Tuesday 29 May 2018

ECHINACEA, ELDER & ELECAMPANE USE AS HERBS

Common name: ECHINACEA 

Alternative name(s): coneflower

Botanical name: ECHINACEA 

Family: COMPOSITAE 

Part used: Root

Constituents and uses: this is one of the main anti- infective remedies and is effective against viral, fungal and bacterial infections. It works in a twofold way: by destroying the harmful organisms directly and by stimulating the response of the body's immune system. It also has a cleaning 'alternative' action and helps promote the body's series of activities by which the whole process of inflammation, as well as the infections is healthily resolved. It can be used to help acute infections, such as tonsillitis, abscesses              and boils, and longer lasting, entrenched problems such as bronchitis, pelvic infections and sinusitis.
A decoction should be taken 3 times daily.


Common name: ELDER

Botanical name: SAMBUCUS NIGRA

Family: CAPRFOLIACEAE

Part used: Flowers and berries

Constituents and uses: 
Flowers
The flower contain a volatile oil that gives the characteristic scent, also a bio- flavonoid  that helps to strengthen the walls of damaged blood- vessels. The main action of the flower is on the circulation - it helps to perspiration and is very useful which taken as a ease a feverish cold or the flu. A second property if that it soothes the condition of inflamed nasal passage and helps relieve catarrh- I recommend it is a very pleasant drink for anyone who has long-term, hard-to-shirt catarrh or sinusitis. However, it is not an anti-infective remedy and must be combined with one if there is an infection present.
Berries
Elderberry wine is a traditional remedy for rheumatic and arthritic problems; it has a mild laxative and diuretic effect.


Common name: ELECAMPANE 

Botanical name: INULA HELENIUM

Family is suitable - : COMPOSITAE 

Part used: Root

Constituents and uses: very useful in the treatment of chest infections. It has a soothing, expectorant action - due to its essential oils and mucilage - which helps to expel infected phlegm. It also has anti-infective properties and its component of bitters helps to stimulate the digestive system, thus dealing with and debility caused by thee lung disease.
A decoction should be taken 3 times daily.

DANDELION, DEVIL'S CLAW & DOCK, YELLOW USE AS HERBS

Common name: DANDELION 

Botanical name: TARAXACUM OFFICINALE 

Family: COMPOSITAE 

Part used: Leaves and root 

Constituents and uses: 
Leaves
One of the most useful diuretic remedies. It is particularly beneficial in fluid retention due to heart problems, as it contains a useful amount of the mineral potassium. This is vital for healthy function of the heart muscle, but is often lost via the urine when diuretic drugs are used. Dandelion leaves, with their natural content of potassium make up the lose automatically. They are also useful for other problem where the kidneys need to be stimulated, such as urinary infections or pre-menstrual fluid 
retention. Take an infusion 3 times daily.

Roots
Dandelion root is good liver stimulant. This makes it useful for a wide range of problems. It will improve the appetite and stimulate sluggish digestive functions due to its bitter properties. It helps in problems such as jaundice and gall- bladder disease. It also has a gentle laxative effect and will help the liver's detoxifying functions - using in rheumatism and arthritis, or any other illness were a build-up of waste products is contributing to the problem. The liver is the main organ which has the job of eliminating alien substances, such as artificial additives in the food we eat, or airborne pollution such as chemical fumes. Dandelion root will help support the health of people who are particularly susceptible to these substances.


Common name: DEVIL'S CLAW

Botanical name: HARPAGOPHYTUM PROCUMBENS

Family: PEDALIACEAE 

Part use: Tuber (underground stem)

Constituents and: used in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism and fibrositis, this plant contains glycosides which have an anti- inflammatory and possibly detoxifying action. It may help as mild analgesic to relieve the pain of muscular and arthritic inflammation.
It should be taken as a decoction, 3 times daily, and is most likely to help when combined with other anti- arthritic and detoxifying remedies.


Common name: DOCK, YELLOW

Botanical name: RUMEX CRISPUS

Family:POLYGONACEAE

Part used: root

Constituents and uses: This plant acts on the liver and intestines. It is useful for skin problems where the eliminative and detoxifying functions of the body need stipulation, such as eczema, acne and psoriasis. It contains bitters and laxative glycosides which stimulate muscular activity in the intestines. This, however, is reduced by the astringent action of tannins in the plant, so it has a gentle rather than serve action.it can also be used for liver and gall- bladder disease.
A decoction should be taken 3 times daily.

