Are herbs “dilute forms of drugs” – and therefore dangerous? Or are they “natural” – and therefore safe? If you sell herbs, you probably hear these questions often. What is the “right” answer? It depends on the herb! These thoughts on herbs will help you explain to your customers (and yourself) how safe – or dangerous – any herb might be.

To prevent problems when selling or using herbs:

Be certain you have the correct plant. Use simples. Understand that different preparations of the same herb can work differently. Use nourishing, tonifying, stimulating, and potentially poisonous herbs wisely.
BE CERTAIN YOU HAVE THE CORRECT PLANT

One of the easiest ways to get into trouble with an herb is to use the “wrong” one. How could that happen? Common names for herbs overlap, causing confusion as to the proper identity. Herbs that are labeled correctly may contain extraneous material from another, more dangerous, herb. Herbs may be picked at the wrong stage of growth or handled incorrectly after harvesting, causing them to develop detrimental qualities.

Protect yourself and your customers with these simple steps:

Buy herbs only from reputable suppliers. Only buy herbs that are labeled with their botanical name. Botanical names are specific, but the same common names can refer to several different plants. “Marigold” can be Calendula officinalis, a medicinal herb, or Tagetes, an annual used as a bedding plant. If you grow the herbs you sell, be meticulous about keeping different plants separate when you harvest and dry them, and obsessive about labeling.
USE SIMPLES

A simple is one herb. For optimum safety, I prepare, buy, sell, teach about and use herbal simples, that is: preparations containing only one herb. (Occasionally I will add some mint to flavor a remedy.)

The more herbs there are in a formula, the more likelihood there is of unwanted side-effects. Understandably, the public seeks combinations, hoping to get more for less. And many mistakenly believe that herbs must be used together to be effective (probably because potentially poisonous herbs are often combined with protective herbs to mitigate the damage they cause). But combining herbs with the same properties, such as goldenseal and echinacea, is counter-productive and more likely to cause trouble than a simple. A simple tincture of echinacea is more effective than any combination and much safer.

Different people have different reactions to substances, whether drugs, foods, or herbs. When herbs are mixed together in a formula and someone taking it has distressing side effects, there is no way to determine which herb is the cause. With simples, it’s easy to tell which herb is doing what. If there’s an adverse reaction, other herbs with similar properties can be tried. Limiting the number of herbs used in any one day (to no more than four) offers added protection.

Side effects from herbs are less common than side effects from drugs and usually less severe. If an herb disturbs the digestion, it may be that the body is learning to process it. Give it a few more tries before giving up. Stop taking any herb that causes nausea, dizziness, sharp stomach pains, diarrhea, headache, or blurred vision. (These effects will generally occur quite quickly.) Slippery elm is an excellent antidote to any type of poison.

If you are allergic to any foods or medicines, it is especially important to consult resources that list the side effects of herbs before you use them.

UNDERSTAND THAT DIFFERENT PREPARATIONS OF THE SAME HERB CAN WORK DIFFERENTLY

The safety of any herbal remedy is dependent on the way it is prepared and used.

Tinctures and extracts contain the alkaloids, or poisonous, parts of plants and need to be used with care and wisdom. Tinctures are as safe as the herb involved (see cautions below for tonifying, stimulating, sedating, or potentially poisonous herbs). Best used/sold as simples, not combinations, especially when strong herbs are being used. Dried herbs made into teas or infusions contain the nourishing aspects of the plants and are usually quite safe, especially when nourishing or tonifying herbs are used. Dried herbs in capsules are generally the least effective way to use herbs. They are poorly digested, poorly utilized, often stale or ineffective, and quite expensive. Infused herbal oils are available as is, or thickened into ointments. They are much safer than essential oils, which are highly concentrated and can be lethal if taken internally. Herbal vinegars are not only decorative but mineral-rich as well. A good medium for nourishing and tonifying herbs; not as strong as tinctures for stimulants/sedatives. Herbal glycerins are available for those who prefer to avoid alcohol but are usually weaker in action than tinctures.
USE NOURISHING, TONIFYING, STIMULATING, & POTENTIALLY POISONOUS HERBS WISELY

Herbs comprise a group of several thousand plants with widely varying actions. Some are nourishers, some tonifiers, some stimulants and sedatives, and some are potential poisons. To use them wisely and well, we need to understand each category, its uses, best manner of preparation, and usual dosage range.

