In our society, herbs have now come into vogue, but there are dangers. Although herbs are natural substances, they can be dangerous if wrongly or self prescribed. Herbs are combined with other herbs of similar function to reduce the danger of toxicity and increase synergistic effect. In our clinic, we use the finest Herbal Therapy formulas in pill and powder form for convenience. There is no need to be inconvenienced by the taste, smell and time preparing raw herbs. There are also herbal lotions, liniments, herbal wraps, patches and pastes that may be used externally, depending on your condition.
From: http://www.chusaulei.com
Monday, June 18, 2007
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Herbal Therapy for Cancer
Herbal Therapy is probably the oldest form of treatment in the world. In these, herbs are used to strengthen the body's ability to eliminate cancer cells. The Hoxey therapy, for instance, employs internal and external preparations along with diet, vitamin and mineral supplements, and psychological counseling, to strengthen the body and fight cancer. Essiac is one of the most popular and widely recognized herbal therapies known. China recognizes essiac products as an effective drug for the battle against cancer.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too
Introduction
Herbal supplements are a type of dietary supplement that contains herbs, either singly or in mixtures. An herb (also called a botanical) is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, and/or therapeutic properties.
Many herbs have a long history of use and of claimed health benefits. However, some herbs have caused health problems for users. This fact sheet contains points you should consider for your safety if you use, or are thinking about using, herbs for health purposes. It does not discuss whether herbs work for specific diseases and conditions. To find out more about topics and resources mentioned in this fact sheet, see "For More Information".
- It's important to know that just because an herbal supplement is labeled "natural" does not mean it is safe or without any harmful effects. For example, the herbs kava and comfrey have been linked to serious liver damage.
- Herbal supplements can act in the same way as drugs. Therefore, they can cause medical problems if not used correctly or if taken in large amounts. In some cases, people have experienced negative effects even though they followed the instructions on a supplement label.
- Women who are pregnant or nursing should be especially cautious about using herbal supplements, since these products can act like drugs. This caution also applies to treating children with herbal supplements.
- It is important to consult your health care provider before using an herbal supplement, especially if you are taking any medications (whether prescription or over-the-counter). Some herbal supplements are known to interact with medications in ways that cause health problems. Even if your provider does not know about a particular supplement, he can access the latest medical guidance on its uses, risks, and interactions.
- If you use herbal supplements, it is best to do so under the guidance of a medical professional who has been properly trained in herbal medicine. This is especially important for herbs that are part of a whole medical system, such as traditional Chinese medicine or Ayurvedic medicine.
- In the United States, herbal and other dietary supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as foods. This means that they do not have to meet the same standards as drugs and over-the-counter medications for proof of safety, effectiveness, and what the FDA calls Good Manufacturing Practices.
- It is a product (other than tobacco) intended to supplement the diet, which contains one or more of the following: vitamins; minerals; herbs or other botanicals; amino acids; or any combination of the above ingredients.
- It is intended to be taken in tablet, capsule, powder, softgel, gelcap, or liquid form.
- It is not represented for use as a conventional food or as a sole item of a meal or the diet.
- It is labeled as being a dietary supplement.
- The active ingredient(s) in many herbs and herbal supplements are not known. There may be dozens, even hundreds, of such compounds in an herbal supplement. Scientists are currently working to identify these ingredients and analyze products, using sophisticated technology. Identifying the active ingredients in herbs and understanding how herbs affect the body are important research areas for the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).
- Published analyses of herbal supplements have found differences between what's listed on the label and what's in the bottle. This means that you may be taking less--or more--of the supplement than what the label indicates. Also, the word "standardized" on a product label is no guarantee of higher product quality, since in the United States there is no legal definition of "standardized" (or "certified" or "verified") for supplements.
- Some herbal supplements have been found to be contaminated with metals, unlabeled prescription drugs, microorganisms, or other substances.
- There has been an increase in the number of Web sites that sell and promote herbal supplements on the Internet. The Federal Government has taken legal action against a number of company sites because they have been shown to contain incorrect statements and to be deceptive to consumers. It is important to know how to evaluate the claims that are made for supplements. Some sources are listed below.
| About Dietary Supplements Dietary supplements were defined in a law passed by Congress in 1994. A dietary supplement must meet all of the following conditions: |
Botanical Dietary Supplements ......
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Does a label indicate the quality of a botanical dietary supplement product?
It is difficult to determine the quality of a botanical dietary supplement product from its label. The degree of quality control depends on the manufacturer, the supplier, and others in the production process.
FDA is authorized to issue Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations describing conditions under which dietary supplements must be prepared, packed, and stored. FDA published a proposed rule in March 2003 that is intended to ensure that manufacturing practices will result in an unadulterated dietary supplement and that dietary supplements are accurately labeled. Until this proposed rule is finalized, dietary supplements must comply with food GMPs, which are primarily concerned with safety and sanitation rather than dietary supplement quality. Some manufacturers voluntarily follow drug GMPs, which are more rigorous, and some organizations that represent the dietary supplement industry have developed unofficial GMPs.
