Herbal Therapy in a nutshell

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

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.

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".

1. 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.



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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.



6. 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.




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: 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.



7. 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).



8. 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.



9. Some herbal supplements have been found to be contaminated with metals, unlabeled prescription drugs, microorganisms, or other substances.



10. 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.

Source: http://nccam.nih.gov

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

Traditional Medicine: Consumers, government and other stakeholders

Based on the growing interest in traditional medicine shown by
consumers, scientists and regulators, three important challenges
present themselves.
• The public and the users of traditional medicine request
safe, quality–controlled and effective remedies.
• Medical scientists request more scientifically sound
evidence before comfortably accepting many traditional
medicine practices. Many health professionals have
doubts about the usefulness of traditional medicine. In
many cases, they require more scientifically–based
evidence if they are to trust its safety and effectiveness.
Meanwhile, the involvement of the academic and
scientific community provides the opportunity to create
more evidence by means of modern science.
• Governments need to establish and update mechanisms
for the regulation of traditional medicine and its
practitioners and, in doing so, require more
scientifically–based evidence to support decision–
making. As traditional systems of medicine become
better documented, and more scientifically credible,
usage is only likely to increase further.
Consumers, of course, have many different reasons for using
traditional medicine, and may not require the same level of evidence
of practice that is espoused by medical scientists. Consumers may
have confidence in, for example, oriental herbal medicine because
of its existence in public hospitals and medical infrastructure in
China, Republic of Korea, and Japan, instituted by centuries of use,
scholarly writings and a formal tertiary education system.
Consumers may also be prepared to try an herbal formula that has
been used and documented in classical medical literature for many
centuries and may be less convinced by a clinical trial of a new drug
– having been applied only to a well–defined sample group.
Consumers’ awareness of these factors may generate more confidence
in terms of ‘evidence behind practice’ than any single
methodologically rigorous clinical trial. However, to the scientist
it’s the latter, and not the former, that represents the stronger evidence.

Source: www.who.int

Natural Herbs & Vitamins During Pregnancy

Although medicine has replaced most natural supplements with a synthetic substitute, there are many who still look to natural herbs and vitamins to provide essential nutrition to pregnant women as well as aid in the relief of some common discomforts.

Many herbalists believe that herbs are often better, cheaper, and healthier than their medical counterparts. However, many medical professionals do not recommend herbal remedies for pregnant women, since safety has not been established through extensive research.

Unlike prescription drugs, natural herbs and vitamin supplements do not go through the same scrutiny and evaluation process by the FDA. As a result, the quality and strength of an herbal supplement can vary between two batches of the same product and between products from different manufacturers. Consumers have little way of knowing if a product will do what the label claims and how safe the product may be. Reliable information about the product may be hard to find, which makes researching these products’ effectiveness more challenging.

What are the risks of using natural herbs during pregnancy?

Although herbs are natural, not all herbs are safe to take during pregnancy. The FDA urges pregnant women not to take any herbal products without talking to their midwife or doctor first. Women are also urged to consult a trained and experienced herbalist (or other professional who is trained to work with herbs) if they want to take herbs during their pregnancy. Some herbal products may contain agents that are contraindicated in pregnancy.

Herbs may contain substances that can cause miscarriage, premature birth, uterine contractions, or injury to the fetus. Few studies have been done to measure the effects of various herbs on pregnant women or a developing fetus.

What are some herbs I should be cautious about during my pregnancy?

Depending on the source, some information will list an herb as safe to consume during pregnancy, whereas another source may list the same herb as unsafe. Therefore, it is best to consult with your health care provider or someone trained in using herbs before taking any natural medicine or herb during pregnancy.

Some organizations that specialize in herbs have done extensive testing on their safety. Often these organizations will list herbs with their safety ratings for the general population and also safety during pregnancy and lactation. These ratings can often be confusing and hard to interpret; this is why speaking with a professional who is familiar with using herbs during pregnancy is recommended. One key thing when understanding the safety ratings is to pay attention to what type of use the rating is for.

For example, the rating for Rosemary is considered Likely Safe ...when used orally in amounts typically found in foods. (Rosemary has a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US.) But in pregnancy, Rosemary is considered Possibly UnSafe ...when used orally in medicinal amounts. Rosemary might have uterine and menstrual flow stimulant effects; avoid using. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of the topical use of rosemary during pregnancy.¹

This is a prime example of how the method of use of the herb changes its safety rating. We know that rosemary sprinkled in your tomato sauce is not a risk to you and your baby. If you were to use Rosemary in a large dose, like that used in medicinal amounts, it could be dangerous for your pregnancy. The same goes for herbs such as Garlic, Sage, Ginger and Tumeric. All of these herbs could be contraindicated in pregnancy when used in large or concentrated doses, but are considered safe when used in amounts found in food. ²

