Herbalism
November 24th, 2007
I’ve been using herbs and herbal remedies since my high school days. Nowadays, I’m pretty much sold on their medicinal properties, and some of the positive effects on improving one’s performance (in my case, musical performance).
From Wikipedia:
Herbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. Herbalism is also known as botanical medicine, medicinal botany,[1] medical herbalism, herbal medicine, herbology, and phytotherapy. Sometimes the scope of herbal medicine is extended to include fungi and bee products, as well as minerals, shells and certain animal parts.
Many plants synthesize substances that are useful to the maintenance of health in humans and other animals. These include aromatic substances, most of which are phenols or their oxygen-substituted derivatives such as tannins. Many are secondary metabolites, of which at least 12,000 have been isolated — a number estimated to be less than 10% of the total. In many cases, these substances (particularly the alkaloids) serve as plant defense mechanisms against predation by microorganisms, insects, and herbivores. Many of the herbs and spices used by humans to season food yield useful medicinal compounds.
I’ve been using Ginseng extract for years. And I can attest to the fact that it improves my musical performances. Enhances my abilities while especially playing jazz and improvisational forms of music.
When taken just before, or during performances, it boosts one’s level and abilities. I down one bottle of the Ginseng extract. It may not ensure a perfect gig, but it will definitely help considerably. Better than caffeine.
I’ve been into the extracts lately. Specifically, Goldenseal to help get rid of the sniffles or common cold, and Echinacea to help prevent the common cold. The extracts are readily available in bottled form at most health food stores nowadays. Their’ pretty expensive at around $9 or $10 per bottle but it’ll go a long ways as you only need a dose of a few drops at a time.
I put a drop or two of these extracts on my tongue, or drop them into a class of spring water.
Another extract I’ve been getting into is Aloe Vera extract, great for helping the body heal, great for burns or sunburn. Great overall for the skin and complexion.
Anyway, I’ll try to post more thoughts on Herbalism and Herbal Remedies in the future…. so stay tuned.
