Using Medicinal Herbs
The herbs and spices in your kitchen offer a number of remedies for common ailments. Ginger for example, is great to treat inflammation. Clove is an effective analgesic. Using natural herbs is a great alternative to over-the-counter medicines because the herbs in their natural state do not contain the toxic additives and preservatives commonly used in pharmaceutical drugs. However, herbs like medicines, can be dangerous if not understood and used correctly.
Here are a few things you should know before you begin using herbs as medicine. First, always check with your doctor before using them, especially when it comes to children. Some herbs can interfere with or react badly to other prescription medications. People taking certain anti-depressants for example, should not use St. John's Wort. People taking blood-thinners such as Cumadin may want to avoid Rosemary because Rosemary aids blood circulation to the skin. While that would be helpful someone not taking blood-thinners, it might cause small cuts or abrasions to bleed more and bruises to appear worse in people taking them.
Just as certain herbs are contraindicated for certain medicines, the same holds true for herb use with certain illnesses. For instance, Ginger works great at reducing the inflammation that is caused by Arthritis. However, if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus, it can actually make the condition worse. Blueberry, though not an herb, would be the better alternative. Knowing what the herb does, how it works and most importantly, how it would work in your specific case can mean the difference between wellness and a trip to the ER.
Another issue one faces using herbs is dosing. All too often, the idea that "more is better" is followed with not-so-good results. Remember that herbs are medicines. Too much can make you sick. Too little won't be effective. Do your homework and know what is safe for you. Remember that weight plays a big part in dosage so be sure to take that into consideration. A good place to start is with this site:
It's a wonderful essay by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon.
Last but not least, it's important to know what's wrong with you before taking any herbal remedy. Clove is great for a toothache, but if your tooth is infected, then you'll need to combine it with a treatment for the infection as well. Knowing what the source of the pain is will determine the course of treatment. Clove will numb the pain, but it won't treat (though it is a mild antiseptic) the infection, which if left untreated, can have some pretty unpleasant consequences.
Bottom line is this: If you want to use herbs for health, do your homework first. Know what's going on in your body before you treat it and know what the herb does, how to dose it and any possible side-effects before taking them. Never use herbs without consulting with your doctor first and always be sure to mention any herbs that you might be taking to your doctor whenever you visit. That way, she/he can prescribe medicines for you safely.
Be Well!
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