Nourishing herbs are the safest of all herbs; side effects are rare. Nourishing herbs are taken in any quantity for any length of time. They are used as foods, just like spinach and kale. Nourishing herbs provide high levels of proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, carotenes, and essential fatty acids.

Examples of nourishing herbs are: alfalfa, amaranth, astragalus, calendula flowers, chickweed, comfrey leaves, dandelion, fenugreek, flax seeds, honeysuckle flowers, lamb’s quarter, marshmallow, nettles, oatstraw, plantain (leaves/seeds), purslane, red clover blossoms, seaweed, Siberian ginseng, slippery elm, violet leaves, and wild mushrooms.

Tonifying herbs act slowly in the body and have a cumulative, rather than immediate, effect. They build the functional ability of an organ (like the liver) or a system (like the immune system). Tonifying herbs are most beneficial when they are used in small quantities for extended periods of time. The more bitter the tonic tastes, the less you need to take. Bland tonics may be used in quantity, like nourishing herbs.

Side effects occasionally occur with tonics, but are usually quite short-term. Many older herbalists mistakenly equated stimulating herbs with tonifying herbs, leading to widespread misuse of many herbs, and severe side effects.

Examples of tonifying herbs are: barberry bark, burdock root/seeds, chaste tree, crone(mug)wort, dandelion root, echinacea, elecampane, fennel, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, ground ivy, hawthorn berries, horsetail, lady’s mantle, lemon balm, milk thistle seeds, motherwort, mullein, pau d’arco, raspberry leaves, schisandra berries, St. Joan’s wort, turmeric root, usnea, wild yam, and yellow dock.

Sedating and stimulating herbs cause a variety of rapid reactions, some of which may be unwanted. Some parts of the person may be stressed in order to help other parts. Strong sedatives and stimulants, whether herbs or drugs, push us outside our normal ranges of activity and may cause strong side effects. If we rely on them and then try to function without them, we wind up more agitated (or depressed) than before we began. Habitual use of strong sedatives and stimulants – whether opium, rhubarb root, cayenne, or coffee – leads to loss of tone, impairment of functioning, and even physical dependency. The stronger the herb, the more moderate the dose needs to be, and the shorter the duration of its use.

Herbs that tonify and nourish while sedating/stimulating are some of my favorite herbs. I use them freely, as they do not cause dependency. Sedating/stimulating herbs that also tonify or nourish: boneset, catnip, citrus peel, cleavers, ginger, hops, lavender, marjoram, motherwort, oatstraw, passion flower, peppermint, rosemary, sage, skullcap.

Strongly sedating/stimulating herbs include: angelica, black pepper, blessed thistle root, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves, coffee, licorice, opium poppy, osha root, shepherd’s purse, sweet woodruff, turkey rhubarb root, uva ursu leaves, valerian root, wild lettuce sap, willow bark, and wintergreen leaves.

Potentially poisonous herbs are intense, potent medicines that are taken in tiny amounts and only for as long as needed. Side effects are common.

Examples of potentially poisonous herbs are: belladonna, blood-root, celandine, chaparral, foxglove, goldenseal, henbane, iris root, Jimson weed, lobelia, May apple (American mandrake), mistletoe, poke root, poison hemlock, stillingia root, turkey corn root, wild cucumber root.

