Arid zone medicinal plants A Presentation by Mr Allah Dad Khan Former DG Agri Extension /Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar Pakistan

2. AridZone Medicinal Plants:
History& As Folk Medicines
A
Presentation On 18th August 2016
At PFI
By
Mr. Allah Dad Khan

6. Mojepe & Margaret at Plant Healer’s Plants & Faeries Ball
FOLK MEDICINE

7. Plants used as Medicine History
Plants are one of the most important sources of medicines.
The relevance of plants as medicines dates back to
prehistoric period. The medicinal plants are extensively
utilized throughout the world basically by two means of
health care system management which are traditional and
modern. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that
as many as 80% of the world population depend upon
traditional medicines for their primary health care.
The traditional systems of medicine are still very effective
predominantly in rural areas for the treatment of various
ailments

8. Folk medicine
The knowledge of folk medicine is an important source for
the art of healing. It takes many generations of a society to
develop and nurture those traditions. Many successful
medical discoveries of today were one time used as folk
remedies. Examples are Foxglove which gave digitalis, St.
John’s Wort as an anti-depressant, Willow Tree’s salicylates
and one rarely mentioned today, Goldenseal which was used
130 years ago for the treatment of peptic ulcers as an
antibiotic. It took state of the art technology and a Nobel
Prize to discover they were caused by H. pylori bacteria,
when all along, this was successfully treated with herbal tea
from Goldenseal prepared by an herb granny.

9. Definition of FOLK MEDICINE
Traditional medicine as practiced nonprofessionally especially by
people isolated from modern medical services and usually involving
the use of plant-derived remedies on an empirical basis.
OR
Traditional medicine as practiced by non
professional healers or embodied in local custom or lore, generally
involving the use of natural and especially herbal remedies.

10. History of Folk Medicines
The use of plants as source of Folk medicine dates back to
about 4000 to 5000 B.C. The Indian and Chinese were the
pioneers in using plants as valuable sources of medicine.
Drug plants had been extensively described by Aristotle,
Theophrastus and others as early as 77 B.C. Dioscorides
(64-1600 B.C.) in his famous book ‘De Materia Medica’ has
given invaluable and authoritative references about drug
yielding plants

11. Local People And Folk Knowledge
Local people of the area have always used medicinal plants for various diseases and
depend on the surrounding plant resources from a very long time.
The people of the area are very much close to natural vegetation. Women of the area are
actively involved in the preparations of herbal medicines from the plants they collect from
fields either by themselves or by their men and children.
The area has not so far been explored ethno botanically.
So survey was considered necessary in above respect to enlist the local plant species,
their parts used and their medicinal uses to document such information.

12. Primitive medicine In Primitive Age
In the long process of discovering which plants are edible, humans
in the Stone Age also identify many which seem to cure ailments or
soothe a fever.
Herbal medicine is the earliest scientific tradition in medical practice,
and it remains an important part of medicine to this day - in a line
descending directly from those distant beginnings. The early
physicians stumbled upon herbal substances of real power, without
understanding the manner of their working.

13. Primitive Herbal Medicine Some Myth
1. Plants have been used from ancient times to attempt cures for
diseases and to relive physical suffering.
2. Ancient peoples all had acquired some knowledge of medicinal
plants.
3. Oftentimes these primitive attempts at medicine were based on
superstition and speculation.
4. Evil spirits in the body were thought to be the cause of medical
problems.
5. They could be driven out of the body through the use of
poisonous or disagreeable plant substances that rendered the
body a disagreeable habitat.
6. Medicine men or women of a tribe were usually charged with
knowledge of such plants.
7. The progress of medicine has often been guided by the earlier
observations and beliefs.

14. Folk Medicines
History of Some
Medicinal Plants

15. 1.Adrak Ginger Root (Zingiber Officinale)
Folk medicinal Uses: A
remedy for travel sickness,
nausea ( Matli) and
indigestion and is used for
wind, colic, irritable bowel,
loss of appetite, chills, cold,
flu, poor circulation,
menstrual cramps,
dyspepsia (bloating,
heartburn, flatulence),
indigestion and
gastrointestinal problems
such as gas and stomach
cramps

16. 2. Ajwain (Trachyspermum copticum L.)
( Carom Seed)
Folk medicinal uses: Ajwain
seeds have long been used in
traditional ayurvedic and unani
medicines for various ailments.
Extraction obtained from this
spice is sometimes used as
carminative in treating flatulence
and indigestion.
Seeds are taken with little salt for
gas trouble as stomach tonic.
Used as medicine by the ancient
Greeks and Arabs, nakhwa is still
considered a natural remedy. You
can buy the aromatic seeds as
well as a distillate.

