SLC S21 Week 1 - A Comprehensive guide to Herbal Medicines
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Hello friends!!
It's good to know that from the comfort of my home I can handle some health issues using herbal medicine. I love this class and I want to be a part of it.
Research Assignment: Research and write a history of herbal medicine in your culture or region. (2 marks) |
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I am from Nigeria and and am from the Igbo culture. In Igbo culture, herbal medicine has been in existence for a very long time.
Herbal medicine in the Igbo culture has been practiced and is very important to us before our colonial masters. In Igbo culture our medicine are based physically, spiritual and psychological.
Medications where gotten from herbs, leaves, roots and stems of plants. Mostly from natural sources. Those responsible for prescribing treatment where called the medicine men or healers. They were like the doctors we have today.
Apprenticeship was done to pass the practice of herbal medicine from one generation to the other. First when a person is sick he is taken to be healer and he is checked and given herbs as treatment.
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) |
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| Herbal medicine | modern medicine |
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| They are strictly compose of natural ingredients therefore their side effects are minimal | they are composed of chemicals and little or no natural ingredients therefore their side effects are greatly felt. |
| They help to increase and support the immune system | They are given to remedy already existing disease of sickness |
| Herbal medicine goes down to the root of the illness to deal with it rather than just the physical symptoms experienced | modern medicines handled the physical symptoms and illness may resurface again |
| Herbal medicine is less expensive and can be reachable by many | modern medicine can be expensive and there are places where people don't even have access to it |
| Does not have any side effects to our liver because they are purely digestible herbs and plants | can cause damage to the liver when taken excess. |
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) |
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 Garlic |  Tumeric |  Ginger |
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Benefits of Garlic
- Garlic is so powerful that it helps in increasing our body's immune system.
- It can be used as a treatment for cold
- Helps to reduce blood pressure making sure we stay healthy
- It also helps to reduce the risk of having a heart attack
- Garlic can serve as a spice in our meal adding to taste.
Benefits of Tumeric
Tumeric helps us in food digestion, Incase you know anyone having issues with digestion you can prescribe tumeric.
Tumeric can help relief pain especially that of arthritis.
It can also serve as a booster for our immune system.
It contains antioxidant which is used to fight inflammations.
Usage can help reduce the chances of having a cancer
Benefits of Ginger
- Ginger is an amazing herb used to fight germs
- Helps reduce cramps in women during their period
- Can be used as a agent for weight loss especially when used in teas.
- It can help resolve the issue of sore throat
- Also used as a relief for arthritis pain.
Forms of Herbs: Write about the different forms of the herbs. (2 marks) |
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Herbs can be Dried:
Herbs that are dried are called dried herbs. These herbs were formerly fresh but became Dried because they have undergone drying.
Dried herbs can be in different forms such as dried leaves. These are used for cooking . Some of such herbs include thyme.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh Herbs are fresh leaves gotten from plants, stems and flowers. Just like it's name, it's fresh. They are used for making teas and for cooking.
Herbal Tinctures
These herbs are special because they are made specifically by soaking them into alcohol for a while. For instance the stems of some plants or roots are put into bottle and alcohol added to produce herbs for stomach pain
Herbal teas
These are liquids extract gotten from herbs, the can also be made from dried herbs that has been soaked into water, either hot or cold water.
Safety Report: Pick one herb and research any potential side effects and how to avoid them. (2 marks)** |
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Thyme
Thyme is a dried herb used for cooking because it's serves a spice because of its unique flavors and taste. They are also used for skin care. Over here we use thyme when boiling our meat and in our stew. Thyme has health benefits which includes used for prevention from yeast infection and even cancer.
side effects
- It can cause Nausea
- When taken in too much quantity can cause diarrhea
- It can cause vomiting when taken as tea.
- And even skin reaction for some people
- Head aches
- Dizziness
It is reversible to consult your doctor when any of the following reactions is experienced. We know that too much of everything is bad. So we need to be cautious and guided.
I invite my friends to join this contest @sahmie @lhorgic @aviral123
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This is some deep stuff, my friend! Respect to you for diving into this. it’s like connecting with the roots in more ways than one.