What is an Herb?
An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, or therapeutic properties. Humans have been using herbs for healing for thousands of years. Ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal uses for plants as early as 3,000 BC. Indigenous cultures, such as, African and Native American used herbs in their healing rituals, while others such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine have developed traditional medical systems in which herbal therapies were used. Herbs can act on the body as powerfully as synthetic drugs. Therefore, they should be treated with the same care and respect. Like any other medication, they may cause allergic reactions specific to an individual or adverse effects if they are of poor quality, adulterated or confused with other herbs which may be toxic when used inappropriately or alongside prescription medication without being checked for possible interactions
What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine, also known as herbalism, botanical medicine or phytomedicine, is a traditional medical system based on the use of a plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers that may be eaten or applied to the skin for medicinal purposes. Herbal medicine aims to return the body to a state of natural balance, so that it can start healing itself.
Herbal medicines are considered a type of dietary supplement as this field blurs the line between food and medicine. The belief system behind this is that using herbs and spices that have disease-preventive effect in foods is one of the best ways to take advantage of their healing power.
Plants have long been humanity's primary medicine and herbalism has been practiced longer than any scientific trial or study to treat or alleviate virtually every possible medical condition, such as allergies, asthma, eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancer, among others. Herbal supplements for these and all other conditions may be administered in the form of tablets, capsules, salves, powders, teas, extracts, and fresh or dried plants.
According to renowned herbalist James Duke PhD (2003) a major benefit of herbal medicine is that it is generally safer and sometimes even more effective than synthetic pharmaceuticals. “'I’ve been a botanist specializing in medicinal plants for most of my 30-year career and I've seen medicinal herbs successfully treat conditions high-tech pharmaceuticals barely touched” (Duke, 2003). On the other hand, according to the Journal of American Medical Association adverse reactions to pharmaceuticals are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. The most stunning statistic, however, is that the total number of deaths caused by conventional medicine is an astounding 783,936 per year (statistics from article: Death by Medicine). It is now evident that the American medical system is the leading cause of death and injury in the US (By contrast, the number of deaths attributable to heart disease in 2001 was 699,697, while the number of deaths attributable to cancer was 553,251.5). Yet, herbs and other forms of natural medicine aren't better known in the United States, Duke points out that one reason is the drug companies can't patent them, “Drug companies make much of their money by pulling the medicinally active molecules out of herbs, then tinkering with them until they're chemically unique. The companies can then patent their new molecules, give them brand names and sell them back to us for a lot more money than their original herbal sources cost”. However, plants possess certain attributes that pharmaceuticals never will. For one, their chemistry is highly complex, and instead of providing a single chemical to treat, herbs often contain hundreds to thousands of compounds.
Similarly, other expert practitioners of herbal medicine assert that an active ingredient of a plant can lose its impact or become less safe, if used in isolation from the rest of the plant. According to this experts, the effect of the whole plant is greater than its parts and a whole herb may contain protective compounds or exert a number of positive ‘side effects’, which will improve other health problems that one does not expect it to address. As an example, although Meadowsweet contains salicylic acid, it is used to treat stomach ulcers, which taken in isolation (like in aspirin) can actually induce stomach ulcers. However, the whole Meadowsweet herb naturally contains other compounds that counteract the irritant qualities of salicylic acid. The complex compounds within plants work in synergy with each other and if properly used cause very few is any side effects of any sort.
Herbal medicines are considered a type of dietary supplement as this field blurs the line between food and medicine. The belief system behind this is that using herbs and spices that have disease-preventive effect in foods is one of the best ways to take advantage of their healing power.
Plants have long been humanity's primary medicine and herbalism has been practiced longer than any scientific trial or study to treat or alleviate virtually every possible medical condition, such as allergies, asthma, eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancer, among others. Herbal supplements for these and all other conditions may be administered in the form of tablets, capsules, salves, powders, teas, extracts, and fresh or dried plants.
According to renowned herbalist James Duke PhD (2003) a major benefit of herbal medicine is that it is generally safer and sometimes even more effective than synthetic pharmaceuticals. “'I’ve been a botanist specializing in medicinal plants for most of my 30-year career and I've seen medicinal herbs successfully treat conditions high-tech pharmaceuticals barely touched” (Duke, 2003). On the other hand, according to the Journal of American Medical Association adverse reactions to pharmaceuticals are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. The most stunning statistic, however, is that the total number of deaths caused by conventional medicine is an astounding 783,936 per year (statistics from article: Death by Medicine). It is now evident that the American medical system is the leading cause of death and injury in the US (By contrast, the number of deaths attributable to heart disease in 2001 was 699,697, while the number of deaths attributable to cancer was 553,251.5). Yet, herbs and other forms of natural medicine aren't better known in the United States, Duke points out that one reason is the drug companies can't patent them, “Drug companies make much of their money by pulling the medicinally active molecules out of herbs, then tinkering with them until they're chemically unique. The companies can then patent their new molecules, give them brand names and sell them back to us for a lot more money than their original herbal sources cost”. However, plants possess certain attributes that pharmaceuticals never will. For one, their chemistry is highly complex, and instead of providing a single chemical to treat, herbs often contain hundreds to thousands of compounds.