18. 3.Ak (Calotropis procera Alton. F.)
Folk medicinal uses:
Latex of plants is applied
externally on piles
wounds for quick relief.
Fresh young leaves and
flowers are eaten against
snake bite.

19. 4.Alsi ( Linum ) Linseed /Flax
Folk Medicinal Uses:
Having a rich history of
medicinal use dating back to
Babylon in 3000 BC, flax
seed has been
wholeheartedly embraced
by natural health and
medical circles alike
because it provides a
natural, vegan source of
Omega-3 essential fatty
acid, lignans, and fiber.
Subsequently, flax can help
fight against cancer,
diabetes and heart disease

20. 5.Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) Indian
Gooseberry
Folk Medicinal Use:
The fruit of the Indian
gooseberry tree is wonderful
for the health of the bones,
teeth and nails, because it
helps the body to take
up calcium from the ingested
foods.
In effect, this herb makes the
bones, teeth and nails
stronger.
This herb is useful for
promoting long life and, at the
same time, it augments the
functioning of the digestive
system.

21. 6.Amli (Tamarindus indica)
Tamarind
Folk medicinal Uses :
In the Philippines, as in
many other cultures, the
ripe pods are often broken
in order to extract the
fleshy seeds, which are
then processed and made
into a variety of
sweetmeats, or otherwise
incorporated into savoury
dishes, or employed yet
again as a natural
preservative agent for
pickling or curing fruits,
vegetables, and even
meat

22. 7.Anar (Punica granatum
L.) Pomegranate
Folk medicinal uses:
Pomegranates have been
used as medicine for
thousands of years.
Outer covering of fruit is dried,
crushed and powder is taken
with water for diarrhea
(one table spoon daily).
The bark, fruit, root, and rind
of the pomegranate tree are
used as medicine in Asia
and the Middle East.
Soaked pomegranate peelings are used
for sore throats, stomach aches and
indigestion

23. 8.Bakain /Dharek (Melia azedarach
L.)
Folk medicinal uses:
Leaves are crushed and
dipped in a water tub.
Feet are put in that tub. It
is used for foot itching
and burning. Dried fruits
are crushed and powder
is taken for piles (one
teaspoon) with water.

24. 9.Bhakra(Tribulus terristris L.)
Folk medicinal uses:
Plant without root is dried
and crushed. One
teaspoon on this powder
is taken with water daily
for rheumatism ( Jooron
Ka Dard) for fifteen days.

25. 10.Barberry (Berberis vulgaris )
Folk Medicinal Uses:
It is used as a folk medicine in
many countries.
1. It is used to treat acne and
scurvy.
2. The berries are also used to
treat many gastrointestinal
problems and coughs.
3. The bark and root of the
plant are used to treat a
cough, cold, respiratory
tract diseases, fever,
infection, and flu

26. 11.Fox Glove ( Digitalis )
Folk Medicinal Uses
Foxglove is the common name
for the plant Digitalis purpurea,
from which the drug digitalis is
obtained.
Foxglove was mentioned in the
writings of Welsh physicians in
1250 and later by William
Withering in a book published in
1785.

27. 12.Gul-e -Babona (Matricaria
chamomile) Chamomile
Folk Medicinal Uses:
With a sweet, crisp, fruity and
herbaceous fragrance has long
been used medicinally as a
remedy for problems regarding
the digestive system.
Also traditional remedy for
sleeplessness, anxiety, and
gastrointestinal conditions such
as upset stomach, gas, and
diarrhea.

