Have you heard of Kratom or Akuamma? No? Well, these are usually used in association with a term known as “Ethnobotanicals”.
This article delves into what ethnobotanicals are, why people use them, what the types are, and more.
Let’s get started.
What are Ethnobotanicals?
Broadly, ethnobotanicals refer to all the herbs and plants we take to improve our health, energy levels, mental conditions, vigor, and cognition. In ancient times, different kinds of herbal and natural medicines were used across cultures. Each country or civilization had unique ways of treating various ailments, though they all used natural methods and therapies.
In recent years, traditional medicine is again gaining significance, primarily because of its mode of treating illnesses without any side effects. In a way, these traditional and natural medicines comprising plants and herbs are all categorized into the Ethnobotanicals segment. While the precise definition of the term remains to be explored, some examples in this category are Kratom, Kava Kava, Akuamma, and more.
Why did people use and still use ethnobotanicals?
In the olden times, there were no hospitals or hi-tech medicines, treatment centers, and such. People could access only one source – herbs, plants, and their floral surroundings. All they could do was obtain the extracts from vegetation and use them as medicine. And that certainly worked.
However, even today, these traditional ways of treatment are prevalent. One reason is the absence of any side effects in using them. However, not all regions or all people in the world have access to or can afford million-dollar therapies, tests, and surgeries. Ethnobotanicals being a much more cost-effective option, are predominantly used by the underprivileged and those in far-flung, inaccessible areas of the world.
Important Points and Facts on Ethnobotanicals
Some of the key facts to note about Ethnobotanicals include:
Minimal Side Effects
Ethnobotanicals are safe and have been tried and tested by various cultures over several centuries. They helped cure people during times when there was no modern medicine. They are free of any synthetic content and therefore don’t cause much side effects.
Inexpensive
Ethnobotanicals are relatively cheaper than synthetic medicine and are readily available.
Mood boosters
They have been identified as effective mood regulators, which help improve mood and boost health.
Pain Alleviation
Ethnobotanicals are highly effective painkillers. They are known for providing comfort from pain without causing stomach ulcers.
Types of Ethnobotanicals
- Kratom, a significant mood regulator, comes from Southeast Asia. It is available in three different types and is found in many online stores.
- Mrityagna Hirsuta, a substitute for Kratom, is another Ethnobotanical from Southeast Asia known for its relaxing and analgesic effects.
- Akuamma, an ethnobotanical from Africa, is primarily used to manage discomfort and treat illnesses like malaria and diarrhea.
- Kava is an effective ethnobotanical used to tackle mood disorders.
- Kanna, a South African plant, helps manage discomfort and alleviate uneasiness.
Wrapping Up
Ethnobotanicals are a highly efficient class of medicines that help treat various illnesses. The best part is that they are relatively cheaper, easily available, and have fewer side effects.
