Since the Dawn of Humanity, man relied up on the Mother Nature for the sustenance and cure. The early civilizations observed the medicinal properties of plants. Herbalism is the world's oldest form of health care.
Anthropologist's study of human history failed to determine how individuals practiced medicine in primitive period. The relationship between humans and nature, where nature serves as a source for cure, has persisted throughout history and continues to influence modern healthcare practices.
The healers (physicians) depended on their own vegetable drugs. Among those that eventually appeared in Western pharmacopoeias were cardamom and cinnamon. Natural healers survived with the traditional medicines.
Philosophy was the non-material tool to explain health and diseases. According to the Archaeological evidence the use of medicinal plants dates to the Palaeolithic age. The written evidence of herbal remedies dates back over 5,000 years to the Sumerians, who complied lists of plants.
According to Ayurveda, Mother nature's evolutionary behaviours and a state of non- vertiginous altered static create a physiological disequilibrium. This represents the Ayurvedic classical antiquity. It was beautifully explained, addressed and used for healing in deep traditional perspective but not scientifically. Philosophy explained the core of physiological balancing of the three humoral principles - dosha.
The traditional complementary and alternative medicine - TCAM was well documented in terms of Indian philosophy before the modern medicine. The Philosophical Evaluating Tool (PET) of health and disease was used in recognising the true and untrue knowledge in terms of Ayurvedic pathology and pharmacology.
This second volume of ANALYTICAL AYURVEDA is about the phytochemicals - the bioactive chemical compounds that occur naturally in medicinal plants - and validating their use in ethnopharmacology as well as their healing properties.
Building upon the foundational insights of Analytical Ayurveda -Volume 1, my continuation delves deeper into the pharmacological promise of medicinal herbs. From phytochemical profiling to therapeutic efficacy, Volume 2 of Analytical Ayurveda aims to unveil the intricate science behind nature's healing arsenal and its growing relevance in modern medicine."
Once considered the domain of traditional healers Ayurveda gained momentum with modern healthcare understanding. Here's why its importance is growing.
The pharmacology of herbs explores how plant-based compounds interact with the body to produce therapeutic effects. It's a fascinating blend of traditional wisdom and modern science. Following is a breakdown of the key concepts: What it Involves ?
Active Constituents: Herbs contain bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, and glycosides that influence physiological functions.
Mechanisms of Action: These compounds can act on receptors, enzymes, or cellular pathways-like synthetic drugs.
Pharmacokinetics: This includes how herbal compounds are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted. Many herbs contain multiple constituents that interact in complex ways.
Pharmacodynamics: This refers to the effects herbs have on the body, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or adaptogenic actions.
Why It Matters? Traditional use meets modern evidence: Cultures like Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Unani have used herbs for centuries. Now, pharmacological studies are validating many of these uses with scientific rigor.
Herb-Drug Interactions: Some herbs can enhance or inhibit
the effects of pharmaceutical drugs by affecting enzymes or transporters involved in drug metabolism.
Personalized Medicine: Understanding herbal pharmacology helps tailor treatments, especially in integrative or complementary medicine.
If you're curious about a specific herb or condition, this book will take you deeper to the phytochemical pharmacological aspect. Want to explore how herbs are used in your region or how they compare to pharmaceuticals?
Phytochemicals-those naturally occurring compounds in plants-aren't just there to make your salad colourful. They pack a serious punch when it comes to health benefits.
Medicinal Properties
Phytochemicals exhibit a wide range of therapeutic effects. Here's a breakdown of their curative potential.
Antioxidant: Neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and slowing aging.
Anti-inflammatory: Help manage chronic inflammation, a root cause of many diseases.
Antimicrobial: Inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Anticancer: Some, like flavonoids and polyphenols, can suppress tumor growth and promote apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells.
Cardioprotective: Improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
Neuroprotective: May help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Examples of Curative Phytochemicals: Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Saponins, Terpenoids, Polyphenols.
Acupuncture & Acupressure (197)
Gem Therapy (22)
Homeopathy (513)
Massage (22)
Naturopathy (434)
Original Texts (221)
Reiki (59)
Therapy & Treatment (172)
Tibetan Healing (130)
Yoga (45)
हिन्दी (1087)
Ayurveda (3206)
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Visual Search
Manage Wishlist