Herbal Medicine. History of Herbology

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1 Herbal Medicine The amazing power of herbs! Based on your profile, I will make herbal recommendations that can greatly benefit your health or potentially help you overcome a health concern. Read below for some great information as to why you should consider herbal therapy as part of your natural health program! What are Herbs By definition, according to Merriam-Webster, an herb is "a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities." To expand this definition, herbs are also widely utilized for their nutritive values as well, packed with vitamins and minerals in their natural state. An herb is also defined as a plant lacking a permanent or woody stem, differentiating them from trees or bushes. However, there are hundreds of examples of trees and barks from tree considered as herbs, such as Slippery Elm, Pau d'arco and White Oak to a name a few. All plants on earth contain medicinal or nutritive value. Yes, even the poisonous ones, when used properly or in homeopathic means, have helped thousands of people over the years. It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who eloquently reminded us that "A weed is but a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered." When trying to determine what herbs and are and if they are right for you, take these concepts into consideration. What we refer to as common spices such as parsley, oregano, thyme, basil, mint, marjoram, and turmeric, are extremely beneficial herbs that have been used medicinally for thousands of years. We need to look beyond their great taste in cooking, and rediscover their health-benefiting virtues. Also, please consider that although you have used ginger, garlic or oregano in your daily life and have never potentially heard of jiaogulan, reishi, cat's claw or astragalus does not mean that we should shy away from them. Instead, we need to educate ourselves as to why these herbs are so important to other cultures, yet new to us, and how we might be able to incorporate them to our daily lives. History of Herbology Herbology dates back literally to the beginning of time. Herbs, plants and trees were all that mankind had available to him to overcome sickness and disease. It was because of the teachings of Hippocrates that doctors today take the Hippocatic Oath, which has unfortunately been somewhat lost over the course of time. Hippocrates teaches us: "First, do no harm" "The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well Our food should be our medicine, and our medicine should be our food But to eat when you are sick is to feed your sickness" "A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings, and learn how by his own thought to derive benefit from his illnesses" "Everything in excess is opposed to nature."

2 Hippocrates listed over 400 herbs for daily use. Dioscorides in the first century BC wrote a book including a compilation of over 600 herbs which would be used in teachings for hundreds of years and into the present day. Herbs have been used for nutrition, healing and strengthening the body in all cultures on every corner of the globe. Although the practice has been somewhat discouraged over the last century, at least in the United States, the practice will never disappear due to its overwhelming benefits, safety and efficacy. In fact, herbology has grown tremendously in the last few years thanks to new scientific research validating what many herbalists and practitioners have known for literally 5,000 years! Benefits of Herbs The reason herbology has such a long, rich and illustrious history is due to the overwhelming benefits derived from these plants when used properly. Many herbalists and natural healers firmly believe that any and all imbalances within the body can be overcome if the body is given the proper resources in which to do so. Depending on the severity of the issue, this can include a combination of healing throughout the mind, body and soul of each individual. Herbs play an incredibly powerful role in this equation. Herbs have been known to promote healing at all levels within the body, from the common cold, to a seemingly hopeless case. Herbs are specific to certain body systems and organs within the body. How does this occur? Herbs have an energy to them, and within that energy, intelligence. Sound strange? Although we may not be able to explain it with science, it is a known fact. How does Milk Thistle know to heal the liver when taken, or Juniper Berries to heal the kidneys? How come when we take Arnica our bruises and wounds heal more quickly? This is the advantage that herbs have compared to drugs or their synthetic counterparts. Not only are there little to no side effects with herbs, but they have an innate intelligence which swiftly moves through the body to where it is most needed. Do Herbs Really Work? The quick answer is an unprecedented, absolute, without a doubt YES! The question is, "How come everyone doesn't use them and only a select few seem to be educated on the subject?" That is actually a long discussion, but simply put, modern medicine has worked hard to squeeze out natural therapies. Now I have nothing against modern medicine. Our advancement in technology can provide a timely diagnosis and often saves lives, no question about it, but we should have the choice to decide how to care for ourselves. It is the treatment options available after we discover an ailment where we need to think wisely. Many people choose natural herbal therapies because they are safe, there are rarely side effects, they are affordable, and as mentioned early, THEY WORK! Many people do not realize the third leading cause of death in the United States after Cancer and Heart Disease is doctors and properly prescribed medications. They kill well over 100,000 per year. People are looking for safe and effective alternatives. What are adaptogenic Herbs? Adaptogenic herbs are a classification of herbs that are time honored, well studied and considered safe to take on a daily basis. There is a list of criteria that is necessary for an herb to