Similarly, other expert practitioners of herbal medicine assert that an active ingredient of a plant can lose its impact or become less safe, if used in isolation from the rest of the plant. According to this experts, the effect of the whole plant is greater than its parts and a whole herb may contain protective compounds or exert a number of positive ‘side effects’, which will improve other health problems that one does not expect it to address. As an example, although Meadowsweet contains salicylic acid, it is used to treat stomach ulcers, which taken in isolation (like in aspirin) can actually induce stomach ulcers. However, the whole Meadowsweet herb naturally contains other compounds that counteract the irritant qualities of salicylic acid. The complex compounds within plants work in synergy with each other and if properly used cause very few is any side effects of any sort.
Do Herbal Supplements Have Any Adverse Effects?
In general, herbal supplements are very safe and effective. However, when taking medication, you should investigate possible interactions with an herbal remedy you may be considering taking. Be careful about mixing herbs and drugs that have similar actions. Similarly, avoid mixing herbs and drugs that have opposite actions. In addition, herbs that can thin blood, such as dong Quai, feverfew, supplemental garlic, and ginger could cause problems if taken before surgery. Sedative herbs like kava and valerian may increase the effects of anesthesia. It is best to stop taking any of these herbs at least 10-14 days before surgery. Other considerations when taking herbal supplements are:
- Pregnancy: It is best to avoid taking any herbs during pregnancy, especially the first trimester, unless you're under the care of a knowledgeable practitioner. Exceptions: it's considered safe to take up to 1,000 mg of ginger in capsule or candied forms for morning sickness; short-term use of Echinacea also seems safe for pregnant women who develop colds or flu.
- Nursing: Apart from herbs that can stimulate breast-milk production (fenugreek, blessed thistle, and alfalfa), women who are breastfeeding should avoid most medicinal herbs for the first four to six months of a baby's life.
- Children: Herbal remedies that are safe for adults may not be safe for children
What are Typical Herbal Preparations?
Typical herbal preparations are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, salves, creams, extracts, and fresh or dried plants.
- Decoctions are made by boiling barks, roots and berries to extract the active ingredients. The liquid is strained and can be taken either hot or cold.
- Tinctures or Extracts are made by soaking herbs in water and alcohol to extract and preserve the active ingredients. The liquid is then stored in small bottles and taken with water. Some herbal extracts are made with vinegar or glycerin instead of alcohol
- Liniments:
- Infusions are made like teas. Boiling water is poured over the herb and is left to sit for about 20 minutes, creating a liquid to be taken as a hot drink or medicine.
- Infused Oils: are made with chopped herbs and oil. The mixture is either placed in a bowl over boiling water, or left to infuse in the sunlight.
- Creams are made from herbs and either oil or fat. The mixture simmers for about three hours before it is strained and set in dark bottles.
- Ointments are also made from herbs combined with either oil or fat. The ointment is then heated quickly over boiling water before it is strained and set.
WHY USE HERBAL TINCTURES/EXTRACTS OVER OTHER TYPES OF PREPARATIONS?
The most effective herbal treatments are the ones that real patient can realistically take. Tinctures (extracts) are concentrated herbal extracts and are easy and convenient to use. In general, 1 Tsp of an herbal extract is equal to an 8oz cup of tea (medicinal tea dose). Moreover, because they are in liquid form, they enter the bloodstream much more directly than by any other means. This means that the action in the body is usually quicker. Although some herbs will have an immediate effect, such as those used to help one relax. Others that are more nutritive and building in nature may take several weeks of continual use before best results are seen. They also have long shelf lives (much longer than the dried herb alone would have) and are incredibly stable if stored correctly.
Teas and extracts are made from the same combination of herbs. However, extracts are very convenient, as nothing needs to be brewed. Extracts are also easier to give to children as they have to take only small amounts and most children do not enjoy drinking tea or are able to take capsules. You can easily carry a bottle of tincture in your purse and have it available to you at all times.
Teas and extracts are made from the same combination of herbs. However, extracts are very convenient, as nothing needs to be brewed. Extracts are also easier to give to children as they have to take only small amounts and most children do not enjoy drinking tea or are able to take capsules. You can easily carry a bottle of tincture in your purse and have it available to you at all times.
How Much of an Herbal Product Should I Take?
