Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 You do this with a variety of herbal medicines. Can you give people who aren't familiar with your work an idea of what you do?
Kilham:Basically, I travel around the world investigating medicinal plants in different countries. Whether it's in the Amazon, Southeast Asia, Siberia, India or China, I go to a host country, hook up with people who are knowledgeable about or experts on a particular plant that I'm investigating, whether it's ginseng, maca, horny goat weed or anything at all.
Then I go as deeply as I can into the growing conditions. |
Dr. Paula Baillie-Hamilton
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 Natural Remedies
In addition to the above, there is also a whole range of natural and herbal medicines that are used to enhance the immune system. These include echinacea, garlic, ginger, goldenseal, aloe vera, mushrooms, elderberry, and many others. Many appear to be very effective, but first make sure that you are getting all the nutrients you need. Once any nutritional deficiencies are sorted out, you can then move on to herbal remedies.
Chapter 6
Neurological Disorders
OUR BRAINS ARE THE MOST important part of our bodies—they make us who and what we are. |
Michael Friedman, ND
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 Conventional Western medical reductionism and specialization may be hindering our ability to understand the use of herbal medicines as agents whose clinical effects demonstrate their ability to re-establish health.
Traditional Chinese medicine, Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine, and the Eclectic tradition of Western herbalism have classified disease in ways that are very different from Western conventional medicine, based on seeing patients as individuals, each with a unique manifestation of a disease state. |
Rainer W. Bussmann and Douglas Sharon
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 The world market for herbal medicines based on traditional knowledge is now estimated at US$ 60,000 million [11]. The sales of Herbs and herbal nutritional supplements in the US increased 101% between May 1996 and May 1998. The most popular herbal products included Ginseng (Ginkgo biloba), Garlic (Allium sativum), Echinacea spp. and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) [12].
Traditional and Complementary Alternative Medicine are gaining more and more respect by national governments and health providers. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 The vast majority of people on the planet don't even use prescription drugs -- they use plants and herbal medicines which, by the way, are not manufactured in medicine labs. They're made inside the leaves, roots, stems and fibers of plants. Garlic, for example, contains dozens of antiviral compounds (as well as phytochemicals that lower cholesterol, halt the growth of cancer tumors, and much more).
Pomegranate seeds, blueberries and other superfruits contain the strongest and most biologically diverse antioxidants known to anyone. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
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 Eclectic physicians (doctors who recommended herbal medicines) in the United States at the end of the 19th century continued the traditional uses of prickly ash, primarily as a digestive aid, to strengrhen the nervous system, and for cholera.2 The bark was also widely used by herbalists to treat rheumatic conditions.3 Prickly ash is also considered an alterative in traditional herbalism, meaning it enhances the body's ability to fight against and recover from all manner of difficulties. |
Michael Castleman
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 Plants caused just 2 deaths and 53 major poisonings. herbal medicines caused virtually no problems. The most hazardous plants were not herbal medicines but ornamentals: jade, holly, poinset-tia, schefflera, philodendron and dieffenbachia. The typical victim was a child under age five who ingested the plant by accident.
While the vast majority of herbal medicines present no danger to health, using them does require knowledge and proper caution. Too much of any good thing can cause harm, and studies show that a few herbs that were once considered safe for internal use are in fact hazardous. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
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 Parts Used: Berries, flowers Form Used: Tincture, tea Potential Side Effects: None
Comments: It's one of the best herbal medicines for the flu. Elecampagne (Inula helenium)
Medicinal Use: Respiratory tract infections, digestive support Parts Used: Root Form Used: Tea, tincture
Potential Side Effects: None in normal doses; high doses can cause vomiting and digestive upset.
Comments: Use it as a lung tonic. |
Amarjit S. Basra
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 It included 5,000 color photographs of Chinese herbal medicines in ten volumes and was published in 1988 and 1989.