COMFREY, CUDWEEH, MARSH & DAMIANA USE AS HERBS

Common name: COMFREY 

Alternative common name(s) KNITBONE 

Botanical name: SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE 

Family: BORAGINACEA

Part used: Leaves and roots

Constituents and uses: Comfrey is the most useful of the healing remedies. It's constituents include astringent tannins, soothing mucilage, resin and a substance called allantoin. This has the ability to stimulate the growth of new cells, by speeding up the rate of which DNA, the 'blueprint' of the cell, is produced: after the stage, all other parts of the cell follow automatically. The leaves can be taken internally for stomach and duodenal ulcers, where the tannins and mucilage help calm any inflammation; the allantoin will heal the eroded area. This remedy is also appropriate for chest problems such as bronchitis where it has a soothing and healing action.
Externally the root or leaves can be used as a poultice over any clean wound, or deeper problem such as tendon and ligament damage. Traditionally it has been used to heal broken bones- the poultice dries to a very hard consistency, providing valuable support in the days before plasters casts were available.
The ointment can be used regularly in place of poultice - it is a very useful part of every home's first-aid-kit for minor injuries.

CAUTION: Concern has been expressed over the safety of taking Comfrey internally, due to a constituent alkaloid which is known to be toxic. Experiments using the isolated alkaloid have shown. It to be damaging to the liver. Although there has never been any evidence of the whole herb causing similar damage, I must advise caution in its use. If you are considering using the herb internally, contact a qualified herbalist for advise.
At present, Comfrey is still legally available as a loose herb, but it may be withdrawn from licensed herbal medicines (those formulations that are available over the counter in health shops) in the future.
There are no restrictions on using Comfrey externally - it is totally safe when applied to the skin.


Common name: CUDWEED, MARSH 

Botanical name: GNAPHALIUM ULIGINOSUM

Family: COMPOSITAE 

Part used: Leaves and stems

Constituents and uses: This plants help in nasal and throat catarrh. It is though to contain small amounts of volatile oil and tannins which enhance its beneficial properties; it can be taken as an infusion, both as a gargle or as a drink, 3 times a day. Severe throat infections such as tonsillitis and quinsy usually respond well, but are best treated by CUDWEED in combination with other astringent and anti- infective remedies.


Common name: DAMIANA

Botanical name: TURNERA DIFFUSA

Family: TURNERACEAE

Part used: Leaves and stems

Constituents and uses: This remedy is reputed to be a male aphrodisiac, though in my opinion there is no one simple medicinal solution to the range of problems that may cause difficulties in sexual function. It has an action on the male reproductive system similar to that of the male hormone testosterone, which will enhance sexual function if the problems are of a purely physical nature. It certainly is of great benefit in nervous problems such as anxiety and depression. It has a combined tonic and almost nutritional effect on nerve tissue, due to the combination of constituents: bitters, tannin, resins, oils, and alkaloids, including caffeine. Both sexes will benefit  from this action. It can be taken as an infusion 3 times daily.

Sunday 27 May 2018

CINNAMON, CLEAVERS & COLTSFOOT USE AS HERBS

Common name: CINNAMON

Botanical name: CINNAMOMUM ZEYLANICUM

Family: LAURACEAE

Part used: Dried barks,sections of which become curled at the edges and thus known as' quills'

Constituents and uses: A most pleasant and gentle carminative, anti- griping, anti- flatuent remedy due to its volatile oils. It helps to prevent uncomfortable 'bloating', is useful against nausea and, due to the tannins it contains, has a mild anti- diarrhoea action. Finely divided pieces of bark can be taken as an infusion. It can be added freely to other herbal preparations to improve the taste. It is best taken before or after meals to aid digestion.


Common name: CLEAVERS

Alternative common name(s): GOOSEGRASS

Botanical name: GALIUM APARINE

Family: RUBIACEAE

Part used: Leaves and stems

Constituents and uses: This plant helps stimulate the expulsion of fluid via the kidneys, so is useful for urinary problems. It is also one of the main remedies for treating problems associated with swelling of the lymph glands. These are frequently activated in localised infections and may be noticed as small hard swellings, such as in the neck in a case of tonsillitis(the tonsils themselves are lymphatic tissue). The lymph glands basically 'trap' infections and prevent them from being passed to further areas of the body. In a long- term lymphatic disturbance, fluid retention may develop, and cleavers will be doubly useful then due to its diuretic properties. It is a good 'cleansing' remedy generally and is applicable to a wide range of illnesses where this action is required.
It should be taken as an infusion, 3 times daily.


