Herbs and their medicinal uses have been around for thousands of years. In ancient times, the Ancient Egyptians and Chinese began to associate herbs with healing and disease. Egyptians wrote down their knowledge of herbal cures and illnesses on temple walls. The Chinese also began using herbs in 2700 BC.
Medicinal Uses of Herbs
In 1550 BC, the Egyptians recorded the medicinal formulas they used to treat their illnesses on the Ebers papyrus, a scroll that contains about 700 medicinal formulas. Hippocrates described herbs as having essential qualities and developed a system of diagnosis and prognosis using herbs. Hippocrates discussed 300 to 400 species of herbs in his works.
A Few Powerful Plant with Therapeutic Benefits
Oregano
Oregano is commonly used in cooking, but it also has medicinal uses. Its antibacterial properties help fight against bacteria and fungi, and it is known to inhibit the growth of parasitic microorganisms. Greeks used oregano to treat various ailments, including diarrhoea, ulcers, and respiratory tract disorders. It is also known to reduce abdominal pain.
Originating in Greece, oregano is thought to have been created by the goddess Aphrodite. Its name derives from the Greek words for “mountain” and “joy.” As a result, the herb was prized and used as a medicinal herb. Later, the Romans adopted it into their diet and spread it throughout Europe. During the middle ages, oregano was widely used for many ailments.
Oregano leaves are aromatic and slightly bitter. Their flavour complements a wide range of foods, including tomatoes and cheese. Dried oregano leaves are also used to make herbal infusions. Simply steep the leaves in a cup of hot water and drink it as an herbal tea. This can relieve stomach cramps and improve digestion.
Oregano essential oil contains beta-caryophyllin, a dietary cannabinoid that has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This herb is also an excellent way to treat infections, such as nail fungus and foot fungus. It also helps treat colds and sinus infections. However, when using oregano essential oil, you must dilute the herb with carrier oils before applying it to the skin.
It is important to note that oregano can cause skin irritation and should only be used after consulting with your physician. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, oregano should be avoided for at least 2 weeks before surgery. However, the essential oil may increase the risk of bleeding. In addition, oregano essential oil can lower blood sugar.
A number of studies have been conducted on oregano’s antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and it has special applications in food preservation. The antimicrobial properties of oregano have made it a strong candidate for natural food preservatives. Furthermore, oregano has been shown to improve GI health. (1)
Thyme
Thyme, a perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean region and belonging to the Lamiaceae Family, is a wild edible plant that has been studied for centuries because of its unique value in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Thyme contains a lot of minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients. It has a pungent taste and is rich in minerals, vitamins, proteins, crude fibre, moisture and minerals. The chemical composition of thyme varies depending on the geographical area, but it is mostly flavonoids and antioxidants. Thyme, and especially its essential oils thymol, and carvacrol have been shown to be therapeutic against a variety of diseases in previous studies. This is attributed to its multi-pharmacological properties that include, but are not limited to, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic actions.
Thyme is a widely used herb for medicinal purposes. It contains thymol, which has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It is often used in mouthwashes and medicated bandages. It can also be brewed into a tea to combat respiratory infections. It is highly valued in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Chinese medicine for respiratory disorders. It is also used in the treatment of gastritis and skin problems.
Thyme is also highly valued for its flavouring properties. It can be added to meats and vegetables for an earthy, spicy taste. It has also been used as a carminative and sedative in traditional medicine. It can also be used as a skin infusion or bath additive. Thyme’s essential oil contains more than 60 compounds, most of which have antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties.
Thyme is also an excellent anti-viral. It can help combat viruses such as the Epstein Barr virus, Shingles, Hepatitis, and Cytomegalovirus. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, from coughs to digestive problems to upper respiratory tract infections.
Thyme has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by preventing the formation of plaques. Its polyphenolic composition has also been found to have antioxidant properties. Aqueous extracts of thyme have been shown to reduce blood pressure in rats. They also reduced the risk of hypertension and aortic vascular damage.