In the course of Chinese history, Chinese medicines rose from mythical substances to a system of herbal medical treatments. Although the materia medica has been recompiled many times, the basic contents have remained the same. This is because the evaluation of a drug was recorded by famous and well-experienced physicians. Many of their famous prescriptions were handed down from generation to generation with only minor alterations. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
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| This is one of the most common forms of herbal medicines, along with capsules and teas. Since it is in a liquid form, tinctures are easy to absorb and assimilate. Some herbs require an alcohol extraction process so that certain medicinal constituents are pulled out of the plant and made available to the user. Some people do not like the taste, due to the alcohol. The taste can be improved by adding the herbs to a small cup of hot water and letting it sit for a few minutes, allowing some of the alcohol to evaporate, and then adding it to juice. |
Dr. Paula Baillie-Hamilton
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| Natural Remedies
In addition to the above, there is also a whole range of natural and herbal medicines that can be used to enhance the nervous system. Many appear to be very effective, such as ginkgo biloba extract for memory loss and Saint-John's-wort for depression. First make sure that you are getting all the nutrients, and once any nutritional deficiencies have been sorted out, then move on to herbal remedies. |
Michael T. Murray
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 We also incorporate important herbal medicines and "functional foods" in our program to help control blood sugar levels. Recent developments in these areas have led to natural remedies that are effective, are free of unwanted side effects, and have substantial documentation of efficacy.
Evidence-Based Natural Medicine?Our Clinical Experience
Beat Diabetes Naturally presents what we call evidence-based natural medicine. This means that our recommendations are derived from scientific evidence, not folklore or marketing hype. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
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| In fact, many herbal medicines not only work better than conventional medicines but also taste better!
For example, if a tincture that has an alcohol base is used, put the desired amount of herb in a quarter cup of hot water for five minutes to let the alcohol evaporate, let it cool, and then add the tincture to water or juice. One of our favorites is to mix herbal teas with juice! Other strategies include
1. Mixing herbal capsules in foods, such as oatmeal, apple sauce, and jam.
2. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
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| Early 20th century Eclectic physicians (doctors who recommended herbal medicines) in the United States felt vervain might be helpful for mild digestive problems (page 260).2 Vervain also has a reputation as a traditional remedy for stimulating production of breast milk.3
Active constituents
The active constituents of vervain have not been thoroughly demonstrated. Glycosides, such as verbenalin and aucubin, and a volatile oil may all contribute to its activity.4 No human studies have documented the use of this herb for any condition.
How much is usually taken? |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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 Some health insurance companies cover the cost of herbal medicines when they are prescribed by health care professionals. The Office of Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health, is funding research on herbal remedies. According to an article published in USA Today, nearly 50 million Americans regularly use herbal supplements.
Herbal supplements are not subject to the same standards as are prescription and over-the-counter drugs. This is one of the main criticisms of this type of supplement. |
Leslie Taylor, ND
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 The PDR for herbal medicines indicates that the effects of jaborandi leaves are as follows: increases the secretion of saliva, sweat, gastric juices and tears; and stimulates the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract, bronchi, bile duct, and bladder.9 Herbalists and natural health practitioners attribute the same biological activities for the plant as the main activities clinically validated for pilocarpine, but there is no actual clinical research on leaf extracts to support them or qualify them. |
Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.
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 The reviewers suggest that herbal medicines such as holy basil or Bushen Jiang-tang Tang merit further study. We can't disagree. Any diabetic who chooses to try traditional Chinese herbs needs two doctors, though: one skilled in traditional Chinese medicine and the other up-to-date on endocrinology, especially diabetes treatment. It might be challenging to organize their close collaboration, but it is essential.
BITTER MELON
Bitter melon, or Momordica charantia, is a plant in the cucumber/squash family that is used as a vegetable as well as a medicine in much of China. |
Roberta Bivins
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 Even English customers are taking to Tiger Balm, a formidable specific for aches and pains).11
Although a major vehicle of transmission, Chinese immigration was not the only route by which Tiger Balm and other non-western medicines found their way into European and North American homes. Burma, Singapore, and Hong Kong were, of course, British colonies when the Aw brothers began to build their Tiger Balm empire. Like their predecessors over the centuries, some British civil servants investigated and took up indigenous medical products for their own use. |
Michael T. Murray
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| Examples of supplementary measures include medications, nutritional supplements, herbal medicines, and any other treatment measure designed to support or improve health. An example of an essential supplementary measure is the use of insulin in the treatment of people with insulin-dependent diabetes. At this time, insulin is absolutely essential to these individuals. Without it, they would either die or suffer greatly. There are numerous other examples where an appropriately used medication or surgery is absolutely essential to support good health. |
T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. and Thomas M. Campbell II
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 Many people lump all of the "alternative" medicines and activities into this concept, so holistic health comes to mean acupressure, acupuncture, herbal medicines, meditation, vitamin supplements, chiropractic care, yoga, aromatherapy, Feng Shui, massage and even sound therapy.