Common name: COLTSFOOT

Botanical name: TUSSILAGO FARFERA

Family: COMPOSITAE

Part used: Flowers and leaves

Constituents and uses: Unlike many of the expectorant remedies which have an irritating effect, Coltsfoot helps to ease the irritation and tightness connected with chest infections where there is particularly a dry, unproductive cough - typically the 'barking' cough. This can be paion rats cause nful and persistent and responds better to Coltsfoot than practically any other remedy.children who are kept awake at night by a persistent cough are usually greatly helped by it. It contains bitters, glycosides and a generous amount of the mineral zinc. It is thought that this may well contribute to the plant's beneficial properties as it seems to be vital in the body's defences against infection.

An infusion of either the flowers or the leaves should be taken 3 times a day.

CAUTION: Recent research has shown the presence of to alkaloids in the young flower which when tested on rats caused liver cancer. Although these compounds exist in low concentration in the flower and leaves, any prolonged medically  use in not advised. Coltsfoot is an ingredient of some herbal tobaccos. These should be avoided as should all some king.

CELRY, CHAMOMILE & CHICKWEED USE AS HERBS

Common name: CELERY

Botanical name: APIUM GRAVEOLENS

Family: UMBELLIFERAE 

Part used: Seeds

Constituents and uses: Celery seeds have a beneficial action on the kidneys. They help to stimulate the removal of waste products from the body via the kidneys and promote the flow of urine to ' flush through' the urinary system. Both of these action are useful in arthritis, rheumatism and gout where the accumulation to acids in. The body either triggers or irritates the condition.
The main constituent of the seeds is the characteristically scented volatile oil. This is also antiseptic to the urinary system, useful in the treatment of kidney infections and cystitis. Celery is an excellent cleansing food, but the plant contains less of the active therapeutic constituents than the seeds. Take the seeds as an infusion, 3 times daily.

Common name: CHAMOMILE- GERMAN

Botanical name: MATRICARIA RECUTITA
Part used:COMPOSITAE
Part used: Flowers

Constituents and uses: There are two kinds of Chamomile used medicinally. The German Chamomile is the most widely available and has very similar properties to the other, which is known as Roman Chamomile. Both have a similar scent, emitted from the oils in the pants. 
The title 'Mother of the Gut' 
Suggests the respect in which German Camomile is held. It is anti- inflammatory, and will help soothe gastric irritation, dyspepsia, flatulence and colic: it also has a bitter constituent which helps stimulate an under- active digestion. It has a gentle relaxing influence on the nervous system generally, and is particularly useful where nervous tension is affective the digestive system. It may help women suffering from painful periods, and is useful in any problem with children where an over- excitable nature is causing difficulties. It is taken as an infusion as required  - it makes a pleasant alternative to ordinary tea. It can be obtained as an essential oil - a drop of this can be taken on a sugar cube or in honey. This can be diluted 1:20 with almond oil and used as an anti- inflammatory message oil. Alternatively it can be added to a bowl of hot water and used as a steam inhalation for irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Common name: CHICKWEED

Botanical name: STELLARIA MEDIA
 Family: CARYOPHYLLACEAE

Part used: Leaves: dried or fresh
Constituents and uses: This abundant weed can be eaten fresh, in sandwiches, and is a good source of iron. It is used for its therapeutic value as an anti-irritant when applied to the skin. It soothes and heals damaged skin, and reduces itching and irritation in rashes and eczema. It can be applied as a poultice, or obtained in an ointment base for use on small areas of skin. If the affected area is large, a. Strong in infusion can be added to the bath water to cover the whole surface on the body. The fresh plant, if available, should be used in preference to the dried form. 

Saturday 26 May 2018

CAYENNE, CELANDINE(GREATER) & CELANDINE ( LESSER) USE AS HERBS

Common name: CAYENNE

Alternative common name(s): CHILLIES

Botanical name: CAPSICUM MINIMUM 

Family:SOLANACEAE

Part used: Fruit 

Constituents and uses.:the hottest spice available! This remedy must be used with care, as too much can be irritating to the stomach when taken internally. The action mirrors the taste - it has strong warming and stimulating the digestion and the circulation, and is used when there is a weakness or deficiency in either system. Sluggish dyspepsia and flatulence will respond.plus all the circulatory problems that are worsened by cold weather. This remedy also excellent for chills, generally, and respiratory problems that are associated with cold, damp weather. For internal use, a tea made with 1/8 a teaspoon of crushed cayenne to 200ml ( I cup ) of water should be taken three times a day. A pleasant compound mixture of circulatory stimulants known as 'Composition essence' is another very convenient way of taking cayenne.
 1/4-1/2 a teaspoon can be added to hot drinks. Externally,the tea can be added to a small amount of  warm water and used as a hand or footpath, very useful for poor circulation and chilblains in cold weather. Do not use on broken skin - it will be very painful!