3 be consider an adaptogen. The term comes from the ability of these particular herbs to help our bodies "adapt" to various situations, specifically those related to a stress response. The list of criteria includes the following: The herb should cause no harm, have no side effects and place no additional stress on the body The herb helps the body to adapt to various stressors including environmental and psychological The herb must support multiple body systems (some support all), and helps those systems to balance in times of need. For example, if blood sugar is high, the herb will lower blood sugar levels. If blood sugar is low, the herb will raise blood sugar levels. Adaptogenic herbs are amazing for balancing stress responses, building the immune system, strengthening specific body systems and the body as a whole, balancing the endocrine system and hormone levels, and restoring overall balance and vitality within each person. A partial list of these incredible herbs include Astragalus, Ashwagandha, Reishi, Cordyceps, Schisandra, Goji, Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng), Licorice Root, American Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng, Rhodiola, Jiaogulan, Maca, Deer Velvet Antler, Hawthorn, Chaga, Shilajit, Holy Basil, Elderberry and Fo- Ti. Are Herbs Safe? Yes, but there are many reasons to consult with an experienced herbalist, naturopath or homeopath. It is possible to overdo anything and herbs are no exception. Let's first discuss the general safety of herbs and I will then give you a list of reasons why you should consult a professional. Herbs are generally safe, that is why they are so popular and so many people utilize them. It is best to educate yourself by reading some good books in the subject. "The Little Herb Encyclopedia" is a great beginner book and any book by Michael Tierra, who is an absolute expert herbalist for over twenty years. There are literally hundreds of great sources, including the internet. The easiest way for a beginner to safely use herbs is to learn about which herbs are considered NUTRITIVE or TONIC herbs. These contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals and are considered safe to take on a daily basis. As you may have read above, adaptogenic herbs are also safe to take on a daily basis. Nutritive herbs include nettle, barley grass, wheat grass, spirulina, chlorella, alfalfa and many others. If you do overdo an herb, you might make yourself sick, but rarely does an herb ever cause enough harm to send you to the hospital, which usually stems from abuse of the herb, or using an herb in a chronic degenerative state that the body could not handle. This is one reason it is good to seek a professional herbalist or naturopath when possible as to avoid any adverse side effects. Finally, there are many reasons not to take specific herbs and when it is absolutely critical to consult a professional. If you are pregnant or nursing, there are very few herbs that you can take safely, know which ones are safe and which to avoid. If you have a chronic health condition,

4 compromised kidney function, on dialysis, an oxygen tank or other life-preserving device, it is not advised to use herbal therapy. If you are dealing with eating disorders, alcoholism or addicted to smoking, your immune system could be severely compromised. When dealing with auto-immune conditions you do not want to take herbs that over stimulate the immune system which could worsen your condition. So you can clearly see there are many instances in which you should consult a trained professional herbalist or naturopath. This is only a very partial list. We must take great care to protect the integrity of herbalism so that these methods are used only to benefit mankind and never to harm, as was told to us by Hippocrates. Click here for a list of some herbal safety recommendations. What is a tincture and How is it Made? A tincture is a liquid herbal extract created by soaking the herb in a solvent. The solvent used traditionally has been grain alcohol, however one can also use vegetable glycerine or apple cider vinegar. All liquid herbal tinctures on our website are vegetable glycerine based. Many believe that alcohol is the only way to extract the critical constituents from certain herbs, but the patented and registered TincTract method used on our formulas has been tested to show that it is not only possible, but better. Are Powders or Liquids Better? The safe answer is both! We know herbs work, whether they are in powder or liquid forms. It is has a lot do with how the herbs are treated throughout the process of harvesting, manufacturing and packaging. What methods used for creating a tincture is important also. Although alcohol is the traditional method of choice, we feel it severely denatures many of the important plant ingredients. You will see plenty of arguments on both sides. We say, just take the herbs! We have amazing results with both powdered and liquid products. What are the Benefits of Herbal Combinations/Formulas? There are numerous benefits to using herbal blends, formulas or combinations. What we have to keep in mind is that herbs do have a medicinal effect on the body. Unless you are well educated or under the care of a trained herbalist or naturopath, people can tend to overdo just about anything. Unless you are using exclusively nutritive or adaptogenic herbs, it is best to ask someone who knows. Overuse of a single herb can create other imbalances in the body. When using a blend, formula or combination the herbs have a synergistic effect on your health. We know from thousands of years of research in herbalism that many herb combinations work better when combined. When trying to target a specific organ or body system, herbs can work together to accomplish healing at a higher energetic level than a single herb can do alone. Also, this allows a trained formulist to strategically put stronger herbs in a formula that can stimulate healing without any negative effects because the other herbs in the formula offset the stronger

