Herbal Healing

Herbal medicine and herbal healing has been used for centuries and can be dated back to ancient cultures. It involves the medicinal use of plants derived substances to treat disease and enhance general health and wellbeing. Today many cultures still use herbal medicine as their primary form of health care. 

Traditional medicine such as Aboriginal medicine, Chinese medicine, Russian medicine and South Africa medicine are just a few examples of the types of traditional healing still happening today.

Commonly native cultures will use and are familiar with plants that grow in their regions. 

Today people can use plants from around the globe to treat ailments such as lavender, sage and chamomile. Some herbs contain potent substances and should be taken with caution and only as instructed. If you are taking oral herbal medicine and you are also taking pharmaceutical medication you should always consult with your doctor to determine if it is safe.  Knowing if what you are taking may interact with pharmaceutical medicines is essential. Many pharmaceutical medications are based on man-made versions of naturally occurring compounds found in nature. For instance Aspirin which is used for pain relief and anti-clotting is made from salicylic acid and is found in willow bark or meadowsweet.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Herbal medicines can be mistakenly thought to be completely safe because they are natural products. This is not correct. Some herbs can be toxic or interact with over the counter medications.

Therefore if you do not understand about herbal medicine it is important that you do not self-diagnose any health conditions. Any medication (healing herbs or otherwise) should be taken under the supervision of a knowledgeable and qualified practitioner. Some herbs can induce allergic reactions with side effects ranging from mild to severe.  Rashes, asthma, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are some of the side effects that can occur.  

Always tell your herbal therapist the following:

• which over-the-counter, herbal supplements, vitamins and prescription medications you are taking
• any allergic reactions you have experienced in the past
• if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• How old your child is if you are treating a child

PURCHASING FROM A REPUTABLE SUPPLIER

Not all herbal medicines available for sale are safe. It is important to always purchase products from a reputable practitioner or supplier and only stick to brands that are trusted and contain high quality herbs. Be careful purchasing over the internet. Unregulated brands may be manufactured at a poorer standard without undergoing government manufacturing or importing checks. Knowing how herbs have been cultivated is important as some processes can contain harsh chemicals like arsenic, lead and mercury.  Fillers may also be added that are toxic to your health. Without checks and safeguards you really don’t know what you are consuming. Herbal medicines sold by Australia companies are subject to regulations and free of toxic compounds. 

If you are considering taking herbal medicine, it is recommended that you:

• Don’t stop taking any prescribed medications without consulting your doctor first. 
• Always discuss with your doctor if you want to or are planning to start a course of herbal medicine for your condition.
• Seek advice from a qualified health practitioner, your doctor or your pharmacist about the herbal medicine’s safety, quality and effectiveness.
• Purchase products only from a reputable practitioner or pharmacist or reputable brands. 
• Always be cautious about buying herbal medicines or supplements manufactured overseas.
• Only take herbal medicines as prescribed and consult your health practitioner immediately if you experience any adverse reactions. 

ACTIVE INGREDTIENTS

The active ingredients of herbal medicines are sometimes unknown. Some pharmaceutical medications are based on a single active ingredient derived from a plant source. Some herbal medicine practitioners believe that the use of active ingredients on its own can lose its potency and impact on healing a ailment. Aspirin is a perfect example of this. Salicylic acid is found in meadowsweet and also contains a compound that prevents the irritation from salicylic acid when consumed. Aspirin on its own can cause stomach issues including bleeding as this protective compound is absent.   

Common Herb Medicinal Uses

The aim of herbal medicine is to return the body to a state of natural balance and to promote self-healing. Different herbs act on different body systems. Some common herbs include:

• Ginger – like turmeric ginger is a stem that grows underground, Traditionally used to treat colds, nausea, high blood pressure and migraines. Today many studies have shown ginger to be useful in treating nausea, including motion sickness and morning sickness

• Echinacea – to stimulate the immune system and aid the body in fighting infection. Used to treat ailments such as boils, fever and herpes 

• Dong quai (dang gui) – used for gynaecological complaints such as premenstrual      tension, menopause symptoms and period pain. Some studies indicate that dong quai can lower blood pressure

• Ginkgo biloba – commonly used to treat poor blood circulation and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• Garlic – used to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering levels of blood fats and cholesterol (a type of blood fat). The antibiotic and antiviral properties of garlic mean that it is also used to fight colds, sinusitis and other respiratory infections

• Ginseng – generally used to treat fatigue, for example during recovery from illness.      Also used to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, however overuse of ginseng has been associated with raised blood pressure

• Hypericum – commonly known as St John’s wort. Studies have suggested that St      John’s wort is just as effective as some pharmaceutical antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression. It is also used for anxiety and insomnia. However, St John’s wort can interact with a number of prescription medications, including the oral contraceptive pill, and stop them from working properly. 

• Elderberry – commonly used to relieve headaches, nerve pain, toothaches, colds, viral      infections and constipation. Test tube studies have demonstrated that the plant component contains antimicrobial and antiviral properties and high levels of vitamins like vitamin C.

• St John’s Wort – historically it was utilized to aid wound healing and alleviate insomnia, depression, and various kidney and lung diseases. Today, it’s largely prescribed to treat mild to moderate depression. St John’s wort can interfere with certain medications and needs to be taken with caution. 

• Turmeric -  recently turmeric has gained attention for its potent anti-inflammatory      properties and is used to treat chronic inflammation, pain, metabolic syndrome, and anxiety. In      particular, multiple studies reveal that supplemental doses of curcumin      are as effective for alleviating arthritis pain as some common anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen 

• Valerian – referred to as natures Valium relieves restlessness, tremors, headaches,      and heart palpitations. Today, it’s most often utilized to treat insomnia and anxiety. 

• Chamomile - commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation,      muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids

• Dandelion – used as a diuretic and liver detox. It also contains potassium, and some      have used it to treat eczema, intestinal problems and arthritis.

• Rosemary – According to recent studies, rosemary can help slow the progression of      Alzheimer’s decease and a natural fighter of bacteria and fungi in your body and home.

• Lavender – people have used lavender for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic      properties for centuries and can also be used to help with anxiety, migraines, insomnia and depression. 

• Aloe Vera – people have used the secretions of this plant to treat burns, cuts or superficial infections. It’s great for digestion

• Thyme - Thymus citriodorus is known for its positive effects on children’s digestion and its antibiotic and antifungal properties and is particularly used for healing superficial wounds.

• Mint - Headaches, skin irritations, nausea, pain, diarrhea, bloating, digestion and chest      congestion are symptoms that mint alleviates. Some studies suggest that it has antibacterial and antiviral properties

How to use Herbs for healing

Most commonly herbs are used in topical tinctures or in teas. Some herbs are burnt and the smoke can emit a healing substance to treat certain ailments and can have a positive effect on clearing bacteria in the air.  Some herbs or herbal supplements can be consumed in food. For example, rosemary and mint. It is important to always follow product directions and consult a health practitioner if you are unsure on how to use a herb or herbal supplement.