28. 13.Gekhwar Aloe vera (Knwar
gandal)
Folk Medicinal Uses :
The Aloe vera plant has been used
for thousands of years to heal a
variety of conditions, most notably
burns, wounds, skin irritations, and
constipation.
Aloe gel, made from the central part
of the aloe leaf, is a common
household remedy for minor cuts
and burns, as well as sunburns.
The medicinal uses for aloe vera
date all the way back to King
Solomon, who was reported to have
used the leaves of this succulent
plant as a laxative. Hippocrates
mentioned at least 14 different
concoctions containing this
botanical, and Alexander the Great
conquered an island in order to
supply his troops with aloe vera.

29. 14.Cardamom
Native to India and Sri
Lanka, cardamom is a well-
loved spice in the Arabian
Peninsula. Arab coffee is
heavily flavored with it. In
fact, cardamom is a
valuable ingredient in Middle
Eastern cuisine: in
beverages, sweets, pastries
and main dishes.

30. 15.Asafetida (heeng)
Alexander the Great is
credited with carrying
asafetida west in the fourth
century BC, following his
expeditions into the Persian
Empire (modern
Afghanistan).
The famous ancient Roman
gourmet Apicius (first
century) used asafetida in
over half of his recipes.

31. 16.Haldi (Curcumae longa)
Turmeric
Folk Medicinal Uses :
Turmeric is a plant that has a very
long history of medicinal use, dating
back nearly 4000 years. In
Southeast Asia, turmeric is used not
only as a principal spice but also as
a component in religious
ceremonies. Because of its brilliant
yellow color, turmeric is also known
as “Indian saffron.” close open
wounds (also was used to dye skin
and cloth).
Turmeric is rarely used alone;
healers often mix it with milk, butter,
dairy curd or aloe before application
or ingestion to make a thick yellow
paste.

33. 17.Arak (Maswak /tooth brush
tree )
The arak is a short evergreen
tree that grows in sandy and
arid areas of the Middle East
and Africa. Sheep and goats
like to nibble its leaves.
The Prophet Mohammad, founder of
Islam, recommended the miswak to
his followers. He used it to sweeten
his breath during fasting and advised
its use prior to prayer. This practice
is still popular in Arabia today

34. 18.Hermal (Peganum heramala L)
Folk medicinal uses:
Seeds are taken with
water for abdominal pain.
Plant is incompletely
burnt and smoke is
spread in the room.
Smoke has insecticidal
properties and kills the
insects.

35. 19.Ispaghol (Plantago lanceolatum
L)Folk medicinal uses:
Seed husk is taken with
water for gas trouble and
indigestion. Seed husk is
mixed with yogurt and
taken for stomach pain
and stomach ulcers.

36. 20.Kalongi (Nigella sativa L.) Black
Cumin
Folk medicinal uses:
The Prophet Mohammad had
described the healing powers of
the Black Seeds against a variety
of diseases.
According to common Islamic and
Arabic belief, Habbatul Barakah is
a remedy for all ailments
(universal healer)
In the traditional system of
medicine practiced in the Arabian
Gulf region,long ago.
Seeds are taken with water
for stones of body organs in
many diseases. Kalongi
seeds are taken with ajwain
seeds for body stones.

38. 21.Malathi ( (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice
 Focal medicinal Uses :It is
mild laxative, expels phlegm (
Balghum), soothes liver,
pancreas and chest and
respiratory problems.
 To the Egyptians the sweet
tasting Licorice root was a cure-
all, much in the same manner
that Chinese relate to Ginseng.
Remarkably the licorice root was
extremely well preserved when
it was found by archaeologists,
this may be due in part by the
unusual preservation qualities
the shape of the pyramid has.
 The ancient Hindus believed it
would increase sexual vigor
when prepared as a beverage
with milk and sugar

40. Focal medicinal Uses:
Henna is a very ancient, oriental
dye used to color hair, beard,
eyelashes, nails and skin.
Astringent, stop diarrhea, close
open wounds , headache to
leprosy
It’s probably one of the oldest
decorative cosmetic preparation
know to man and is still widely
used as an ingredient in many
cosmetic products and natural
hair dyes.
This fascinating plant known
world-wide for the beautiful
colouring dye used by the
orientals to colour their hands and
body.
Also to reduce body heat
22.Mehndi(Lawsonia inermis)
Henna

41. 23.Methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Fenuegreek
Focal Medicinal Uses
The herb as Folk medicine
has been used for centuries
as a cooking spice in
Europe and remains a
popular ingredient in pickles,
curry powders, and spice
mixtures in India and Asia.
In folk medicine, fenugreek
has been used in the
treatment of boils, cellulitis,
and tuberculosis.