Common name: CELANDINE (GREATER)

Botanical name: CHELIDONIUM MAJUS

Family: PAPAVERACEAE 

Part used: Fresh juice 

Constituents and uses: This plant excels as a treatment for warts. The orange, milky sap, containing enzymes that break down the tissue of warts, should be applied 3 times a day and will be effective within 2 or 3 weeks. As the plants die off in the winter, this treatment is limited to spring and summer only.


Common name: CELANDINE (LESSER) 

Alternative common name(s) : PILEWORT

Botanical name: RANANCULAS FICARIA

Family: RANUCULACEAE

Part used: Dried leaves and stems

Constituents and uses: this plants makes an excellent application to haemorrhoids. It has an astringent action which help to shrink and tone the walls of the dilated blood-vessels. A lotion can be made from a strong infusion (or ointments are available) to be applied as needed, initially 3 times daily.


CARAWAY, CARDAMON & CASCARA USE AS HERBS

Common  name: CARAWAY

Botanical name:CARUM CARVI

Family: UMBELLIFERAE

Part used: Dried seeds

Constituents and uses: These aromatic seeds, with a higher volatile oil content, are very soothing to the digestive system. They will ease colic and flatulence and the tannin content makes them a useful treatment for diarrhoea.
The qualities of the volatile oil also help to ease chest congestion such as in bronchitis. And will help promote the production of breast- milk in nursing mothers. 
It makes a pleasant drink, as an infusion, taken 3 times a day.


Common name: CARDAMON

Botanical name: ELETTARIA CARDAMOMUM

Family: ZINGIBERACEAE

Part used: Seeds

Constituents and uses: these large, pungently aromatic seeds contain large amount of volatile oil. They help to stimulate a sluggish digestion, and will soothe any irritation that may cause colic or flatulence. Their main active constituent is a volatile oil. An infusion can a be made from the seeds, which should be crushed to help release the oil. 


Common name: CASCARA
Botanical name: RHAMNUS PURSHIANA

Part used: Bark

Constituents and uses: cascara is useful in conditions of long term sluggish constipation. It is one of a group of remedies containing substances known as anthraquinones which act by stimulating, to the point of irritation, the lining of the upper intestine; this produces a reflex activation of the muscles further along in the Colin, which then results in the bowel motion. The drawback of this treatment is that the muscles can go into an over- active state, causing griping pains and colic. However, cascara is one of the gentler remedies in. The group, and can be described as a general digestive/intestinal tonic. It also contains bitters, which contribute to its tonic effects, and tannins which help modify the strength of the laxative action. The bark is made into a decoction and taken at night to be effective the next morning. It may be combined with any of the carminative, anti- griping remedies for a more smoothing -and palatable- drink.




Monday 21 May 2018

HOW TO MAKE THE HERBAL PREPARATIONS

HOW TO MAKE THE HERBAL PREPARATIONS 



 Herbal remedies are far more flexible than conventional drugs. We know, for example that to be effective, a specified amount of antibiotics must be taken for a specified number of days. In contrast, the dosage range of herbal treatment is very wide. Each individual may have different requirements, and different tolerances when it comes to taste. The following information provides the necessary guidelines for your first attempts preparing herbal remedies for better health options in passing a healthy life.


INFUSION

Infusion is also known as tisane or tea. Traditionally, 25g (1oz) of the dried herbs is placed in a crock vessel, and 600ml (1pt) of boiling water is poured over it. The vessel is covered, and after about 10 minutes, the liquid is strained of and about 1/3 of it taken, the rest being put a side for 2 further doses later in the day. In practice, this results in a very strong testing-tasting liquid. If the taste makes it impossible to drink, try a more dilute infusion of about 1 heaped teaspoon to 200ml (1/3pt) of water, enough for 1 dose. Make the infusion in the same way, then try adding honey or fruit juice. In some cases, such as when celery seeds are used, a savoury flavouring, like yeast extract, is appropriate. Although this preparation will not be as strong, if it is taken regularly it will have the same benefit. There is no value in drinking a preparation that is so strong that a second dose can not be tolerated.

Where a 'weak infusion' is suggested, use about 1/2 teaspoon of the herb to 200ml (1/3pt) of water, for a 'strong infusion' use 2 teaspoon to 200ml (1/3pt) of water.

Infusions can be made from all soft plant material, leaves, flowers and berries.


