Herbs as medicine
• BY VICKI MCAFEE, CLINICAL HERBALIST, CERTIFIED NUTRITIONIST
erbalism is the oldest form of
medicine and has been in continual
use throughout the world since
prehistoric times. From the unearthing
at a Neanderthal burial site in Iraq of
seven herbs used today as medicine, to modern-
day methods of incorporating herbs into our daily
lives, plants assist the body in restoring or
maintaining health. They are the perfect bridge
connecting all forms of medicine.
The first discovered written herbal information
was in 1600 B.C. from Egypt that included fennel,
cilantro, juniper and thyme.
Self-treating with misinformation from the
Internet or from caring friends can generate many
problems due to unreliable information. Confusion
comes from the marketing of the latest “miracle
herb,” the next best herbal cure-all and Dr. Oz’s
daily favorite.
There is a need to be familiar with herb/drug
interactions, herbal toxicity and dosing for the
young or elderly.
So many plants to choose from, such as tonic
herbs that work best over time or herbs that are
used for acute situations, such as infections.
H
Should I use herbal formulas or use a herb on
its own? A formula of herbs that reduce gastro-
intestinal problems is chamomile flowers,
peppermint leaf, fennel seed and marshmallow
root. Chamomile, a familiar herb to most, is well-
known as a relaxing cup of tea when it is steeped
for several minutes. If you let it steep for four
hours, the tea becomes a strong medicinal that aids
in reducing inflammation, spasms and pain in the
small intestines.
Research today shows that the
traditional use of plants as medicine
is validated. Herbs can complement
or replace pharmaceuticals
Peppermint has similar properties as
chamomile, and fennel seed helps the body to
expel or reduce excess gas and bloat.
Marshmallow root creates a coating inside the
intestinal tract allowing mucosal protection as the
body, in its wisdom, heals itself. This tea
A Gypsy’s Whimsy
Herbal Apothecary
• C linical
H erbalist,
Nu tritionist
• H erbs &
Supplem ents
combination will aid digestion if steeped five to 10
minutes, and with the longer steeping, address the
intestines.
The above shows that the preparation of a herb
is as important as the constituents of the plants.
Important studies and research today are
showing that the traditional use of plants as
medicine is validated. Herbs can complement or
replace pharmaceuticals with instruction from a
clinical herbalist. In choosing a supplement
company, it is crucial that the company has an
American lab to test raw material that can come
from all over the world. The companies will have
a professional herbalist on staff who is familiar
with the plants they sell. Look for small companies
that process the herbs in small batches, ensuring
freshness and vitality.
Many plants from other countries are
organically grown in America, giving us herbals
with hundreds of years of successful medicinal use,
at our fingertips. Our ancestors used the herbs that
grew all around them for obtaining and
maintaining optimum health.
Today more than ever herbal products are vital
in daily life.
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GOOD HEALTH 2016 • 13