Guidelines for Using Herbs

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Guidelines for Using Herbs

 

Herbology is the study of plants, herbs, minerals and supplements used in the

growing, cultivating and harvesting of the natural world. Holistically, we use

natural plants or plant-based substances to treat a wide range of illness and

disease in order to enhance the functioning of the body's system. Herbs are

prescribed by a range of practitioners, from naturopaths to acupuncturists to

holistic practitioners. For more than 5000 years, herbal medicine has long been

the apothecary of the world. Folklore and ancient recipes have been past down

for centuries.

 

Mayan, Ayurvedic, Tibetan and Chinese cultures have been developing, improving

and perfecting health-promoting herbal recipes. More than 80,000 herbal

prescriptions are recorded, whose precise quantities and proportions are crucial

to their efficacy. Nowadays, research studies are being done on some of these

herbs, herbal combinations and formulas. Many of today's wonder drugs were

derived from traditional herbal formulations.

 

One of the characteristics of Asian herbology is that most herbs are used in

prescriptions with 3 or more additional herbs. There are sometimes 10 or more

herbs in a single prescription. Many assistant herbs cooperate with a major

ingredient (or chief herb) in a combination to produce a better effect on one

particular organ or condition. The chief herb " rules " the prescription and has

the primary effect on the dis-eased condition. The assistant herbs help to

synergistically increase the effect of the chief herb, to treat an illness, as

well as, " supervise " the function of other herbs.

 

The medicinal benefits of herbs have been recorded for centuries. Egyptian,

Roman, Native American, Chinese, Tibetan, Mayan and Hebrews alike, all have

their herbal materia medica of recorded remedies and cures. Many herbs contain

powerful ingredients that, if used correctly, can help heal the body. By using

herbs in their complete form, the body's healing process utilizes a balance of

the ingredients provided by mother nature.

 

Many herbs are extremely potent. Herbs must be used appropriately. Therefore,

herbs must be use with respect and proper knowledge because overuse of certain

herbs can be deadly! It is also important to note that since herbs contain

active ingredients, be aware that some elements may interact negatively with

prescribed medications! Therefore, your healthcare professional must be notified

if you have any questions about safety. and As a general rule: some herbs in any

form, should not be taken for more than seven days at a time. Others herbs are

more beneficial with time. The fresh leaves, bark, and roots of herbs can be

used in their natural form or can be found in dried form and used in capsules,

tablets, tinctures, essential oils, powders, creams, lotions, and salves.

 

 

How to Use Herbs

Herbal formulas can be taken in a variety of ways.

 

*You may be prescribed raw herbs. Steep these herbs as teas in order to release

their healing properties. Although Andrew refers to the herb prescriptions as

" tea, " some people find the taste to be a little less than " delicious. "

 

*Pills and Capsules -These are one form. These are herbs ground into powder.

Herbal formulas tend to be created for a single problem or nest of related

problems and their specific pattern of disharmony.

 

*Tinctures -Herbal remedies are also prescribed in tincture form and are the

previously fresh herb in well preserved, highly concentrated form. This liquid,

as well as, concentrated forms of extracted herbs are preserved in their

freshest form.

 

*Essence -Steam distillation or cold pressing results in herbs as essential

oils.

 

*Poultice are macerated or chopped herbs that are placed directly on the skin

and a hot, moist bandage is applied.

 

*Infusions are used when you are working with the most delicate part of the

herb-the leaves flowers, fruits and seeds. Infusion time can be approximately

3-5 minutes.

 

 

*Decoctions are used to extract the tougher part of the herb-bark, berries and

roots. Decoction time can be between 45 minutes to 90 minutes.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/herbology.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit