FAQ
Pamela Allen MH
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What is an herb?
Medicinally, an herb is any plant part or plant used for its therapeutic value.
What is herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine is the art and science of using herbs for promoting health and preventing and treating illness. It has persisted as the world’s primary form of medicine since the beginning of time with a written history more that 5000 years old. It was born at home out of necessity. It is the medicine of the people, for the people, by the people and is available to all who are interested. While the use of herbs in America was overshadowed by dependence on modern medications the last 100 years, 75% of the world’s population still relies primarily upon traditional healing practices, most of which is herbal.
What is an Herbalist?
Herbalists are people who dedicate their lives to working with medicinal plants. They are healers, scientists, naturopaths, holistic medical doctors, researchers, writers, herbal medicine makes, wild crafters, harvesters and herbal farmers to name a few. While quite varied, the common love and respect for life, especially the relationship between humans, unties them.
How effective are herbs?
The success of herbal treatment depends on a variety of factors including; how long the condition has existed, the severity of the condition, but most important of all is how diligently the treatment protocol is followed by the person.
Herbs can be very effective for acute conditions like colds and the flu and can be helpful fairly quickly. They are also useful for first-aid and the day to day minor problems we experience providing immediate relief.
When taken as tonics or to relieve a chronic condition one can see result in 2 to 3 weeks, but may take up to several months to clear a chronic condition or experience the tonic effects of some herbs.
A note on dosing: The main reason people find herbal medicine is ineffective is under dosing. Most products require 1-3 teaspoons 3 times per day or 1-3 capsules 3 times per day. My experience shows that the right herb at the right dose over a sufficient period of time yields excellent results.
How long will it take?
There is no single simple answer to this question. Really it depends very much on the individual and on the nature of the illness, Generally speaking, the longer you have been sick the longer it will take to regain your health, As a general guideline, you could expect to see some improvement within 2 to 3 weeks and have significant results within 2 to 3 months. See the note on dosing, above.
How are herbs different from Pharmaceuticals?
Most pharmaceutical drugs are single chemical entities that are highly refined and often synthesized. In 1987 about 85% of modern drugs were originally derived from plants. Currently, only about 15% of drugs are derived from plants. In contrast, herbal medicines are prepared from living or dried plants and contain hundreds to thousands of interrelated constituents. Herbs are more closely related to food than pharmaceuticals.
What form do the remedies take?
There are many things to consider when contemplating the use of an herbal remedy. Herbalists use a wide range of plant based material for internal and external use. Preparations such as tinctures, fluid extract, syrups, capsules and creams are all forms that remedies can take. Extracts typically have alcohol as a there base and may cause problems for some. Some herbs are more effective when used fresh others must be dried before use. Many herbs taste bad so consuming them as a tea or in extract form may be difficult. Syrups may be most useful with finicky children.
Typically tinctures, extracts, syrups, and capsules are most commonly used for internal conditions. Creams, salves, liniments, powdered herbs, and poultices are useful for topical applications.
How do I decide which herbs are right for me?
Choosing the right herb is an art as well as a science and there is a lot to be said for good old fashioned research. Consider the availability of the herb, can you get it? Is it new and the latest thing? Herbs have along history of use so always consider the traditional uses. It is a good practice to be suspicious of undocumented claims. Investigate the therapeutic action of the herb and consider its constituents. Herbs can interact with other medications always use extra caution when combining herbs with prescription medications. Start with simple situations and gentle herbs that have more tonic effects. Grow herbs, add them to your daily life, experiment, practice, and have fun slowly increasing your knowledge.
©2006 Pamela Allen MH.