Traditional Medicinal Systems

Abstract

Medicinal plants are a great source of medicine for treating various human ailments. Traditional use of herbal medicine, which was developed within an ethnic group before the development and spread of modern science, is the very basis and an integral part of various cultures. Different medicinal systems throughout the globe are still operational and use natural herbs for treating diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, Kampo, Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), and Unani are some commonly found traditional medicinal systems in use today. They are used directly, or their secondary metabolites are used as anti-bacterial, antifungal, immunomodulators, anti-hair fall, and multiple other purposes. However, their blood purification properties prevent blood from toxicity. Hundreds of medicinal plants are used in Ayurveda for blood purification, particularly plants which are astringent or bitter (pungent or sharp tastes). In addition, medicinal herbs do not have side effects.