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| Article: USING HERBS WISELY: A BASIC PRIMER - by Jonathan Klemens | ||
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~ USING HERBS WISELY: A BASIC PRIMER ~ Jonathan Klemens, BS Biol, BS Pharm There is an amusing, but appropriate, story (that unfortunately, for which I can not take credit!) that cleverly summarizes the history of herbal therapy: "I have an earache…" 2000 BC: Here, eat this root. 1000 AD: That root is heathen. Here, say this prayer. 1850 AD: That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion 1940 AD: That potion is snake oil. Here swallow this pill. 1985 AD: That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic. 1997 AD: That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root. Herbal medicine is indeed back! Perhaps it's a resurgence of the baby boomer flower power and a natural desire to be in control of our healthcare - but anyway for now, it's apparently here to stay. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), in 1997, 40% of all Americans used alternative or complimentary therapies. They spent over $27 billion for services, products, books and classes. The U.S. herbal market is growing tremendously with consumer demand way ahead of regulatory agencies. Herbal products are generally unregulated and often health claims are unsubstantiated and sometimes exaggerated. Even though the use of herbs has long been the basis of American folk medicine, in order to choose herbal products and use them wisely, one must be savvy regarding key issues and safe guidelines. FIVE KEY ISSUES 1. NATURAL / SAFE It is important to realize that the term "natural" is not synonymous with safe or healthy. Products derived from natural sources are a two-edged sword - Herbs can heal as well as cause injury to your health. 2. NOMENCLATURE /ORIGIN Research and purchase herbs using scientific names because there are many varieties. Common and folk names for herbs vary greatly around the world and from region to region. 3. ID OF ACTIVE INGREDIENTS There are thousands of herbs that have been used over centuries, in Europe and the Orient, to treat medical conditions and to promote and sustain well-being. In Europe, herbs are integrated into the medical system and accepted as viable alternatives. Some are regulated as drugs and medically prescribed. In the U.S., herbs are classified as "dietary supplements" and therefore can not make therapeutic claims regarding their effectiveness in treating or preventing disease. In the U.S., prescription drugs have been tested in at least two well-controlled F.D.A. approved clinical studies. They have been found to be safe and effective for F.D.A. approved indications. This is not the case with herbs. 4. GMP Good manufacturing practice. Always purchase herbs that have been processed using industry standards. 5. STANDARDIZATION Always purchase herbs from a reputable source and purchase herbs that have been assayed or standardized in regard to the active ingredient (if known). Key references in regard to standardization, at this time, include: The American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, European Scientific Cooperative for Phytotherapy (ESCOP), United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) and the German Commission E Monographs. IMPORTANT GUIDELINES FOR USING HERBS IMPORTANT NOTE: The effects and adverse reactions of herbs, or related substances, may vary with each individual. Many of the claims stated have not been substantiated with scientific studies. Refer to herbal guides for actual doses. 1. Always start with a low dose or portion until all effects and adverse reactions, if any, are determined. Response and reactions may vary and anyone can have an allergic reaction to just about any substance. Herbal therapy should be stopped if side effects such as difficulty in breathing, headache, upset stomach, rash or other symptoms of an allergic reaction. Herbs are natural substances but should not be used indiscriminately. 2. Herbal medicines should not be used by young children, pregnant women, or women nursing unless directed by a physician. 3. Some herbs may interact with prescription drugs causing serious health consequences. Always inform your healthcare providers of your use of any herbal products. HAD A REACTION? To report an adverse reaction to an herbal product, supplement or prescription drug, go to the FDA's MedWatch site: www.fda.gov/medwatch/ TEN MOST POPULAR HERBS What are the herbs that healthwise Americans purchase? According to a 1999 Whole Foods Survey, the top herbs account for approximately 28% of total herbal sales and the top ten account for approximately 43% of total herbal sales. HERB CLAIM/COMMON USE 1. ECHINACEA PURPUREA Boosts immunity 2. GINKO Increases blood flow / may increase memory 3. ST. JOHN'S WORT Antidepressant activity 4. GARLIC Lowers blood pressure/lowers cholesterol 5. ALOE Treat minor burns and abrasions 6. VALARIAN Sleeping aid 7. KAVA Sedative/sleeping aid 8. SAW PALMETTO Enlarged prostrate /urinary tract infections 9. BLACK COHOSH Menopausal disorders 10. CAYENNE (CAPSICUM) Muscular and arthritic pain © 2000 J Klemens |
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The author is a pharmacist, biologist, consultant and free-lance writer interested in |
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