Stephen Cummings and Dana Ullman
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 Of the many herbal treatments advised for poison-oak rashes, we haven't found one that is consistently successful. Some of the more promising include liberal applications of the juice of the plantain (Plantago) or Grindelia plants (either fresh or as tinctures available from homeopathic pharmacies), or green clay powder (available in health-food stores). Calamine and similar lotions feel cooling but don't really relieve much itching.
CASETAKING QUESTIONS FOR CONTACT DERMATITIS
Character of the symptoms: žIs the rash dry, or are there blisters? žIf there are blisters, how large are they? |
Mark Blumenthal
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 Healthcare providers should consider several important points when counseling patients on herbal treatments including: (1) herbal remedies are not usually as concentrated as conventional pharmaceuticals with some exceptions (i.e., some concentrated standardized extracts, e.g. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
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 Please see chapter 18 for details on appropriate herbal treatments and contraindications for these herbs. As noted there, great care must be taken in patients with a history of kidney disease to completely avoid stimulating diuretics, such as Juniperus. In addition, consider the treatment protocol given for prostatitis, at right. |
| This makes changing or developing herbal treatments problematic. Unless the herbalist is part of an active, living tradition, it is unwise to question or change information that was handed down, as the source of that knowledge no longer exists. An example may clarify this.
When in practice in West Wales, I came across a hill farmer who made an ointment for the treatment of shingles, a painful and intransigent viral infection of nerve ganglia. |
| When used in the context of the whole picture, herbal treatments for gastric and duodenal ulcers are extremely effective.
However, in this case we are concerned more with environmental impact than with therapeutic factors. Regardless of the relative therapeutic merits of drugs and herbs, a clear picture emerges when one compares their respective ecological costs.
The Impact of Herbs and Drugs on the Environment: A Comparison
Tagamet and the Environment The drug Tagamet is manufactured in a process that is notoriously dirty and produces much waste. This waste must be disposed of. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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 These include herbal treatments as well as minerals, and there are thousands in use. In addition, yogic breathing and other techniques
Table 11. |
Richard P. Brown, M.D., and Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D.
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 Dick: In 1990,1 was invited to give a lecture on herbal treatments for depression at a United Nations conference. Another speaker at the meeting—which was held in a stiflingly hot room—was a woman who teaches a form of yogic breathing called Sudarshan Kriya Yoga
(SKY). Breathing courses based on SKY are sponsored by the Art of Living Foundation, a nonprofit organization that does charitable and relief work in more than 100 countries.
The woman's presentation made a strong impression on me. |
Tanya Harter Pierce
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 But he started to quietly use the herbal treatments to help humans with cancer as well.
When Harry was eight years old, he began assisting his father in administering these treatments to some of the local people. These were generally people who had no other hope for recovery, and the Hoxsey remedies were having success . Just before his father's death, Harry, the youngest in a family of 12 children, was entrusted with the secrets of how to prepare the remedies and was given the responsibility to carry on the family's healing tradition.
Harry wanted to do this and enjoyed helping people. |
Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D.
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 Colds, Influenza, Fevers
General Herbal Treatments:
• For the initial stages of the common cold, influenza, and fevers, steep 6 grams each of chrysanthemum flowers, and honeysuckle flowers and 3 grams of licorice in 2 cups of boiling water. Take 1-2 cups before retiring to induce perspiration.
• For external wind-cold syndrome with symptoms of colds, influenza, fever, and chills with no perspiration, combine 10 grams of black soybeans with 9 grams of green onion in decoction. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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 When to see the doctor: If daily washing and herbal treatments are not enough to keep oily hair in check, see a dermatologist for an evaluation. tradiction, but it works, says Monique Martin, D.O., a doctor of osteopathic internal medicine at American WholeHealth in Littleton, Colorado. The seeds of both hemp and flax contain beneficial oils in the form of essential fatty acids.
Hempseed oil is considered the best source of the type of essential fatty acids known as omega-3's, which are known to promote skin health as well as protect against heart disease and many cancers. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
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 The interested reader can easily find chapters on the appropriate herbal treatments for arthritis, colds, flu, cough, allergies, and many other minor but annoying conditions.
In addition, Dr. Murray cites references to the scientific studies conducted worldwide. This long list will help the serious student of herbal medicine continue his/her research.
