The breakthrough came when she read a 1700 year old medical text that described a very particular way of processing the medicinal plant Sweet Wormwood or Artemisia annua. It goes to show no matter how advanced we get, nature, after all these years, still knows best.
Plant medicine provides essential remedies for healthcare for 5.6 billion people (80% of world population) as documented by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In New Zealand, plant medicine was taught at medical schools well into the middle of the 20th century. Prior to the recent advent of synthetic drugs in the late 19th century, physicians used safe and effective plant medicines to heal their patients. It's encouraging to see that there is a renaissance happening in medicine where plant medicines are returning to the mainstream.
Plant medicine expertise is grounded in empirical knowledge that has been transferred over generations. This centuries old knowledge is now validated by evidence-based standards, and is something I am also addressing through my PhD.
In Switzerland, where I come from, plant medicine is a living tradition that is part of everyday life. It co-exists alongside the newer pharmaceutical medicines. It is not unusual for doctors and GPs to provide patients with plant medicine prescriptions filled at their local pharmacy, as well as pharmaceutical medicines where indicated. In fact, around 60 per cent of the remedies dispensed in a typical Swiss pharmacy are plant medicines.
Don't get me wrong, pharmaceutical medicine definitely has its place, especially in emergencies scenarios, but I believe plant medicine should be part of New Zealander's lives as a first choice because of the following reasons:
• Increases the body's resistance, repair and recovery mechanisms
• Prevents illness in the first place
• Improves health outcomes when taken alongside pharmaceutical drugs
• Has a high safety profile: suitable for babies, children, in pregnancy, breastfeeding
True medicine should live on your kitchen bench, not hidden away in the first aid cabinet, ensuring a proactive approach to yours and your family's health.
Plant remedies are best taken in liquid form rather than as a tablet, because in liquid form the active constituents are highly bio-available which means your body gets more of the available nutrients.
A medicinal tea is one of the most popular ways to take plant medicine, as the hot water fully releases the health enhancing active constituents of the herbs and drinking it allows for the quickest absorption into the body. Furthermore, they hydrate the body as effectively as water with added therapeutic benefits. Medicinal teas are perfect for daily rituals of self-care, be it for your daily detox (think of it as an internal shower) or to help you get a deep and rejuvenating sleep at night.
However, it is important to realise the majority of herbal teas for sale are not therapeutically active. Often they are not made with medicinal grade, certified organic herbs but with culinary grade trade herbs. Many also contain flavourings to cover their poor quality and taste.
Look for teas that contain organic plants from New Zealand or Europe. Herbs sourced from China and India are likely to contain collateral air pollution, acid rain and heavy metals from the environment, even if they are certified organic. Do your homework and ask questions.
Another option for taking plant remedies is from concentrated oral liquids, ideal when on the move, since they can be taken by the teaspoonful without further preparation. Plant medicines are worth trying - they can help you with most common health issues.
Each week Sandra will answer reader questions about health issues and discuss how plant medicine may be able to help you.
Always seek advice from your GP or call 111 in health emergencies.
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