Herbal Supplements and Remedies, Part One

There are many herbal supplements out there that are supposed to help with weight, memory, arthritis, blood sugar, metabolism, urinary tract, liver function, kidney function, heart function………The list is endless. However, we need to be aware of so many things when dealing with herbs.

For instance, did you know that most supplements that you buy over the counter are processed and aged so much that they have lost most of their potency? Many over the counter supplements have been chemically treated to increase their shelf life. They have been chopped, pureed, and crushed so many times that the benefits have been chopped away. And then they are stuffed into capsules or placed in flavored sugary liquid which further reduces their potency.

Also, many herbs, whether taken as an OTC supplement, or purchased whole and steeped or prepared at home, can, and often do, react to other medications that you might be taking. They may block the benefits of your medications or they may react poisonously with something that has been prescribed by your doctor. Many also react to certain treatments, for instance, St. John’s Wort, which is taken to reduce mood swings can react to some anesthetics’ and cause death.

So the first thing you need to do is research the herb you would like to take to see what effect it might have with other medications you are taking. The second thing you must do is notify your doctor and all health care professionals that you are taking an herbal remedy. They will need to know what you are taking, how much you are taking, how often you are taking it, and why you feel you need it. Many physicians do not like herbs because they do not always work for people and when they do it is a very slow process. That means that if you are taking Willow Bark for pain it might take a day or two before you get any benefits from it.

Another thing you must research is what the herb is and what it can do. For instance, did you know that Willow Bark was first processed as Bayer Aspirin and that it is actually salicylic acid (aspirin)? You could have a reaction to it if you are allergic to aspirin.

Here is a list of general things to know when using herbal supplements and remedies:

· When making an infusion (steeping the herb in water), make sure the water is boiling before adding the herbs and steep for at least ten minutes, preferably twenty. Strain your infusions before drinking.

· When drinking an infusion, it is OK to add honey for flavor, but do not add sugar, artificial sweetener or cream of any kind since this will reduce the benefit of the herb.

· Be careful about how much you take, you can easily overdose if you do not know how much to take (herbal remedies are usually dispensed by body weight).

· Always research the herb for side affects and possible reactions.

· Always tell your health care professional that you are taking an herbal supplement or remedy.

· Be patient when using herbal remedies because it will take longer for them to work, but once they begin to work, their affects will often last longer than an OTC medication or prescription medication provided you take them regularly.

· Do not ingest the herb itself unless it is indicated in your research or you have been told to do so by an herbalist, many herbs can not be taken internally and could cause problems. Do not combine herbs unless you know what affect they may have on each other.

· Never, never, never get your herbs from woods or roadside areas. These herbs may have poisons or chemical treatments that you are not aware of. Also, many herbs look alike (like mushrooms) and you might be collecting the wrong herb. Get your herbs from an herbalist or grow them yourself.

· Ask an herbalist for advice on how to use herbs and what they may be good for. An herbalist knows a great deal about herbs and how they affect people.

Once infused, an herbal remedy is usually only good for 24 hours if kept warm and 48 hours if kept cold. Do not use after this time frame unless specifically told to do so by an herbalist or gleaned from your research. Alcohol, such as whiskey, can increase the shelf life of an herb, but some can not tolerate the alcohol. Be sure to check with an herbalist before experimenting.

Homestead Herb Farm and Craft Barn, 122 Porter Pond Road, Moosup, CT 06354 Phone 860-564-4502

The Herb Book by John Lust, published by Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10103, copyright 1974

PDR for Herbal Medicines, Second Edition, published by the Medical Economics Company at Montvale, NJ 07645-1742, copyright 2000