In addition, consider these thoughts on using herbs safely:

Respect the power of plants to change the body and spirit in dramatic ways. Increase trust in the healing effectiveness of plants by trying remedies for minor or external problems before, or while, working with major and internal problems. Develop ongoing relationships with knowledgeable healers – in person or in books – who are interested in herbal medicine. Honor the uniqueness of every plant, every person, every situation. Remember that each person becomes whole and healed in their own unique way, at their own speed. People, plants, and animals can help in this process. But it is the body/spirit that does the healing. Don’t expect plants to be cure alls.Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.

Susun Weed, Copyright @ 2009 wisewoman@herbshealing.com

LEARN HOW TO PREVENT ILLNESS AND HEAL YOURSELF safely and easily the Wise Woman Way. Women’s health forum, FREE women’s forum, weblog, and email group. Topics include menopause, breast health, childbearing, fertility, disease prevention, nutritional advice, and cancer prevention. Visit the Wise Woman Web

What Is Angina?

Angina (angina pectoris) is severe chest pain due to lack of blood (i.e., oxygen) in the heart muscle. The main cause is a coronary artery disease called atherosclerosis, or a clogging of the arteries. Angina typically feels like the chest is being strangled. Severity of symptoms may or may not be associated with fatal heart attacks.

Four types of mainstream prescription drugs are available to treat angina: beta-blockers, nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin), calcium antagonists, and antiplatelet drugs. Herbal medicine also offers solutions for treating angina. Below is a summary of the top herbs and herb ingredients based on scientific research.

Bromelain

Bromelain is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes from the stems of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). Bromelain is widely used as a component of digestive enzyme supplements and as an anti-inflammatory and fibrinolytic systemic enzyme for treating arterial blockages.

Study: Experimental dosages of 1000-1400 mg daily led to disappearance of symptoms angina in human patients within 4-90 days, depending on severity of blockage. Symptoms returned when bromelain treatment was discontinued. (Source: Acta Med. Empirica)

Hawthorn (Crataegus species)

Extracts from berries, flowering tops, and leaves are widely used in Europe and Asia for their benefits to heart health. Effects are due to substances called flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs).

Study: Crataegus extracts given orally to rats (2 percent of the diet) significantly reduced damage to myocardial cells. (Source: Arzneim. Forsch.)

Study: The main flavonoids from Crataegus led to improved coronary flow, heart rate, left ventricular pressure, and speed of contraction and relaxation in perfused isolated guinea pig hearts. (Source: Arzneim. Forsch.)

Study: Crataegus extract (3.3 percent OPCs) diminished accumulation of lactic acid, thereby improving oxygen utilization, in perfused isolated rat hearts. (Source: Arzneim. Forsch.)

Study: 46 patients were given either a tablet with 100 mg of Crataegus leaves or a placebo. Results were that 46 percent of the Crataegus group showed improved EKG readings within 4 weeks, whereby the control group showed 3 percent improved readings. (Source: J. Tradit. Chin. Med.)

Study: Crataegus leaf extract led to decreased oxygen consumption and improved oxygen utilization and heart function when given to dogs. (Source: J. Tradit. Chin. Med.)

Study: 60 patients with mild stable forms of angina were given either a tablet with Crataegus extract (brand: Crategutt novo) or a placebo 3 times daily. EKG readings under exertion improved significantly in the treated group vs. the control group. (Source: Therapiewoche)

Other Angina Treatment Herbs

Additional research has also shown the beneficial effects for treating angina with the following:

Khella (Ammi visnaga): Commercial supplements are widely available for healthcare professionals. Effects are less than those reported for hawthorn. Active ingredients may have toxic effects at clinical doses.

Astragalus membranaceus (currently correct name: Astragalus propinquus): Widely available in supplement form. Better known as an herb for boosting the immune system. One major Chinese study showed significant benefits in treating heart disease in humans. However, treatment was not with any available oral form.

Terminalia arjuna: Important cardiotonic herb in Ayurvedic medicine. One small clinical study (10 patients) showed significant improvement in several indicators of heart health, including lower frequency of angina.

