SLC S21 Week 1 - A Comprehensive guide to Herbal Medicines

amjadsharif -

Asalam Alaikum teachers and students!

I am so happy that we are going to join Season 21.
First of all, I would like to welcome the newly elected Teaching Team. This course is from respected teacher @afzalqamar, who has given an excellent lecture on a very good topic.


A History of Herbal Medicine in Our Region:

As we all know that herbal medicine has a very long history. From the beginning, when diseases arose among people, they started treating themselves with herbs. The reason for this was that in ancient times the facilities of modern medicine were not yet available. And this tradition continued from generation to generation. People still have more faith in herbal medicine and insist on herbal treatment.

Ancient Herbs Research and History in Pakistan:

Research on herbal medicine in Pakistan began in the 1960s. Institutions like Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) started studying local herbs like kalonji (black seed), neem, turmeric, and asbagol (psyllium). This research helped to understand their health benefits, and today universities and research centers are exploring these herbs for their medicinal uses.

Ancient Wisdom and Herbs:

If we talk about ancient doctors and sages, they knew the benefits of herbs and they knew how to use them. They knew which herb could be effective in treating which disease, for example.

Ginger supports digestion, helps to prevent nausea, and helps treat cough in winter.

Turmeric has antibiotic properties which make it useful for purposes of treating wounds, managing pains as well as inflammation.

Onion is used for blood purification, cold, other diseases and inflammation. It is also used in herbal medicine. Onion is also known as the antiseptic.

Islamic Medicine and Herbal Remedies:

Herbal treatment is also present in Islamic medicine and herbs are very important. During the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), under the guidance of the Sunnah of the Prophet, natural remedies were used with various herbs which helped in increasing the immunity of the body and maintaining general health.

Today's era and Herbal Medicine:

In today's advanced age where the field of medicine has developed a lot and patients are recovering well with modern treatment methods. But in some new and urban areas, herbal medicine is still used because it is cheap and easily available. It is said that the use of herbs is a bridge between our traditional wisdom and modern medicine. Doctors and patients use herbs as natural remedies.


Here is a comparison table between the benefits and side effects of modern medicines and herbal medicines for common ailments like cold and headache:

AspectModern MedicinesHerbal Medicines
Benefits
EffectivenessRapid relief from symptoms (e.g., pain, fever, congestion)Gradual relief, helps boost immune system naturally
AvailabilityWidely available in pharmacies and hospitalsEasily accessible and can be grown at home
StandardizationConsistent dosage and regulated productionNatural and often minimally processed
SpecificityTargeted towards specific symptoms and conditionsBroad therapeutic effects, often with multiple benefits
Duration of ActionShort-term but effective for acute symptomsLonger-lasting relief, especially with regular use
Side Effects
Digestive IssuesMay cause nausea, stomach upset, or acid refluxGenerally mild; some may cause bloating or mild nausea
Allergic ReactionsRisk of side effects, including allergies and reactionsLower allergy risk, but some herbs may cause sensitivity
Long-term UsePossible side effects with prolonged use (e.g., liver or kidney issues)Safer for long-term use if taken appropriately
DependencySome risk of dependency, especially with painkillersLower risk of dependency; herbs generally non-addictive
Drug InteractionsCan interact with other medications, requiring cautionPotential interactions with certain herbs, but generally fewer than synthetic drugs
CostUsually more expensive, especially prescription drugsGenerally cost-effective and affordable

This table highlights how each type has its benefits and limitations, depending on the condition and the individual's needs.


In this section of the homework task we will discuss the herbs and vegetables commonly found in home kitchens. They have numerous benefits for human health. I am going to talk here about ginger, turmeric and onion, try to explain their benefits in simple and concise language.

Onion

Ginger

Turmeric

Mention in Recipe:

These herbs present in our homes are used in various dishes. Their use not only adds flavor to food, but it is also beneficial for health. I would like to mention here in which recipes they are used.


Different forms of herbs:


Herbs have different forms and can be used in different ways. Each form has a different benefit and mechanism. I am going to describe some important forms here.

Oils are extracted from the leaves or roots of some herbs to make them into an oil. It is used to massage the skin or to treat various ailments and can sometimes be used as a perfume.

These different forms are used to enhance the efficacy of the herb and facilitate its use.


A popular herb that brings ginger is used in the treatment of various diseases. Along with its advantages, there are also disadvantages. Which is very important for us to understand.

Side Effects of Ginger:

A Few Ways to Avoid Side Effects:

By taking these precautions, you can avoid the pitfalls and benefit from its use.


This is my home work task. I would like to invite some of my friends to participate in it.
@shabbir86,
@josepha,
@malikusman1



Regards: @amjadsharif
Thank You