Herbs

Tina Krause
Purdue University Global
HW499 Bachelor’s Capstone in Health and
Wellness
Dr. Paula Inserra
April 18, 2023
 Course Objectives

Define an herb

Learn its history

Understand possible benefits, risks, and side effects of herb use

Explore herb use in different cultures

Engage in a fun activity

What Is an Herb?
• Herbaceous plant
• Parts of plant
• Leaves
• Flowers
• Roots
• Seeds
• Bark
• Fruit of shrubs, trees, woody vines
• Extracts of plants
 Background

 Herbs used for food and medicine

since prehistoric times
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND

 Bible and Talmud references

fragrant herb usage
 Many pharmaceuticals are derived
from herbs.
 Morphine, digoxin, aspirin,
and quinine
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
 Timeline of Medicinal Herbs

A 5000-year-old Sumerian clay Monasteries became the primary

slab from Nagpur has the earliest locations for the study and Herbalism is reborn in America
recorded evidence of using herbs practice of herbal medicine. and has progressively grown in
in medicine production. popularity.

First Known Use 2500 B.C. Middle Ages 19th Century 1960s - 1970s

The Chinese book "Pen T’Sao" by

Emperor Shen Nung covers 365
medicines made from dried A major shift in the understanding
portions of plants, including and use of herbs as medicine.
popular ones that are still used
today.
Start Your Own Herb
Garden

(Page, 2014)
 Possible Benefits & Risks

Peppermint Parsley
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

Helps treat: • Allergic reactions Helps treat: Possible risks:

• Coughs • Heartburn • Coughs • Allergic skin reactions
• Cold • Kidney damage from • Kidney stones • Prolonged consumption
• Sinus infections large amounts of may cause:
• Fluid retention
peppermint oil use • Kidney stones
• Various digestive issues • Blood pressure • Gouty arthritis
Peppermint oil • Urinary tract infections • Mineral deficiencies
• Muscle pain • Diabetes
• Itchiness • Asthma
• Headaches • Sleep conditions
Possible risks:
 Possible Benefits & Risks

Rosemary Ginseng This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

Benefits: Possible risks: Helps treat: Possible risks:

• Antibacterial • Unsafe consumption of • Kidney disease • Skin rash
undiluted oil • Diarrhea
• Antiviral • Diabetes
• Large quantities leads to
• Anti-inflammatory • Flu • Drowsiness
• Kidney irritation
• Antioxidant • ADHD • Increased blood pressure
• Vomiting
Rosemary’s carnosic acid • Skin redness • Alzheimer’s • Nervousness
protects against • Sun sensitivity • Chemotherapy side • Muscle spasms
• Alzheimer’s • Uterine bleeding effects • Euphoria
• Carcinogens • Allergic reactions • Conditions of the blood
vessels & heart
 Possible Benefits & Risks

Aloe Vera Dill

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

Used for: Possible risks: Helps treat: Possible risks:

• Burn injuries • Cramps • Digestive issues • Skin irritation
• Wound healing • Abdominal spasms • Hemorrhoids • Sun sensitivity from
• Allergic reactions using fresh dill juice
• Immune modulation • Coughs
• Cell growth • Pain • Colds
• Antiproliferative • Kidney damage • Fever
• Anti-inflammatory • Hepatoxicity • Urination problems
• Antiaging • Menstrual cramps
• Nerve pain
 Possible Benefits & Risks

Dandelion Fennel
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Sources of: Possible risks: Used as: Possible risks:

• Vitamin A • Allergic contact • Flavoring agent • Occupational rhinitis
dermatitis for those with
• Vitamin C • Aromatic • Estrogenic activity
sensitivities
• Vitamin E • Potassium toxicity may • Carminative • Allergic reactions
• Riboflavin occur or worsen for
those on potassium • Diuretic • Conjunctivitis
• Niacin
sparing diuretic therapy • Asthma
• Folic acid
• Pyridoxine
• Vitamin K
Falsely Labeled
Products

(Keen, 2021)
 Native American Culture
Tobacco
• First plant given to Natives by the Creator
• Presented as an offering or gift

Sweetgrass
• Considered the sacred hair of Mother Earth
• Used for cleansing rituals and promote a peaceful atmosphere

Cedar
• Has antibacterial and antiviral properties as a drink or tea
• Used to eliminate negativity, cleanse the body and mind, and for smudging

Sage
• More potent medicinal aroma
• Used for ceremonial preparation, to release negativity, and cleanse the mind
 Yoruba People of
Nigeria
• Believed spirits lived in herbs and trees to have
medicinal qualities
• Healing – Ritual bath consisting of herbs and
water, then water dumped into the street
• Protection against spiritual attacks and remedy
for food poisoning
• Herbal dressing applied to skin of broken bone
area
• Mother given herbs to speed delivery time This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
 Hispanic Heritage
• Rue – relax muscles, antispasmodic, treat
menstrual cramps, kill intestinal parasites
• Sage – treat gingivitis, increase appetite,
antiperspirant, astringent, antibacterial
• Spearmint – eases nausea, hiccups, and flatulence
• Aloe vera – H2 blocker or PPI alternative, relieves
gastrointestinal issues
• Chamomile – treats gastrointestinal issues, stress,
anxiety, mild sedative, kid-friendly
• Wormwood – kills intestinal parasites, eases
indigestion, acid reflux, and menstrual cramps This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
Different Meanings
for Different People

(Rhys, n.d.)
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
 References 

Abdel-Aziz, S. M., Aeron, A., & Kahil, T. A. (2016). Health benefits and possible risks of herbal medicine. Microbes in Food and Health, 97-116.

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-25277-3_6

Craig, W. J. (1999). Health-promoting properties of common herbs. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 70(3), 491s-499s.

https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/70.3.491s

The four sacred medicines. (n.d.). https://www.northwestern.edu/inclusion/programs/waw-jashk-awards/the-four-sacred-medicines.html

Herbal history: Roots of western herbalism. (2021, February 1). https://theherbalacademy.com/herbal-history/

Keen, P. (2021, October 6). Herbal teas: Know the risks so you can enjoy the benefits [Infographic]. Tea Journey.

https://teajourney.pub/herbal-teas-know-the-risks-so-you-can-enjoy-the-benefits/

Lawal, I. O. (2014). Traditional medicine practices among the Yoruba people of Nigeria: A historical perspective. Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2(6), 20-33.

Page, A. (2014, May 2). Medicinal plants you can grow at home [Infographic].

https://www.healthcentral.com/article/medicinal-plants-you-can-grow-at-home-infographic

Petrovska, B. B. (2012). Historical review of medicinal plants' usage. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 6(11), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.95849

Rhys, D. (n.d.). Symbolism of herbs – A list [Infographic]. https://symbolsage.com/symbolism-of-herbs-list/#top_ankor

Staff Writer. (2009, December 1). A guide to Hispanic healing herbs. https://holisticprimarycare.net/topics/traditions/a-guide-to-hispanic-healing-herbs/