Frequently Asked Questions
The decision to use herbs for their health promoting value is a personal one. However, there are many good reasons to consider herbal products as complements to your own health care. The best reason may be the fact that herbs and herbal products continue to provide real health benefits while maintaining a remarkable safety profile. Readily available natural substances were the first medicines used by humans. Many herbs contain compounds that may help treat diseases or help to ease symptoms. In fact, some modern medicines have their origins in herbal remedies. Herbs contain unique antioxidants, essential oils, vitamins, phytosterols, and many other plants derived nutrient substances, which help equip our body to fight against germs, toxins and to boost immunity level.
Plants that enjoy broad culinary and therapeutic usage are generally safe. We can flavor our food with any number of herbs to make a meal more flavorful and healthy. Although allergies and reactions have been recorded for a few herbs that are widely used in foods and supplements, such individual concerns are also seen with many foods, and do not diminish the safety profile of the many herbs that are generally recognized as safe. All supplement manufacturers are responsible for assuring that their products do not present significant or unreasonable risks under conditions of use recommended in labeling or under ordinary conditions of use. We recommend speaking with a professional who can guide you through the process of selecting the right herb for you.
All dietary supplements, including herbal supplements, are required by Federal regulation to identify the “serving size.”(19) A general recommendation then, with regard to how much of an herbal product to use: the amount recommended on the label. The idea that “more is better” is no more relevant for an herbal supplement than for any other food that, while it might be delicious, refreshing or nutritive in moderation, becomes unhealthful when consumed in excess.
Yes, some herbal supplements can decrease the effects of medicines, while others can increase the effects. It’s strongly recommended that you discuss using herbal remedies with your primary care in advance.
Herbal products come in many different forms and may be used internally or externally. The forms of herbal products include teas, tablets, capsules, tinctures, powders, extracts, fresh plants, and dried plants
Like any prescription, it’s important to follow daily dosage and frequency recommendations from the manufacturer or your practitioner. Herbal remedies can take a few days before you start feeling the effects.
Sure! You can add honey, fresh squeezed lemon or orange juice, or a splash of dairy-free milk. You may also want to consider adding tasty herbs to your blend such as peppermint, spearmint, lemongrass, rose hips, cinnamon, and licorice!
It can be very dangerous to abruptly discontinue pharmaceuticals and extremely difficult for a lay person to choose an acceptable alternative(s) to their treatment. It’ important that patients consult with their prescribing physician(s) regarding any changes to their medications. We are often able to support patients who are seeking to reduce their pharmaceutical use – this is a process and safety is most important.
The main difference is that liquid herbal extract contains “released” active ingredients that are no longer kept in a plant cell, hence active ingredients are much easier and faster absorbed by our body. This means that absorption starts already it the mouth capillaries (partially bypassing the liver, which is major deactivator of active ingredients), ensuring higher concentration of desirable molecules in blood stream, their swift delivery to target cells and pharmacological effect.
Nearly all herbal products are taken on an empty stomach, any time from 2 hours after eating until 30 minutes before eating. This allows better absorption of the extract since it does not have to compete with food in your gut. Taking herbs 2 or more times per day (as instructed) helps to keep them in your system longer. Some herbal products have specific timing instructions, such as a serving first thing in the morning, 15 minutes before eating or at bedtime.
The FDA urges pregnant women not to take any herbal products without talking to their health-care provider first. Women are also urged to consult a trained and experienced herbalist (or other professionals trained to work with herbs) if they want to take herbs during their pregnancy.
Herbalists are people who dedicate their lives to working with medicinal plants. They may be native healers, scientists, naturopaths, holistic medical doctors, researchers, writers, herbal pharmacists, medicine makers, wild crafters, harvesters, and herb farmers. Many have an intimate relationship with plants and their medicinal value.