Conceptually, I believe in holistic health, but not as a catchphrase for every unconventional and oftentimes unproven medicine around. Food and nutrition, for example, are of primary importance to our health. |
Leslie Taylor, ND
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| It stated that treatment with "Phyllanthus herb" (they acknowledged the confusion among the various species used) had "a positive effect on clearance of serum HBsAg" (HBV surface antigen) comparable to interferon and was better than nonspecific treatment or other herbal medicines for HBV and liver enzyme normalization.49 They also indicated that large trials were warranted due to these documented positive effects and the lack of standardization of research methods and plant species used in the various published studies to date. |
Joseph E. Mario
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 One of the oldest herbal medicines. A desert herb shrub, jointed grass of the Horsetail family rich in Silica; source for Ephedrine (Ma Huang), Pseudoephedrine (a vasoconstrictor, dries up mucous), Norpseudoephedrine (Amer.), 8 more alkaloids, and nine other active ingredients, Central Nervous System stimulants related to Adrenalin, substitute for Cortisone. For headaches, stuffed up ears, sinuses, colds, fevers, Ephedrine bronchodilates, for lung mucous, and asthma (with Fritillaria Roy lei and Armeniaca Amara). |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
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| The root of this plant is used in traditional Chinese herbal medicines and has been the focus of most scientific studies on scullcap. American scullcap (page 626) and Chinese scullcap are not interchangeable.
Chinese scullcap has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Rating Health Concerns
•k-k-C? |
by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
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| For many people in the world, herbal medicines are the only therapeutic agents available. It is difficult to assess the extent to which plants are used as medicines throughout the world, but the World Health Organization has estimated that perhaps 80 percent of the world's population relies on traditional therapies for their primary health care needs. Since botanical medicine is the major part of traditional therapies, it can be safely stated that the majority of the world's population relies on plants as medicines. |
Richard P. Brown, M.D., and Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D.
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 There is a growing sense of urgency among environmental biologists and other scientists in similar fields, as well as among responsible members of the herbal industry, that the continued worldwide demand for herbal medicines could have a deleterious impact on native plant populations. This legitimate concern is particularly relevant to herbs like Rhodiola rosea, whose desired medicinal part is the root. To harvest the root, the entire plant must be destroyed. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
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 Because PAs are often the toxic but not the biologically active principles of many herbal medicines, methods have been developed to eliminate PAs from crude plant extracts. Removal of PAs is accomplished by treating alcoholic plant extracts with cation-exchange resins.
Medicinal plants that contain only nontoxic saturated PAs are Arnica montana and Echinacea species. Toxic PAs, those with an unsaturated necine base, are hepatic and genetic toxins; some are also respiratory toxins. The toxicology of PAs and the plants that contain them are discussed in greater detail in chapter 10. |
Walter Last
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 Beck warned that cells may take up medical drugs and herbal medicines at a much higher rate during the zapping, due to a process called electroporation; this may cause drug overdosing. Originally, he recommended not using drugs and other potentially dangerous remedies, including raw garlic, during the weeks and months of treatment. However, in later interviews, he softened his stand and advised cautiously taking needed drugs or potentially dangerous remedies after the daily zapping rather than beforehand. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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 Cayenne pepper, although hot, heals mucous membranes and is commonly recommended for ulcers in herbal medicines. So, even though peptic ulcers are on the contraindication list, some people may be helped by fasting, especially with cabbage/vegetable juices.
Contraindications for Fasting
Underweight Fatigue
Low immunity
Weak heart
Low blood pressure
Cardiac arrhythmias Cold weather Pregnancy Nursing
Pre- and postsurgery Cancer Peptic ulcers Nutritional deficiencies Children
As with any therapy, fasting has some potential hazards. |
Heather Boon, BScPhm, PhD and Michael Smith, BPharm, MRPharmS, ND
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 Manufacturers of Traditional herbal medicines were allowed to make approved medicinal claims on product labels; however, the products also had to indicate that they were for use by adults only (some exceptions exist); that they should not be used in pregnancy or lactation; and that the term "natural" could only be used to describe a product sold in its original state (i.e., without processing or refinement).1
Labeling standards existed for only a few herbs, including chamomile, echinacea root, ephedra, feverfew leaf, ginkgo, peppermint, St. John's wort and valerian. |
| Current Medicinal Uses
Ginkgo biloba is one of the most widely used and best researched herbal medicines. While more evidence is needed, Ginkgo biloba products are used for a variety of conditions, many associated with aging, including: peripheral vascular disease, tinnitus, dementia, cases of trauma to the brain and "chronic cerebral insufficiency."78 It is important to realize that the vast majority of research supporting the use of Ginkgo biloba refers to standardized extracts (Ginkgo biloba extract or GBE) made from the leaf. |
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