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The Herbal Drugstore Linda B. White, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Chapter l What Is herbal medicine? Herbs were the first drugs that we humans had at our disposal. Our ancestors learned over time which plants harmed them and which plants seemed to help them. They developed ways to preserve and extract the healing compounds from these plants. The world over, most cultures have some knowledge about local plants that can do them good. In some cases, what ancient civilizations learned about treating illnesses with herbs has been proven correct by modern researchers.

The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay. See book keywords and concepts

Abel moved into the fields of nutritional biochemistry and herbal medicine. He and I feel strongly that there are answers to be found. For one thing, we have both found that there are almost always systemic problems associated with uveitis and iritis. We look for signs and symptoms— especially dry skin, digestive disturbance, nervousness, constipation, coated tongue, fatigue—and treat accordingly. Using these strategies we have put many patients into prolonged remissions. A basic formula for chronic uveitis consists of two parts, which should be 70-80% of the formula: 1.

Herbal medicine without a rational or practical basis is no better than science without a philosophical basis. I believe we should root ourselves in a philosophy that respects the healing power of nature, yet strives always to be in harmony with scientific findings. One of the scientific findings that drives this point home is that religious and spiritual people who attempt to love others are healthier than nonreligious people. They actually experience lower incidences of cancer and heart attacks, and they live longer. / don't have much experience with herbs.

The FDA is responsible for regulation of the herbal medicine industry. There is currently controversy about the quality of the job the FDA is doing. Some critics say the FDA is not strict enough, while others say the government is too oppressive. In an ideal world, we would know that if a company follows government GMPs (good manufacturing practices) and other regulations, we could be reasonably certain the product was safe in terms of correct plant material content, potency, and purity.

TCM doctors trained in China or those who have completed higher levels of training in herbal medicine in the United States often use the additional title O.M.D. or D.O.M. (doctor of Oriental medicine). What is traditional Ayurvedic medicine? Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine (TAM), or Ayurveda, is the traditional medical system of India and Nepal. It is the third-largest medical system in the world today. Ayurveda was founded when a group of sages gathered in the Himalayan Mountains before the birth of Christ and broke up into eight committees led by an expert practitioner.

An herbalist is a practitioner of and contributor to the field of herbal medicine. Hailing from all parts of the world, herbalists include native healers, shamans, scientists, naturopaths, holistic medical doctors, nutritionists, pharmacists, growers, collectors, writers, and many others. What are the world's herbal traditions? Every society, in all parts of the world, has its own herbal tradition which has evolved over time.

I would add that it is also the art and tradition of using herbal medicines to protect and augment health, and to prolong healthy life. How long have people been using herbs? A long, long time. There is educated speculation that prehistoric humans used herbs for illness by following the example of animals. German medical scholar Paul Unschuld tells us that in the Shang Empire, about 16 centuries before the birth of Christ, we find the first written evidence of the Chinese use of herbs for healing. Two of the most important diseases were "curse of an ancestor" and "blow of a demon.

The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person's Guide to the Wonders of Medicinal Plants Michael T. Murray, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

History and folk use Lobelia was used extensively by Thomsonians (see The History of herbal medicine) as an emetic (inducer of vomiting), diaphoretic, expectorant, sedative, antispasmodic, and antiasthmatic. Conditions for which it has been used include the treatment of asthma, whooping cough, bruises, sprains, ringworm, insect bites, poison ivy symptoms, and many others. Thomson stated, "there is no vegetable which the earth produces more harmless in its effect on the human system, and none more powerful in removing disease and promoting health than lobelia.

The Way of Chinese Herbs Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D. See book keywords and concepts

It was an attraction to herbal medicine that guided my efforts to overcome my uneasiness and inhibitions and explore such arcane haunts that seemed to represent the widest cultural gap between East and West. The average Western visitor is fascinated by and curious about the lively interest the Chinese have had in indigenous medicine for over 3,000 years. Typically, one may find a storefront exhibit of various grades of ginseng (Panax ginseng), dang gui (Angelica sinensis), huang qi or astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), and innumerable other herbs, roots and barks.

The Herbal Drugstore Linda B. White, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Stinging nettle Part II Drugs and Their Herbal Alternatives The Remedies at a Glance If you have been diagnosed with a certain disease or disorder, scan the available herbal remedies outlined on the following pages, then turn to the complete chapter for that condition. herbal medicine has much to offer for some disorders,- for others there are only a few herbs that are effective. For some conditions, there are separate internal and external herbal treatments, and for some there are herbs that can be used both internally and externally.

The Way of Chinese Herbs Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Sydney NSW 2000 phone: (02) 261-8863 New Zealand Chen's Traditional Chinese herbal medicine Ltd. 107 St. Lukes Rd Mt. Albert Auckland phone: (09) 849-8239 Dragonspace 11 Mt. Eden Road Mt. Eden Auckland phone: (09) 357-0753 Jamu Herbs Shop 90 Oriental Markets Birtomart Place Auckland phone: (09) 480-1709 CHINESE HERBS ON THE INTERNET Planetherbs Online Order Chinese herbs, formulas, extracts, and planetary formulas on the Internet, http ://supplies. planetherbs. com CHINESE HERBAL PUBLICATIONS North American Journal of Oriental Medicine (NAJOM) 896 West King Edward Ave.

