Herbs can add such great value and interest to people's lives. They fill the senses and make people happy.
--from Paula Johnson Country Home Book of Herbs
Herbal medicine is the oldest form of healthcare known to mankind. Herbs had been used by all cultures throughout history. It was an integral part of the development of modern civilization. Primitive man observed and appreciated the great diversity of plants available to him. The plants provided food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. Much of the medicinal use of plants seems to have been developed through observations of wild animals, and by trial and error. As time went on, each tribe added the medicinal power of herbs in their area to its knowledgebase. They methodically collected information on herbs and developed well-defined herbal pharmacopoeias. Indeed, well into the 20th century much of the pharmacopoeia of scientific medicine was derived from the herbal lore of native people. Many drugs commonly used today are of herbal origin. Indeed, about 25 percent of the prescription drugs dispensed in the United States contain at least one active ingredient derived from plant material. Some are made from plant extracts; others are synthesized to mimic a natural plant compound.
Herbs work on vibrations and bring harmony to disharmonic conditions by balancing out vibrations and reestablishing the delicate mineral household of the very cells.
The classic definition of an herb is a non-woody plant that dies down to its roots each year. However, an herb quite simply is a medicinal plant that can come from any climate, any region, and in the form of leaves, barks, flowers, and roots. It can be home-grown or wild, a weed, a spice, or a plant used for healing and beautifying.
So powerful are the health-enhancing properties of herbs that a vast number of common prescription drugs have been derived from a mere 90 species of plants. For a time, healing plants were replaced by single-molecule, drug-based medicine that caused more negative side effects than healing. Herbs are here to stay. They have come out of folklore; they have validated our grandparents remedies; and they have now again exploded into the mainstream.
Herbal medicine is the oldest form of healthcare known to mankind. Herbs had been used by all cultures throughout history. It was an integral part of the development of modern civilization. Primitive man observed and appreciated the great diversity of plants available to him. The plants provided food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. Much of the medicinal use of plants seems to have been developed through observations of wild animals, and by trial and error. As time went on, each tribe added the medicinal power of herbs in their area to its knowledgebase. They methodically collected information on herbs and developed well-defined herbal pharmacopoeias. Indeed, well into the 20th century much of the pharmacopoeia of scientific medicine was derived from the herbal lore of native people. Many drugs commonly used today are of herbal origin. Indeed, about 25 percent of the prescription drugs dispensed in the United States contain at least one active ingredient derived from plant material. Some are made from plant extracts; others are synthesized to mimic a natural plant compound.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 4 billion people, 80 percent of the world population, presently use herbal medicine for some aspect of primary health care. Herbal medicine is a major component in all indigenous peoples’ traditional medicine and a common element in Ayurvedic, homeopathic, naturopathic, traditional oriental, and Native American Indian medicine. WHO notes that of 119 plant-derived pharmaceutical medicines, about 74 percent are used in modern medicine in ways that correlated directly with their traditional uses as plant medicines by native cultures. Major pharmaceutical companies are currently conducting extensive research on plant materials gathered from the rain forests and other places for their potential medicinal value. Substances derived from the plants remain the basis for a large proportion of the commercial medications used today for the treatment of heart disease, high blood pressure, pain, asthma, and other problems. For example, ephedra is a herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for more than two thousand years to treat asthma and other respiratory problems. Ephedrine, the active ingredient in ephedra, is used in the commercial pharmaceutical preparations for the relief of asthma symptoms and other respiratory problems. It helps the patient to breathe more easily. Another example of the use of a herbal preparation in modern medicine is the foxglove plant. This herb had been in use since 1775. At present, the powdered leaf of this plant is known as the cardiac stimulant digitalis to the millions of heart