Good evening folks. We are starting our health presentation on Herbs and your health now The presenter is Mr. Justice K. M Ennin, a Medical Herbalist
Let's consider some facts Facts 1. Over 120 compounds from 90 plants species are available as prescription drugs. 2. Over 80% of the world's population making over 9.3 billion people rely on plant-based medicines. #MayorHealth #MadagascarCure
3. An estimated 951tons of crude herbal medicine were sold at Ghana's herbal markets in 2010, with a total value of around US$ 7.8 million. Emphasizing that herbs have a good market here in Ghana and internationally #MayorHealth #MadagascarCure
Let's consider some definitions Definitions Herbal Medicine is an approach to healing or medical care system using plants or plant-derived preparations to treat, prevent or cure various health conditions or ailments. #MayorHealth #MadagascarCure
Herbs: are primarily vegetative plants parts used for medicinal, aromatic or savory purposes. NB: And in this case we will be considering the medicinal purposes. Health: is a state of physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Alternative Medicine ⚡Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture - Moxibustion, etc. ⚡Aromatherapy ⚡Reflexology ⚡Homeopathy ⚡Nutritional therapies ⚡Traditional Medicine ⚡Herbal Medicine #MayorHealth #MadagascarCure
So as we can see herbal medicine is part of the alternative Healthcare system in Ghana And now, this service can be assessed in some government hospitals with herbal units. #MayorHealth #MadagascarCure
So to talk about Herbs, Herbs can generally be classified into 3 categories 1. Poisonous Herbs 2. Medicinal Herbs. 3. Culinary purposes. #MayorHealth #MadagascarCure
Poisonous Herbs These herbs when taken that are potentially dangerous to the health of individuals and sometimes to animals These are herbs that when taken provide pharmacological effects for medical purposes such as preventing, treating or curing diseases #MayorHealth
Medicinal Herbs These are herbs that when taken provide pharmacological / pharmaceutical effects for medical purposes such as preventing, treating or curing diseases #MayorHealth #MadagascarCure
Culinary purposes is when herbs are used for food, spices, etc. Nonetheless, these may be taken also to prevent diseases #MayorHealth #MadagascarCure
General Uses of Herbs include - Food - Health benefits - Flavoring agents and spices - Perfumes and Cosmetics - Pharmaceuticals and Biological agents - Recreational substances eg. Cannabis sp. (a. k. a Wee) #MayorHealth #MadagascarCure
When to Avoid Herbs 1. When Pregnant 2. A lactating Mother 3. When you are being prepared for a surgery 4. When taking other medications like orthodox drugs for specified disease conditions. Better still, discuss with your doctor. #MayorHealth #MadagascarCure
Sometimes, one will complain of a discomfort anytime he or she takes a particular plant be it for ood or medicine, pls avoid all that. #MadagascarCure #MayorHealth
Using Herbs at the same time taking orthodox drugs prescribed by your doctor {sometimes not prescribed} may be very dangerous to ones health. #MayorHealth #MadagascarCure
The possibility of drug interactions , direct toxicities , and contamination with active pharmaceutical agents are among the safety concerns about dietary and herbal supplements. #MadagascarCure #MayorHealth
Example of such interactions include. 1. Bleeding when warfarin is combined with Gingko, Garlic, Dong quai, etc. 2. Decreased bioavailability of digoxin, theophylline, cyclosporin, and phenprocouman when combined with St. John's wort #MayorHealth #MadagascarCure
3. Mild serotonin syndrome in patients (characterized by shivering and diarrhea which may lead to severe type characterized by muscle rigidity, fever and seizures) who mix St. John's wort with serotonin reuptake inhibitors like - Citalopram (Celexa) - Escitalopram (Lexapro)
4. Induction of mania in depressed patients who mix antidepressants and ginseng 5. Increased risk of HTN when tricyclic antidepressants are combined with yohimbine #MayorHealth #MadagascarCure
I guess what I'm saying is combination of the two is bad and should be avoided but in some cases like chronic diseases where you will be on drugs for a long time, #MayorHealth #MadagascarCure
you can see a medical herbalist to determine if drug A can be taken concurrently with herb or herbal product B with no consequences and even how to go about it. #MayorHealth #MadagascarCure
In bringing my presentation to a close I'll say that herbs are good, Herbs are efficacious but know where you are getting your products from and ascertain is a credible source, speak to your doctor to know when to take some medications that are herbs or not. #MayorHealth
Do not forget to contact a medical herbalistin any of the centres at the hospitals or pharmacist for proper education on herbal medicines and its services. #MayorHealth #MadagascarCure