| HERBS: SAFE, BUT PROCEED WITH CAUTION. |
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For the most part herbs are very safe and have few, if any, side effects. However, it is a good idea to proceed
with caution when not under the supervision of a trained herbalist or other natural health practitioner. To use
herbs safely you must understand that all herbs respond differently in the body. Become familiar with the
different properties of the herbs you use and gain an understanding of their unique actions. Understand that
some herbs have mild actions, while others act rapidly and have a stronger effect on the system. Mild herbs
may be taken in larger doses for an extended period of time, while other herbs such as stimulants, or sedatives
should be used in smaller doses for a shorter period of time. A good rule of thumb when just starting out with
herbs is to follow, "The Simplers" methods. Herbs were once known as simples, because one single herb
could be used to affect a number of different illnesses. For example: Alfalfa is a mild herb which contains
vitamins A, C, E, and K; it also contains calcium, potassium, iron and phosphorus. Alfalfa is used to help
improve digestion, to assimilate vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in the body. Alfalfa can also be used for
rheumatic aches and pains, lower-back pain, weight gain, reducing fevers, insomnia, and to regulate the bowels.
When researching specific herbs it is a good idea to check several different references. There are a large
number of books on herbs and their uses, however, the information may vary from author to author. Don't just
assume that because the information is written in a book or article that it is credible. Compare the information
you read in one book to the information in several other books.
Because of the lack of clinical research that has been done on most herbs, it is a good idea to check with a
trained herbalist or other natural health practitioner before using herbs if you are pregnant or nursing. Some
herbs have proved to be extremely beneficial during pregnancy. However, unless you are knowledgeable in the
use of herbs, it is better to take the safer course of action and leave it up to the professionals.
Another thing to consider when taking herbs, is their source. Why would you try to treat an illness naturally
and then purchase herbs which were sprayed with chemicals or adulterated with other synthetic ingredients?
Make sure that you are getting quality organic ingredients or herbs that have been wild harvested. When
purchasing wild harvested herbs ensure that they have been tested for possible contamination, and that they
were harvested in a manner that is ecologically sound. Some herbs are now considered to be endangered
because of over harvesting. If herbs are not harvested, dried and stored correctly they will loose their potency.
And finally, when using herbs understand that your body will heal itself naturally if given the opportunity.
Don't just assume that the more herbs you use, the better you will feel. Give your body the time to heal
naturally and introduce herbs into your system slowly. The more you know about what you put into your
body, the better off you will be.
© Natalie Vickery 2006 - All rights reserved.
with caution when not under the supervision of a trained herbalist or other natural health practitioner. To use
herbs safely you must understand that all herbs respond differently in the body. Become familiar with the
different properties of the herbs you use and gain an understanding of their unique actions. Understand that
some herbs have mild actions, while others act rapidly and have a stronger effect on the system. Mild herbs
may be taken in larger doses for an extended period of time, while other herbs such as stimulants, or sedatives
should be used in smaller doses for a shorter period of time. A good rule of thumb when just starting out with
herbs is to follow, "The Simplers" methods. Herbs were once known as simples, because one single herb
could be used to affect a number of different illnesses. For example: Alfalfa is a mild herb which contains
vitamins A, C, E, and K; it also contains calcium, potassium, iron and phosphorus. Alfalfa is used to help
improve digestion, to assimilate vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in the body. Alfalfa can also be used for
rheumatic aches and pains, lower-back pain, weight gain, reducing fevers, insomnia, and to regulate the bowels.
When researching specific herbs it is a good idea to check several different references. There are a large
number of books on herbs and their uses, however, the information may vary from author to author. Don't just
assume that because the information is written in a book or article that it is credible. Compare the information
you read in one book to the information in several other books.
Because of the lack of clinical research that has been done on most herbs, it is a good idea to check with a
trained herbalist or other natural health practitioner before using herbs if you are pregnant or nursing. Some
herbs have proved to be extremely beneficial during pregnancy. However, unless you are knowledgeable in the
use of herbs, it is better to take the safer course of action and leave it up to the professionals.
Another thing to consider when taking herbs, is their source. Why would you try to treat an illness naturally
and then purchase herbs which were sprayed with chemicals or adulterated with other synthetic ingredients?
Make sure that you are getting quality organic ingredients or herbs that have been wild harvested. When
purchasing wild harvested herbs ensure that they have been tested for possible contamination, and that they
were harvested in a manner that is ecologically sound. Some herbs are now considered to be endangered
because of over harvesting. If herbs are not harvested, dried and stored correctly they will loose their potency.
And finally, when using herbs understand that your body will heal itself naturally if given the opportunity.
Don't just assume that the more herbs you use, the better you will feel. Give your body the time to heal
naturally and introduce herbs into your system slowly. The more you know about what you put into your
body, the better off you will be.
© Natalie Vickery 2006 - All rights reserved.
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