DECOCTION      

Decoction is term given to heating a substance in water in order extract the essence. In this preparation, used for roots and barks, the traditional strength is 25g (1oz) of herbs to 900ml (1 1/2pt) of water. These are placed in a pan, brought to simmering point and left simmering for about 15 minutes, or until the amount of liquid has reduced to about 600 ml ( 1 pt ) - giving the same final strength as the infusion. The extra time and heat softens up the woody material to enable the therapeutic ingredients to be drawn out into the liquid. As with the infusion, dilute if necessary and flavour to suit individual taste. 

Preparing remedies for children 

Young children should be given a quarter of the adult dose, and children between the ages five and eleven should be given half the adult dose. It may be necessary to flavour with fruit juice to disguise the taste of the herb.

Lotions

Lotions may be made from either infusions or decoctions, depending on the plant material. It is important that the lotion should be well strained, particularly if it is to be used on the ears and eyes. A coffee filter - paper will catch any tiny particles that are left in lotion.

Steam in inhalation

Add about 300ml (1/2 pt ) of strong infusion to 600ml ( 1 pt )of recently boiled water; cover with a towel. Place the patient's had under the towel to inhale the steam through the nose and mouth. This is an excellent way of treating nasal and chest infections, as the volatile constituents of the remedies are delivered immediately to the relevant areas. The warm steam helps to loosen phlegm and catarrh, and has a soothing affect on inflamed respiratory membranes.

Poultices 

Poultices are made for application over the affected area, such as arthritic joints, inflamed muscles, bruises, etc. They are made by adding hot water to the herb to make a paste, and if necessary using a 'binder' such as slippery elm powder or linseed meal. When the right consistency is reached, spread the paste over a piece of flannel; apply to skin and cover with wool, or similar material, to maintain the heat. The poultice can be kept in place until it starts to dry out or has lost all its heat.
The benefit of poultice get is twofold: the therapeutic benefit of the herb and the fact that the warmth and moisture help to soften the skin, thus allowing the plant constituents to be broken absorbed more easily. The heat also helps to relax the local muscles, easing tension and pain. 

CAUTION: Poultices should not be used on broken skin, as the warm moist conditions will enable any bacteria present to flourish. Poultices can be used on boils and abscesses to draw the infection to a focus, thus speeding up the process of discharge and resolution.

THE MEDICINAL CONSTITUENTS OF PLANTS 
Volatile Oils
The from each aromatic plant is formed from a number of volatile constituents, and the variation of these gives each plant its own characteristics scent. It may occur in leaves, flowers and seeds. Certain properties are common to all volatile oils: they are all antiseptic; they soothe the digestion and help prevent flatulence and griping; and many calm the nervous system.

Tannins
 These help to harden soluble proteins forming a protective surface over inflamed tissues. Internally, they calm over- activity in the digestive system, but they may also reduce absorption of protein is taken for too long. Externally, they will help staunch the flow of blood and reduce inflammatory swellings.

Sugars 
These occur in plants as an energy source, along with starches. They form a part of the molecular structure of glycosides, which occur widely and have a range of individual therapeutic actions.

Mucilage 
These are basically forms of cellulose which form a 'slippery' or gel consistency when they absorb water. This has a soothing effect b mimicking the body's own protective mechanism of mucus production.

Bitters
 These substances stimulate the taste buds which in turn stimulate the appetite and digestive system via the vagus nerve. They also stimulate the liver in detoxifying treatments.

Alkaloids
 These are plant constituents containing nitrogen - originally called 'vegetables alkalis'. They have wide-ranging effects on body functions, including the circulatory, nervous, digestive and respiratory systems. The best-known alkaloid is probably caffeine.

Resins
These are insoluable in water and therefore usually extracted in high-alcohol tinctures. They are antiseptic and antifungle.

Saponins 
These produce a soapy consistency when added to water- soap-wort herb, for example, can be used as a mild soap. Some may cause some irritation to the stomach that produces a reflex loosening of phlegm in the lungs. Others have molecules similar to the natural steroid hormones of the body. These have anti- inflammatory actions and a tonic influence on the reproductive system- Mainly in the female, through there are one or two traditionally used for the male.

Flavonoids 
Flavonoids have a range of actions. Some complement Vitamin C function, and will help to strengthen the blood- vessels; some help reduce muscle- spasm. They are frequently occurring plant constituents.

THE MEDICINAL ACTIONS OF PLANTS
Alterative 
Traditionally known as blood-purifiers', this range of remedies helps to improve the efficiency of the bodies's powers of elimination. Some work on the liver, some on the kidneys, some on the lymphatic system. This approach will help in any treatment where a 'cleansing' action is needed; for instance if it is thought that toxic waste products, or ingested pollutants, have been accumulating in the body 

Anodyne 
Anodyne remedies have a pain- reducing effect. Herbal remedies generally do not have a strong pain- killing action- the aim of the treatment is to achieve a positive state of health rather than simply dull the pain. There are one or two remedies, however, which have a gentle pain- relieving action, perhaps because of their relaxing effect on the nervous system.

