Throughout history, plant medicine has been the foundation of healing. Both humans and animals have evolved alongside medicinal plants, harnessing their natural properties for treatment.
Before the chemical revolution, 200 years ago and before, plant medicine was the only form of medication. Many people grew their own medicinal plants – understanding how to treat their common conditions before they become chronic. Even today, over 60% of the global population relies on plant-based medicine for common health concerns – with many people retaining the knowledge of what plant to grow, for what condition and how to prepare it and at what dose to treat themselves.
The chemical revolution in the late 1700’s introduced single-compound drugs—a number of which are directly sourced from or inspired by plant-derived compounds—shaping modern pharmaceuticals. Many apothecaries at this time turned from preparing plant medicine to manufacturing single chemical drugs. For example the pharmaceutical company Merck & Co began as a small apothecary shop in Germany in 1668.
Today scientific research increasingly highlights the forgotten indispensable role of medicinal plants in healthcare, evident through three key aspects: the development of essential medical drugs from plant compounds, the effectiveness of plant medicine – as a complement, or alternative, to single-compound drugs, often carrying fewer side effects and subsidiary benefits, and the vital role of medicinal plants in our diet to aid disease prevention. A new era of medicine is unfolding – and if we embrace it right now, it has the potential to transform our health, and our health service, maybe even within a generation.
Medicinal Plants as the Origin of Medical Drugs
One dimension of medicinal plants is in the origins of pharmacotherapy. This reveals a significant number of essential pharmaceuticals that trace their lineage back to plants, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between traditional and pharmaceutical medicine.
Two vital medical drugs – of over 100 drugs used today that are derived from plant medicine, are digoxin from foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) – the heart stabilising drug, and metformin – derived from the chemical galegine in Goat’s Rue (Galega officinalis), that is used in diabetes management. Both discovered because of their traditional use in plant medicine.
This historical continuum enriches our appreciation of medical interventions and fosters a deeper understanding of drug development mechanisms.
Other examples of medical drugs from plants include: Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) which gives colchicum used for gout, fever and rheumatoid arthritis. Chilli (Capsicum annuum) which gives capsaicin, an approved NHS prescription topical analgesic. European Scopolia (Scopolia carniolica) which gives scopolamine used for motion sickness. Hemp (Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa) which gives cannabidiol, a sedative anticonvulsant. May Apple (Podophyllum) gives the epipodophyllotoxin derivative etoposide used in cancer treatment (lung and leukaemia). And White willow (Salix alba) and Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria which give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, a derivative of salicylic acid), the worlds most widely used drug, for inflammation, fever and pain.
Traditional plant medicine continues today as key tool in pharmaceutical research and development.
Plant Medicine as Efficacious as Drugs, and for some even safer
A second insight is the role of plant medicine – where whole plant extracts that contain a number of active and many more protective chemicals, are taken at a medicinal level.
Scientific evidence increasingly highlights the therapeutic efficacy of plant-based interventions, often rivalling and even surpassing single-compound medication in efficacy, while presenting a safer medicine with few if any side-effects such as addiction.
Here are some examples of more than 20 that have been studied clinically.
Valerian, Passiflora and Hop plant medicine was found as effective as Zolpidem for insomnia, but without ataxia, daytime sedation and the addictive potential of Zolpidem.
Marshmallow extract (1%) was studied versus Hydrocortisone (1%) for atopic dermatitis in children, found there were significantly better results in the marshmallow group.
Melissa and Fennel extract was tested versus Citalopram (a serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and placebo for quality of life in postmenopausal women with sleep disturbance, there were better results in plant medicine group, without side-effects such as nausea, sleep changes, sexual disfunction and weight changes.
Crucially, with respect to antibiotic-use led resistance, cranberry has been found as effective as Fosfomycin for urinary tract infection, with the wellbeing of the cranberry group higher than that of the Fosfomycin group on day 7 of treatment.
More research is needed – plant medicine as a complement or alternative to single-compound pharmaceuticals can optimise therapeutic outcomes, providing subsidiary beneficial phytochemicals and prioritising patient safety and well-being.
Edible Medicinal Plants in Preventative Health
Beyond providing essential single-compound drugs and potentially safer medications, edible medicinal plants serve as potent tools for disease prevention and overall health enhancement. We see this as the foundation of modern medicine and a crucial strategy in today’s healthcare education and planning.
The consumption of phytochemicals — natural compounds found in medicinal plants — is linked to numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic diseases. This is partly due to their anti-inflammatory and free radical-scavenging properties and their natural antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral actions, which support both body and brain. But additionally, many medicinal plants are rich in compounds that support the immune, cardiovascular, respiratory and circulatory systems for example.
Epidemiological studies highlight compelling trends:
– Regular consumption of fruit juice, walnuts, and curry is linked to slower cognitive decline.
– Eating apples is associated with a lower incidence of specific cancers.
– Green-yellow and cruciferous vegetables reduce total cancer risk.
– A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is tied to lower all-cause mortality.
Beyond observational research, controlled trials provide strong evidence of the health benefits of specific medicinal plants. Here are some of hundreds of examples:
– Apple: Supports immunity, regulates blood sugar, benefits heart health, has anticancer properties, and more.
– Artichoke: Lowers cholesterol, regulates blood pressure, and promotes liver health.
– Beetroot: Enhances exercise performance and helps control blood pressure.
– Blueberry: Improves cognition, memory, vascular function, and lipid balance.
– Broccoli: Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol and has anti-cancer effects, particularly for prostate cancer.
– Onions & Garlic: Exhibit cholesterol-lowering and antibiotic properties.
– Herbs & Spices such as Sage, Rosemary, Nigella, Saffron, Turmeric: are demonstrated to enhance memory, mood and more.
At Dilston Physic Garden we find that for visitors, simply understanding how medicinal plants and their bioactive phytochemicals work is enough to encourage greater consumption — paving the way for better health through diet.
The role of medicinal plants in dietary health and as medicine that could eventually be grown and processed in community gardens has the potential to promote self-care autonomy. This vital knowledge should be integrated into school curricula alongside maths and English, and school lunches should reflect the principles of modern, plant-based preventative medicine.
‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’. Apple is immunostimulant, controls hyperglycaemia, supports cardiac health and reduces inflammation. Apples (and other fruits and vegetables) can often be found cheap at the end of the day at market stalls – red apples are more beneficial and the skin is highest in the protective phytochemicals.
Historically humans consumed a diverse range of plants when we lived rurally and had space and time to grow our own. If you’re not able to grow them in pots or back gardens, you can gain the same preventative medicine benefits through the many accessible supermarket fresh fruit, vegetable and herbs as well as dried spices – just adding more black pepper to your food for example helps the absorption of protective phytochemicals present in, for example turmeric.
Caution: Always first consult a NIMH registered medical herbalist or your health care provider before taking a plant medicine (any plant at a medicinal level) if you have a medical condition, allergy, are pregnant or giving to a child, or are taking any medication. Do not stop taking medication you have been prescribed. Always be sure of the identify of your plant and source plant products from a reputable source only.
Copyright 2024 Dr Nicolette Perry Dilston Physic Garden