5 herb. I almost always recommend the average consumer stick to formulas created by an experienced formulator. This will ensure the greatest effectiveness and safety! What About Herbal Teas? Herbal teas are fantastic! Teas have been consumed by cultures for thousands of years. Teas can be brewed for medicinal effect or just for a tasty, relaxing beverage. Here are some quick tips so you can get the most out of your tea. There are different methods for preparing herbal teas so we will quickly go over herbal infusions and decoctions. An herbal infusion is the most basic and simple method. Usually the leaves, flowers or other non-woody parts of the herb is used. Boil the water first, then add one tablespoon of fresh herb or one teaspoon of dried herb to one cup and remove from heat source. Infusions are never boiled so as not to destroy the properties of the herb, namely the volatile oils. Instead, cover and let steep for 5-15 minutes, strain the herb, let cool and enjoy. An herbal decoction is used for the roots, bark or other woody parts of the herb. Add two tablespoons of fresh herb to one cup of simmering water. The water is not boiled, only simmered for minutes before straining. It takes longer to release the healing constituents of these parts of the plant What is the Absorption Rate of Herbs? This is a tricky question and depends on a variety of different factors worth considering. First, because herbs are from plants in their natural state they absorb very well. This is not always the case as herbs are heated, treated, processed and generally denatured. That is why all the products found on this website are raw, unheated and unprocessed in any way for maximum absorption and efficacy. There are a number of factors that affect absorption rates of herbs. Most importantly are pharmaceutical medications. Just as pharmaceuticals can interact with other pharmaceuticals, they can also interact with herbs. As a precautionary measure, always take herbs a minimum of 90 minutes to 2 hours, before or after prescription medications. There is good information on this in the herbal safety section. As we age and our stomach acid, enzyme production and bile production seem to drop, this can affect absorption rates as well. In these cases, it may be better to stick with herbal teas and liquid tinctures for maximum benefit. Will Herbs Interact with other Medications? Please click here for Herbal Safety information When is the Best Time to Take Herbs?

6 In general, herbs are best taken on empty stomach, 30 minutes before a meal or about 2 hours after a meal. This is not the case with all herbs and it is best to follow the recommendations listed on the bottle or package for best results. If taking the herbs on empty stomach causes any stomach discomfort, try taking with food or discontinue use and consult a professional herbalist or naturopath. Have Herbs Been Studied? Without a doubt, herbs are the most studied and safe form of natural healing in existence. It is unfortunate that so much of this information has been suppressed over the last century, but if you look through the history books you will discover a wealth of information and studies on the subject. Not only do we have the great natural healers and herbalists of the past, but we have current mind blowing scientific research as to the safety, effectiveness and benefits of thousands of herbs. In looking to the past, herbology has been an art form for over 5,000 years. We know every ancient culture and civilization had their own natural healers who utilized many of the same methods we use today. For people today to say that herbs are unproven, unstudied or lack scientific validation is well, complete nonsense. You can take any well known herbs such as ginger, cayenne pepper or garlic and find literally hundreds, if not thousands of studies by well known universities, research institutes and medical professionals. How about herbs that we may not have heard of such as Jiaogulan, Ginseng, Rhodiola or Reishi Mushroom? There are many studies that can be found on these herbs as well, including many others. Jiaogulan for example is known as the "immortality herb" in China and multiple books have been written on the amazing results achieved through the use of this herb on many, many different issues. What is the Difference Between Organic and wild-crafted Herbs? Many of us are familiar with the standards of organic growing methods. Organic products are free of herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, etc. This has become a generally recognized standard. Wild-crafted herbs are actually harvested in their natural environment. This might include a forest, meadow or hillside. Often, wild-crafted herbs are superior to organic for many reasons. Because they grow in their natural environment they can be stronger and more resilient, having to fight the elements and grow using what mother nature provides naturally. If intelligently harvested, they can be found deep within a forest or meadow, far from pollution and other environmental hazards Herbal Safety It is a common myth that herbs are natural so they are harmless. The truth is that herbs sometimes contain potentially harmful compounds. Some of the better known herbs with the potential to cause serious harm include foxglove, belladonna, arnica, oleander, jimson weed, poke root, and