Antispasmodic 
This treatment helps to relieve the intensity of excessive muscular contraction. The basic function of muscle tissue is to contract to reduce moment-this produces locomotion in the muscles attached to the skeleton. In the digestive tract produces the contractions necessary to push the food through the 'tubing' in the abdomen. If the muscles are overstimulated by the nerves controlling them, or if there is any source of irritation to them, they may go into excessive contraction - spasm- known as cramp, or                    A colic in the digestive system. Remedies having a muscle- relaxant effect are necessary to counteract this.

Aromatic
Aromatic plants having a notable scent, produced by the volatile oil in the plant. Due to the variety of constituents in the oil, no two plants will have the same scent, or exact therapeutic actions.

Astringent 
The term astringent refers to a plant that has a tightening, anti- inflammatory action on tissues. Most astringent plants have this action due to the tannins they contain.

Expectorant
An expectorant will help the production and elimination of phlegm from the lungs. There are two types: the irritant expectorants, of which Ipecacuanha is the best- known example; and the soothing expectorants such as Coltsfoot. The irritants work by reflex action from the stomach to the lungs ; when the stomach lining is irritated, a reflex response is produced in the lungs- more mucus is produced as a protective mechanism. This is then cleared from the lungs by coughing- a means of getting rid of any harmful substances. The irritant properties of Ipecacuanha on the stomach are well known- in large doses it causes vomiting! The soothing expectorants have an apparently paradoxical action: soothing any irritations and inflammation in the lungs, but helping to loosen tight phlegm at the same time.

Laxative
Laxatives promote activity in the bowel. Many laxatives work on a reflex in the digestive tract: when the lining of the upper intestine ( the duodenum) is irritated, the muscles in the bowel are stimulated by a nerve reflex to increase their activity. These laxatives work on the principle that the body is trying to speed up the elimination of the irritating substance to protect itself from further harm. The second type of laxative is one which works by creating more bulk of food for the muscles of the digestive tract to work on. The remedies in this group usually have a high starch or cellulose content, which when moistened swells to become a soft, slippery gel consistency. The lubricating action is another benefit, as it enables food to pass more easily along the digestive tract.

Tonic 
Tonics have a strengthening, vitalising effect on the target tissues. They work partly by nourishing, partly by stimulating existing reflex patterns of activity, to enable the affected tissues to cope more successfully with any demands or stress to which they may be subjected. Tonics help to support and restore normal body function.




Sunday 20 May 2018

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT HERBAL REMEDIES

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Now that the general principle of holistic medicine have been covered, I would like to discuss herbal medicine in particular. It differs orthodox medicine in several important practical ways, and I think the best and very easy way of explaining these differences in the form of answer to question I am frequently asked. I do recommend that you read this part of the blog before turning to reference section, it will help you to understand more easy way how and why herbs can be used as medicines.


QUESTION I AM FREQUENTLY ASKED


Q: Isn't herbal medicine very old fashioned?

Ans: Herbal medicines is one of of the very oldest skill still practised, just about every human culture in history has had some version of it. Of course, before the modern developments in science were made, herbalists did not know why their plant remedies worked, and they may have made guesses at explanations which now seen quaintly inaccurate (as were many of the 'orthodox' medical theories in the past). This was less important, though than the demonstration that the remedies did work and this part of the knowledge is what has been passed down to present-day practisers. Contemporary herbalist, as well as doctors, have benefitted from medical science, we understand more about how the body work in health, what happens when it is diseased, and how and why the herbal remedies help to correct the processes that have gone wrong. Many plants have been analysed to reveal their most important therapeutic ingredients. All this relatively new knowledge has been added to the traditional knowledge of herbal medicine to produce better-informed practisers who are able to benefit from the wealth of experience of previous generations. Plants still worth in the same way that they have for thousand of years and practitioners still have the same respect for the wonderful natural healing powers of the body. In addition, a wealth of scientific knowledge about how the remedies work has greatly enriched the body of knowledge concerned with herbal medicine in the twentieth century.


Q: Are't herbs really just like weak drugs?