Dr. Dennis Clark is a retired university professor and research scientist who has studied the biochemistry of plant natural products for more than 35 years. He provides his scientific views on the most important herbs for human health. Get his top recommendations for the best herbs and supplements for daily use in his report, “The Five Pillars of Basic Nutrition.” Download your free copy at http://herbscientist.com.

Do you believe that you can achieve and maintain good health by using alternative natural health care? Basically, natural health care or also called alternative medicine have been used since the old times. Alternative medicine or natural health care is any healing practice used in place of conventional medicine. Natural health remedies are a better way to relax and reduce stress and anxiety.

These days there are still a lot of people around the world using natural or alternative health care products and most products work even better than those commercialized products. Even some doctors are recommending these types of products to patients who prefer non-invasive methods of healing or are no longer using conventional medicine. There are different approaches to natural health care and it actually depends on your ailment.

Here are some of the natural health care practices that you can benefit from to achieve good health:

Herbal medicines- Using of herbs can treat various health problems like diabetes, skin diseases etc. is Herbal medicines also help you lose weight naturally and designed to restore your body balance and strengthen the immune system.

Aromatherapy refers to use of plant materials or essential oils to cure such diseases. Essential oils and other aromatic compounds are for the purpose of improving a person’s mood and health. Essential oils are added to oil base which is applied to the body for massaging. Basically the skin absorbs it to stimulate the circulatory system.

Some essential oils like tea tree have anti-microbial effects and may be useful for treatment of infectious diseases.

Acupuncture-Basically when we hear that word, you will think about needles, right? Acupuncture is the procedure of inserting needles into various parts of the body to relieve pain and gives therapeutic purposes. Acupuncture is a form of treatment in traditional Chinese medicine and is used to treat a wide variety of illnesses and health conditions.

Yoga is one way of feeling relaxed and calm. It regulates your body parts and allows your mind to relax and free from stressful problems. This is one way to achieve a natural health as it offers different physiological benefits such as respiratory rate and blood pressure decreases. It is also an aid for anxiety and depression.

Natural health care is the best health care practice as it helps you get rid of your health problems naturally, free from any harmful chemicals. This is more preferred rather than the conventional medicines because it does not have any side effects that would affect our health in the long run. This may even be more effective than any other medicines available.

Correct posture can play an important part in general health. Flat feet can effect your posture and if you have this condition then try arch supports for flat feet, as these can help or a flat foot insole.

Infertility is generally defined as the inability to produce an offspring. With the constant developments in technology, a lot of new solutions to this old dilemma are now available. One can opt to either do intrauterine insemination (sperm is placed inside the female’s reproductive tract), or in vitro fertilization (fertilization occurs outside of the body in a glass dish, also called IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (injection of sperm into the egg). But there is a way to resolve infertility that has been tested by time, and that is acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a part of Eastern medicine that has been around for ages. In acupuncture tips of fine needles are inserted at specific body points in order to treat pain or disease or conditions, such as infertility. Acupuncture establishes healthy body function through restoring the natural circulation of energy by using needles for stimulation. Acupuncture triggers the release of the neurochemical ‘endorphin’ which reduces pain and results to positive mood. Along with that neurohormones and neurotransmitters also flow to the body – these chemicals serve as aids for the healing process.

The use of acupuncture as a cure for infertility has been documented in old Chinese writings of medical nature. Aside from typical needle insertions, it also included exercises to improve energy flow in one’s body. However, because of the modernization of acupuncture, it is now practiced along with other infertility treatments in order to handle issues like hormonal imbalance.

Acupuncture is typically compared to the rehabilitative process of physical therapy. Experts recommend that an ideal fertility treatment should involve combination of acupuncture with herbal medicine and conventional medical interventions. In modern acupuncture women are treated for about three to four months before undergoing another type of infertility therapy such as in vitro fertilization and the like. It is also suitable for women who are about to or has already undergone embryo transfer.