7 lobelia. These need to be used in safe homeopathic doses, under the care of a very experienced herbalist, or just avoided completely. Potentially harmful compounds found in certain herbs are cardiac glycosides and specific alkaloids. Cardiac glycosides slow the heart and strengthen the heartbeat. This is beneficial for certain people with heart problems such as congestive heart failure. On the other hand cardiac glycosides can create a serious drop in blood pressure leading to a stroke or stoppage of the heart. Digitalis, from the foxglove plant, is a common cardiac glycoside used in the treatment of some forms of heart disorder. Oleander contains three different cardiac glycosides, which has killed numerous people and pets. Every part of the plant is poisonous. Most people are killed when they use the branches for a hot dog or marshmallow stick, or stir their coffee with a twig. Children are often poisoned from chewing on the leaves or flowers. And a dog died after running through the smoke of the leaves being burned by the owner. Even honey made from the pollen of the plant is poisonous. Herbs containing cardiac glycosides include foxglove, belladonna, henbane, oleander, lily of the valley, and night blooming cereus (cactus grandiflorus). The best known alkaloid, and most widely abused drug in the world, is caffeine. Another well known alkaloid, and dangerous drug, is nicotine found in tobacco. This alkaloid is commonly used as an insecticide. Jimson weed is used rarely as a medicinal herb, and unfortunately sometimes as a recreational drug. This plant contains three very dangerous alkaloids known as scopolamine, atropine, and hyocyamine. Even though alkaloids have the potential to be dangerous, they can also be very beneficial. Alkaloids are the most common active compound in herbs, and the basis for nearly every pharmaceutical drug in existence. A common question heard is whether or not herbs can interact with pharmaceuticals. The answer is yes. Just as pharmaceutical drugs can interact with pharmaceutical drugs, herbs can interact with pharmaceutical drugs, or with other herbs. This can be dangerous or beneficial depending on how it is used. Herbs can be used to prolong the effects, or enhance the absorption, of pharmaceutical drugs or other herbs. Or they can be used to strengthen the effects of pharmaceutical drugs or herbs. Here are some examples: Licorice root taken with steroidal drugs, such as cortisone, will strengthen and prolong the effects of the steroidal compounds. Licorice root can also enhance the absorption of other compounds. Echinacea can prolong the excretion time of pharmaceutical drugs and herbs. This can cause a potential problem if a dangerous drug or herb is being taken on a schedule. Drug levels in the blood will not have dropped as low as they would have normally before the next dose is taken. This could lead to an excessive buildup of a drug, or herbal compounds, in the blood. Hawthorn berry, Siberian ginseng, and plants containing cardiac glycosides will strengthen and prolong the effects of digitalis.

8 White willow, meadowsweet, deer's tongue, sweet woodruff, cayenne, ginger root, licorice root, lomatium, sweet clover (meliot), alfalfa, spearmint, peppermint, birch, and wintergreen can increase the blood thinning effects of coumadin and aspirin. Licorice root, goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape root can accelerate potassium depletion if you are on pharmaceutical diuretics. Herbs containing cardiac glycosides, or smooth muscle relaxants may create excessively low blood pressure in people taking high blood pressure medications. High tannin containing herbs such as white oak bark, oak galls, manzanita leaf, and uva ursi leaf can combine with medications, and pull them out of the body. This can be very dangerous if you are on life saving medications. Fresh comfrey root and leaf, germander, boneset, nutmeg, and coltsfoot may cause liver damage if used in high doses, or for extended periods of time. Many pharmaceuticals are well known for causing liver damage. Examples of these types of drugs include cholesterol lowering drugs, the pain killers ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), and the hair growing drug minoxidil (Rogaine). Taking these herbs with any of these medications can increase the risk for serious liver damage. Herbs can effect other herbs as well. This principle is often used to enhance the effectiveness of other herbs. An example is the combining of yerba mate with pau d' arco, in South America. Pau d' arco is a powerful antiviral, though it's effects are enhanced by sulfur compounds. Yerba mate is traditionally combined with the pau d' arco to provide the sulfur compounds. Other herbs can be used to enhance the absorption of other herbs. Yucca root, schisandra berries, licorice root, alfalfa, ginger, cayenne, dandelion leaf, and juniper berries are examples of herbs that enhance absorption, and effectiveness of other herbs. Though keep in mind that increased absorption can mean a potential for increased toxicity of certain herbs. Combining yucca root with poke root provides an example. Poke root is a fantastic immune stimulant, antiviral, and lymphatic cleanser, though it can also be poisonous in relatively small doses. Mixing yucca root in a formula with poke root, the risk of poisoning increases. Percentages of toxic herbs can be adjusted to compensate for their enhanced absorption to reduce the possibility of poisoning. Another example of a danger from mixing herbs can be seen with a mixture of lobelia with ginger. Lobelia is generally safe in small doses. Larger doses will normally cause vomiting which prevents the herb from poisoning the body. Though ginger suppresses the vomit centers in the brain better than drugs such as Dramamine. If the ginger prevents the vomiting up of the lobelia, the lobelia can relax the lungs to the point where it could become dangerous. Women who are pregnant should be especially careful when using herbs. Many herbs are uterine stimulants. This is especially dangerous in the later