patients it keeps alive worldwide. Herbal Medicine can be broadly classified into various basic systems: Traditional Chinese Herbalism, which is part of Traditional Oriental Medicine, Ayurvedic Herbalism, which is derived from Ayurveda, and Western Herbalism, which originally came from Greece and Rome to Europe and then spread to North and South America. Chinese and Ayurvedic Herbalism have developed into highly sophisticated systems of diagnosis and treatment over the centuries. Western Herbalism is today primarily a system of folk medicine. Interest in the United States had been growing in the recent years from the reported success stories from the use of herbs. For example, St. John's Wort is widely used in the treatment of mild depression without the need for Prozac. St. John's Wort does not have the side effects such as that of Prozac. There are some Ayurvedic herbs that are very useful for reducing cholesterol, diabetes etc. Similarly the popularity of Ginseng and Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) is rising due to its beneficial effects. Herbs are characterized by temperature, taste, and direction.The impact of each aspect must be weighed when determining the proper herbal remedy for a specific disharmony. Temperature.An herb may be hot, cold, warm, cool, or neutral.If a disease is considered hot, then a cool or cold herb is needed.If the disharmony is cold, then a warming herb is required. Taste.An herb may be characterized as acrid, sweet, bitter, sour, or salty.Substances with none of these qualities are labeled bland (they sure are!).Each of these qualities has its own unique therapeutic impact on Essential Substances. Acrid herbs disburse and move. Sweet ones tonify and harmonize. Bitter herbs drain and dry. Sour herbs are astringent and prevent or reverse the normal leakage of fluids and energy. Salty herbs purge. Bland herbs take out dampness and promote urination. Direction. The therapeutic impact of an herb can also be measured in terms of the direction that it moves Essential Substances.Some herbs cause the Qi to rise and float (move upward and outward), some cause it to fall and sink (move downward and inward). Bactericidal Herbs Licorice 33% Thyme 21% Oregano 8.8% Rosemary 4% Coriander 2.2% Fennel 1.5%
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List of Single Herbs That Can Be Dangerous When Taken Internally When Not Used Properly Chaparral Can have negative effects on the liver. Coltsfoot Can have negative effects on the liver. Comfrey Can have negative effects on the liver. Avoid if pregnant. Ephedra/Ma Huang Can cause elevated blood pressure levels and heart palpitations. Germander Can have negative effects on the liver. Sassafras Can be carcinogenic. Wormwood can have negative effects on the kidneys
Some Popular Herb To Get to Know Aloe vera, caraway, chamomile, cloves, comfrey, echinacea, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginseng, hyssop lavender, lemon balm, licorice, peppermint, rosemary sage, thyme, valerian
* GI symptoms including nausea,abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting are the most common. * Allergic reactions (especially people allergic to the daisy/aster family).
*Echinacea products are frequently mislabeled or may contain no Echinacea. Echinacea products have been commonly adulterated. Some have been contaiminated with selenium, arsenic, and lead.
* One case report of noctural seizures, but generally well tolerated; may increase the risk for pregnancy complications.
* Good source of gamma-linolenic acid which is primarily responsible for the health benefits of evening primrose oil. * May act as an anticoagular - do not take with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs including aspirin and ibuprofen.
* Breath and skin odor. * Possible nausea, heartburn, or diarrhea. * Topical garlic can cause skin irritation, blistering and burns.
* Fresh garlic is the best form. * Garlic contains allin and allicin. * If consuming high doses of garlic, do not take blood-thinning drugs, ginkgo, ginger, Panax ginseng, or high-dose Vitamin E.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
* Prevent motion sickness: + * Reduce morning sickness: + * Reduce nausea: +/- * Used as digestive aid: +/-
*Well tolerated when used in typical doses. At high doses, may cause abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhea.
* May increase the risk of bleeding - ask pharmacist/doctor before taking with anticoagulant/ antiplatelet drugs, garlic, ginko, or Panax ginseng.
Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo biloba)
* Improve age-related memory impairment and dementia: + * Improve visual field in glaucoma and and diabetic retinopathy: + * Reduce PMS symptoms: +
* Decreases platelet activity and may increase risk of bleeding - do not take with anticoagulant/ antiplatelet drugs, garlic, ginger, or Panax ginseng.
