Herbal remedies have inherent curative properties and can be very therapeutic and helpful when administered by a qualified alternative healthcare practitioner. Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine have leveraged the healing powers of herbs for centuries. Herbal or folk medicine in the Western world was replaced by pharmaceuticals but has been gaining in interest and practice again due largely to the many side effects of pharmaceuticals.

Scientific research conducted in China, Japan, and the United States has confirmed the beneficial effects of herbal medicines. Research has shown that certain herbs can improve the immune system, raise white blood cell counts, and posses antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-tumor properties.

The source of these herbs is very important as you want to know they have been harvested and prepared in a non-toxic manner and are free of heavy metals. Many Doctors of Oriental and Ayurvedic Medicine use herbs from Sun Ten which was founded in 1946 by the former director of the Taiwanese Food and Drug Administration. Sun Ten manufactures very high quality herbal extracts.

Herbs are very powerful substances and although drug-herb interaction is a rare occurrence, it can happen and you should always inform your Alternative Healthcare Doctor about what medication you are taking. You should also not take herbs and prescription drugs at the same time. You should take them at least 1 hour apart.If your prescription pills say take with food, don’t take your herbal supplements with food but rather wait until well after your meal is over. If your medicine dictates to be taken on an empty stomach than take your herbal supplements with food unless directed otherwise by your healthcare practitioner.

A good refernce cite for information about pharmaceutical drugs is www.drugdangers.com.

If you are scheduled for surgery it is very important to stop all herbal supplements two weeks prior to any surgical procedure. Please consult your alternative medicine practitioner about this.

Resources

We offer excellent books on herbs and herbal remedies in our resource section such as The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica:  A Translation of the Shen Nong Ben Cao (Blue Poppy's Great Masters Series).

Some of the more notable medicinal herbs used in alternative medicine are:

Ashwagandha or Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera) is known as the anti-stress herb. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions such as physical and mental stress, fatigue, forgetfulness, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, inflammation and even impotence. It has properties similar to Chinese ginseng but can have a mild, sedative or calming effect. It needs to be prescribed in very specific ways for various conditions. The standard adult dosage can range from 1,000 to 3,000 milligrams daily.

Ginger is more than a spice for cooking great, flavorful meals it also has powerful medicinal properties. It has been used by Doctors of Chinese Medicine to treat colds, cough, flu, arthritis, and even dysentery. Ginger’s spiciness and warmth encourages body perspiration which can be helpful if you catch a cold or flu in the very early stage of the illness. Ginger has long been used to calm the stomach and alleviate nausea due to pregnancy, motion sickness and even food poisoning. It has also been listed as promoting cardiovascular health by reducing the likelihood that blood platelets will to stick together and cause a clot thus allowing blood to flow freely. It can also act as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins and other inflammatory promoting substances.

Echinacea (pronounced eck-in-AY-sha) has been prescribed by holistic doctors and herbalists for over 100 years. It has been used as a remedy for colds, coughs, and sore throat. Native Americans have used Echinacea for centuries and are credited with sharing this knowledge with early settlers in the Plains States. The herb appears to have immune boosting properties, as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. Echinacea comes in capsules, tablets, tinctures and crèmes. Dosages vary depending on the delivery mechanism.Tinctures usually have an adult dosage of 20 to n60 drops administered every 2-3 hours for severe infections. Capsules usually come in adult dosages of 500 to 1,000 milligrams to be taken 2-3 hours daily for severe infections. But, as always, consult your alternative healthcare practitioner for guidance.

Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) , also known as Indian saffron or “yellow ginger”, is cultivated in India, China, Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Africa. Its appearance is very similar to ginger root which is commonly found in US grocery stores. The active ingredient in Turmeric is Curcumin, which is not to be confused with the spice cumin. The turmeric roots are dried and ground into a yellow powder that is a very commonly used as a cooking spice but is more often administered as a tea, or in capsule form.The herb is often prescribed by Ayurvedic Doctors, Doctors of Chinese or Oriental Medicine, and Herbalists.

Modern research studies show that turmeric has antioxidant properties that may be useful in a variety of diseases and conditions. In fact some supporters believe that Turmeric may prevent and slow the growth of a number of types of cancer especially cancer of the esophagus, mouth, intestines, stomach, breast, and skin.

Turmeric is commonly prescribed for its anti-inflammatory properties and has been found to produce fewer side effects than over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers. Some Alternative practitioners prescribe turmeric to relieve inflammation caused by arthritis, muscle sprains, swelling, and pain caused by injuries or surgical incisions. It is also promoted as a treatment for rheumatism and as an antiseptic for cleaning wounds. Some proponents claim turmeric interferes with the actions of some viruses, including hepatitis and HIV.

There is also evidence that turmeric protects against liver diseases, stimulates the gallbladder and circulatory systems, reduces cholesterol levels, dissolves blood clots, helps stop external and internal bleeding, and relieves painful menstruation and angina. It is also therapeutic in the treatment of digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis, Crohn’s disease, and illnesses caused by toxins from parasites and bacteria.

Many herbs such as Turmeric should not be taken if you are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, nursing or have gall bladder or bile duct disease, or ulcers. Be sure to review your medical history and any current symptoms with your alternative healthcare practitioner and avoid self-prescribing herbs without the advice of a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner. Note: This information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your medical situation.

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