| Using herbal therapy, the body will become stronger and the individual will take the time to learn something about the factors that led to the disease in the first place, thus giving the opportunity to prevent reoccurrence. The quick and powerful action of modern pharmaceuticals will bring superficial relief. Their primary action is to give temporary relief from the responsibility of taking proper care of one's health. These drugs, when relied on in this way, will lead to a more severe disease later. For you will have pushed aside the warning signals that you are doing something wrong. |
| Michael experienced over and over—with patients and students— that when Western herbs were used without regard for their energies, the effectiveness of the herbal therapy was often compromised. When the principles of a theoretical foundation were applied, however, Western herbs took on a new dimension of meaning and use. Michael felt a strong call to revise our Western use of herbs at that time, to bring a systemized basis of herbal understanding back to the West.
A good example of the effectiveness of a system of principles of herb use involves the Native American herb, echinacea. |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien See book keywords and concepts |
John's wort product comparable in efficacy to the antidepressant, while the other found it superior to standard treatment. The herbal therapy was associated with fewer side effects.4'5 In another study of 182 people, those who took an herbal combination product containing valerian experienced more significant relief from anxiety symptoms than the placebo group. The herbal blend tested was a popular French product containing valerian and passionflower (Passijlora incarnata), in addition to smaller amounts of hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), black hore-hound (Ballota spp. |
| This was the first clinical study to biopsy prostate tissue in men with BPH. The herbal therapy demonstrated the most marked effects on the epithelial tissue of the transition zone (middle layer) of the prostate.3
Major Constituents
Free fatty acids and sterols (including lauric acid and myristic acid)
Safety
Saw palmetto is considered safe for consumption when used appropriately.14 Most men can successfully use saw palmetto without side effects.
• Side effects: There have been some reports of mild stomach upset, which is often resolved by taking the extract with meals. |
Dr. Gary Null See book keywords and concepts |
She has practiced preventive medicine for fifteen years using traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and herbal therapy. aromatherapy
SHARON OLSON. PH.D. 20-61 32nd Street Astoria, NY 11105 (718) 726-3817 (718) 545-1408 (fax)
Dr. Olson is a professor in the psychology department of Montclair State University, and a certified psychologist in New York State. Her clinical practice includes aromatherapy and Bach Flower Remedies. She is also a certified hypnotherapist and a certified Reiki practitioner. ayurveda
NANCY LONSDORF, M.D. |
Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine See book keywords and concepts |
When fu-zheng herbal therapy was used as an adjuvant to radiation therapy to treat pharyngeal cancer, the five-year survival rate was more than twice as high (53 percent) as in a group not receiving the herbs (24 percent).1
The most common herbs used in fu-zheng are blood-vitalizing herbs, including astragalus, milletia, reishi, panax ginseng, schizandra, jujube, ligus-ticum, hoelen, salvia, ho shou wu, cordyceps, atractylodis, and codonopsis. |
Robyn Landis See book keywords and concepts |
The specifics of herbal therapy in Ayurveda are driven by a given individual's need to increase or decrease these energies in his or her body in order to heal, or to stay well. Excess heat is controlled by cooling herbs; excess oiliness or moisture by drying herbs, and so on. Herbs may be chosen because they are cooling and drying, or warming and drying, or because they are warming and moistening. It all depends on the condition being addressed, and the general body type. |
Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Foods and drinks of contrary energies and properties should be avoided during herbal therapy. For instance, foods with strong cooling properties should be avoided if one is taking warming tonic herbs and formulas. Conversely, strong heating foods, such as sugar, coffee, and alcohol should be avoided if one is taking cooling herbs and formulas. Stimulating foods and drinks should be avoided while taking sedative herbs, and greasy or oily foods should be avoided while taking digestives. 11. |
Dr. Cass Ingram See book keywords and concepts |
Impetigo combat kit
• oil of oregano (the most important herbal therapy) — apply topically and take internally.
• raw honey — apply topically
• Oregamax capsules — take 2 capsules every four hours.
• Oil of Bay Berry — apply topically to speed healing and minimize scarring
Things to avoid
• don't allow children to keep long fingernails. The impetigo germs may be housed underneath them. Keep the fingernails clipped.
Influenza (see Flu)
Ingrown toenail
This seems like a minor problem. Yet, an ingrown toenail can become extremely painful and can also result in secondary infection. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND See book keywords and concepts |
| Efficacy of traditional Chinese herbal therapy in adult atopic dermatitis. Lancet 1992; 340: 13-17
33. Sheehan MP, Atherton DJ. A controlled trial of traditional Chinese medicinal plants in widespread non-exudative atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol 1992; 126: 179-184
34. Evans FQ. The rational use of glycyrrhetinic acid in dermatology. Br J Clin Pract 1958; 12: 269-279
35. Barnes B. Thyroid therapy in dermatology. Cutis 1971; 8: 581-583
36. Jordan J, Whitlock F. Emotions and the skin. The conditioning of scratch responses in cases of atopic dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 1972; 86: 574-584
37. |
Ronald L. Hoffman, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
After the fire is put out, you might then augment that treatment with a long-term dietary approach, or low-cost herbal therapy.
Another key aspect of intelligent medicine is that you are in charge of your own health and fitness. Of course, you will consult physicians and benefit from their expertise, but you will know enough about what is going on with your body to be able to make some intelligent choices about which programs and treatments you may want to embark upon, supported by your physician, and which you may not want to subscribe to. |
| Acupuncture helps to send regulatory messages to the autonomic nervous system.
