Can the healing properties of plants prevail over modern medicine?

Tracing the legacy of the ancient wisdom of plant medicine, we speak to those whose lives have been transformed by it

An exploration of the history of plant medicine reveals that ancient civilisations documented their knowledge of the healing properties of plants on clay slabs, tortoiseshell, and bone tablets. The Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian scroll that dates back about 3,500 years, mentions remedies that are accurate even today, such as the usage of aloe vera for burns. Meanwhile, in modern medicine—or  the pharmaceutical industry—aspirin, one of the most commonly used drugs in the world, originates from willow bark, and the painkiller morphine finds its roots in the opium poppy.

Sam Sidana, entrepreneur and founder of plant medicine brand Ygeia, says, “Modern medicine was meant to be used as a quick fix during periods of war in order to treat a large number of casualties, mainly with antibiotics and penicillin. Before that, our ancestors used to depend on the forest and on hakims who obtained plants as medicines from the forest. It was a self-reliant process.”

The legacy is alive

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 60 per cent of the world's population relies on herbal medicine, with approximately 80 per cent in developing countries depending on it for primary healthcare. The trade in medicinal plants and herbal products is growing at an annual rate of around 15 per cent, highlighting the significant role plant medicines will play in the future.

Manmeet Arora, a designer and boutique developer, who embarked on her personal journey with plant medicines, shares, "Earlier this year, I attended a shamanic yin and breathwork retreat where the facilitator used plant oils, and I felt a profound connection with rose and blue lotus."

Sharing her experience with specific plant-based remedies, she adds, "I use both tea tree and lavender oil, prescribed by a naturopath for haemorrhoids and to combat sinus issues and colds respectively. I also have an alchemy mix from Secret Alchemist that I apply on my belly and back when faced with extreme discomfort during my periods.”

On the widely discussed topic of Cannabidiol oil(CBD oil), Arora says, "I occasionally use it to help me sleep." Raghav Priyadarshi, CEO of Savikalpa, a brand of Ayurveda-inspired cannabis medicine, emphasises the importance of research in this space, stating, "Research indicates that CBD significantly improves REM sleep but does not assist in falling asleep. In fact, at higher doses, it can keep you awake."

Significant shifts

Chef Vaidehi Aditya Nair, who specialises in sattvic food, is an advocate for plant medicine. "At 29, I was diagnosed with chronic gastritis. I was initially prescribed modern pharmaceuticals, which merely managed my condition without offering a cure."

Like some of us interested in exploring healing ideologies, Nair embarked on a journey of self-education. She managed to heal herself within eight months using the wisdom embedded in Ayurveda. Notably, many Western medical practitioners remained sceptical of her approach. In the long run, she finds, “my immunity to be boosted. I didn’t catch COVID in spite of being vulnerable with gastritis and tending to COVID patients. Now, I bounce back quicker when I am sick and have been medicine-free for five years.” 

Resonating with Nair’s deep-rooted connection to traditional medicine when seeking solutions, Priyadarshi states,  "India indeed possesses the oldest medical cannabis regime in the world, including Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha systems, many thousands of years older than medical cannabis systems in countries like Canada, which are often mistakenly perceived as leaders in this field."

Straight from the doctor’s mouth

Dr. Maryanne Lobo, B.A.M.S (Bachelor in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery), was raised in a Goan household, where her maternal grandaunt, a local folk medicine practitioner and trained nurse, played a pivotal role in her education. Lobo explains, "My grandaunt returned to Goa from Bombay at the age of 40 and initiated a local practice of rehabilitating bones. With no television to entertain us, she began teaching me about plants." Lobo possesses knowledge of more than 500 medicinal plants and uses approximately 150 of them weekly to create remedies for various conditions, including skin infections and gastrointestinal issues. She mentions, "I use stinking senna or cassia, which appears during the monsoon, to create medicine for fungal infections and to address constipation."

Speaking of CBD oil, one might assume it primarily appeals to the youth in India, but Priyadarshi offers a surprising revelation, "Approximately 60 per cent of our customers are aged 60 and above.” Culturally speaking, India has been ahead of the game. He adds, “Until 1985, cannabis was entirely legal in the country, and traditional medicine practitioners used the herb to create various medical preparations. Consequently, we encountered many older patients who were aware of cannabis' historical use as medicine and shared stories of their elders consuming herbal preparations containing cannabis.”

What lies ahead 

Priyadarshi believes that "India will emerge as the true leader in cannabis medicine within the next 4-5 years." Building trust emerges as a critical factor. 

There is a growing discourse about an integrative future that melds science and plant medicine. Priyadarshi mentions, "It's heartening to see leading physicians across the country shedding their inherited dogmas and embracing holistic treatment methods that bring together the best of therapies to offer maximum benefit to their patients." Lobo concurs, stating, "There is a marked global shift with a growing interest in plant medicine after the COVID-19 pandemic."

Knowledge is key

The ancient belief in the Doctrine of Signatures, where plants bear a striking resemblance to the body parts they can heal, is experiencing a revival in the modern world. Julia Graves, in her book The Language of Plants, underscores how cultures have imbued this art with examples such as lungwort—resembling lung tissue and offering relief for respiratory ailments. Even medicinal mushrooms, bearing an uncanny resemblance to tumours, have demonstrated the ability to inhibit their growth.

How does the ancient wisdom of plants then apply to modern-day ailments and physiology? "Those interested should seek out research and delve into recent studies in plant medicine because much of the old research may not be directly applicable to our bodies, which have evolved significantly over time," explains Sidana. 

Lobo echoes the sentiment, emphasising,"Like any medicine, plant medicines must be understood and administered correctly to provide a healing experience."

We find ourselves at a pivotal juncture, where ancient wisdom and modern advancements intersect, perhaps promising a future where the healing power of nature is integrated into our holistic approach towards health. Who knows, the future of medicine may not reside in complex laboratories but in the heart of a garden. 

Also Read: Is Vipassana meant for everyone?

Also Read: How can you get yourself to meditate when you can’t despite several attempts?

Also Read: Should you be opting for CBD or melatonin for a night of uninterrupted sleep?