Natural products and remedies

The term Natural products refers to substances that are produced by a living organism. The living organism may be from the microbial world, the world of plants, the marine world and the animal world.

Believe it or not, toxins and venoms can also be viewed as natural products in the sense that lead compounds have been derived from them.

A lead compound is a chemical compound that possesses pharmacological properties.

Oh, before I forget, if you don't believe the line about venoms, it may be interesting to know about Captopril, the popular drug used to control high blood pressure.

The lead compound that was used to develop Captopril is called "teprotide". Teprotide is a peptide that was derived from the venom of a south american viper.

For centuries, Native Americans - and ancient civilizations before them - relied on the available botanical world for their very survival. Minerals and animals parts were also be used for medicinal/healing use.

The ancient Egyptians were familiar with the properties of the opium poppy. And the Chinese became well versed in artemesia preparations. (The opium poppy contains the active principle of morphine, and artemesia later proved invaluable in the development of artemisinin, a drug used to treat malaria).

Today, as in the past, the majority of the natural products we use derive from plants. Lead compounds such as digitalis, nicotine, morphine and quinine, to name a few, originate from the plant kingdom.

Some of the most common plants used by Western Native Americans today include California bay, yarrow, white sage and black sage .

California bay leaves have a very soothing smell and they are added to the bath to relieve muscle pains. The Natives chew yarrow to relive toothaches. White sage leaves are used to ease sore throats (they contain eucalyptol) and they're also believed to purify one's spirit. The leaves of black sage are left to steep in water, heated by the sun. The concoction is then rubbed over painful areas to obtain relief.

Now for some "business" stuff...

I have received several requests regarding natural and herbal remedies. Specifically, I have been asked to provide expert suggestions. "Which herb should I drink for migranes? What about arthritis relief? (arthritis relief was the most popular request). "What about depression?", "I suffer from menstrual cramps. Is there an herb I could use?", And so on....

Though I was trained in the "traditional way", I do believe and follow several non-traditional therapies. BUT let me just say a few things.

To begin with, as with traditional drugs - prescritpion and over the counter - not every "natural product" will work for every single person. In addition:

You really need to consider that famous placebo effect.

You REALLY need to consider that sale pitch! (Once again, buyer beware).

Don't even remotely think that all natural products are safe! Though I do have considerable knowledge and experience, I am a general practitioner, not a specialist.

Thank you all for reading this page.

Natural products, and organics