My first impression of Chinese herbal medicine came from visits to Chinese pharmacies in San Francisco's Chinatown. Instead of seeming a part of a North American metropolis, San Francisco's Chinatown could be a transplant of similar shopping centers throughout Southeast Asia such as in Hong Kong, Shanghai, or Taiwan, where a variety of businesses are situated below close-quartered residential apartments. In an incongruous juxtaposition, Chinatown offers clothing boutiques, ix small mom-and-pop Chinese corner grocery stores, and shops featuring such exotic foods as sea slugs and winter melon.

All of this is remarkably like traditional Chinese herbal medicine. While we offhandedly dismiss such sixteenth-century prescriptions as "superstitious" and "worthless" without ever considering the possibility of their efficacy, the Chinese maintain respect for traditional medicine. In recent years, they have subjected its theories, along with the various plants, minerals, and animal parts used in traditional Chinese medicine, to scientific scrutiny and research.

Beyond obvious cultural differences, traditional Chinese herbal medicine is not so unlike the ancient traditional medicine of the West represented by the Greco-Roman teachings of Hippocrites and Galen. We chuckle at the famous "eye of newt" scene in Macbeth, while realizing that Shakespeare's son-in-law, John Hall, was a famous doctor of the time whose materia medica, a mere 400 years ago, regularly included a wide assortment of medicinal plants, minerals, and what seems to us today to include some bizarre insect and animal parts.

The Way of Herbs Michael Tierra See book keywords and concepts

Being one of the most powerful methods of alternative treatment, magnet therapy is often effective in relieving inflammation and pain more quickly and efficiently than either herbal medicine or acupuncture. Properly used, magnet therapy is so powerful and yet safe that it warrants a full discussion, as in my Biomagnetic and Herbal Therapy (Lotus Press, 1997). How does one use magnets for healing?

For years, Michael and I have been working and teaching in Santa Cruz, representing two very diverse aspects of herbal medicine. In that time, I have come to gain a deep respect for the traditional medical systems that gave rise to much of our current knowledge and Michael has gained a keen interest in the scientific explanations and clinical evaluations of herb action. It was therefore most appropriate and timely that we should join forces in producing this book.

It is essential to keep the major herbal reference books updated so they reflect the latest directions in herbal medicine. It is time the many incredible and valuable herbs successfully employed in other countries became known and used. Although some have long been in mainstream use, others are just becoming known. Still others are important alternatives to many of our plants now endangered by overharvesting. The Way of Herbs, now a bible for herbalism, strives to keep abreast of this need and the growing knowledge of new herbs and available research.

The Super Anti-Oxidants: Why They Will Change the Face of Healthcare in the 21st Century James F. Balch, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Herbal Antioxidants and the Tissues They Protect herbal medicine Flavonoid (Antioxidant) Name Tissues Protected Hawthorn oligomeric procyanadins, heart, circulatory vitexin system Bilberry anthocyanosides eyes, circulatory system Ginkgo glycosides, ginkgolides, brain, nervous system, bilobasides cardiovascular system Milk thistle silymarin liver, gallbladder "Beneficial effects of the flavonoids found in three herbs— gingko, bilberry, and milk thistle—are well documented.

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II: Over 1,200 New Doctor-Tested Tips and Techniques Anyone Can Use to Heal Hundreds of Everyday Health Problems the Editors of PREVENTION See book keywords and concepts

The first thing to try is to ask your doctor if he'll work with herbal medicine," says Robert Rountree, M.D., a holistic physician at the Helios Health Center in Boulder, Colorado. "You may be surprised." Even if your doctor won't deal with herbs, he may be able to refer you to someone who does. Go where the action is. "Ask the people at your local health food store if they're aware of any doctors who are sending their patients over," Dr. Rountree suggests. "That's a great way to find out." Don't forget to ask your fellow customers, too. Contact the guild.

The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Healing Gary Null, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Mowrey, The Scientific Validation of herbal medicine, New Canaan, CT, Keats Publishing, 1986, p. 230. ¦ CARROT Cancer Results of this study showed cancer and death by diethlynitrosamine (DNEA)-induced hepatomas in rats were significantly delayed by the consumption of only carrots for several days a week. —A. Reider, et al., "Delay of Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatoma in Rats by Carrot Feeding," Oncology, 40, 1983, p. 120-123.

Mowrey, The Scientific Validation of herbal medicine, New Canaan, CT, Keats Publishing, 1986, p. 67. This study examined the blood glucose levels of rabbits following oral intake of whole, dried and powdered plants of the Portulaca olecarae, Linn and Taraxaxum offinale. Results found both plants taken as a powder had significant hypoglycemic effects in rabbits other than those treated with alloxan. —M.S. Akhtar, et al., "Effects of Portulaca Oleracae (Kulfa) and Taraxacum Offinale (Dhud-hal) in Normoglycaemic and Alloxan-Treated Hyperglycaemic Rabbits," J.P.M.A., 35, July 1985.