42. 24.Podophyllum May Apple, American
Mandrake
Podophyllum resin obtained from the
root is the only part of the plant used
in herbal medicine. The plant was
used by the American Indians as a
cathartic, to induce vomiting, and as
an emetic but it is now considered too
toxic. The main therapeutic use of the
resinous root of mayapple is that of a
topical treatment for genital warts and
similar papillomas caused by viral
infection. In Japan, mandrake is used
to make Hakkakuren, an over the
counter preparation for removing
genital warts.

43. 25.Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae)
Jatropha gossypiifolia L.
(Euphorbiaceae), widely
known as “bellyache bush,”
is a medicinal plant largely
used throughout Africa and
America. Several human
and veterinary uses in
traditional medicine are
described for different parts
and preparations based on
this plant. However, critical
reviews discussing
emphatically its medicinal
value are missing.

44. 26.Moringa oleifera
Traditional cultures in various parts
of the world have long used Moringa
in their herbal medicine repertoire for
ailments ranging from gout to
various infla.
Moringa oleifera has an impressive
range of medicinal uses with high
nutritional value and medicinal
benefits. Different parts of Moringa
contain a profile of important
minerals and are a good source of
protein, vitamins, beta-carotene,
amino acids and various phenolics.
Moringa provides a rich and rare
combination of zeatin, quercetin,
beta-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid
and kaempferol.mmations and
fevers

46. 27.The psoralea corylifolia, also known
as Babchi
The powder derived from
babchi seeds are applied
topically on the skin, for
curing several skin conditions.
At times, the extracts from the
babchi seeds are also used to
make a type of fragrant oil,
known as babchi oil. Some of
the conditions that have been
known to improve with the
use of psoralea corylifolia are
Vitiligo, psoriasis, leucoderma
and leprosy. Moreover, there
are many commercial
psoralea corylifolia uses that
are also related to psoralen.

47. 28.Neem (Azidarachta indica
A.Juss)
Folk medicinal uses:
Native to India
Its extracts have been used in
the Ayurvedic tradition for
thousands of years for
maintaining health and overall
well-being. The roots, bark, gum,
leaves, fruit, seed kernels and
seed oil are all used in
therapeutic preparations for both
internal and topical use

48. 29.Piaz (Allium cepa) Onion
Focal medicinal uses of
Onion :An old folk remedy
for keeping germs out of
the sickroom was to place
half an onion on the plate.
Also diuretic, induces
perspiration, prevents
colds, soothes sciatica,
relieves pains and other
cardiovascular problems.
Also warts, fevers, burns,
even cancer can be
remedied with Onion.

50. 30.Persimmon
An edible fruit of a number
of species of trees in the
genus Diospyros in the
ebony wood family
(Ebenaceae), persimmons
are eaten fresh, dried, raw,
or cooked. They have also
long been used in traditional
Asian Medicine in teas for
stopping hiccups, bed-
wetting, constipation, fever,
and improve circulation

51. 31.Peppermint or pudina /Mint
Focal Medicinal uses of
Mint: In Ancient Athens, where
it was common to scent
different parts of the body with
different herbs, mint was the
scent most commonly used on
the arms.
Used to treat gastric ailments
and mint is another cure that is
still used today.
Dried leaves used in teas and
food, found helpful in a number
of remedies.

52. 32.Post (Papaver somniferum)
Poppy
Traditional Arab, Chinese,
European, Indian and North
African medicines as pain
relief and to treat a range of
illnesses including
diarrhoea, coughs and
asthma
Also Relieves insomnia,
relieves headaches, anesthetic,
soothes respiratory problems,
deadens pain. (“Ancient
Egyptian Medicine,” n.d.).

