends would have some things to say @eliany @pelon53 @goodybest @bessie2023

#herbalmed-s21w1