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Herbalism

Herbalism, or Herbal Medicine, is the therapeutic use of plants to produce physical effects of wellness and is in fact the basis for many drugs in use today. For as long there has been illness there have been attempts to find cures within nature's provision. Each culture has developed it's own methods and application of plant materials to induce health using mainly what's growing close by in their own environment. One of the earliest documented records of plants being used medicinally is in a Chinese Pharmacopeia that dates back 5,000 years.

Differences between Herbal Medicine and Standard Drugs

Interest in Herbalism is on the increase for a number of reasons, chief among them being a growing concern with the effectiveness and long term effects of synthetically produced drugs. Other areas of interest include the use of herbs to promote healthy nutrition and herbs to maintain a strong immune system. What sets medicinal herbs apart from their drug counterparts is the natural, bio-available structure of the many active ingredients within the whole herb. These ingredients harmonize with the body's cellular structure as well as provide buffering actions against side effects.

Medicinal plant species usually contain a variety of active ingredients that provide several complementary actions within the body and the wise use of whole herbs helps promote general good health. Pharmaceutical drugs, on the other hand, usually consist of a single active ingredient, often come with a caution on potentially severe side effects and are aimed at stopping a symptom or condition.

These drugs are sometimes quite necessary and beneficial in the case of accident or severe infection and we have largely been better off with them than without. However, in this day of new viruses and super bugs, whole herbs provide a safe, economical way to build up and maintain both immunity and healthy function of all the body’s systems and organs. A healthy body combined with a healthy mental and emotional outlook will go a long way towards decreasing dependence on long term pharmaceutical use.

Culinary Herbs as Medicinal Food

A very natural and effective way to maintain health is to incorporate herbs into your diet on a daily basis. This is much easier than it sounds but does require that one makes a commitment to whole foods and meal preparation.

Many of the herbs and seasonings we like to use in cooking have been time honored medicinal herbs. They have been keeping us healthy one meal at a time while our focus was on how good they make food taste! One example is fresh Garlic with it's many actions including: antifungal, antibiotic, addresses inflammation associated with high cholesterol, is a blood cleanser, provides vitamins and minerals, builds immunity....and that's just a partial list!

Some other herbs from the seasoning cupboard and their main functions include:

Parsley which contains an oil similar to Garlic that is antimicrobial and tones the digestive system, is a diuretic and contains several vitamins and minerals
Ginger which is a stimulant herb that has antiseptic and antiparasitic actions, helps digestion and cholesterol balancel and has a mild tranquilizing effect. Good for motion sickness.
Cayenne which is a stimulant herb that acts as a sedative by releasing natural endorphins, increases the healing effectiveness of other herbs and tones the whole circulatory system.

Herbal teas are another easy way to help maintain health. Some examples are:

Chamomile which is not only very mild, safe and soothing for all ages but helps reduce inflammation, eases muscle tension and pain and helps reduce the effects of stress by toning the nervous system.
Peppermint tea is a digestive aid that also tones the whole intestinal system along with being antiseptic and antibacterial.
Red Raspberry is an astringent herb that is commonly used for women’s health issues but also contains a high level of fruity, citric acid and acts to check high blood sugar and mild high blood pressure.
Dandelion tea is a good blood cleanser, helps remove joint deposits that can be at the root of rheumatic pain, is diuretic and, due to it’s high sulfur content, tones the kidneys, gall bladder, liver, spleen and pancreas.

Safety Issues

With wise use, the majority of herbs available are safe and do not interact with the most common drugs like antibiotics. Most herbs are safe enough to take daily, however many are suggested for short term use in specific quantities and for specific circumstances. Always, your current condition, medical history and other drugs or vitamins being used should be considered before starting an herbal regimen.

Another safety issue of growing importance is the long term use of pharmaceuticals over the possibility of receiving the same benefits by changing lifestyle, habits and incorporating herbs and other stress reducing alternatives. Before you take prescription drugs....or start with herbs, exercise personal responsibility and educate yourself about side affects, long term use issues, safety margins, their actions, interactions and know why you are using them. It's always important to let your health care provider know what vitamins, supplements and herbs you use.

And it's of ultimate importance that you address the causes of your health conditions, not just the symptoms. This is where an herbalist can be of most assistance to act as a sounding board and to help an individual become aware of proper herbal choices to maintain good health.

Over-the-Counter Natural Alternatives

You may find yourself with a common condition and would like to use herbs as an alternative to over-the-counter medications. There is a casual perception that taking herbal supplements is like 'popping vitamin C' when in truth much more awareness is called for.
Some questions to think about when considering herbal alternatives:

* Are you addressing minor and common ailments such as for flu or cold?
* Do you know the safety margins for the herbs you might be using?
* Are you aware of proper herbal dosage amounts and suggested duration of use?
* Would you be best served by using an extract or whole herb? Tea? Tincture? Cream?
* To maintain health, should you try incorporating culinary herbs into your everyday diet?

In situations where symptoms are present, attempts at self diagnosis are discouraged and a visit to your health care provider is suggested to treat disease. Health Freedom Laws, as defined by each State, allow your provider to refer you for herbal treatment if you choose. The most effective herbal formulas include 3-4 herbs to balance and offset the actions of each. An Herbal Consultation is the best way to evaluate your needs and craft an individual herbal health plan.

 

Botanical Works offers a variety of information on herbal and energy balancing options
to help you maintain good health. It is not intended to replace a timely visit
to your health care provider.

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