Why all the interest in herbs and herbal remedies these days? Could it be because these time-tested warriors work? Researchers at King’s College London report that traditional remedies from around the world have real benefits that could help treat conditions such as diabetes and cancer.
These remedies include the curry leaf tree (Murraya koenigii), reputed to treat diabetes (from India).
Also: an extract of the climbing dayflower (Commelina diffusa) is used by the Ashanti ethnic group in Ghana to help heal wounds, and indeed it was found to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Finally, the Chinese plant star anise (Illicium verum) and the Thai aquatic plant called Ammannia baccifera are used as traditional cancer treatments in those countries. Both plants tested very well in the King’s College study.
Much more research is needed, researchers say, capped off by full clinical trials to confirm the treatments’ benefits.
From BBC News, “Herbal Remedies ‘Do Work'” published online September 28, 2004.
The Wellness Librarian 