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Herbal Medicine

Overview

Herbology (noun): The study of herbs and their medical properties, especially when combined

Herbal medicine (also herbalism) is the study of pharmacognosy and the use of medicinal plants, which are a basis of traditional medicine. With worldwide research into pharmacology, some herbal medicines have been translated into modern remedies, such as the anti-malarial group of drugs called artemisinin isolated from Artemisia annua, a herb that was known in Chinese medicine to treat fever. There is limited scientific evidence for the safety and efficacy of plants used in 21st century herbalism, which generally does not provide standards for purity or dosage. The scope of herbal medicine commonly includes fungal and bee products, as well as minerals, shells and certain animal parts. Herbal medicine is also called phytomedicine or phytotherapy.Paraherbalism describes alternative and pseudoscientific practices of using unrefined plant or animal extracts as unproven medicines or health-promoting agents. Paraherbalism relies on the belief that preserving various substances from a given source with less processing is safer or more effective than manufactured products, a concept for which there is no evidence.

Characteristics of Herbs

Herbs are plants that contain bioactive compounds capable of influencing human health. These compounds can include alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, and saponins and offer unique therapeutic properties and applications.
Some key characteristics of herbs include:

Adaptogenic Properties: Herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola help the body adapt to physical, mental, and environmental stressors, promoting overall balance.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Herbs such as turmeric and ginger are rich in curcumin and gingerol, compounds that can reduce inflammation and support joint and cardiovascular health.

Antioxidant Benefits: Herbs like rosemary and green tea contain powerful antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and chronic diseases.

Immune-Boosting Qualities: Echinacea and elderberry are known to enhance the immune system and reduce the severity of colds and flu.

Aromatic Qualities: Herbs such as peppermint and lavender can be used in aromatherapy to relieve stress, enhance mental clarity, and improve sleep.

Herbs are typically categorized based on their primary uses, such as culinary, medicinal, or aromatic purposes, though many herbs have multiple possible uses.

Uses of Herbs

Herbs play versatile roles in supporting health and well-being. Some common uses include:

Health Support: Herbal teas, tinctures, and supplements address ailments ranging from digestive discomfort to immune support. For instance, chamomile tea can calm the digestive system and promote sleep, while milk thistle supports liver detoxification.

Culinary Applications: Herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley not only enhance the flavor of dishes but also provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health.

Skincare and Beauty: Ingredients like aloe vera and calendula are prized for their anti-inflammatory and healing properties, making them staples in natural skincare products.

First Aid: Arnica and comfrey are commonly used topically to reduce bruising and promote the healing of minor injuries.

Integrating Herbology into Holistic Health Practices

Herbology complements other modalities in holistic health, such as nutrition, acupuncture, and energy healing. By understanding the energetic and physiological properties of herbs along with the client’s health history, foundational lifestyle choices, and current concerns, practitioners can create personalized wellness plans to support the client while addressing the root causes of imbalances.

For example, a holistic practitioner might:

Recommend herbal teas and mindfulness practices to reduce stress, such as drinking chamomile tea on work breaks and meditating every evening for 10 minutes to enhance relaxation.

Suggest adaptogenic herbs like Rhodiola or holy basil and walking every day to improve resilience during periods of physical or emotional challenges.

Incorporate detoxifying herbs, like dandelion root or burdock, in conjunction with drinking enough water to support liver and kidney function.

Suggest herbal poultices made from comfrey or plantain for wound care and pain relief, along with eating nutrient-rich foods to support the recovery process.

Blend herbs into aromatherapy practices, such as diffusing eucalyptus oil for respiratory health or bergamot for mood enhancement.

What are herbal supplements?

Plant-based products used to treat diseases or to maintain health, are called herbal products, botanical products, or phytomedicines. A product made from plant sources and used only for internal use is called an herbal supplement.

Many prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines are also made from plant products. But these products contain only purified ingredients and are regulated by the FDA. Herbal supplements may contain entire plants or plant parts.

Herbal supplements come in all forms. They may be dried, chopped, powdered, or in capsule or liquid form. They can be used in many ways, including:

Swallowed as pills, powders, or concentrated liquid extracts (tinctures)

Brewed as tea

Used on the skin as gels, lotions, or creams

Added to bath water

The practice of using herbal supplements dates back thousands of years. Today, herbal supplement use is common in the U.S. But they are not for everyone. They are not subject to close scrutiny by the FDA or other governing agencies. For this reason, herbal supplements are still controversial. Talk with your healthcare provider about any symptoms or conditions you have. Discuss the use of herbal supplements.

The FDA and herbal supplements

The FDA considers herbal supplements as foods, not medicines. So they are not subject to the same testing, manufacturing, and labeling standards and regulations as medicines.

You can now see labels that explain how herbs can influence different actions in the body. But herbal supplement labels are not permitted to say that herbs treat specific health conditions. This is because herbal supplements are not subject to clinical trials or to the same manufacturing standards as prescription or traditional over-the-counter medicines. There is no research that proves a certain herb cures or treats a health problem or prevents a certain condition.

For example, St. John's wort is a popular herbal supplement. It's thought to be useful for treating depression in some cases. A product label on St. John's wort might say that it "enhances mood." But it can't claim to treat a specific condition, such as depression.

Herbal supplements, unlike medicines, do not need to be standardized to make sure of batch-to-batch consistency. Some manufacturers may use the word standardized on a supplement label. But it may not mean the same thing from one manufacturer to the next.