• herbal therapy. Peppermint has a soothing effect on the lower GI tract. Look for the enteric-coated variety, which acts selectively on the intestine. Ginger is a settling herb which is also good for nausea.
• A low-fat, high fiber diet will put less physical stress on the bowels.
• Cognitive psychotherapy and even hypnosis have been known to help some patients.
Gastric Ulcers
Ulcer pain is usually sharp and constant and occurs somewhere between the navel and the breastbone. |
James S. Gordon, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
This is unfortunate, because Chinese medicine is not just acupuncture or herbal therapy or dietary changes or qi gong but an integrated synthesis of all of them, in which each aspect works to augment the others. To be sure, we have not found conclusive support for some of the more dramatic claims—the regular restoration of hearing in deaf-mutes, for example—that emerged from China in the early 1970s. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND See book keywords and concepts |
| An uncontrolled outcomes study reported that a 3 month treatment course of acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy in HIV+ patients statistically decreased symptom severity and improved quality of life.169
• A study of 31 HIV+ patients with peripheral neuropathy showed that acupuncture alleviated pain or tingling in 38% of the patients.170
• One clinician, after treating 112 HIV/AIDS patients with a Chinese herbal formula called Glyke (60 mg b.i.d., p.o.) for 3-6 months, reported improvements in CD4 counts and reduction in symptoms (Wei B, personal communication).
Note. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts |
Complete restoration of hair using herbal therapy is rare, but is not unknown. The herbs listed here are meant for external use only. The formulas are to be taken internally.
BENEFICIAL HERBS
HERB
FORM AND DOSAGE
COMMENTS
Biota
Tincture or scalp lotion, prepared by compounding pharmacist or TCM practitioner.
Thickens existing hair and prevents further baldness.
Drynaria
Tincture or scalp lotion, prepared by compounding pharmacist or TCM practitioner.
Stimulates hair growth on portions of scalp affected by AGA.
Ginkgo
Ginkgolide tablets. Take 40-60 mg 2-3 times daily. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Learn some healing arts, such as massage, herbal therapy, and nutrition for yourself and others.
Leam about local healing plants for use in day-to-day care and nourishment and for future survival should you need them.
Learn to sprout and eat seeds and beans. These are very nutritious and wonderful survival foods.
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
Plant a garden and grow your own food. This will give you the freshest, chemical-free foods. If you own land, plant fruit and nut trees, which can provide food for many years. Even in cities, flower and vegetable boxes can surround your home. |
Dr. Gary Null See book keywords and concepts |
She has practiced preventive medicine for fifteen years using traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and herbal therapy.
AROMATHERAPY
SHARON OLSON, PH.D. 20-61 32nd Street Astoria, NY 11105 (718) 726-3817 (718) 545-1408 (fax)
Dr. Olson is a professor in the psychology department of Montclair State University, and a certified psychologist in New York State. Her clinical practice includes aromatherapy and Bach Flower Remedies. She is also a certified hypnotherapist and a certified Reiki practitioner.
AYURVEDA
NANCY LONSDORF, M.D. |
Robyn Landis See book keywords and concepts |
Many natural health practitioners believe that dietary, exercise, and herbal therapy should always be a first resort, and that lumpectomies and hysterectomies are often performed unnecessarily in these cases. It is worth trying other remedies first because they are going to be cheaper and less traumatic for everyone concerned. Again, however, such conditions should be diagnosed and monitored by your doctor. |
Bill Gottlieb See book keywords and concepts |
Tension and lack of emotional connection are often underlying reasons why a man has sexual problems. Hibiscus helps him relax and restores warmth to the sexual relationship," says Dr. Watson.
Flower essences are available in some health food stores and through mail order (refer to the resource Hst on page 635). For information on preparing and administering flower essences, see page 37.
Homeopathy
If you have a strong sexual desire but avoid intercourse, and if you ejaculate either early or not at all, try Graphites 12C two to four times a day until you improve, suggests Chris Meletis, N.D. |
Stephen T., M.D. Sinatra See book keywords and concepts |
IU
Vitamin C
300 to 600 mg
Vitamin E
200 to 400 IU
Selenium
100 to 200 meg
Folic acid
400 to 800 meg
Vitamin B-6
20 to 40 mg
Pantothenic acid
25 to 50 mg
Vitamin B-12
20 to 40 meg
Magnesium
200 to 400 mg
Chromium picolinate
50 to 100 meg
Coenzyme Q10
30 to 60 mg
Quercetin
10 to 40 mg
Vanadium
200 to 400 meg
Bromelain
50 to 100 mg
N-acetyl cysteine
50 to 100 mg
3. |
Michael Tierra See book keywords and concepts |
All of this has to do not only with the exact nature of the symptom or disease but also with the circumstance from which it arises in the body in the first place. Symptomatic medicine may temporarily destroy a particular germ or virus with a drug. However, if it is applied without attending to the overall imbalance of the system, problems may resurface or, worse, bury themselves deeper into the system to create more serious chronic conditions. |
Bill Gottlieb See book keywords and concepts |
N.D.'s), who specialize in prescribing herbs, and herbalists, who are usually self-trained and often very knowledgeable. Be sure to ask them about side effects or possible interactions with other drugs that you might be taking. (For recommended books on herbs, refer to the resource list on 635.)
No matter what you do, however, you must be aware that just because it's nat-
Plant
Potential Danger
Rue
May make skin more susceptible to damage from sunlight
Sassafras
May cause cancer
The following herbs are potentially dangerous and should be used with caution. |