But, similar to other forms of remedy, acupuncture may present a few risks. The biggest gamble when someone is undergoing acupuncture as a supplement with other infertility treatments is the probability of a miscarriage that may be caused by pressing of incorrect points in the expectant mother. This is the principal reason why it is best to have an acupuncturist who has a good knowledge in the treatment of fertility disorders.

Even though there are probable drawbacks, to compensate, modern acupuncture for the treatment of acupuncture has a lot of advantages as well. First and foremost, it efficiently regulates and generally manages the body’s normal functioning due to its result of increase blood flow to the different organs. Secondly, acupuncture assists the progress of the formation of a thick lining in the inner membrane of the uterus as it increases blood flow to it. Thirdly, it improves the functions of the ovaries and follicles.

Another important advantage of acupuncture is its participation in enhancing the success rate of in vitro fertilization. It has been confirmed that there have been quantifiable developments in the process of embryo transfer during in vitro fertilization which results to a greater possibility of pregnancy. In these days some fertility centers and specialists have included the use of acupuncture as a substantial part of their in vitro fertilization treatment.
One other great benefit of acupuncture is its part in the cure of fertility problems such as spasmed tubes. Acupuncture helps de-spasm these troubled tubes.

Still another positive point about acupuncture is that it works well along with herbs in the treatment of various physiological conditions like elevated follicle stimulating hormone (regulates reproductive process of the body), repeated pregnancy loss, luteal phase defect (pregnancy cannot be sustained due to the breaking down of the uterine lining which results to menstrual bleeding and then causes miscarriage), polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS (irregular menstrual cycle), sperm-DNA-fragmentation in men and hyperprolactinemia when the cause is other than prolactinoma (presence of abnormally high-levels of prolactin in the blood).

However, though great results have been recorded, it is still best to consult your physician and get their recommendation before trying out acupuncture.

Susan A. Ward is infertility expert. For more great information on acupuncture, visit http://www.completeguidetoinfertility.com

While natural ingredients include an entire range of produces derived from plant leaves, roots, bark, fruits, and even extracted oils, herbal skin care products derive their beneficial effects from herbs. Herbs are low-growing aromatic plants that can be used either fresh or dried; these include annuals (which must be seeded each year) as well as perennial herbs (which survive the winter to grow again in the spring). Usually, it’s herbs’ leaves that are used to enhance skin care products’ benefits.

The Herb Research Foundation classifies herbal & organic skin care products into one of four groups, depending on the herbs that the products include, and the scale of sale. The four groups are Ayurvedic, Chinese, General, and Commercial.

Ayurvedic herbs are the herbs used in India, including ginger, turmeric, and frankincense as well as pants that are less well known in English such as ashwagandha. These four, in combination, have been shown in texts to decrease rheumatoid factor and interleukins, which are the biological markers of rheumatoid arthritis activity.

It’s a little-known fact that Chinese herbs are seldom used alone, but are more often used in formulas of four. In Chinese herbal medicine, the formula is assembled just like the individuals in a royal court. There’s a King Herb that has the strongest effect, a Minister Herb that addresses the min pathology as well as a secondary pathology, and assistant herbs. Assistant Herbs can be helpful and strengthen the King’s effect, corrective and eliminate the King or Minister herb’s toxic effect, or opposing in order to decrease the King’s effect.

General herbs are those with entries in reference publications such as the Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs that describe their medicinal properties. The names of many of these will be familiar to you; you may have seen seeds to grow them in the grocery store, or you may actually have some of them growing inside or near by your house. And commercial herbs are those wholesalers sell in bulk.

For more on homemade organic soap making as well as candle making and other do-it-yourself crafts visit the soap making resources center at Pure and Natural Soaps where you’ll find articles, recipes, instructions, ideas and tips.
To discuss these and other craft projects visit the Soap Making Message Board – a community forum for soap and candle making as well as other crafts and do-it-yourself projects. Discuss techniques, share ideas, learn new methods, post your favorite recipes and meet new friends.