Thyme has been extensively studied for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It has also been used for its preservative properties in Mediterranean and Indian cuisine. Some of these properties are beneficial for both human health and the environment. They are also used in the production of dietary supplements and functional foods. (3)
Thyme is an aromatic herb that grows up to 20 cm tall. It is an excellent herb for cooking and is also used to make bath and massage oils. Its dried leaves can also be burned as incense. It can be propagated by seed and cuttings. Thyme is also useful as an herbal remedy for respiratory and throat disorders.
Its essential oil contains carvacrol and thymol, which inhibit bacterial growth. They also affect the pH balance and the balance of inorganic ions in the body. Various studies have shown that these compounds have antibacterial and antiseptic effects. (2)
Lavender
Lavender is an essential oil known for its therapeutic properties. It has a wide range of clinical, economic, and culinary uses. The oil is used in aromatherapy, and there are several therapeutic formulations available. Lavender has several calming properties, which can be beneficial for mood disorders. It can also help with stress.
Lavender has a pleasant aroma, and many people find it to be a soothing way to deal with stress, depression, and insomnia. The essential oil can also help reduce blood pressure and anxiety. Some studies have even shown that it can help cancer patients sleep better. Children and adults can also benefit from lavender herb oil. The scent is also useful for soothing sore muscles and relieving fatigue.
It is recommended that you prune lavender plants regularly, starting in early spring, and every three years or so, to keep them healthy and well-balanced. You can also make use of lavender in home remedy recipes. To reap maximum benefits from lavender, follow the directions below. If you are growing lavender as a garden plant, you should be aware of the climate in your area.
Although most of the research that has been conducted on lavender is limited, there is some evidence that the plant has significant clinical potential. It is a possible adjuvant therapy for different diseases, but long-term trials are needed to verify efficacy and safety. The oil has also been used in aromatherapy, as well as for massage. Historically, it was thought that lavender had therapeutic effects due to its inhaled volatile compounds. Inhaled lavender contains the chemical linalyl acetate, which is rapidly absorbed through the skin.
The essential oil of lavender is a natural sedative. In addition, it reduces stress and anxiety and can even improve sleep quality. However, before using lavender for these purposes, be sure to check with your physician. In Germany, lavender essential oil has been approved for consumption as a tea. (4)
Cannabis
Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) is an herbaceous plant that originates from Central Asia. It has been domesticated since over 5000 BC due to its many uses. The plant is used as a source for fibres (such as fabric, ropes and paper), oil, medicines, food and in religious ceremonies.(5) Cannabis has a hallucinogenic effect and is widely used for a number of ailments, including anxiety, depression and insomnia. It has also been used to treat pain, nausea, asthenia, diarrhoea and epilepsy. (6)
The medicinal value of Cannabis is attributed to various compounds isolated from the plant, such as phytocannabinoids, and terpenes. (7)
Cannabis has been shown to be effective in treating many symptoms. It can improve the quality of life of patients suffering from a variety of diseases and conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, autism, nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, seizures, and many neurologic disorders. (7)
Cannabis contains many plant compounds that interact with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce different effects. THC and CBD are two of the most well-known ECS cannabinoids with therapeutic benefits. Cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation within the body whether it’s from a headache or chronic pain. Cannabis can also promote sleep, helping people to fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night. Cannabis can be consumed in many forms such as smoking, eating, vaping or applying the plant’s compounds topically in a salve.
About Us
CannaTelehealth, specialises in providing online consultations for various healthcare needs, including assistance with alcohol addiction. Our platform is designed to facilitate the use of advanced telehealth technology by medical professionals, ensuring the security and privacy of patient information in compliance with regulations.
We have developed an online system that simplifies the process of booking appointments with qualified and experienced General Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners, who can assist patients in accessing prescriptions for Medicinal Cannabis for their medical conditions. Our telehealth system is fully supported by our clinical team, guaranteeing that all consultations are conducted by appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.