Precautions when choosing herbal supplements

Herbal supplements can interact with conventional medicines. Some may have strong effects. Don't self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking herbal supplements.

Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about the herbs you are taking. Talk with your provider and contact herbal supplement manufacturers for information. Pharmacists can be easy to access, reliable sources of information on the effects of herbal supplements. They can also provide helpful information about any interactions between medicines and herbal supplements.

Follow label instructions carefully. If you use herbal supplements, use the prescribed dosage only. Never take more than the advised dosage. Look for information about who should not take the supplement. Find out if there are any health conditions, certain medicine interactions, or other factors when the supplement should not be used.

Work with a professional. Look for the services of a trained and licensed herbalist or licensed naturopathic healthcare provider who has a lot of training in this area.

Watch for side effects. If you have symptoms, such as nausea, dizziness, rash, headache, or upset stomach, reduce the dosage or stop taking the supplement. Get medical care if symptoms don't decrease. Or if they get worse.

Watch for allergic reactions. A severe allergic reaction can cause trouble breathing. If such a problem happens, call 911 or the emergency number in your area for help.

Research the company whose herbs you are taking. Herbal supplements are not all made the same way. Choose a reputable manufacturer's brand.
Ask yourself:

Is the manufacturer researching its own herbal products? Or just relying on the research efforts of others?

Does the product make outlandish or hard-to-prove claims?

Does the product label give information about the standardized formula, side effects, ingredients, directions, and precautions?

Is the label information clear and easy to read?

Is there a toll-free telephone number, an address? Or a website address listed so consumers can find out more information about the product?

Is the product tested and certified by a third party company to make sure of quality, safety and effectiveness?

5 tips for the beginner herbalist

Start small: As a beginner, it can be overwhelming to try to use a large number of herbs at once. Consider starting with just a few herbs and gradually expanding your collection as you become more familiar with their properties and uses.

Educate yourself: There is a wealth of information available about herbs and their uses. It is important to do your own research and to educate yourself about the herbs you are interested in using. Look for reliable sources of information, such as books by respected herbalists or websites from reputable organizations.

Consult with a healthcare provider: If you are considering using herbs to treat a specific health condition, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider or a qualified herbalist. They can provide guidance on which herbs may be safe and appropriate for your needs and can help you avoid potential interactions or side effects.

Follow dosage recommendations: It is important to follow dosage recommendations when using herbs. Some herbs can be potent, and taking too much can lead to side effects or interfere with the effectiveness of medications.

Experiment: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to using herbs, and what works for one person may not work for another. Be open to trying different herbs and methods of use, and pay attention to how your body responds. This can help you find what works best for you.

What are some of the most common herbal supplements?

This list of common herbal supplements is for informational purposes only. Talk with your healthcare provider to discuss your own health conditions or symptoms. Don't self-diagnose. Talk with your provider before taking any herbal supplements.

Herbal Supplements	Description
Black cohosh	This shrub-like plant of eastern North America gets its name from the Native American word for rough. This refers to its root structure. It's generally used for menopausal conditions, painful menstruation, uterine spasms, and vaginitis.
Echinacea	This is often used to make the body's immune system stronger. It's also considered a prevention against colds and flu. This U.S. native plant is also called the purple coneflower.
Evening primrose	Oil from this night-blooming, bright yellow flowering plant may be helpful in reducing symptoms of arthritis and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Feverfew	The pain-relieving properties of feverfew have been used for migraine headaches and menstrual cramps.
Garlic	Garlic is generally used for cardiovascular conditions. This includes high cholesterol and triglyceride levels linked to the risk of atherosclerosis.
Gingko biloba	This herb is used for many conditions linked to aging. This includes poor circulation and memory loss.
Ginseng	This is used as a general tonic to increase overall body tone. It's believed helpful in raising energy levels and improving resistance to stress.
Goldenseal	This herb, native to the U.S., is popular for its healing properties and germ-stopping qualities. It is often used for colds and flu. It's also popular for soothing the nose lining when it's inflamed or sore.
Green tea	This herb is used to combat extreme tiredness (fatigue), prevent arteriosclerosis and certain cancers, lower cholesterol, and help with weight loss.
Hawthorn	This is used for several heart-related conditions. It's supportive in treating angina, atherosclerosis, heart failure, and high blood pressure.
Saw palmetto	This may be used for enlarged prostate. This is a common condition in men over age 50.
St. John's wort	Wild-growing with yellow flowers, this herb has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders. Today it's a popular recommendation for mild to moderate depression.

It's important to remember that herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA. They have not been tested in an FDA-approved clinical trial to prove their effectiveness in treating or managing health conditions. Talk with your healthcare provider about your symptoms. Talk with your provider before taking any herbal supplements.

Tell all of your healthcare providers about the health approaches, supplements, and medicines you use. This will give them a full picture of your health. It will help make sure of safe, effective, and coordinated care.

One Final Note..

Herbs are a versatile and powerful tool that can be used to enhance health and well-being in a variety of ways. Whether you are using them for their culinary, medicinal, or aromatic properties, herbs have much to offer.

As you explore the many uses and benefits of herbs, be sure to pay attention to the type of herb (annual, biennial, or perennial), as well as its properties and actions (such as analgesic, anodyne, or astringent). By understanding these terms and how to use herbs safely and effectively, you can make the most of this wonderful natural resource. So get out there and start enjoying the many benefits of herbs today!

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Copyright © 2000 - 2025 K. Kerr

Most recent revision April 24, 2025 06:30:09 PM