Page 4 - PowerE-L04-F

Lesson 1

Herbal Medicines

Herbalism is the term used for folk

medicine practice based on using plants,
which is also known as botanical or herbal
medicine. The use of indigenous plants
as treatment for ailment started since
prehistoric times. One of the most famous
women in herbal tradition was a Benedictine
nun named Hildegard of Bingen who wrote
a medical text called “Causes and Cures”.
Some of the herbal medicines that have shown positive effects on humans were

blackberry, cranberry, garlic, ginger, lemon grass, peppermint, and pomegranate.
These herbal plants also have different ways of administration and preparation like
tinctures, decoction, topical, macerates, tisanes, and inhalation.
Besides the fact that herbal medicines are inexpensive, they are also a safe
alternative to pharmaceuticals. However, if there are some positive effects, there
are also some risks to health. In some cases herbal medicines may interact with
synthetic drugs and cause toxicity to the patient and this is a great concern.

Comprehension

1. What is the main idea of the paragraph?
2. What is your opinion about herbalism?

3. According to the paragraph, what are the different ways to administer herbal

medicines?

Questions

1. Do you believe in herbal medicine?

2. What are some herbal plants that you use in your country?
3. Why do you think herbal medicines have minimal side effects?

4. Which do you think is more effective, herbal medicines or synthetic medicines?

Vocabulary & Expressions
indigenous- living naturally or native in a certain region.
ailment - a physical or bodily disorder.
tinctures - a solution of water and alcohol with a medicinal substance.
decoction- boiling a substance to extract the flavor.
macerates- cold infusion of plants.
tisanes - hot water extracts of herb

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