Healing Orchids

Famed for their exotic beauty and richness in variety, orchids may be found in all continents of the world except Antarctica. Although the plants are widely cultivated both in homes and farms, few people realize that many species of orchids have legendary healing qualities that have been used for centuries by Chinese, Ayurvedic and other traditional medicines for such conditions as skin eczema, depression, indigestion, heart disease and high blood pressure.This little highly-readable volume with beautiful illustrations helps you discover fascinating plants that are pleasing to behold yet may also help you attain good health. Read about the Dendrobium as a yin tonic that improves complexion and boosts the immune system, the enticing aroma of Vanilla found in ice cream but also reputed to heal sexual dysfunction, Bletilla that helps in cancer cure, Gastrodia for post-stroke rehabilitation, as well as other genera and species of healing orchids.Written by two Chinese physicians with training in biomedical science, the book also offers a unique perspective of biomedical explanations for healing orchids.

This unique book brings together a wealth of data on the botanical, ethno-medicinal and pharmacological aspects of over 500 species of Asian medicinal orchids. It starts off by explaining the role and limitations of complimentary and herbal medicines, and how traditional Asian medicine differs from Western, “scientific” medicine. The different Asian medical traditions are described, as well as their modes of preparing herbal remedies. The core of the book presents individual medicinal orchid species arranged by genera. Each species is identified by its official botanical name, synonyms, and local names. Its distribution, habitat and flowering season, uses and pharmacology are described. An overview sums up the research findings on all species within each genus. Clinical observations are discussed whenever available, and possible therapeutic applications are highlighted. The book closes with chapters on the conservation of medicinal orchids and on the role of randomized clinical trials.

Did you know that Vanilla was formerly served as aphrodisiac by Cassanova and Madam Pompadour, and Elizabeth I loved its flavor? This is the first book that provides a complete worldwide coverage of orchids being employed as aphrodisiacs, medicine or charms and food. Opening with an in-depth historical account of orchids (orchis Greek testicle), the author describes how the Theory of Signatures influenced ancient herbalists to regard terrestrial orchid tubers as aphrodisiacs. Doctors and apothecaries promoted it during the Renaissance. Usage of orchids in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indian Ayurvedic Medicine; by Tibetan yogins and Amchi healers for longevity pills, tonics and aphrodisiacs; by Africans to prepare 'health promoting' chikanda or as survival food when lost in the Australian bush are some highlights of the book. Early settlers in America and the East Indies often relied on native remedies and employment of orchids for such needs is described. Also covered are the search for medicinal compounds by scientists, attempts to prove the orchid's efficacy by experiment and the worry of conservationists.

Orchids are beautiful, aren’t they? Decorations made of these spectacular plants make the whole atmosphere divine! Their range of colour, the pattern of the flowers and the dots and ridges on the floral parts make them unique and ‘different’. Interestingly, they are the most well-praised medicinal plants in the world. For ages, most countries have been harbouring and using these plants to treat several ailments like that in Ayurved, ancient Chinese medicine, etc. They’re also advocated and boasted for potential healers. Besides, numerous folklore uses, which may or may not be documented, can be traced. Being very juvenile, our research has provided scanty (as compared to their actual uses) information on the validation part of these plants. Orchids in Traditional Medicine tries to take you to the mysteriously beautiful world of orchids, providing a glimpse into understanding their potential and medicinal uses. It also seeks to putatively understand the Ayurvedic doctrine and the existing disputes regarding the use of orchids. Let us now explore the world of medicinal orchids!

The cultivation of Chinese cymbidiums has a long history in China dating back to more than a thousand years ago. Chinese cymbidiums are commonly known as 'Lan' (兰) or 'Guo Lan' (国兰) in China.Lan has a special appeal and meaning to the Chinese as it symbolizes integrity, modesty and nobility. Confucius praised Lan as the 'Gentleman of Noble Virtue' (君子之风) and 'King of Fragrance' (王者之香). The love and appreciation for Lan, also known as 'Lan Culture', has become an integral part of Chinese culture.The book starts with the history of Lan and its association with Chinese culture and traditional customs, literature and the arts. This is followed by a description of the biology of Lan and cultivation practices of past and present. Finally, the prospects and future of Lan are presented and discussed.

With more than 30,000 known species, orchids represent the largest family of plants. But only one genus has agricultural value—the Vanilla orchid. Leading orchid expert Ken Cameron covers the natural history of the world’s most popular flavor and fragrance and provides an introduction to the pollination, biology, structure, evolution, and diversity of Vanilla and related orchids. Vanilla Orchids also features methods for bean harvest, curing, and processing for enthusiasts who want to try it at home.