HERBS VS. MEDS
We mentioned the recent upsurge in
"hype" about herbal remedies in our recent two part series on Herbal Safety.
That "hype" is just as disappointing to me as the lack of herbal knowledge in
the medical community. We are faced with two extremes where a happy medium
would be best. Hopefully, we are headed in that direction.
The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act defines
a drug as; (1) a substance recognized in an official pharmacopoeia or formulary
(2) a substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment,
or prevention of disease (3) a substance other than food intended to affect
the structure or function of the body (4) a substance intended for use as
a component of a medicine. OK, do herbs fit this description? Some do and
some don't. That is why we prefer to call them herbs even when some medical
doctors refer to them as drugs.
To simplify matters, we differentiate
between herbs and drugs by classifying them as follows: If a prescription is
necessary, we call it a "drug," and if it grows in our backyard, we call it
an "herb" even though it may also be called medicinal. Obviously, that is a
crude definition. Some nonprescription substances will fall into the "drug"
category and not all herbs will grow in our backyard, but I think you get
the picture.
CONFUSED YET?
If you are not confused yet, try
reading some of the herbal "hype." That'll do it! What are Mr. & Ms. G.P.
Consumer to do? No way around it, we must educate ourselves! It is for this
very purpose Abby's Herbal Newsletter was conceived. Like we state on our
web pages, "We are not the final word on herbs, but we do the best we can
and if we don't know, we'll say so."
Wise consumers have figured out that
when there's a product to sell, there is a sales pitch (hype) that goes along
with it. Some of these sales pitches insult our intelligence, but in times
of desperation we want to believe them.
And then there's the meds! Sure there
are occasional side effects with some herbs, but nowhere near those of some
drugs (medications, i.e. meds). By the way, some herbs interact with
pharmaceutical drugs. If you are taking prescribed medication and considering
an herb, it is advisable to consult with a professional who has a good
background in both remedies. The U.S. is one of very few countries where
medical herbalism is not legally recognized so we must use our own judgment
when choosing professional herbal help. The American Herbalists Guild,
Box 1683, Soquel, CA 95073, and others are working to correct this
anachronistic state of affairs. Until then, we will be here to help
when we can.
USE COMMON SENSE
Anyone with a serious condition such
as cancer, heart disease, severe asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, broken bones,
etc., should seek licensed professional help and/or an experienced reputable
herbalist. Confidence and trust is a must. For help locating someone in your
area, contact the...
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
2366 Eastlake Avenue East, Ste. 322
Seattle, WA 98102
or the...
American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
433 Front Street
Catasauqua, PA 18032-2526
or the...
American Holistic Medical Association
4101 Lake Boone Trail, Ste. 201
Raleigh, NC 27607
WE ARE NOT DOCTORS
We are not licensed to prescribe
remedies or treatments. In our efforts to fill the gap between herbs and
meds, we rely on years of experience and research for which there has been
no official US government licensing agency. The information we pass along
to you has withstood the test of time and the empirical wisdom of the ages
speaks for itself. That said, we ask for your understanding when we draw
a line in certain areas which we do not cross over.
OUR FORTE
Our strong point is the topical
(external) use of herbs. Internal uses of herbs are amazing and we will
continue to discuss them, but we wanted you to know exactly where we are
coming from. At times, it is impossible to talk about external applications
of herbs without also mentioning some internal remedies. For instance, when
we discuss pain...
WHERE DOES IT HURT?
"Here, here, and here." Uh, ok!
Now move a little closer to the screen and point to that again please :-)
Just kidding! Seriously though, we are a little limited communicating
through our computers, but let's see what we can do.
HEADACHE, MIGRAINE, OR HANGOVER
These are three very different pains
with three very different causes. To determine the cause and thereby determine
the appropriate remedy, a visit to a dentist, optician, or osteopath may be
necessary. Or, a talk with the bartender may be in order.
Reach for the
lavender essential oil first and rub a few drops
neat (undiluted) on the temples. If that didn't work, you'll need to know
the cause in order to choose the most effective alternative remedy.
IF IT IS CAUSED BY SINUS OR TENSION
Make an infusion using 1 heaping tsp of
linden (Tilia spp.) to 1 cup of water and drink up to 5 cups a day.
IF IT IS CAUSED BY NERVOUS EXHAUSTION
Make an infusion using 1 tsp of
vervain (Verbena officinalis) to cup of water and drink up to 4 cups a day.
Or, mix 1/2 tsp tincture of each, vervain and valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
with 1 cup water and take up to 3 times a day. (Do not take vervain
during pregnancy.)
IF IT IS CAUSED BY BILIOUSNESS
(DIGESTIVE)
Make an infusion of either
peppermint (Mentha piperita) or pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) in a covered
container, using either a small handful of fresh leaves, or 1 level tsp of
dried herb with 1 cup of water. Drink up to 5 cups a day for up to 1 week,
or up to 4 cups a day for 2-3 weeks. (Do not give to children under 5, and
do not take pennyroyal during pregnancy.)
IF IT IS CAUSED BY A HANGOVER
Make a decoction using 3 tsp dandelion
root raw (Taraxacum officinale) to 3 cups of water. Drink the decoction in
small quantities at frequent intervals until the hangover is over.
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