Teas (infusions and decoctions):
- The suggested amount for medicinal tea is 1/2oz of dried herb in 2 cups of water daily.
- This means you will need to by 15 oz of dried herb for a monthly supply.
Tinctures/Extracts:
Tinctures are usually taken by the dropperful (also known as a squeeze). A dropperful is the amount of liquid that fills the glass tube of the dropper when the bulb on the dropper top is squeezed and released. The liquid may fill the glass tube only a small portion of the way, but that is considered a "dropperful". A dropperful equals approximately 30 drops.
Tinctures are usually taken by the dropperful (also known as a squeeze). A dropperful is the amount of liquid that fills the glass tube of the dropper when the bulb on the dropper top is squeezed and released. The liquid may fill the glass tube only a small portion of the way, but that is considered a "dropperful". A dropperful equals approximately 30 drops.
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Adult Dosage Guide
A standard suggested adult dosage for tinctures/extracts is 1 to 2 droppersful two to three times a day. A true dose of therapeutic quantities of tincture is 2 teaspoons per day (about 200 drops) However, if you are under the supervision of an experienced herbalist you might be asked to take a tablespoon 2 or 3 times a day. Especially for those in pain such as migraines or nerve/muscle pain |
Children's Dosage Guide by Age
2 to 3: 10 drops 3 to 4: 12 drops 4 to 6: 15 drops 6 to 9: 20 drops 9 to 12: 24 drops 12 and over 30 to 60 drops |
Capsules and Everything Else: Follow directions on the box
How Long Should I Take Herbs to Heal my Condition?
There is no definitive answer on how long you should be on an herbal treatment. Many variables will influence the duration of treatment. Our biological makeup is as unique as our medical histories and bodies heal at differing rates. Influential factors affecting length of therapy required include:
• The condition
• Severity of the condition
• How long it has been present
• Past medical history
• Drug history
• Current health status
Your herbalist may be able to give you an estimated guideline once they have taken a detailed case history. It is important that progress is closely monitored and herbal prescriptions are adjusted accordingly over time.
In general, for most acute conditions one will obtain favorable effects in three days by using herbs and making the appropriate adjustments in diet and lifestyle. Even so, one should continue the herbal therapy for one week to insure a most complete healing and avoid re-occurrence of the ailment. if a positive experience from the therapy has not been obtained within about 3 days, it is recommended to change the herbs being used.
For chronic conditions, one can generally expect to require about one to 3 months of treatment for every year the disease has been developing. According to Michael Tierra, "it is important to understand that these chronic diseases have been developing over a long period of time and have probably involved a number of organic functions as well as a major adjustment on the emotional level. For these reasons, one may not get immediate results, although occasionally someone will report significant improvement even after one week."
• The condition
• Severity of the condition
• How long it has been present
• Past medical history
• Drug history
• Current health status
Your herbalist may be able to give you an estimated guideline once they have taken a detailed case history. It is important that progress is closely monitored and herbal prescriptions are adjusted accordingly over time.
In general, for most acute conditions one will obtain favorable effects in three days by using herbs and making the appropriate adjustments in diet and lifestyle. Even so, one should continue the herbal therapy for one week to insure a most complete healing and avoid re-occurrence of the ailment. if a positive experience from the therapy has not been obtained within about 3 days, it is recommended to change the herbs being used.
For chronic conditions, one can generally expect to require about one to 3 months of treatment for every year the disease has been developing. According to Michael Tierra, "it is important to understand that these chronic diseases have been developing over a long period of time and have probably involved a number of organic functions as well as a major adjustment on the emotional level. For these reasons, one may not get immediate results, although occasionally someone will report significant improvement even after one week."
How much Herbal Extract should I buy?
Note: 1 oz of herbal extract equals 591 drops.
With the standard dosing suggestion (for adults) of 30 to 60 drops 2 times a day, extract bottles typically last:
If you have the need to know the exact amount. You can calculate the amount by using the formula: total drops needed divided by 591 and it will return the oz that you need. See example below:
If Susie needs to take 30 drops 2 times a day for a month she will need to buy:
30 drops x 2 times a day = 60 drops per day
60 drops per day x 30 days in a month = 3,600 drops for a month
3,600 drops per month/591 drops per oz = about 6 oz needed for one month
Other measures to know:
1 tsp = 98 drops
1 ml = 20 drops
1 dropperful = 20 to 30 drops
With the standard dosing suggestion (for adults) of 30 to 60 drops 2 times a day, extract bottles typically last:
- 1oz. tincture bottle will last between one week and 9 days
- 2oz. tincture bottle will last two weeks to 18 days
- 4oz. tincture bottle will typically last about a month or a month and a week.