* Side effects rare. * Menstrual abnormalities, breast tenderness. * Insomnia.
* Not recommended for people with autoimmune diseases, bleeding conditions, cardiac conditions, or diabetes. May decrease platelet activity - ask pharmacist/doctor before taking with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs, garlic, ginko, or Panax ginseng. * Do not take with stimulants, including excessive caffeine.
* Gastrointestinal (GI) upset, headache, dizziness, drowiness, enlarged pupils and disturbances of oculomotor equilibrium and accommodation. dry mouth, and allergic skin reactions. * Liver toxicity. * Yellowed skin (jaundice), fatigue, and dark urine.
* Not recommended for people with depression, liver disease, or Parkinson’s disease. * Do not drive or operate machinery when taking kava kava. * Do not take with Xanax or central nervous system (CNS) depressants including alcohol, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines.
* Insomnia, anxiety, irritability, gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort, diarrhea, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, and headache. *Photosensitvity. * Hypomania in depressed patients
* Not recommended for people with major depression, bipolar chronic depression. disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, or ADHD.
* Do not take with antidepressants, barbiturates, or alcohol. Check with pharmacist/doctor about other potential herb-drug interactions. * Women taking St. John’s Wort and oral contraceptives concurrently should use an additional or alternative form of birth control.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
* Treat benign prostatic hyperplasia: + * Improve overall prostate health: +/- * Enhance sexual vigor, enhance breast size: -
* Dizziness, headache, and gastrointestinal complants such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. * Check with pharmacist before using saw palmetto anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs, contraceptive drugs, or estrogens.
+ Research supports efficacy/safety of this product when used appropriately. See disclaimer below. +/- Clinical evidence is inconclusive. - Research finds that it is ineffective/unsafe. Except where noted in comments, research indicates these 10 herbs appear to be safe when used appropriately.
What we know about herbs is constantly changing, so take any herb with caution. Herbs generally are notrecommended for people suffering from autoimmune disorders or liver disease, people undergoing surgery or other invasive medical procedure, pregnant or lactating women, or infants and small children.
Warnings (Many herbs should be avoided if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Consult an herbalist or do some research before taking an herb is you are pregnant) Astragalus Avoid if you have a fever or great thirst. Black Cohosh Avoid if pregnant. Bladder Wrack (seaweed) Avoid if scheduled for any type of surgery; considered an anitcoagulant. Chamomile Avoid if take sedatives. Avoid if take anticoagulants such as aspirin, heparin. Echinacea Avoid if pregnant. Do not use for more than 3 weeks. Avoid if take immunodepressant such as cyclosporine, azathioprine. Evening Primrose Oil Avoid if you suffer from seizures. Feverfew Avoid if pregnant. Garlic, Ginkgo Avoid if taking blood thinners, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs. Ginger Avoid if you have gallstones Avoid if you take sedatives. Avoid if taking blood thinners, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs. Avoid if take anticoagulants such as aspirin, heparin. Ginseng Avoid if pregnant or nursing and if you suffer from kidney ailments. Goldenseal Avoid if pregnant. Do not use for longer than 3 weeks. Avoid if you take sedatives. Avoid if take anticoagulants such as aspirin, heparin. Kava Kava Avoid if you have Parkinson's disease. Avoid if you take Alprazolam. Licorice Avoid if you have heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, pregnant, nursing, or kidney disease. Do not use for longer than 4-6 weeks. St. John's Wort Avoid if you take Digoxin for the heart. Uva Ursi Do not use for longer than 7 days. Valerian Do not use except for when times of rest are needed. Avoid if you take sedatives.
A Few Toxic Herbs Foxglove Glory Lillies Lily-of-the-valley Madagascar Periwinkle Opium poppies Poke root
Here's To Your Health--Live Long And Prosper! Embellir Corporation 2577 Broad Avenue (Historic Arts District) Memphis TN 38112-2615 901.452.1950 (p) 901.452.1949 (f)
