May/June 2022 Alchemical Voice

The widespread destruction of tropical rainforest
ecosystems and the consequent extinction of numerous
plant and animal species is happening before we know
even the most basic facts about what we are losing.
Covering only 6 per cent of the
Earth’s surface tropical rain forests
contain at least half of all species
The abundant botanical resources of tropical forests have
already provided tangible medical advances, yet only 1 per
cent of the known plant and animal species have been
thoroughly examined for their medicinal potentials.
Approximately 7,000 medical compounds prescribed by
Western doctors are derived from plants. For example,
Madagascar’s rosy periwinkle (left) provides two important
anti-tumour agents. Quinine is an aid in the cure of
malaria, it is an alkaloid from the bark of the cinchona tree
found in Latin America. Below is a photo of dried
chinchona tree bark.
Fortunately, in the last couple of decades, there has been a
renewed interest in herbal remedies, and more people are
recognising the many benefits of using them to treat
themselves and their families.
When used with common sense, herbal remedies are a
safe and effective form of home help. If we can treat
colds, flu, or minor injuries in the early stages we can often
prevent the development of something more serious and
avoid using conventional drugs and their risk of side
effects.
I have grown my own herbs for many years and used them
to help cure and prevent many ailments in my family and
with my clients. Chamomile, lavender, rosemary,
peppermint are just a few of the medicinal plants I grow.
Whether made into balms or teas or added to food they
make a wonderful way of healing and preventing everyday
ailments.
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