FDA is authorized to issue Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations describing conditions under which dietary supplements must be prepared, packed, and stored. FDA published a proposed rule in March 2003 that is intended to ensure that manufacturing practices will result in an unadulterated dietary supplement and that dietary supplements are accurately labeled. Until this proposed rule is finalized, dietary supplements must comply with food GMPs, which are primarily concerned with safety and sanitation rather than dietary supplement quality. Some manufacturers voluntarily follow drug GMPs, which are more rigorous, and some organizations that represent the dietary supplement industry have developed unofficial GMPs.
Are botanical dietary supplements safe?
Many people believe that products labeled "natural" are safe and good for them. This is not necessarily true because the safety of a botanical depends on many things, such as its chemical makeup, how it works in the body, how it is prepared, and the dose used.
The action of botanicals range from mild to powerful (potent). A botanical with mild action may have subtle effects. Chamomile and peppermint, both mild botanicals, are usually taken as teas to aid digestion and are generally considered safe for self-administration. Some mild botanicals may have to be taken for weeks or months before their full effects are achieved. For example, valerian may be effective as a sleep aid after 14 days of use but it is rarely effective after just one dose. In contrast a powerful botanical produces a fast result. Kava, as one example, is reported to have an immediate and powerful action affecting anxiety and muscle relaxation.
The dose and form of a botanical preparation also play important roles in its safety. Teas, tinctures, and extracts have different strengths. The same amount of a botanical may be contained in a cup of tea, a few teaspoons of tincture, or an even smaller quantity of an extract. Also, different preparations vary in the relative amounts and concentrations of chemical removed from the whole botanical. For example, peppermint tea is generally considered safe to drink but peppermint oil is much more concentrated and can be toxic if used incorrectly. It is important to follow the manufacturer's suggested directions for using a botanical and not exceed the recommended dose without the advice of a health care provider.
The action of botanicals range from mild to powerful (potent). A botanical with mild action may have subtle effects. Chamomile and peppermint, both mild botanicals, are usually taken as teas to aid digestion and are generally considered safe for self-administration. Some mild botanicals may have to be taken for weeks or months before their full effects are achieved. For example, valerian may be effective as a sleep aid after 14 days of use but it is rarely effective after just one dose. In contrast a powerful botanical produces a fast result. Kava, as one example, is reported to have an immediate and powerful action affecting anxiety and muscle relaxation.
The dose and form of a botanical preparation also play important roles in its safety. Teas, tinctures, and extracts have different strengths. The same amount of a botanical may be contained in a cup of tea, a few teaspoons of tincture, or an even smaller quantity of an extract. Also, different preparations vary in the relative amounts and concentrations of chemical removed from the whole botanical. For example, peppermint tea is generally considered safe to drink but peppermint oil is much more concentrated and can be toxic if used incorrectly. It is important to follow the manufacturer's suggested directions for using a botanical and not exceed the recommended dose without the advice of a health care provider.
Are botanical dietary supplements standardized?
Standardization is a process that manufacturers may use to ensure batch-to-batch consistency of their products. In some cases, standardization involves identifying specific chemicals (also known as markers) that can be used to manufacture a consistent product. The standardization process can also provide a measure of quality control.
Dietary supplements are not required to be standardized in the United States. In fact, no legal or regulatory definition exists for standardization in the United States as it applies to botanical dietary supplements. Because of this, the term "standardization" may mean many different things. Some manufacturers use the term standardization incorrectly to refer to uniform manufacturing practices; following a recipe is not sufficient for a product to be called standardized. Therefore, the presence of the word "standardized" on a supplement label does not necessarily indicate product quality.
Ideally, the chemical markers chosen for standardization would also be the compounds that are responsible for a botanical's effect in the body. In this way, each lot of the product would have a consistent health effect. However, the components responsible for the effects of most botanicals have not been identified or clearly defined. For example, the sennosides in the botanical senna are known to be responsible for the laxative effect of the plant, but many compounds may be responsible for valerian's relaxing effect.
Dietary supplements are not required to be standardized in the United States. In fact, no legal or regulatory definition exists for standardization in the United States as it applies to botanical dietary supplements. Because of this, the term "standardization" may mean many different things. Some manufacturers use the term standardization incorrectly to refer to uniform manufacturing practices; following a recipe is not sufficient for a product to be called standardized. Therefore, the presence of the word "standardized" on a supplement label does not necessarily indicate product quality.