53. The sea-buckthorn has
been used throughout the
centuries in China to relieve
cough, aid digestion,
invigorate blood circulation
and alleviate pain. The
branches and leaves are
used in Mongolia to treat
gastrointestinal distress in
humans and animals.
33.Sea Buckthorn

54. 34.Sonf(Foeniculum vulgare Mill)
Folk medicinal uses:
Used from centuries as
important medicinal and
aromatic plant widely used as
carminative, digestive,
lactogogue and diuretic and in
treating respiratory and
gastrointestinal disorders.
Its seeds are used as
flavourings in baked goods,
meat and fish dishes, ice cream
Dew is taken from the
inflorescence in the morning
and put in the eye for eye-
cataract..

55. 35.Thoom (Allium sativum L.) (
Lehsan) Garlic
Garlic has been used in folk medicine for centuries.
1.Egyptians: Garlic was paid to pyramid workers and was believed to
improve worker’s strength and stamina.
2.Assyrians:
Garlic was used as an antibiotic and to pack in rotten teeth cavities.
3. Greeks:
Athletes and workers used garlic to increase strength. Hippocrates (460-
370 BC), Theophrastus (371-287 BC)
4.Romans:
Garlic used by sailors and solders for strength and courage.
5. Chinese:
Garlic was used as a food preservative. It was believed to eliminate the
noxious effects of putrid meat and fish and to treat unwholesome water.
6.India :
For the treatment of heart disease and arthritis.
Focal Use: Five to six pieces of garlic are heated with little mustard oil until red
coloration. Oil obtained is used for ear pain (one to two drops).

56. 36.Till (Sesamum indicum) Sesame
1. Use of sesame in
Egyptian medicine and
cuisine reportedly dates
to around 1500 BC.
2. Sesame oil was used to
illuminate lamps found in
Egyptian archeological
sites.
3. Sesame oil is reportedly
a traditional Egyptian
remedy for circulatory
disorders, arthritis and
nerve pain or neuralgia
(such as sciatica), and
for removing excessive
earwax

57. 37.Tulsi(Ocimum basilicum L.)
Niazbo
Folk medicinal uses:
Tulsi in Sanskirt
means”one that is
incomparable or matches”
Used in India since
Thousand of year .
It is also a wonder ayurvedic
herb which is known for its
tremendous medicinal
properties both in traditional
folklore as well as
pharmacological system of
medicines. Every part of the
plant finds its use in one form
or the other

58. 38.Willow:
The medicinal use of
willow dates back 6,000
years. Ancient civilizations
used willow tree extracts to
treat pain, inflammation,
and musculoskeletal
conditions
A concoction of this was
used to treat toothache
and willow bark formed the
basis of modern aspirin.

59. Folk medicinal uses:
Leaves are eaten as
remedy for liverstones.
Leaves are tied on
wounds for two to three
days for healing.
39.Zakhm-e-hayat
(Bryophyllum
pinnatum Kurz.)

60. 40.Atees(Aconitum heterophyllum)
Atees has been used from
centuries to cure various diseases
externally and internally as well.
Externally the crushed leaves and
seeds are used to be applied on
the throat to treat tonsillitis.
For Internal uses the juice of
Atees roots along with milk is
considered as an expectorant.
The seeds and roots of Atees help
in making digestive system
strong.
Seeds are also thought to have
diuretic properties which help in
alleviating the burning sensation
in urinary tract and increase the
intensity of urine.

61. 41.Zaitoon ka Teel Olive Oil
Focal Medicinal Uses of
Olive oil : was considered
so sacred to ancient
culture that it was even
used to anoint kings and
priests. Hence, the
Hebrew for Messiah,
Moshiach, meaning
“anointed one!”

62. 42.Saussurea lappa Clarke ( Kuth)
is a traditionally known and
potent plant which is well
considered for its medicinal
uses in different indigenous
Indian systems of medicine. It
is popularly known as Kuth
root or costus and used in
various traditional system of
medicine for its anti-ulcer,
anti-convulsant, anti-cancer,
hepatoprotective, anti-
arthritic, anti-viral activities.

63. 43.Morel Mushroom
The morel mushroom has been
around for approximately 129
million years, growing in moist
high altitude forests. It is
unappreciated by most animals,
except for humans, who enjoy the
mushroom as an edible delicacy
and for its medicinal properties.
So much so that it is one of the
most expensive vegetables in the
world.
In the Hindu Kush Himalayas of
India and Pakistan – where they
are called gucchi – the mushroom
isworth its weight in gold.
Poor villagers earn extra income
from gathering the rare and
valuable resource.

64. 44.Cucumber
Cucumbers originated in
Asia, probably in India, and
spread into Europe about
3000 years ago. Today
Indian medicine prescribes
cucumber juice for an array
of ailments, including
constipation, stomach
disorders, urinary problems,
rheumatism and even
cholera.

65. 45.Walnut Bark
The bark of the walnut tree
is astringent and cleansing.
It strengthens the gums and
acts as an anti-inflammatory.
It has been used to treat
gum disease.
Walnut bark is a traditional
source of yellow-brown dye.

66. 46.Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)
The oil and seed of Castor
Bean have been used as
folk remedies for: warts,
cold tumors, indurations of
the abdominal organs,
whitlows, lacteal tumors,
indurations of the mammary
gland, corns, and moles, etc

67. 47.Banafsha (Viola )
The accounts of their uses
abound for all the violets. As
far back as 1885, a study
compared violet leaf vitamin C
content to that of oranges and
vitamin A content to that of
spinach. From the basal
leaves, if collected in spring,
this early research reported
that violets contain twice as
much vitamin C as the same
weight of orange and more
than twice the amount of
vitamin A, gram for gram,
when compared with spinach

68. 48.Lemon Grass
Lemon grass is used in
Indian Ayurvedic medicine to
treat fevers and infectious
illnesses. Lemon grass is
also used in Chinese
medicine to treat colds and
rheumatism..

69. 49.Zizyphus mauritiana (beer)
Zizyphus is one of the plants
commonly used in Egyptian
folk medicine for the
treatment of different
diseases

70. 50.Bhang (cannabis)
The most readily available
information on medical
marijuana can be found in
historical documents—some
more than a thousand years
old —as well in the personal
stories of people who have
taken the drug to relieve
medical symptom

72. 51. BLACKBERRY
Rubus allegheniensis
Also called Appalachian
raspberry and dewberry. O
ne of the best old remedies
for summer
complaints. Blackberry juice
is also used for diarrhea and
flux. When combined with
Goldthread and boiled, it is
used to treat sore throat and
canker sores and is a
valuable remedy for
dysentery as well.

73. 52. Burdock
Its root has been used as a laxative,
and body cleanser, as a folk
treatment for cancer and as a
treatment for head colds.

74. 53.Amaltas
Cassia fistula plants are used in folk
remedies for tumors of the abdomen,
glands, liver, stomach and throat
cancer, carcinomata and
impostumes of the uterus. It is a folk
remedy for burns, cancer,
constipation, convulsions, delirium,
diarrhea, dysuria, epilepsy, gravel,
hematuria, pimples and glandular
tumors. Ayurvedic medicine
recognizes the seed as antibilious,
aperitif carminative and laxative the
root for adenopathy, burning
sensations, leprosy, skin diseases,
syphilis and tubercular glands the
leaves for erysipelas, malaria,
rheumatism and ulcers the buds for
biliousness constipation, fever,
leprosy and skin disease the fruit for
abdominal pain, constipation, fever,
heart disease and leprosy.

75. 54. Colchicum autumnale (Suranjan-talkh)
The homeopathic remedy
Colchicum is prepared using
the freshly dug up bulb of
the herb Colchicum
autumnale and it is used to
treat a number of health
conditions, especially joint
pains, gout and rheumatism.

76. 55. Bunium persicum B. Fedtsch [Tora
Zeera ] (Kala Zeera)
Carminative, stomachic and
stimulant

77. 56. Calendula arvensis L. [Zair Gulae]
Another account, written in
1699, states “The yellow
leaves of the flowers are dried
and kept throughout
Dutchland against winter to
put into broths, physicall
potions and for divers other
purposes, in such quantity
that in some Grocers or
Spicesellers are to be found
barrels filled with them and
retailed by the penny or less,
insomuch that no broths are
well made without dried
Marigold.”
Scrofula, diaphoretic,
antihelminthic and tonic