Ans: Many of the drugs used in the twentieth century were originally discovered in plant material. The drugs have been isolated and extracted from the plants and given as single substances for their therapeutic actions.The advantage of this is that dosages can be measured very accurately, and the results of clinical trials of the drug can be easily interpreted. The great disadvantage, in the herbalists opinion is that all the other valuable therapeutic properties of the plant are ignored. Often there may be several similar substances in one plant which all contribute to the characteristic action. There may be widely differing constituents, with individually different action, that help give the plant a number of therapeutic uses. Some constituents may have a modifying effect on each other, for instance one might activate another to give the therapeutic benefit, as in Garlic, where an enzyme, released when the clove is crushed, helps to produce the active antiseptic principle. In  Meadowsweet, the possible stomach irritation caused by its asprin-like constituents is completely counteracted by others which actually make it beneficial for stomach disturbances.

       Although the amount of each ingredient in a herbal remedy may vary from sample to sample, it is the overall balance of different constituents that is the most beneficial aspect of using plants  as medicine. They may not work as quickly as orthodox single-substance drugs, but they are very well tolerated by the body and work at the body's own natural pace of change, often using reflexes already existing within the normal pattern of body function to correct abnormalities and promote a state of true health.



Q: Does herbal medicine have side-effect?

Ans: This question has taken on a sinister importance in the last twenty-five years, since a number of orthodox drugs, at first thought to be near-miraculous, have been shown to cause many side-effect. The term 'iatrogenic illness' describes illnesses that are actually caused by the process of medical examination or treatment. The effect may range from minor discomfort to very serious problem, many sufferers may initially turn to herbal medicine to find relief from the effects of prescribed drugs.

         It is very unlikely that anything like these side-effects will occur with herbal medicine. The remedied included in this blog have at least as much similarity with the plants we know as foods as with drugs, in fact, the two best-known herbal preparations, tea and coffee, are definitely thought to be at the more potent end of range of plant remedies.  Our bodies are well adapted to 'processing' plant material, we eat it every day. What is beneficial to the body is absorbed and used and what is not needed is eliminated. Of course there are poisonous plants, but these are well documented in folklore as well as in contemporary science and avoided accordingly. Plants which may cause side-effects if taken in excess are available only to qualified herbal practitioners and are not included in this blog.

           There may be the occasional cause of of an allergic reaction, in the same way as some people are allergic to certain foods. The reaction will only be transient, but if it occurs it may be necessary to change the remedies for ones which are more. Easily tolerated by the body.


Q: Will herbal medicine have a bad bad reaction with ordinary drugs?

Ans: One of the good strength of herbal medicine is that it has a role to play in the treatment of many illness where orthodox drugs are alleviating only part of a particular problem. This is because most herbal remedies work in a completely different way from drugs, rather than being a single chemical that has one specific effect on a biochemical process, herbs have a more general effect which may nourish, relax, or stimulate a particular tissue of the body. This helps to achieve a 'normalising' of the function of the tissue so that it can once again respond to the varying requirements of the body.

A few herbs work because of one or two very potent constituents, and the practitioner will be careful not to prescribe these if they are being given in isolated form as an orthodox treatment. For instance, the Purple Foxglove contains several heart stimulants, the main one used in orthodox medicine is digoxin - the dose of which in very critical. Potent herbal medicines of this nature are not included in this blog.

           Many patients turn to herbal medicine because they want to stop taking their prescribed drugs. My approach to achieving this aim is to prescribes herbal medicine to be taken alongside the drugs, until the symptoms have cleared. If the patient is then confident to try, preferably with the doctor's consent, a small reduction in the amount of drugs taken, he or she will have taken the first step towards eventually stopping the drugs altogether. It may,however,be a very slow process with serious and complex problem such as high blood-pressure or arthritis. 

A completely different situation is when someone may be quite happy with their orthodox treatment, but may be experiencing problems with minor illnesses, such as cold and coughs, during the course of it. In this instance, herbal remedies can be taken with complete confidence to treat these minor problems.    



   Q:  Can any illness be treated with herbal medicine?

Ans: Of course herbal remedies have their limitations- no one system of medicine is one hundred per cent successful against all illnesses. My personal opinions is that herbal medicine, because of its flexibility and the breath of its range of actions, is one of the most universally applicable systems we have. Problems may be minor of serve, straightforward or complex. Depending on what is occurring in the affected tissues,there will always be some way in which herbal medicines can help. The role of herbal medicines relaxation, or improving the circulation or eliminative functions. But deficiencies in any of these systems will be adding to the burden of disease the body is having to cope with. If these supplementary problems can be improved,the chances of recovery from the specific illness are significantly improved.



Q: Can herbal medicine be used during pregnancy?