Zandra Jones, RN BBA is an alternative health advisor and owner of Alternative Herbal Treatment

If your doctor tells you that your hormones are fluctuating, you may want to consider an herbal hormone replacement. Herbs have been used throughout the centuries for all that has ailed mankind, and hormone replacement has also benefited from the use of herbs. If you are worried about finding and using the correct herbs to help your body, you shouldn't be. Finding the right herbs for you is as easy as a trip to the library, a search on the internet, or a call to a dietician.

First of all you must figure out what type of symptoms you are having. Are you having hot flashes, mood swings depression, irritability, or vaginal dryness? Some herbs work better than others depending on the symptoms and if you can find a good herbalist trained in the area of herbal hormone replacement than he or she can definitely point you in the right direction. Of course, the basic herbs are black cohosh, red clover, wild yam extract, evening primrose, dong quai, and damiana that you need to research in order to know which is best.

Your local public library will have many resources to benefit your search for an herbal hormone replacement. From medical references to magazines, books to educate you in selecting the right herbs or growing them, your public library will have all you need to educate yourself in your body's needs. The librarians you find there will be able to point you in the right direction for any book you are seeking. Just imagine the amount of information you can bring home to help you in your quest!

If you have access to the internet, you may want to try an internet search for an herbal hormone replacement. You may be able to find a forum to ask your questions, with knowledgeable people who have already done the research and are willing to share their hard earned results. You would also be able to find which herbs would best benefit you and which ones to avoid. You may even become so knowledgeable that you choose to help other beginners to find the herbs that are right for them.

Dieticians can be very helpful when it comes to finding an herbal hormone replacement. Dieticians have studied the effects of herbs and their benefits for many years, and are able to help you control your body's hormones for a fee. If sitting and reading is not exactly your cup of tea, you may benefit from an appointment with a dietician. You wouldn't need to spend your time researching the correct herbs for your needs – a dietician would be able to immediately suggest something for you to use. Of course, a responsible dietician will want to see you over the course of many months to keep up with your progress and make sure that the herbal hormone replacement is working for you.

It seems as if everyone is looking for products with boosting immune system qualities. While supplements and natural herbs can help we may find that the best approach to boosting the immune system involves lifestyle changes. I know that we love the idea of taking a pill to take care of our health but the core of the problem behind most illnesses is our environment.

Sleep is extremely important yet many of us do not get the recommended eight hours of rest our bodies require each night. Some people may not think that this really has an effect on our bodies but it really does. Sleep is effective in boosting immune systems in people of all ages.

The reason that this neglected aspect of our lives is left on the wayside when it comes to health is beyond me. Your body needs to sleep if it is working on boosting immune system functioning correctly. As you rest your body has a chance to build itself back up to full strength. It is just like exercising. If you work out too hard for too long, your body will collapse. If you do not rest your self your immune functioning may collapse as well.

Speaking of exercise, making sure that you get enough physical activity is crucial to boosting immune system health. Exercise can be as simple as a brisk walk around the neighborhood. You really don’t have to go to a gym or purchase exercise equipment to get enough physical activity to boost the immune system.

If you are going to exercise, chances are you are going to get thirsty. Before you reach for that sports-drink consider a nice, clear glass of water. Water is great for boosting immune system functioning because it washes away toxins in the body. If your body doesn’t have the toxins to contend with, it is more likely to focus on the immune system.

When it comes to food, choose items that are rich in antioxidants. Common choices are blueberries, broccoli and whole grains. As a general rule, keep foods as natural as possible. The more processing the less the foods are qualified in boosting immune system health.

Of course, if you are concerned about wellness and you feel that you really need more than natural remedies for boosting immune system health, make sure that you see your doctor. Chances are, you physician has the right answers for your questions and concerns.