Manage your AIA plans, employee benefits, stay healthy with AIA Vitality, and access healthcare services.
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{{label}}21 March 2022
Our ancestors have been using traditional herbs to cure pain and illnesses since olden times. They’ve identified, noted and conveyed their findings from generation to generation, which has resulted in a rich library of knowledge about plants and their medicinal properties.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Wildlife Fund, there are between 50,000 and 80,000 flowering plant species that are used for medicinal purposes worldwide.
As traditional herbs may interact with medications you’re currently taking, particularly modern medicines, ensure you clear everything with a doctor or physician about what you plan to consume.
“According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Wildlife Fund, there are between 50,000 and 80,000 flowering plant species used for medicinal purposes worldwide.".”
Here’s how traditional herbs can help you.
A tiny seed that delivers big on healing powers, the black seed is more commonly known as the black cumin seed and comes from fennel flowers that are native to Asia.
For those who have asthma, its anti-inflammatory properties and rich antioxidants improve coughing, wheezing, and lung functions. However, it’s important to note that it may not be as effective as the modern age medication of theophylline or albuterol.
Early research also suggests that oral consumption of products containing black seed oil, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and biotin can improve pollen allergy symptoms in people who are vulnerable to hay fever.
Ginseng is a plant native to countries like China, Korea and far-eastern Siberia. Harvested for thousands of years, the “King of Tonic Herbs” can help with controlling your blood sugar.
According to researchers at Massey University, both Asian ginseng and American ginseng can decrease blood glucose in type 2 diabetics. A key ingredient in ginseng – Ginsenosides – may also affect insulin production in your pancreas and improve insulin resistance.
If you often find yourself fatigued, ginseng helps by stimulating the body and mind. Research at Seoul National University Hospital has shown that Korean red ginseng in particular has promising results in better cognitive functions when tested on Alzheimer’s disease patients.
“If you often find yourself fatigued, ginseng helps by stimulating the body and mind.”
Another option you can use to combat your sugar intake is with a sweetener that has zero calories and contains natural sugars – Monk Fruit. Consuming it does not raise blood sugar levels making it a perfect alternative for diabetes patients.
Also known as “luo han guo” or “Buddha fruit”, it can help with losing weight, and reduce the amount of fats and lipids in the blood. Rich in vitamin C, monk fruit can also be used for anti-ageing, anti-cancer, and skincare purposes.
Monk fruit is also often made into a savoury-tasting beverage to treat cough, constipation and sore throat among others.
Nature provides us with ingredients for better health, and what better way to get them than at a local grocery store? If you’re an AIA Vitality member, don’t miss out on the 10% discount for all purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables at Jaya Grocer!
Today, at least 80% of people worldwide incorporate traditional herbs to some degree into their healthcare regime, and with the high cost of medicine in some countries and occasional supply shortages, this is unlikely to change anytime soon.
As our understanding of traditional herbs and their benefits continues to grow, it is evident that they will continue playing a part in helping people live healthier, longer and better lives.