Through his prolific writings and research, Dr. Murray is the person most responsible for introducing herbal extracts and herbal standardization to the American consumer. I believe Dr. |
| The widespread disregard for quality control in the health food industry has done much to tarnish the reputation of ginseng as well as other important herbal treatments.
The use of standardized ginseng preparations is recommended to ensure sufficient ginsenoside content, consistent therapeutic results, and reduced risk of toxicity. Products should be standardized by their ginsenoside content. The typical dose (taken one to three times daily) for general tonic effects should contain a saponin content of at least 10 milligrams of ginsenoside Rgl, with a ratio of Rgl to Rbl of 1:2. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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 That's followed by profiles of the available herbal treatments as the experts review the scientific research, assess each herb's effectiveness, and describe typical dosage and potential side effects. They also explain when not to take a certain herb.
Besides drugs and their herbal alternatives, you'll find supplement recommendations, dietary strategies, and other lifestyle changes that may help treat or prevent certain conditions. There's discussion of other alternative therapies as well. To date, no other resource provides such a breadth of information in one comprehensive package. |
| 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.
But for many conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, and depression, it's critical that you don't discontinue your medication, substitute herbs, or begin taking herbs without the direct supervision of your doctor. Both herbs and pharmaceutical drugs act on the body,- both can have side effects. Some herbs interact with pharmaceutical drugs or other herbs in dangerous ways. |
| Finally, be aware that it would be impossible to include all of the rare side effects of drugs in a book of this size, just as it is impossible to predict what miraculous herbal treatments may be discovered in the future. The best strategy for your health is to stay informed and stay safe. |
| Savvy Traveling
In addition to herbal treatments, here are a few more things you can do to minimize your chances of experiencing motion sickness.
ž Avoid alcohol, both before and during atrip.
ž If you are traveling by boat, stay in the middle of the boat and on the upper deck, if there is one.
ž If you're small in stature, sit on a cushion so you can see straight ahead and focus on distant points.
ž Don't sit in a seat that faces backwards.
ž Wear headphones and listen to soothing music.
ž Don't take nutritional supplements on an empty stomach; they can cause nausea. |
Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D.
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| Chinese Food Therapy: Carrot congee, preroasted brown rice Chinese Formula: Wu Mei San (Mume Plum Combination) Chinese Patent: Curing Pills
Digestive Disorders
General Herbal Treatments:
• For stomach heat with symptoms of acid belching, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting, combine 9 grams each of phragmites, fresh ginger juice, bamboo shavings, and loquat leaves.
For stomach congestion, with distension, acid belching, and possible nausea and vomiting, combine 9 grams each of magnolia bark, atractylodes, and pinellia and 6 grams of citrus peel. Make the mixture into a tea or powder. |
| Chinese Food Therapy: Pearl barley congee
Chinese Formulas: Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang (Ephedra, Apricot, Gypsum, and Licorice Combination), Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Blue-Green Dragon Combination), Ba Wei Di Huang Wan (Rehmannia Eight)
Chinese Patents: Ge Jie Jiu (Gecko Wine), Bronchitis Pills (Compound), Pulmonary Tonic Pills, Asthma wan
Bleeding and Hemorrhage
General Herbal Treatments:
• Tienchi ginseng is commonly taken alone for bleeding and hemorrhage. The most famous Chinese trauma medicine is called Yunnan Baiyao, and it is commonly available at all Chinese pharmacies. |
| ELEVEN
SPECIFIC DISEASES AND TREATMENTS
[Following are a number of diseases and possible herbal treatments. Because of the depth and complexity of Traditional Chinese Herbal medicine, the treatments are only offered as suggestions and not intended to replace the assistance of qualified medical practitioners. Some of the treatments recommend classical Chinese formulas and Planetary herb formulas based on my own experience. |
| As with all Chinese herbal treatments, the herbs are generally combined with herbs that treat deficient yin, yang, blood, or qi as indicated. For instance, if there are complications of flaring of heart fire with severe emotional disturbance, herbs such as coptis and cinnabar are combined to relieve this condition. For epilepsy and convulsions, herbs that dissolve phlegm, such as bamboo shavings, are used along with antispasmodic herbs that calm internal wind, such as uncaria stem or gastrodia. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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| What's more, herbal treatments for constipation stack up nicely against the conventional kind, says Carolyn DeMarco, M.D., a physician in Winlaw, British Columbia, and member of the advisory board of Dominion Herbal College in Burnaby.
