Herbal Medicine 101

written by Nicole Hawksley

How to Use Herbs Safely

Herbal medicine has been used successfully since ancient times. Herbs are nature’s remedies, and they possess powerful healing abilities when used properly. Herbal medicine  is often a misunderstood science, and recently has received some negative reviews. This is partly due to people mixing herbs with medications. I often hear people say herbs don’t work, or that they are dangerous.  Herbs are powerful and they have a high success rate when used wisely. They are very effective even in small doses.  Some general guidelines to follow when using herbs include:  not to overdose, take only the recommended dosage on the packaging unless instructed otherwise by a qualified herbalist or other natural health practitioner. Be cautious of taking herbs in standardized extract form unless you are working with a qualified herbalist.  Standardized extract form is when the plants active ingredients have been extracted from the plant.  This potent form of the herb can lead to overdosing and side effects if you are unfamiliar with the plants true chemical properties.  Consuming the plant in its whole state is generally a gentler and safer method. Another important guideline to follow if you are currently taking medications is to discuss the use of herbal medicine with your doctor prior to use (click here for interactions). It is important to educate yourself and consider the way the herb’s actions might influence the actions of other drugs you are taking. Most herb-drug interactions occur if the herb you are taking has the same effect as the drug you are taking. The most common herb-drug interaction is between anticoagulants (blood -thinning drugs) and blood- thinning herbs.

 It is important to buy good quality herbal products, preferably organic or wild-crafted (plants harvested from the wild, generally free of pesticides).  It is best to avoid herbal products that are commonly found on grocery store shelves, as they are generally not of the freshest and purest quality.  Keep in mind herbs will be more effective if you follow a healthy diet and lifestyle.

How Herbs Work

 Herbs and synthetic medications work quite differently: Herbs are plants used for either culinary or medicinal properties. In herbal medicine herbalists use the root, stem, leaves, flowers, fruit or a combination of parts can be used. This presents a perfect

balance of nature.

Similar to food, herbs supply the body with nutrients, and contain high amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, and other beneficial properties that assist the body in healing. Since herbs are plants, a gift from nature, your body utilizes herbs similar to the way we assimilate food. Our body takes what it needs, utilizing the valuable principles right into your body’s cells, nourishing, healing, and generating healthy cells. Synthetic medications have to be processed by the liver which puts stress on the liver. The body only utilizes a small percentage of the medication ingested, approximately 10%. This leaves the rest to contaminate your bloodstream which generates side effects, and further leads to health problems. Medications do however work quickly treating the symptoms, while herbs work much slower but get to the root of the problem.  This is why results are often seen slower, but the long term effect is stronger and more permanent. This is why many people believe herbs don’t work they give up after a few days.  To truly heal and see a permanent result, herbs and natural supplements should be taken for at least three months. We all heal differently. When some people take herbs they notice an immediate effect and have symptom relief right away. Those who see immediate vast improvements usually are also following a healthy lifestyle, diet, exercise and have a positive attitude.

Herbs have different  chemical properties (active ingredients) and are classified according to their actions. Some herbs have more than one action. (See glossary of herbal actions) Each action works specifically on various parts of the body. Tonic herbs will act to cleanse, nourish and rebuild on a cellular level. They work gently and naturally to support the body’s own healing process. Other categories of herbs have an affinity for a specific part of the body, and can be used to assist healing imbalances and weaknesses.

What forms do Herbs Come In?

Herbal supplements come in different forms, here are the basic forms:

Teas (herbal infusion): are made by placing a small amount of the loose leaf herb(s) in a cup, filled with boiling water and left to steep for about 5-10 minutes, the longer it steeps the more potent it becomes.  Some herbs will become bitter if left to steep too long. In order for teas to be the most effective it is best to drink at least 3 cups a day. I find a nice cup of herbal tea has its own calming effect and really puts one in touch with nature’s healing abilities.

Capsules: are dried herb(s) that are powdered and placed in gelatin capsules. Always read the package directions, but generally an adult should take 2-3 capsules, 2-3 times a day.

Tinctures: the herb(s) have been extracted either in alcohol or a glycerin. Generally this form comes in a glass dropper bottle. It is a highly concentrated form of the herb and goes into the bloodstream more quickly than the other forms, for faster delivery to the body. Tinctures are well preserved and will last longer than dried herbs. The adult dosage is usually one dropperful which consists of between 20-40 drops, taken 2-3 times daily.

Glycerin based tinctures are best for children or adults sensitive to alcohol. It is also sweeter tasting.

The Body’s Reaction to Herbal Cleansing

Good quality pure herbal formulas can result in a healing reaction.  These reactions are your body’s way of cleansing itself prior to healing. This is usually short term until the body puts itself back into balance. Some conventional doctors don’t understand how herbs work and think these reactions are allergic reactions. Medications are then prescribed to treat these symptoms, which then halts the healing process. It is rare to have allergic reactions to herbs. Herbs cleanse the body before they start healing, toxins that have been hidden in tissues and organs are released and then removed via the bloodstream. Symptoms may worsen but this is usually short term, and depends how many toxins you have. Herbs get to the root cause of an illness and work to rid the body of disease. Herbs are an inexpensive, safe way to heal yourself.