If you have the need to know the exact amount. You can calculate the amount by using the formula: total drops needed divided by 591 and it will return the oz that you need. See example below:
If Susie needs to take 30 drops 2 times a day for a month she will need to buy:
30 drops x 2 times a day = 60 drops per day
60 drops per day x 30 days in a month = 3,600 drops for a month
3,600 drops per month/591 drops per oz = about 6 oz needed for one month
Other measures to know:
1 tsp = 98 drops
1 ml = 20 drops
1 dropperful = 20 to 30 drops
What is the Shelf life of Herbal Extracts?
Moongazing offers extracts that are made of alcohol, vinegar and vegetable glycerin. We offer both versions of our extracts, unless the herb used will not produce a good quality product using the non-alcohol vegetable glycerin. Roots, hard seeds and many barks will not release their medicinal properties to anything less than alcohol, and in those cases, we offer the extract in the regular alcohol-base only.
- Alcohol-based extracts have a virtually unlimited shelf life if stored in a cool, dark location. Refrigeration is not necessary.
- The shelf life of apple cider vinegar extracts is very short - about a year or so if kept in a cool, dark cupboard or refrigerator (recommended). Apple cider vinegar's are considered non-alcohol extracts.
- Vegetable glycerin is used to make non-alcohol tinctures – these tinctures are known as glycerites. They have a much longer shelf life than the apple cider vinegar - 3 to 5 years if stored in a cool, dark cupboard.
Why do People Have Unsuccessful Experiences With Herbs?
The main reasons why people have unsuccessful experiences with herb are:
Not taking the herbs
the biggest reason that people have unsuccessful experiences with herbs is that they buy products and don't take them. Some people are not able to accommodate change in their lives even if it means that taking an herb or changing the diet will make them feel better.
Lack of proper amount or dose
The second reason is that people do not take the right amount of the herbs. The "dose" of herbs you take will vary depending on your goal. The amount of herbs also depends on how long you've had a set of symptoms–acute or chronic problems.
Most products have a recommended dosage on the label. If you are coming to our office for herbal consultations you will be given a recommended dosage.
Don't take herbs long enough
The third most important factor in taking herbs is how long they should be taken. If you have an acute health situation, like a cold, a bruise, or a simple rash, then you are going to take herbs for 24 to 48 hours before stopping. If you have a chronic long term problem, you are going to take herbs for many weeks or months.
Take the wrong kind of herbs
Whether you take a formula or a single herb tea or extract, it will help you if you think of balancing the body rather than a diagnosis. It takes time to learn herbal healing but here are some ideas to help you pick the right remedy or formula.
Low quality herbs
The quality and effectiveness of organic herbs is better than non organic herbs. Also, If you are using herbs that are made from the brown lifeless remnants of herb medicines or are old or stored improperly you might not be getting the same medicinal properties as those that are organic and fresh.
Not taking the herbs
the biggest reason that people have unsuccessful experiences with herbs is that they buy products and don't take them. Some people are not able to accommodate change in their lives even if it means that taking an herb or changing the diet will make them feel better.
Lack of proper amount or dose
The second reason is that people do not take the right amount of the herbs. The "dose" of herbs you take will vary depending on your goal. The amount of herbs also depends on how long you've had a set of symptoms–acute or chronic problems.
- The suggested amount of tinctures or extracts is usually 30 to 60 drops (one dropper full), 2 to 5 times a day. or 1 teaspoon 2 times a day (depends on the formula)
- Teas are 1/2oz of dried herb in 2 cups of water daily.
- Syrups are often given in 1 Tablespoon doses, 2 to 3 times a day.
Most products have a recommended dosage on the label. If you are coming to our office for herbal consultations you will be given a recommended dosage.
Don't take herbs long enough
The third most important factor in taking herbs is how long they should be taken. If you have an acute health situation, like a cold, a bruise, or a simple rash, then you are going to take herbs for 24 to 48 hours before stopping. If you have a chronic long term problem, you are going to take herbs for many weeks or months.
Take the wrong kind of herbs
Whether you take a formula or a single herb tea or extract, it will help you if you think of balancing the body rather than a diagnosis. It takes time to learn herbal healing but here are some ideas to help you pick the right remedy or formula.
- Pick herbs that support the health of body system or organ.
- Start off with cleansing, particularly the organs of elimination like the colon, liver, skin, kidneys or work with blood purification.
- If the body is too stressed and weak, use herbal tonics to build strength and energy.
- Some herbs are both cleansers and energy builders; those are good herbs to take if you don't know which way to go.
- Single herbs are best for acute problems, formulas with lots of herbs are best for chronic problems.
Low quality herbs
The quality and effectiveness of organic herbs is better than non organic herbs. Also, If you are using herbs that are made from the brown lifeless remnants of herb medicines or are old or stored improperly you might not be getting the same medicinal properties as those that are organic and fresh.
