HERBAL MEDICINE OVERVIEW
Herbal Medicine is the use of botanicals (plants) either singularly or in combination to prevent and treat certain ailments and illnesses.
People native to different geographical locations have long used plants and plant extracts to cure specific maladies.
With all our so-called advancements in the medical field, it’s interesting that physicians are still treating “effect” rather than “cause.” The old adage that, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” could not be more true. This is especially true when it comes to natural remedies.
Most natural remedies are botanical. Singularly or in combination, the numbers of herbs available is astounding. Many of the combinations include both herbs and other sources such as tree bark, alfalfa and rhubarb.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT HERB
Nothing in the makeup of a plant tells us in what way it would be used the best. There are over a half million known herbs that could be used as possible remedies. In China, The Chinese Herbalist practitioners have over 2,000 that are readily available in their pharmacies.
Herbal remedies around the globe very in strength from very mild, gentle remedies that we even use as food to potential poisons if taken at the wrong dose.
Folk use of herbal remedies is familiar to all of us in some form or another. Rightly so, because this is how these remedies are learned. They are passed down from generation to generation.
Unfortunately, that is what fuels the fire of the scientific community and their disdain. It really is their loss, because generations of experience and knowledge should not be so readily dismissed. In fact, many of our current pharmacological concoctions have their roots in herbal medicine.
Remedies and recipes for herbal teas are handed down from generation to generation and are still remembered and used to this day. Thankfully, the current changes in the world toward the traditional remedies is changing and changing for the better.
HARMFUL EFFECTS AND THINGS TO AVOID
Herbs are good medicine. There is no doubt about that fact. However, there are over 300,000 higher plant species. A good herbalist may know of one or two thousand of them. This means that even an experienced herbalist can make mistakes. Let’s take a look at some of the most common problems.
Pregnant women should avoid barberry root bark, cascara sagrada, feverfew, juniper berries, mugwort, pennyroyal, pokeroot, rue, senna, southernwood, tansy, thuja and wormwood. All of those herbs can increase a risk for miscarriage. Safe herbs during pregnancy would be Manna, Butternut Bark or Root, Flax Seed, Slippery Elm and Lemon Verbena.
No matter what herb(s) you are taking, be mindful of anything unexpected. Stop taking whatever it is and consult an expert you can trust.
Make certain you have the correct diagnosis. Diagnosis is not easy and sometimes doctors make mistakes. Generally, however, a doctor is much better equipped to diagnose. Discuss any planned herbal discipline you plan to undertake with your physician.
Watch for any allergic reactions. Even though you may have never had any allergies in the past, if you are embarking on an herbal journey, watch carefully for any adverse reactions. If you experience difficulty in breathing within 30 minutes of trying a new herb, food or drug, call 911 immediately! You may be having an anaphylactic reaction which is the most severe form of allergic reaction. This condition can quickly become fatal unless treated promptly. This reaction is rare, but you need to be careful and be aware.
Watch for any interactions. Medicines often interact negatively with one another. So do herbs. Always be careful when taking more than one drug or herb or a combination of both. If you suspect an interaction consult your physician or pharmacist.
One interaction that you should be aware of is Antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. They interact badly with wine, cheese and many other foods. St. John’s Wort is also an MAO inhibitor so the same food restrictions apply. If you plan on using St. John’s Wort, discuss it with your physician or pharmacist.
Lastly, make certain that both your physician AND your herbalist are fully aware of all medications and/or herbal treatments you are using.
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