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HERBAL INTRODUCTION
The medicinal benefits of herbs have been known for centuries. Records of Native American, Roman, Egyptian, Persian, and Hebrew medical practices show that herbs were used extensively to cure practically every known illness. Many herbs contain powerful ingredients that, if used correctly, can help heal the body. The pharmaceutical industry was originally based upon the ability to isolate these ingredients, and make them available in a purer form. Herbalists, however, contend that nature provides other ingredients in the same herbs to balance the more powerful ingredients. These other components, though they may be less potent, may help to act as buffers, synergists, or counterbalances working in harmony with the more powerful ingredients. Therefore, by using herbs in their complete form, the body's healing process utilizes a balance of ingredients provided by nature.
Many people believe that herbs are just as effective as drugs, but without the side effects. Most over-the-counter drugs should be used with caution. In addition, many of them are not particularly effective. Others can mask important symptoms, possibly leading to misdiagnosis and ultimately, worse health problems. It is of interest to note that in many industrialized countries today, herbs are prescribed by physicians (and other health care providers) and prepared and sold through neighborhood drugstores. In developing countries, where access to hospitals and health care providers is limited, herbal remedies often are the only generally available form of medicine.
Herbs do perform many healing functions in the body, but they must be used appropriately, not indiscriminately. Although herbal remedies are less likely than most conventional medicines to cause side effects, herbs nevertheless can be very potent. Moreover, not all plant life is beneficial. There are poisonous plants, and some of them are deadly, especially if used for long periods of time. In fact, it is important to point out that qualified herbalists use herbs with great care. Also since herbs contain active ingredients, you should be aware that some of these elements may interact negatively with prescribed medications. It is therefore wise to consult with a health care professional when there is any question about safety.
As a general guideline, most of the bitter-tasting herbs are medicinal herbs. The pleasant- tasting herbs are potentially less toxic and can be used more often. All plant roots and bark are naturally fungicidal and bactericidal. (If they were not, pathogens would destroy them in the ground.) Certain herbs should be used only for healing purposes, and not for extended periods of time. Also, the active ingredients in most herbs are more potent when the herbs are freshly picked. However, roots, bark, and other herb parts can retain their medicinal value for years if thoroughly dried and kept dry.
NATURAL FOOD SUPPLEMENTS
Natural food supplements include a wide variety of products. Almost all health food stores carry them, and a number of drugstores and supermarkets stock them on their shelves as well. In general, natural food supplements are composed of, derived from, or by-products of foods that provide health benefits. In some cases, health benefit claims made by manufacturers are based upon a supplement's use in traditional healing; in other cases, they are based on modern scientific research.
Food supplements can be high in certain nutrients, contain active ingredients that aid digestive or metabolic processes, or provide a combination of nutrients and active ingredients. It is important to point out that some unscrupulous manufacturers make false promises. It is therefore vital to be an informed consumer. It is also necessary to be aware that many conservative "watchdog" organizations point to these few unsubstantiated products and label the whole industry as unreliable. This occurs in spite of the fact that many natural food supplements have been known to work for years; these products are medicinally endorsed only when they are "discovered" by researchers deemed acceptable by these groups. Such recent discoveries include garlic, aloe vera, fiber, and fish oils - substances that have been used for centuries in many parts of the world.
WHAT IS ON THE SHELVES - COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS
Food supplements come in many shapes and forms - The fresh leaves, bark, and roots of herbs can be used in their natural form, or they can be found in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid beverages, bark pieces, jellies, biscuits, wafers, powders, extracts, tinctures, creams, lotions, salves, granules oils and more. The whole leaves, berries, seeds, roots, flowers, and bark of herbs are also dried and made available to consumers. Product packaging depends entirely on the nature of the food supplement's composition.
The potency of these products varies. Because they are made up of perishable foods, food derivatives, or food by-products, their potency may be affected by the length of time they sit on the shelf or by the temperature at which they are stored and kept. If you don't understand how a product is to be used, ask questions or read the available literature on the particular supplement.
If you have never used a natural food supplement, you may be uncomfortable about buying and using one for the first time. This is normal. Keep in mind that once you become familiar with its use and benefits, you won't give the idea of using it a second thought.