Ans: Medical practitioners generally agree that few, if any, medicines should be taken during pregnancy. Even through herbal remedies are very mild in there actions, I also prefer to advise caution in their use. Do not try self- treatment- consult a professional if there is real need. The professional herbalist will avoid those remedies which are likely to cause problems (however minor). Some remedies in this book carry a footnote which advises specifically against use during pregnancy. I personally cannot recall any cases where actual harm has been done, but, as many herbs contain muscle- stimulating properties they are best avoided, as contractions in the uterine muscle are most undesirable until the last month of pregnancy. (With this in mind, also beware of laxatives of any kind.)

Many women experience trouble-free pregnancies and have no need of either
orthodox or herbal medicines. Labour is, of course, a natural function of birth rather than an illness. However, there are certain remedies which can be taken for approximately four weeks before the baby is due, to ensure that the pelvic organs are in optimum condition to cope with the rigours of birth.Raspberry leaves, Motherwort, Black haw and Ginger have been used for this purpose for generations. There is no objective measure against which success can be judged, as every labour differs in its intensity. All four remedies, however, are known to be beneficial in related gynaecological problems, such as excessively painful menstruation, where the functional problem behind the pain is very similar.



Q: Can fresh herbs be used,or must I get the dried form?

Ans: Always use fresh herbs where possible. They will have the greatest potency as none of the valuable essential oils will have evaporated- a common problem in a poorly dried sample. Well-known gardens herbs such asThyme, Peppermint, Rosemary and Red sage are typical of those that can be used fresh. Many more can be grown- fresh Comfrey, for instance, in invaluable. When using fresh material, it is important to know the correct time of year to gather it, as the constituents in each part of the plant will vary with the seasons, Generally, leaves are used or harvested when the plant is just starting to show its buds; flowers are used when they have formed, but before they have opened; and roots are taken up when the leaves and stems have died down in the late autumn.

      Growing your own herbs is an specially rewarding aspect of gardening, they will make a beautiful garden, enrich your cooking, and provide for the need of your health. In my opinion growing your own plants is infinitely preferable to collecting then from the wild. We have limited wild ares and many rare species are legally protected. Even a plant is abundant, its situation may render it unsuitable for use, plants that grow by the roadside will be too polluted with dangerous vehicles exhausted fumes and gases. There is also the problem of identification, occasionally dangerous mistakes are made when a poisonous plant is mistaken for a medicinal variety.

         Plants that are not indigenous for respective countries will have to be imported and are therefore always used in the dried form. Drying, as well as reducing the bulk and weight of the plant, preserves its properties against breakdown by bacteria or mounds, and is the traditional way of preparing plants that have to be transported overlong distances and will be cost effective due to bulky size.

           The potency of a dried herb can be judge by its appearance and scent, leaves should be fairly green and if the plant is scented, the odour should still be detectable. If, for instance, a sample of Peppermint has lost the familiar scent, the valuable oil has been lost due to evaporation.



Q: How long does a course of herbal medicine last?

Ans: The only way to answer this question is with another question: How long does an illness last? We can estimate the duration of treatment for self-limiting conditions such as clod and sore throats quite accurately. With the more serious or complex problems, such as chest infections or sinusitis, it is not so easy. With long-term diseases like arthritis or eczema, the duration of the cases will probably be months rather than weeks. In very few cases, so much damage may have been done already that complete health will never be restored. Herbal remedies, therefore may be needed permanently to relieve rather than cure an illness. 

      In orthodox medicine it is not unusual to assume that suffering from chronic (long-term) illness such as high blood-pressure or arthritis, will need treatment for the rest of their lives.

      Herbal medicine is also well suited for long-term treatment, because of its low-impact nature on the body and the very low risk of side-effects, even when it's prescribed for long periods of time. Having said that, however, I am often delighted at how quickly some apparently intractable problem respond to herbal treatment. My approach, and I would like to recommend this for self-treatment when dealing with-self limiting conditions such as colds, cough and sore throats, is to maintain the recommended dose of remedies until at least three days have passed since the symptoms have cleared.

       The treatment of long-term illness is not so clear-cut. I would say main the recommended dose until the improvement, which may continue which may continue for several months initially, has reached a plateau and remained stable for about two months. If no further improvements is seen during this time, ( and in the absence of any relapse) the amount of medicine can be reduced to two-third of the previous dose. In practice, I usually recommend that the middle dose of medicine is omitted. This dosage should be maintained for another month. If the illness flares up again during this time, go back to three doses a day. If there are no problems, reduce the dose the following month to once a day, after another month, if all is still well, try without the medicine altogether. As I have stressed before, herbal remedies provide a flexible treatment, the medicine can always be adapted to your particular needs.