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              Researcher Explores Native American Herbal Remedies

   by Mike O'Sullivan

   Many modern medicines have their origin in natural remedies, and some
   researchers say traditional herbal cures hold clues for modern
   medicine. A pharmacology professor who studies Native American healing
   is sharing what he has learned.
   Hikers often explore the foothills of the Angeles National Forest, but
   this group of hikers has a purpose.  They are learning how Native
   Americans used the local vegetation in their healing, including plants
   like Yerba Santa, adopted by early Spanish settlers for lung problems.
   The hike is led by James Adams, who teaches pharmacology at the
   University of Southern California.
   "The science of pharmacology originally was the science of going out,
   talking to traditional healers, finding out which plants they used in
   their healing, and then taking those plants back to the lab to figure
   out why they work," Adams said.
   Aspirin, for example, was derived in the 19th century from salicylic
   acid, a long-time remedy for pains and fever found in plants like
   willow and meadowsweet.  It was developed and marketed by the German
   company Bayer.
   Adams says each society has developed a form of medicine based on
   plants.
   "Of course, in India, they have Ayurvedic medicine.  In China they have
   traditional Chinese medicine.  In the Arab countries, they have
   traditional Arabic healing.  The Jews have traditional Judaic healing,
   on and on.  Everybody has their own traditional healing that depends on
   plant medicines," Adams said.
   In California, Adams says, the Chumash people learned from experience
   which plants helped with specific ailments.
   "We have, of course, the sagebrush, which makes a very powerful
   pain-relieving liniment that I think we should all learn how to use,
   because it is much safer than the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
   agents.  It is much safer than the opioid drugs," Adams said.
   Besides easing aches and pains, Adams says the pleasant aroma of the
   California sagebrush helps people relax.  He says a plant called
   Spanish Bayonet was used by American Indians for food.  Its leaves and
   roots produce a kind of soap, and the fiber from the stems can be used
   as a poultice for wounds, and for making clothing.
   The plant called chamise can be used in a balm that helps with skin
   problems, and the anesthetic qualities of California bay help with
   toothaches.
   Adams warns that some plants are poisonous, and says knowledge of
   vegetation is essential.  He learned traditional native healing from a
   Chumash healer, and sometimes takes plant samples back to his
   laboratory to learn how they work.
   He says modern pharmaceuticals remain important in medicine, but are
   often overused and can be harmful.
   "Certainly if you need a drug that can help you, then you should use
   that drug.  But the thing that we keep forgetting is first and foremost
   to balance your health.  Get your body back into balance so that your
   body can heal itself," Adams said.
   Adams says a good diet and exercise are two keys to a healthy life, and
   that an educational hike looking for medicinal plants is another good
   way to keep the body in balance.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/herbal-medical-remedies/1671084.html