In this section, we describe some of the types of food supplements that are recommended for use in dealing with the various disorders discussed in the "disorders" section of this website.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness Index
HOW TO USE HERBS
The many ways in which herbs can be used include:
Compresses: A compress is a cloth soaked in a warm or cool herbal solution and applied directly on the injured area.
Decoctions: A tea is made from the bark, root, seed, or berry of a plant. Decoctions should not be boiled; they should only be simmered for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, unless the product label or directions states otherwise.
Essential Oils: Essential oils are derived from herbs or other plants through steam distillation or cold pressing. They are usually mixed with a vegetable oil or water and used either as a mouth, ear, or eye wash, or as an inhalant, douche, or tea. These oils can also be used externally in massage or on burns and abrasions. Essential oils readily combine with the natural fats present in the skin. With a few exceptions, such as the use of camphor, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil for certain skin conditions, essential oils should always be diluted in either water or oil before being applied to the body, and they should not be taken internally except under the direction of a health care provider trained in their use.
Extracts: Extracts are made by pressing herbs with a heavy hydraulic press and soaking them in alcohol or water. Excess alcohol or water is allowed to evaporate, yielding a concentrated extract. Extracts are the most effective form of herbs, especially for people with severe illnesses or malabsorption problems. Alcohol-free extracts, if available, are usually best. Herbal extracts should generally be diluted in a small amount of water before being ingested.
The following are some herbal extracts that are very beneficial in healing. These can be found in health food stores. Add these extracts to juices, and take them while fasting for greatest benefits:
Burdock
Cat's Claw
Celery
Echinacea
Fig
Garlic
Ginger
Ginkgo Biloba
Goldenseal
Hawthorn
Horsetail
Licorice
Milk Thistle
Nettle
Red Clover
Parsley
Pau D'Arco
Pumpkin
Red Beet Crystals
Suma
Valerian Root
Herbal Vinegars: Herbs are put into raw apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or malt vinegar and left to stand for two or more weeks.
Infusions: Leaves, flowers, or other delicate parts of the plant are steeped, not boiled, for 5 to 10 minutes in hot water, so that the benefits of the herbs are not destroyed. See herbal teas below.
Ointments: An extract, tea, pressed juice, or powdered form of an herb is added to a salve that is applied to the affected area.
Poultice: A poultice is a hot, soft, moist mass of herbs, flour, mustard, or other substance spread on muslin or other loosely woven cloth and applied to up to 24 hours on a sore or inflamed area of the body to relieve pain and inflammation. Ground or granulated herbs are best. The cloth should be changed when it cools. See Using A Poultice for further information on the uses of poultices.
Powder: The useful part of the herb is ground into a powder, which may then be made into capsules or tablets.
Syrup: Herbs are added to a form of sugar and then boiled.
Salves: Salves, creams, oils, and lotions are generally used on bruises, sores, and inflammations, and for poultices.
Tinctures: Tinctures are a well-preserved form of previously fresh herbs. Most tinctures contain varying amounts of alcohol; however, there are now some on the market that contain less alcohol, and some that are alcohol-free.
If there are several herbs recommended for a certain disorder, it is best to alternate among the different herbs, so that you obtain the benefits of each. This may also help you to determine which herb agrees best with your body's chemistry and particular needs. Also, do not preserve herbs in a clear glass jars; use colored glass or ceramic jars instead. The potency of herbs can be destroyed by exposure to light.
HERBAL TEAS & THEIR EFFECTS
Herbal Teas are the most convenient form of herbal remedy for long-term use. The powerful ingredients of the herb are diluted by water when made into tea. Mild teas may be used daily as tonics and for general well-being.
To prepare an herbal tea, use approximately 1 to 3 teaspoons of herbs per cup of boiling water. Boil water in a kettle as you would for ordinary tea, but do not use an aluminum kettle. Pour the water into a ceramic or glass (not metal) mug or teapot and leave the herbs to steep for at least 5 minutes (but don't leave them for longer than ten minutes or the tea may have a bitter taste). If you prefer a stronger tea, increase the amount of herbs used rather than steeping the tea for a longer period.
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
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