Trees and plants have been a source of medicine for humans since the beginning of time. As large forests are being cut down, scientists worry about what this means in regards to the potential loss in trees that are ancient and of which science has been hidden.
An herbalist wrote in his dissertation, " Tree remedies tend to be stronger, more sustaining and with more powerful actions than their non-arboreal counterparts. They are often gentle and protective in their physical and emotional effects and, being slow moving, are particularly suitable for treating chronic illness. The circulation of the blood and the integrity of the musculoskeletal and integumentary [skin] systems are particular areas of application.” (Purves, D.A., 2003, p.50)."
When a plant’s physical characteristics indicate its medicinal properties, this theory is called the ‘doctrine of signatures’. For example, with trees, a Willow was traditionally used to treat rheumatism, arthritis and muscular aches. This is due to the fact the Willow is a flexible tree that moves with ease in the wind and it favors growing in damp places. The symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis are exacerbated by damp conditions. So the tree’s characteristics suggest that it will be beneficial for people who need flexibility and the ability to cope with dampness.
Today, scientists have discovered more than 300 plant-made pharmaceuticals (PMPs) under various stages of discovery. For centuries the Chinese have used the medicinal properties of trees to cure illnesses, as have the Native Americans. For instance, the Chinese make tea made from ginkgo seeds as a cure for respiratory illnesses, such as asthma. Today it is known that ginkgo leaf extract is great for the treatment of a wide range of aliments such as Alzheimer's and depression.
The Chinese also use the bark of the Magnolia tree for healing. The bark is called Hou Pu. Hou Pu is the part of the bark that is highly aromatic and stripped from the stems, branches and roots of the magnolia. In historic documents, the first mention of magnolia bark as a Traditional Chinese medicinal substance was recorded around 100 C.E. Acupuncturists and practitioners of Oriental medicine still continue to use Hou Pu. It is also used in Chinese herbal formulas to resolve complaints such as abdominal distension and pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Magnolia bark‘s therapeutic actions include the promotion of qi in the gastrointestinal region. For the acupuncture patient, this translates to relief of stomach fullness, bloating and discomfort.
As for the Native Americans, traditionally they have used Aspen bark for reducing fever and fighting influenza.
If it isn't the tree specifically that is used, it is often the nut of the tree. For instance the walnut is considered to be an herb in Chinese medicine. Walnuts are said to tone kidneys, strengthen the back and knees, warm and hold qi in lungs and help kidneys to grasp the qi, moisten the intestines and move stool. It is believed to stop asthma. It is also used to help the elderly relieve constipation.
Other tree species notorious throughout time for their healing prosperities include: hawthorn, white willow, lime, elder and oak. Other well known trees used include horse chestnut, eucalyptus, walnut, gingko, cedar, witch hazel, olive, juniper, buckthorn, ash, holly, pine, beech, larch, elm, sweet chestnut, hornbeam, crab apple, aspen, birch and more!
Will humans go back to examining the benefits of trees more closely for medicinal properties or will they discount them as just beautiful additions to the planet?
An herbalist wrote in his dissertation, " Tree remedies tend to be stronger, more sustaining and with more powerful actions than their non-arboreal counterparts. They are often gentle and protective in their physical and emotional effects and, being slow moving, are particularly suitable for treating chronic illness. The circulation of the blood and the integrity of the musculoskeletal and integumentary [skin] systems are particular areas of application.” (Purves, D.A., 2003, p.50)."
When a plant’s physical characteristics indicate its medicinal properties, this theory is called the ‘doctrine of signatures’. For example, with trees, a Willow was traditionally used to treat rheumatism, arthritis and muscular aches. This is due to the fact the Willow is a flexible tree that moves with ease in the wind and it favors growing in damp places. The symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis are exacerbated by damp conditions. So the tree’s characteristics suggest that it will be beneficial for people who need flexibility and the ability to cope with dampness.
Today, scientists have discovered more than 300 plant-made pharmaceuticals (PMPs) under various stages of discovery. For centuries the Chinese have used the medicinal properties of trees to cure illnesses, as have the Native Americans. For instance, the Chinese make tea made from ginkgo seeds as a cure for respiratory illnesses, such as asthma. Today it is known that ginkgo leaf extract is great for the treatment of a wide range of aliments such as Alzheimer's and depression.
The Chinese also use the bark of the Magnolia tree for healing. The bark is called Hou Pu. Hou Pu is the part of the bark that is highly aromatic and stripped from the stems, branches and roots of the magnolia. In historic documents, the first mention of magnolia bark as a Traditional Chinese medicinal substance was recorded around 100 C.E. Acupuncturists and practitioners of Oriental medicine still continue to use Hou Pu. It is also used in Chinese herbal formulas to resolve complaints such as abdominal distension and pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Magnolia bark‘s therapeutic actions include the promotion of qi in the gastrointestinal region. For the acupuncture patient, this translates to relief of stomach fullness, bloating and discomfort.
As for the Native Americans, traditionally they have used Aspen bark for reducing fever and fighting influenza.
If it isn't the tree specifically that is used, it is often the nut of the tree. For instance the walnut is considered to be an herb in Chinese medicine. Walnuts are said to tone kidneys, strengthen the back and knees, warm and hold qi in lungs and help kidneys to grasp the qi, moisten the intestines and move stool. It is believed to stop asthma. It is also used to help the elderly relieve constipation.
Other tree species notorious throughout time for their healing prosperities include: hawthorn, white willow, lime, elder and oak. Other well known trees used include horse chestnut, eucalyptus, walnut, gingko, cedar, witch hazel, olive, juniper, buckthorn, ash, holly, pine, beech, larch, elm, sweet chestnut, hornbeam, crab apple, aspen, birch and more!
Will humans go back to examining the benefits of trees more closely for medicinal properties or will they discount them as just beautiful additions to the planet?
Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading tree service provider in Central Texas (Travis County and surrounding areas) offering services such as pruning and removals, cabling and bracing as well as arborist reports, diagnostics, pest management, fertilization and Austin tree service trusts. For more information please visit http://www.centraltexastreecare.com.
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