78. 57. Diospyos lotus L. [Tor Amlook]
Carminative, purgative and
flatulence

79. 58. Paeoniaceae Paeonia emodi Wall. ex
Hk.f. [Mamaikh]
European traditional herbal
medicine embraced Peony
with enthusiasm, particularly
the old English herbal
culture. Here it was rated as
a treatment for epilepsy and
also for spasms and cramps
caused by gall-stones or
kidney stonesBackbone
ache, dropsy, epilepsy,
emetic, cathartic, blood
purifier, colic, purgative and
tonic

80. 59. Podophyllum hexandrum Royle
[Kakorra
Hepatic stimulant, purgative
and emetic

81. 60. Magnolia Flower
If you have nasal congestion
or chronic sinusitis,
magnolia flower is the
herbal remedy for you. An
herbal tea containing
magnolia flower and other
Chinese herbs was found to
improve chronic sinusitis
when used for six weeks.10
Fermented magnolia flower
petal extract has also shown
promise as a natural
antioxidant and anti-cancer
agent.11

82. 61.Ziziphus jujuba
Ziziphus Jujuba is a fruit
used in Traditional Chinese
Medicine for purposes
related to gastrointestinal
health and digestion, as well
as being a combination
sedative/anxiolytic/pain-
killer. It has apparently
potent benefits according to
Traditional Chinese
Medicine, but there is limited
human evidence and
evidence in general on the
benefits of Ziziphus Jujuba.

83. 62. Lotus Flower
The lotus flower is used for
treating bleeding disorders,
including bloody noses, as
well as irritability and fevers.
Its seeds, stem, and leaves
are also used in TCM.

84. 63. Safflower
According to the American
Botanical Council (ABC),
safflower is among the
blood-promoting herbs in
Chinese medicine that aid
circulation, nourish blood
and increase its production,
and have anti-thrombotic
properties. ABC notes
safflower may “support
coronary blood flow and
reduce myocardial oxygen
use, ischemia, and
arrhythmia

85. 64.Chrysanthemum
The benefits of long-term
consumption of
Chrysanthemum tea have
been recognized throughout
the history of Chinese
medicine. It is said to
prevent aging and to be a
favorite of Taoists and poets,
though the benefits are
achieved only with drinking
the tea over a long period of
time.

86. 65. Lonicera Flower
Also known as honeysuckle
flower, this remedy is often
used for colds, flu, and sore
throats. It was even used in
combination with three other
herbs as a treatment for
swine flu.

87. Key differences between traditional and
modern medicine
Traditional
medicine
Modern medicine
Modern Medicines
1.Knowledge
protection
Open access but
social or legal
restrictions may
govern who can
use certain
knowledge, under
what conditions
and with what
benefit for
knowledge
holders
Closed, patent-
protected

88. Key differences between traditional and
modern medicine
Traditional medicine Modern medicine
Modern Medicines
2.Formulation
Ad hoc during
consultation with the
patient
Predetermined and, once
approved in clinical trials,
formulas cannot be changed
unless retested
3.Regulation
Usually loose. In some
cases with restrictions
on use or
dissemination. Rules
and standardisation are
being introduced but
vary between countries
Extremely tigh

89. Key differences between traditional and
modern medicine
Traditional medicine Modern medicine
Modern Medicines
4.Testing
No formal testing:
understanding of
effectiveness is
handed down through
generations
Rigorous trials that
happen in different
phases (first testing for
safety, then efficacy)
mean bringing a drug
to market costs billions
of dollars
5.Dosage
Unfixed: the amount of
medicine given might
be roughly similar, but
the amount of active
ingredient (which is
what dosage really is)
can vary hugely
Standardised
medicines given in
fixed doses that vary
with age or weight, or
disease severity

90. Key differences between traditional and
modern medicine
Traditional medicine Modern medicine
Modern Medicines
6.Consultation
Lengthy, and the patient
is asked a wider range of
questions than just about
their symptoms
Consultations in both
primary and secondary
care tend to be brief and
focused, especially as
national health systems
come under financial
strain
7.Training
Lengthy training over
many years but
knowledge is often
passed one-to-one
through families, and
practitioners are often
born into a family of
healers
Lengthy and often
vocational: health
professionals go through
formal training in schools
and universities