With prolonged use, some conventional constipation remedies, such as over-the-counter laxatives, can impair the normal function of the colon and lead to dependence over the long term. Herbs don't do that as often. In fact, herbs usually address the reason that you're constipated, not just the very obvious symptom. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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| There are no researched herbal treatments for Lyme disease. But James A. Duke, Ph.D., botanical medicine proponent and author of The
Biting Back with Nutrients
The following supplements may help you recover from an encounter with Lyme disease, actual or probable. And if it turns out to be a false alarm, the supplements are also good for overall health.
ž Essential fatty acids. Plant sources include evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil, borage oil, and flaxseed oil. |
Bill Gottlieb
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 Along with nutritional therapies, herbal treatments can help your body recover from this dangerous viral assault. If you think you have hepatitis C or have been diagnosed as having it, seek medical care. Talk to your doctor or your alternative practitioner before trying these or other alternative remedies.
MILK THISTLE: Rebuilds Damaged Cells
The herb milk thistle contains a group of chemicals called silymarin, which stimulate the synthesis of protein in liver cells and actually help the liver regenerate itself. |
Kathi Keville
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 Guessing that Mary might have some nerve trauma that could benefit from herbal treatments, I sent her home with a tincture that I had made using Saint-John's-wort combined with the muscle relaxants valerian, hops, passionflower, chamomile and catnip.
Over the next few weeks, I received a series of phone calls from Mary, each one more excited, as her hip and leg got better every day. In one call, she gleefully announced, "Guess what? My headaches have also disappeared!" And in another, "Now I have no more PMS! |
| Moreover, do not switch to herbal treatments for serious emotional disorders without consulting a professional health care practitioner, preferably one with whom you have a close working relationship.
Because depression is quite often a symptom of some other condition, you should attempt to eliminate its source instead of just looking for a quick fix from a drug or an herb. Michael E Bres-los, M.D. |
| If you do have breast cancer, you can use the herbal treatments for fibrocystic breasts as part of more comprehensive therapy.)
Too much estrogen is the most common cause of breast cysts, but it is not the only one. One of the functions of estrogen is to control another hormone called prolactin, whose job is to prepare a woman's body specifically her breasts, for possible pregnancy. When prolactin levels rise too high, problems occur: breast tenderness and cysts, as well as water retention. |
| Most people in developing nations still rely on herbal treatments.
The World Health Organization, the United Nations agency that monitors health and health problems around the world, considers traditional medicine well-suited for the Third World for several reasons. It is less expensive than Western medicine, it is usually effective for local health problems and it is already well-integrated into most Third World cultures. The first two of these reasons are arguments in favor of reintroducing herbalism into industrialized countries. |
Margarita Artschwager Kay
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 Roger Owen (1963) collected information on herbal treatments used by the inhabitants of Santa Catarina in 1958-59.
The rest of Baja California also has not gone unnoticed. Recently, Michael Winkel-man reported interviews with herbalists in Baja California Norte (1986) and treatments for diabetes (1989), while at the southernmost end of the peninsula, Rosalba Encar-naci6n Dimayuga and colleagues (Encarnaci6n and Agundez 1986; Encarnacion, Fort, and Luis 1987; Encarnaci6n and Keer 1991) interviewed elderly informants regarding medicinal plants in Baja California Sur. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 Although many homeopathic products utilize herbs, homeopathic medicine is different from other herbal treatments in that homeopathic doses are potentized (diluted). Homeopathic remedies are under FDA regulation and must adhere to the same manufacturing practices as pharmaceutical companies. Unlike FDA-approved drugs, however, homeopathic remedies are not required to undergo the same expensive and arduous approval process. The following is a list of some of the most commonly used homeopathic remedies. Most prepackaged products include a combination of several different homeopathic remedies. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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 If you enjoy herbal teas, prepare a blended tea of fenugreek, thyme, and licorice (see PREPARING herbal treatments in Part Three). These herbs act as mild decongestants and work to relieve nasal and sinus congestion. Take one cup of tea twice daily, as needed.
Note: Do not take licorice on a daily basis for more than five days in a row, as it can elevate blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, omit the licorice entirely.
¦ Nettle can be very helpful for drying out the sinuses. It can be highly effective for chronic allergies. |
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