9 stages of pregnancy when the risk of serious bleeding by the mother is greater. Herbs may also be used to counteract side effects of other herbs. For instance a pregnant women can use smooth muscle relaxants such as red raspberry leaf or cramp bark. High potassium herbs such as dandelion root can reduce the potassium depletion created by licorice root, barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape root. Liver protecting herbs such as milk thistle, turmeric, artichoke leaf, and licorice root can be used to protect the liver from the effects of liver damaging herbs. Though many herbs considered toxic to the liver, such as comfrey, were found in some studies to only be harmful to the liver when taken in a fresh form. The dried herbs were not found to harm the liver. It is still recommended that when using herbs that are potentially harmful to the liver, you should combine them with liver protecting herbs. Herbs should be given the same respect as pharmaceuticals. Herbalists should mix herbs for maximum effectiveness with the minimal chance of adverse side effects. Unfortunately this does not always happen. For example many diet formulas rely on ephedra (ma huang) and a caffeine source, such as guarana or kola nut, to stimulate the burning of body fat (thermogenesis). Though this works, it also overstimulates the adrenal glands leading to adrenal exhaustion. Adding adaptogenic herbs to the formula will help support the adrenal glands. Though, despite the possibility of damage to the adrenals by thermogenic formulas, many of these formulas still lack adaptogenic herbs to prevent the adrenal glands from "crashing". HERBS TO AVOID WITH SPECIFIC CONDITIONS DANGEROUS HERBS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INGESTION Autumn Crocus - Foxglove - Mandrake - Savin Juniper Aconite - American Hellebore - False Hellebore Deadly Nightshade - Hemlock - Jimson Weed Thornapple - Mayapple - Pennyroyal - Mistletoe Berries Tansy - Mule's Ears Root PREGNANCY Goldenseal - Barberry - Oregon Grape Root Ephedra - Juniper Berry - Birthwort - Bittersweet Cotton Root Bark - Pennyroyal - Mistletoe - Bleeding Heart Anemone - Angelica - Parsley - Baneberry Blue Cohosh - Black Cohosh - Licorice Root - Dong Quai Brook Mint - Wormwood - Mugwort - Peony California Snakeroot - Milkweed - Goldthread Inside-out Flower - Thuja - Silk Tassel - Shepherd's Purse RESPIRATORY ISSUES/ALLERGIES Long-term use of these herbs can make your condition worse Ephedra - Kola Nut - Guarana - Coffee - Black Tea

10 ULCERS Ephedra - Kola Nut - Guarana - Coffee - Black Tea - Tobacco SEVERE LIVER PROBLEMS Yohimbe - Pennyroyal - Wormwood - Sassafras Comfrey - Germander - Coltsfoot - Sweet Flag California Snakeroot SEVERE KIDNEY PROBLEMS Juniper Berry - Cedar Berry - Yohimbe - Horsetail Tobacco - Sassafras - Bittersweet - Thuja HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE Ephedra - Kola Nut - Guarana - Goldthread Goldenseal - Oregon Grape Root - Barberry Coffee - Black Tea - Tobacco - American Mistletoe LOW BLOOD SUGAR Goldenseal - Oregon Grape Root - Barberry Devil's Club - Uva Ursi - Celery Leaf Juniper Berry - Cedar Berry BLOOD THINNERS White Willow - Birch - Ginger - Aspen Licorice Root - Sweet Clover - Pau D'Arco Lomatium - Agrimony - Meadowsweet - Vanilla Leaf Sweet Woodruff - Cayenne - Alfalfa - Spearmint Wintergreen - Red Root - Balm of Gilead Licorice Fern - Thuja - Red Root LIFE-SAVING MEDICATIONS The following herbs may interact with, interfere with or remove medications Uva Ursi - Manzanita - White Oak Bark Periwinkle - Alum Root - Bittersweet - Bleeding Heart California Snakeroot - Madrone - Mormon Tea - Poppies HERBS THAT MAY CAUSE FALSE POSITIVES ON DRUG TESTS Ephedra (Ma Haung) - Mormon Tea - Prickly Poppy Matilija Poppy - Red Poppy - California Poppy Prickly Lettuce - Blue Lettuce