Ideally, the chemical markers chosen for standardization would also be the compounds that are responsible for a botanical's effect in the body. In this way, each lot of the product would have a consistent health effect. However, the components responsible for the effects of most botanicals have not been identified or clearly defined. For example, the sennosides in the botanical senna are known to be responsible for the laxative effect of the plant, but many compounds may be responsible for valerian's relaxing effect.
How are botanicals commonly sold and prepared?
Botanicals are sold in many forms: as fresh or dried products; liquid or solid extracts; and tablets, capsules, powders, and tea bags. For example, fresh ginger root is often found in the produce section of food stores; dried ginger root is sold packaged in tea bags, capsules, or tablets; and liquid preparations made from ginger root are also sold. A particular group of chemicals or a single chemical may be isolated from a botanical and sold as a dietary supplement, usually in tablet or capsule form. An example is phytoestrogens from soy products.
Common preparations include teas, decoctions, tinctures, and extracts:
Common preparations include teas, decoctions, tinctures, and extracts:
- A tea, also known as an infusion, is made by adding boiling water to fresh or dried botanicals and steeping them. The tea may be drunk either hot or cold.
- Some roots, bark, and berries require more forceful treatment to extract their desired ingredients. They are simmered in boiling water for longer periods than teas, making a decoction, which also may be drunk hot or cold.
- A tincture is made by soaking a botanical in a solution of alcohol and water. Tinctures are sold as liquids and are used for concentrating and preserving a botanical. They are made in different strengths that are expressed as botanical-to-extract ratios (i.e., ratios of the weight of the dried botanical to the volume or weight of the finished product).
- An extract is made by soaking the botanical in a liquid that removes specific types of chemicals. The liquid can be used as is or evaporated to make a dry extract for use in capsules or tablets.
Can botanicals be dietary supplements?
To be classified as a dietary supplement, a botanical must meet the definition given below. Many botanical preparations meet the definition.
As defined by Congress in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (http://www.fda.gov/opacom/laws/dshea.html#sec3), which became law in 1994, a dietary supplement is a product (other than tobacco) that
As defined by Congress in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (http://www.fda.gov/opacom/laws/dshea.html#sec3), which became law in 1994, a dietary supplement is a product (other than tobacco) that
- is intended to supplement the diet;
- contains one or more dietary ingredients (including vitamins; minerals; herbs or other botanicals; amino acids; and other substances) or their constituents;
- is intended to be taken by mouth as a pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid; and
- is labeled on the front panel as being a dietary supplement.
What is Botanical?
A botanical is a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal or therapeutic properties, flavor, and/or scent. Herbs are a subset of botanicals. Products made from botanicals that are used to maintain or improve health may be called herbal products, botanical products, or phytomedicines.
In naming botanicals, botanists use a Latin name made up of the genus and species of the plant. Under this system the botanical black cohosh is known as Actaea racemosa L., where "L" stands for Linneaus, who first described the type of plant specimen. In the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) fact sheets, we do not include such initials because they do not appear on most products used by consumers.
In naming botanicals, botanists use a Latin name made up of the genus and species of the plant. Under this system the botanical black cohosh is known as Actaea racemosa L., where "L" stands for Linneaus, who first described the type of plant specimen. In the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) fact sheets, we do not include such initials because they do not appear on most products used by consumers.
Herbal Medicine
Also called: Botanicals, Phytotherapy
An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicine products are dietary supplements that people take to improve their health. Many herbs have been used for a long time for claimed health benefits. They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts and fresh or dried plants. However, some can cause health problems, some are not effective and some may interact with other drugs you are taking.
To use an herbal product as safely as possible
- Consult your doctor first
- Do not take a bigger dose than the label recommends
- Take it under the guidance of a trained medical professional
- Be especially cautious if you are pregnant or nursing
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov
Saturday, June 2, 2007
The need for harmonization of traditional and modern
Increased cross–cultural communication has resulted in the
exposure of many indigenous forms of traditional medicine to new,
more modern, medical environments. Various responses may and
have occurred to the presence of differing approaches to health care.
These range from complete rejection of TM by modern medical
practitioners and of modern medicine by TM practitioners, to a
parallel existence with little communication over patient care, or to
ultimately forced understanding, subsuming and integration of one
model by the other. None of these approaches is ideal precisely
because none confers adequate respect on the practices of the other.
This results in a weak utilization and exploration of the benefits
presented by each model.
Harmonization of traditional and modern medicine emphasizes
the importance of respectful co–existence. Within the model of
harmonization, there is the requirement to develop and hold a good
understanding of the other approaches to health care. Modern
medicine practitioners and researchers are required to achieve
adequate education and awareness of the practice, principles and
context of traditional medicine. Similarly, TM practitioners need to
be significantly more aware of the nature of practice and strengths
of modern medical approaches. The purpose of this broader
education base is not simply to yield a better understanding of
differing practices, but primarily to promote the best care for patients
by intelligently selecting the most facilitating route to health and
wellness.
