3
July 2014
Conservation Matters: Native Plants and Their Medicinal Uses
a dietary supplement is shown to be unsafe. Examples of currently popular
use of herbal medicines include Echinacea for colds and Ginseng for a host
of physical and mental complaints.
Photo: American Beautyberry
As anyone who lives full- or part-time on Kiawah, or has visited the island,
can tell you, there are many things that make Kiawah such a special place.
Near the top of that list, however, has to be the natural habitat. Kiawah is
home to very diverse ecosystems, including numerous species of beautiful
native plants. Many of these plants, however, are much more than just
colorful scenery, and some even have health benefits. A recent Conservation
Matters, a monthly educational program held by the Kiawah Conservancy,
hosted Dr. Jane Ellis who provided some insight into Kiawah’s native plants
and their medicinal uses.
History of Medicinal Plant Use
According to Ellis, plants are used in medicine by decoction (mashing
or boiling in water), infusion (dissolved or steeped in water) or poultices
(direct application). Plants have been used for medicinal purposes since
pre-historic times and eighty percent of the world’s population depends
on plants or plant extracts as their major source of health care today.
More than half of the 150 most-prescribed medicines have at least one
compound derived from plants. Traditional Chinese medicine includes
the use of artemisinin for treatment of malaria, ginkgo biloba for slowing
memory decline and figwort root to treat arthritis.
Ellis included examples of medicinal plant use from countries around
the world including South America, Persia, Africa, and India. According
to Ellis, The foundations for modern western medicine can be traced to
ancient Greece and Rome where herbal remedies date back centuries.
William Withering, an English botanist and doctor (1741 – 1799), took
a closer look at folk medicine and is given credit for performing the first
scientific investigation of the use of foxglove to treat “dropsy,” finding its
active ingredient now known as “digitalis.”
Current State of Plant Usage
Current use of over-the-counter herbal medicines is widespread throughout
the United States, but regulation has not yet caught up with usage. The
consumer probably only has a 50-50 chance of obtaining an authentic
product containing both the correct species and correct plant component
at an appropriate strength. Further, there is limited oversight of over-thecounter herbal medicines by any regulatory body like the United States
Food and Drug Administration and in general no action is taken until after
Fresh, Locally Caught Seafood for Sale
Cherry Point Seafood out of Wadmalaw Island is selling local fresh
seafood every Friday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (or until supply runs out)
at the Sandcastle (in the parking lot in front of the pool area). Types
of seafood for sale varies week-to-week depending on what is caught.
Recent hauls include delicious white roe shrimp and fresh mahi-mahi
fillets. Seafood available will be announced each week in KICA's Weekly
Update emails (contact [email protected] to subscribe). Currently,
sales are cash only. For more info, contact Cherry Point at 843-5590858 or the Sandcastle at 843-768-3875.
Native Plants on Kiawah
Kiawah is home to many native plants that have been historically
used for medicinal purposes, including:
• American and Yaupon Holly - For measles, colds, flu, sores and itching.
• The Coastal Plain Willow - Bark has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Saw Palmetto - Used to treat prostate problems.
• Passion Flower - Calming effect for anxiety and insomnia.
• Elderberry - Used to treat numerous illnesses.
• American Beautyberry - Used to treat numerous illnesses.
• Red Buckeye - Used to tr X]