Herbs to Avoid during Pregnancy

The following herbs are considered Likely UnSafe or Unsafe during pregnancy : ³

• Saw Palmetto - when used orally; has hormonal activity
• Goldenseal - when used orally may cross the placenta
• Dong Quai - when used orally due to uterine stimulant and relaxant effects
• Ephedra - when used orally
• Yohimbe - when used orally
• Pay D’ Arco - when used orally in large doses; contraindicated
• Passion Flower - when used orally
• Black Cohosh - when used orally in pregnant women who are not at term
• Blue Cohosh - when used orally; uterine stimulant and can induce labor
• Roman Chamomile - when used orally in medicinal amounts
• Pennyroyal - when used orally or topically

Are there any herbs that are Recommended in pregnancy?

Depending on what type of health care provider you see, they may recommend using herbs to help promote the health of your pregnancy. Remember, never try to self dose or diagnose with any medications, including herbs. Because each pregnancy is different, with its own specific details, the best way to use herbs is under the care of a midwife, physician, herbalist, naturopathic or homeopathic doctor.

Choosing to use herbs during pregnancy is a personal choice, but to ensure the best outcome for you and your baby, you should be well educated on the types of herbs, parts of the herb (root, leaf, etc…) and the way that it could be used (caplet, tonic, tea). The herbs that are considered safe to use during pregnancy are often food or tonic herbs. These often will be found in either tablet form, tea, or infusion form.

Herbs used in Pregnancy

The following herbs have been rated Likely Safe or Possibly Safe for use during pregnancy:⁴

• Red Raspberry Leaf - Rich in iron, this herb has helped tone the uterus, increase milk production, decrease nausea, and ease labor pains. Some studies have even reported that using red raspberry leaf during pregnancy can reduce complications and the use of interventions during birth.⁵ You may see “Pregnancy Teas” that are made from Red Raspberry leaf to help promote uterine health during pregnancy. (Read about Herbal teas for more information)
There is some controversy about whether this should be used throughout pregnancy or just in the second and third trimester, so many health care providers will remain cautious and only recommend using it after the first trimester.
• Peppermint Leaf - Helpful in relieving nausea/morning sickness and flatulence
• Ginger root - Helps relieve nausea and vomiting
• Slippery Elm Bark - (when the inner bark is used orally in amounts used in foods) Used to help relieve nausea, heartburn, and vaginal irritations
• Oats & Oat Straw - Rich in calcium and magnesium; helps relieve anxiety, restlessness, and irritated skin

Additional Herbs rated Likely Safe or Possibly Safe:

• Blond Psyllium - when used orally and appropriately
• Black Psyllium - when used orally with appropriate fluid intake
• Garlic - when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods
• Capsicum (Cayenne, hot pepper) - when used topically and appropriately

The following herbs have been rated as having Insufficient Reliable Information Available by the Natural Medicines Database, although many are recommended by homeopathic physicians, herbalists, and midwives who treat pregnant women. More extensive research and discussions with your treating health care provider will help you make the decision about what herbs are safe for you to use.

• Dandelion - Rich in Vitamin A, calcium, and iron; dandelion root and leaf can also help relieve mild edema and nourish the liver
• Chamomile (German) - High in calcium and magnesium; also helps with sleeplessness and inflammation of joints
• Nettles (Stinging Nettles) - High in vitamins A, C, K , calcium, potassium, and iron. Used in many “Pregnancy teas” because it is a great all around pregnancy tonic. Note on the safety of Nettles: Natural Medicines Database gives Nettles a rating of Likely Unsafe, even though it is used in countless pregnancy teas and recommended by most midwives and herbalists. This may be in relation to which part of the Nettles plant is used (the root or the leaves) and how much is used. According to other sources, the use of Nettles is encouraged during pregnancy because of all its health benefits.⁶

Other Popular Herbs that are used

The following are commonly used herbs which have a safety rating of Possibly Unsafe when used orally. Again, these are herbs you would want to do more extensive research on and discuss with your health care provider before using.

• Aloe
• Ginseng (American & Korean)
• Evening Primrose
• Feverfew
• Kava Kava
• Senna

Your Next Steps:

• Subscribe to the Natural Medicines Database for information on other herbs and natural medicines
• Find a certified herbalist in your area or a health care provider who works with natural medicines
• Read about using herbal teas during pregnancy
• Talk with your midwife or physician

For More Information on Alternative Medicine and Herbs:

• Natural Medicines Database www.naturaldatabase.com
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine or (888) 644-6226

• HerbMed http://www.herbmed.org/

• The American Botanical Council http://www.herbalgram.org/

Source: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/naturalherbsvitamins.html