Chinese herbal medicine Materia Medica, Seattle, Eastland Press, 1986, p. 382-384. Uterine Contractions Results of this study found that tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and ferulic acid (FA) (an alkaloid and phenolic compound contained in Ligusticum wallichii, respectively) significantly inhibited uterine movement in rats when administered perorally and intravenously, respectively. When combined in doses insufficient to individually inhibit, the two compounds inhibited uterine contractions synergistically as well. —Y. Ozaki & J.P.

Mowrey, The Scientific Validation of herbal medicine, New Canaan, CT, Keats Publishing, 1986, p. 73. Irritable Bowel Syndrome This double-blind, crossover study found peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules to be effective in reducing abdominal symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome. —"Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Peppermint Oil," British Medical Journal, October 6, 1979, p. 835-836. Ulcers This case-control study demonstrated that peppermint oil dramatically inhibited basal secretions in peptic ulcer patients. —J. Meyer, et al.

The Complete Book of Alternative Nutrition Selene Y. Craig, Jennifer Haigh, Sari Harrar and the Editors of PREVENTION Magazine Health Books See book keywords and concepts

Cancer Prevention The idea that herbs can fortify our bodies' defenses against cancer isn't a new one—but even those well-versed in herbal medicine admit that there isn't much scientific evidence to support it. "There's so much we don't know about the role different herbs play in the treatment of cancer," says Daniel Mowrey, Ph.D., director of the American Phytotherapy Research Laboratory in Salt Lake City. "There's a lot more research that needs to be done.

Whole Foods Companion: A Guide For Adventurous Cooks, Curious Shoppers, and lovers of natural foods Dianne Onstad See book keywords and concepts

Other species of angelica that come from Europe are used for flavoring wines, perfumes, and liqueurs, as well as in folk medicine. Culinary Uses Angelica has a flavor that most people enjoy; reminiscent of licorice and juniper berries, this sweet, hardy flavor permeates the fresh or dried leaves, stem, root, and seeds of the plant. The most celebrated part of angelica is its stem. Fresh stems can be cooked and eaten as a fresh herb, used for seasoning fish, or made into syrup for pudding and ice cream toppings.

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II: Over 1,200 New Doctor-Tested Tips and Techniques Anyone Can Use to Heal Hundreds of Everyday Health Problems the Editors of PREVENTION See book keywords and concepts

It's strong herbal medicine. "It's better to drink small amounts of itfrequently than large amounts infrequently," Geller says. Her recommendation is to drink % to V2 cup four or five times a day from the onset ofsymptoms. For maximum effectiveness, all of the ingredients should be in cut-and-sifted form. 3 parts echinacea 2 parts ginger 2 parts licorice I part astragalus I Vi parts cinnamon Combine the echinacea, ginger, licorice, astragalus, and cinnamon. To make the decoction, use 1 heaping tablespoon of the blend per cup of water.

The Herbal Drugstore Linda B. White, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Once you've become informed about the basics of herbal medicine, you can look up information about your particular condition in three places. "The Remedies at a Glance," a chart beginning on page 48, gives a quick rundown of the drug and herb treatments most often recommended. The chapters in part 3 provide more specific information about treatments for various conditions, including the potential side efects of each drug, as well as dosage information and safe-use guidelines for each herb.

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II: Over 1,200 New Doctor-Tested Tips and Techniques Anyone Can Use to Heal Hundreds of Everyday Health Problems the Editors of PREVENTION See book keywords and concepts

Qualified herbal practitioners include medical doctors and pharmacists who have studied herbal medicine, naturopathic doctors, doctors of oriental medicine (O.M.D.'s) or people certified in Chinese herbology, and herbalists who are members of professional herbal organizations around the world, such as the American Herbalists Guild and Britain's National Institute of Medical Herbalists. But herbs also let you help yourself, in the privacy of your own home. "If you go to the health food store and get an herb, you're very likely to achieve some success," Dr. Warnock says.

The Herbal Drugstore Linda B. White, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

My experience with ginger turned me into an avid student of herbal medicine, and eventually spurred me to specialize in writing about herbs and the many other alternative therapies. In the 20-plus years that I've been studying alternative healing, herbal remedies have moved steadily from the fringes of medicine into the mainstream. On my last dive trip, I explored the magnificent reefs surrounding Roatan, a Caribbean island off the coast of Honduras.

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II: Over 1,200 New Doctor-Tested Tips and Techniques Anyone Can Use to Heal Hundreds of Everyday Health Problems the Editors of PREVENTION See book keywords and concepts

One reason for the growing popularity of herbal medicine is simply the health-care consumer's growing dissatisfaction with conventional medicine," says Shiva Barton, N.D., a licensed acupuncturist and lead naturopathic practitioner at Well-space, a complementary health center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The desire for an option is not limited to patients. "Every time I write a prescription, I have to think if there is an alternative to a pharmaceutical drug," says Dr. Rufsvold. "Is there something else that might also work?

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