18
TRADITIONAL AND MODERN MEDICINE: HARMONIZING THE TWO APPROACHES
Surveys and other sources of evidence indicate that traditional
medical practices are frequently utilized in the management of chronic
diseases.7 It is particularly for this category of illness that TM has
developed a reputation. It is also in this area of treatment that modern
medicine is considered the weaker. An approach to harmonizing
activities between modern and traditional medicine will promote a
clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each, and
encourage the provision of the best therapeutic option for patients.
The alternative to this is poor health care practice and bad medicine,
most especially as the quantifiable scientific evidence of effective
TM practices mounts.
Collecting evidence based on research is, therefore, regarded
an essential step, although, of course, much more is involved in
harmonization.
exposure of many indigenous forms of traditional medicine to new,
more modern, medical environments. Various responses may and
have occurred to the presence of differing approaches to health care.
These range from complete rejection of TM by modern medical
practitioners and of modern medicine by TM practitioners, to a
parallel existence with little communication over patient care, or to
ultimately forced understanding, subsuming and integration of one
model by the other. None of these approaches is ideal precisely
because none confers adequate respect on the practices of the other.
This results in a weak utilization and exploration of the benefits
presented by each model.
Harmonization of traditional and modern medicine emphasizes
the importance of respectful co–existence. Within the model of
harmonization, there is the requirement to develop and hold a good
understanding of the other approaches to health care. Modern
medicine practitioners and researchers are required to achieve
adequate education and awareness of the practice, principles and
context of traditional medicine. Similarly, TM practitioners need to
be significantly more aware of the nature of practice and strengths
of modern medical approaches. The purpose of this broader
education base is not simply to yield a better understanding of
differing practices, but primarily to promote the best care for patients
by intelligently selecting the most facilitating route to health and
wellness.
18
TRADITIONAL AND MODERN MEDICINE: HARMONIZING THE TWO APPROACHES
Surveys and other sources of evidence indicate that traditional
medical practices are frequently utilized in the management of chronic
diseases.7 It is particularly for this category of illness that TM has
developed a reputation. It is also in this area of treatment that modern
medicine is considered the weaker. An approach to harmonizing
activities between modern and traditional medicine will promote a
clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each, and
encourage the provision of the best therapeutic option for patients.
The alternative to this is poor health care practice and bad medicine,
most especially as the quantifiable scientific evidence of effective
TM practices mounts.
Collecting evidence based on research is, therefore, regarded
an essential step, although, of course, much more is involved in
harmonization.
Integration of traditional medicine with modern
The integration of traditional medicine with modern medicine
may have three different meanings.
First, it may mean incorporation of traditional medicine into
the general health service system. The government recognizes the
practice of traditional medicine and the use of traditional medicine
is incorporated into the mainstream of health service system. In the
Region, traditional medicine has been an integral part of formal
health service system in several countries, albeit in different forms.
Second, it may mean integration of the practice of traditional
medicine with that of modern medicine. In fact, many medical
doctors who have adequate knowledge of traditional medicine have
tried to incorporate remedies used by traditional medicine into their
daily work. In some places, traditional and modern medicine are
practised side by side. Studies have also shown that many patients
use both traditional and modern medicine.
17
TRADITIONAL AND MODERN MEDICINE: HARMONIZING THE TWO APPROACHES
Third, it may mean the integration of traditional and modern
medicine as two branches of medical science. Although traditional
and modern medicines have developed in different cultural contexts
and are at different stages of scientific development, they have many
similarities. Efforts have been made to synthesize the two branches,
in order to form a new branch of medical science, incorporating
elements of both. However, at this stage this would appear to be a
difficult task.
may have three different meanings.
First, it may mean incorporation of traditional medicine into
the general health service system. The government recognizes the
practice of traditional medicine and the use of traditional medicine
is incorporated into the mainstream of health service system. In the
Region, traditional medicine has been an integral part of formal
health service system in several countries, albeit in different forms.
Second, it may mean integration of the practice of traditional
medicine with that of modern medicine. In fact, many medical
doctors who have adequate knowledge of traditional medicine have
tried to incorporate remedies used by traditional medicine into their
daily work. In some places, traditional and modern medicine are
practised side by side. Studies have also shown that many patients
use both traditional and modern medicine.
17
TRADITIONAL AND MODERN MEDICINE: HARMONIZING THE TWO APPROACHES
Third, it may mean the integration of traditional and modern
medicine as two branches of medical science. Although traditional
and modern medicines have developed in different cultural contexts
and are at different stages of scientific development, they have many
similarities. Efforts have been made to synthesize the two branches,
in order to form a new branch of medical science, incorporating
elements of both. However, at this stage this would appear to be a
difficult task.
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