Introduction To The Art and Science of Herbal Medicine 
    by Chanchal Cabrera    page 1 2 3 4       

Herbal medicine in the current context

In 1990 The New England Journal of Medicine, one of the most prestigious medical journals in the world, published a report of a study carried out by Harvard University indicating that 34% of Americans had consulted with a natural health practitioner in the past year and had spent a total of $13.5 billion in out of pocket expenses for these services and products. Botanical therapies are one of the top 5 alternative medicine options chosen - along with chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy and massage. Herbal medicine has recently been mentioned in Macleans, Newsweek, Life, Chatelaine, Consumer Report and Homemaker magazines. Ginkgo biloba (a herbal extract) is the leading prescription drug in Germany, where prescribing herbalists are required to be medical doctors. France has hospitals and university chairs devoted to aromatherapy. Clearly, herbal medicine is an idea whose time has come, and the resurgence of demand for natural healing modalities has not even begun to crest yet.

Scope of Practice

Herbal medicine is proven effective in assisting the body to heal from an amazing variety of complaints and diseases. Professional Clinical Herbalists can be of assistance in many health concerns from simple coughs and colds to more serious conditions. Herbs may be especially effective in chronic conditions and in cases requiring tonic, nourishing and revitalising medicines. At the present time in North America herbalists are not permitted to practice medicine (make diagnoses or prescribe medicines) but they may make health assessments based on general criteria of wellness and recommend certain courses of action to be taken to elicit healing.
 
 

SOME COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HERBAL REMEDIES

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 to have significant results within 2 to 3 months. It is also important to recognize that herbs are only a part of the therapeutic protocol - attention to diet, exercise, lifestyle and so on is also usually essential and without this the herbs cannot be expected to work well. 

What form do the remedies take?

Herbal remedies are usually given in easy to take liquid form, as tinctures or syrups, or may be given dried to be made into a tea. Sometimes they are also given in powdered form as capsules or tablets, and essential oils creams and lotions may also be used.

Some herbs are best taken in the tincture (alcohol extract) form because not all constituents are readily soluble in water and a simple tea nay not extract adequately. Anything with a lot of resin (Ginger, Myrrh, Marigold, Poplar buds) may be best in an alcohol solution as strong as 90% for optimum extraction of the medicinal ingredients. Others like Goldenseal and Passionflower are best at around 65% to extract the alkaloids that are active. Still others need 45% to extract essential oils (Chamomile, Melissa). And then there are lots of herbs whose constituents are quite water soluble and they only need 25% alcohol for sterility. These low alcohol ones are the best ones to make into tea because they have the most water soluble ingredients. 

Do I have to stop taking medication from my doctor?

In general you should not stop current medication. The herbs will not usually interfere in any way with the efficacy of your prescription drugs but there is a possible danger of the herbs being so effective that your dose of prescription drugs becomes inappropriate and causes problems for you. If you are currently taking some prescription medication then it is recommended that you do not self medicate with herbs, but rather consult with a qualified practitioner who can monitor your progress and work in conjunction with your doctor.

Do I have to have my doctors permission to take herbs?

No, you are free to seek health care wherever you wish, but it is usually a good idea to let your doctor know what you are doing so that he/she and the herbalist can work together for the greater good of you, the patient.

Are the herbal remedies safe?

Given under the supervision of a trained herbal practitioner, the remedies are completely safe. They have no side effects and no cumulative effects. Herbs are natural, non-invasive, and work in harmony with the body's own healing powers. The Poisons Control Center in Atlanta recorded over 150,000 deaths due to adverse drug reactions in 1995 and not a single death due to herbs. Some herbs, if used inappropriately, can cause health problems so if in doubt ask a herbalist. 

What happens when I visit the herbalist?

In your first visit, which usually takes 60 - 90 minutes, a full medical history will be taken to determine your basic level of health as well as to find out about your specific health problems. It may also be necessary to carry out certain assessment procedures such as measuring your pulses, listening to your heart or feeling for your liver etc. Your diet and general lifestyle will also be discussed. In subsequent visits the changes and progress in your condition will be reviewed and your remedies will be adjusted accordingly. If blood tests are required the herbalists will usually refer to a cooperative MD who can do this for you. 

How often will I have to attend?

Your second visit is usually 2 or 3 weeks after the first, and following this, visits will be at 3, 4 or 6 week intervals depending on the needs of the individual.

How much does it cost?

Herbal remedies and visits to the herbalist are not covered by most health care plans. The first visit will cost you about $30 with a recently graduated practitioner and anywhere from $50 - $120 for a more experienced practitioner. Subsequent visits are typically $15 - $30 each. The remedies are charged in addition to this and work out to around $10 to $15 per week or around $2 per day - about the price of a cappuccino! Some practitioners run reduced rate clinics or have a sliding scale for patients on a low income so ask what is available from your local herbalist.
     >> continue