Our doctors are authorised to prescribe Medicinal Cannabis under Schedule 8 of the Therapeutic Goods Act. In the initial consultation, your nurse or doctor will collaborate with you to determine the suitability of Medicinal Cannabis for your specific symptoms and conditions. If deemed appropriate, they will then apply for TGA approval for your electronic prescription, which can be presented at your pharmacy of choice.
Medical Cannabis Doctors Online Treatment and Consults
CannaTelehealth’s doctors have extensive experience in assessing patients for medicinal cannabis. Prior to having an online consultation with our healthcare professionals it is a good idea to write down your questions before your consultation so that you don’t forget them.
Our doctors will review your medical history and confirm that you meet the criteria for a medicinal cannabis prescription under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Special Access Scheme. We will then either prescribe medication through the Authorised Prescriber pathway or submit your application to the TGA and you should receive your product within 2 business days.
All our doctors are trained under the TGA authorised prescriber scheme and have detailed knowledge of how cannabis affects the body. Our doctors are also able to recommend the best dosage and type of cannabis for your condition. Our doctors are able to prescribe all forms of medicinal cannabis including capsules, tinctures, sprays and vape cartridges.
The cost of your medical cannabis will vary depending on your condition and the specific product that is recommended for you.
Our clinic offers bulk billing for patients who have been approved by the DVA. This is worth checking for your eligibility criteria for this discounted online consultation.
Book a consultation – Follow the simple steps to engaging with an online health professional who will assess your eligibility for alternative treatments such as medicinal cannabis and what might be the cause of your chronic pain.
To contact us at CannaTelehealth you can either go directly to the website and add your details directly to our ‘Contact Us Form’ We will contact you within 1 hour. Normally our online healthcare professionals who are pain medicine specialists will have a booking time within 1 day if suitable. Alternatively you may contact us via info@cannatelehealth.com.au.
References:
- Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils and Hydroethanolic Extracts of Greek Oregano (O. vulgare L. subsp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart) and Common Oregano (O. vulgare L. subsp. vulgare)Olga Kosakowska,1,* Zenon Węglarz,1 Ewelina Pióro-Jabrucka,1 Jarosław L. Przybył,1 Karolina Kraśniewska,2 Małgorzata Gniewosz,2 and Katarzyna Bączek1 Molecules. 2021 Feb; 26(4): 988.
- A Focused Insight into Thyme: Biological, Chemical, and Therapeutic Properties of an Indigenous Mediterranean Herb Dalal Hammoudi Halat,1,* Maha Krayem,2 Sanaa Khaled,2 and Samar Younes3 Nutrients. 2022 May; 14(10): 2104.
- Khoury M., Stien D., Eparvier V., Ouaini N., El Beyrouthy M. Report on the Medicinal Use of Eleven Lamiaceae Species in Lebanon and Rationalization of Their Antimicrobial Potential by Examination of the Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Their Essential Oils. Evid.-Based Complement. Altern. Med. 2016;2016:2547169. doi: 10.1155/2016/2547169.
- A review of the bioactive components and pharmacological properties of Lavandula species Gaber El-Saber Batiha,1 John Oluwafemi Teibo,2 Lamiaa Wasef,1 Hazem M. Shaheen,1 Ayomide Peter Akomolafe,3 Titilade Kehinde Ayandeyi Teibo,4 Hayder M. Al-kuraishy,5 Ali I. Al-Garbeeb,5 Athanasios Alexiou,6,7 and Marios Papadakis8Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2023; 396(5): 877–900.
- Cannabis sativa: From Therapeutic Uses to Micropropagation and Beyond Tristan K. Adams,1 Nqobile A. Masondo,1 Pholoso Malatsi,2 and Nokwanda P. Makunga1,*Plants (Basel). 2021 Oct; 10(10): 2078.
- Bonini S.A., Premoli M., Tambaro S., Kumar A., Maccarinelli G., Memo M., Mastinu A. Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2018;227:300–315. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.09.004.
- ElSohly M.A., Slade D. Chemical constituents of marijuana: The complex mixture of natural cannabinoids. Life Sci. 2005;78:539–548. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2005.09.011.
