Natural Herbal Remedies

The beauty of herbal remedies is that they encourage the body to heal itself. But just because they are natural doesn't mean they are harmless.

An Introduction to Healing with Herbs

The beauty of herbal remedies is that they encourage the body to heal itself. Herbs can guide the body’s resources toward the source of illness and pain, a weakened system, or to unhealthy tissues. Herbal healing interferes the least with the body’s natural rhythm and produces fewer side effects than most other medical treatments. Yet, there is more to herbal cures than simply replacing a drug with an herb. You first need to understand that just because herbs are natural does not mean that they are entirely harmless.

	The quality of the herbs is also critical.

In many large European clinical trials, the rate of side effects from herbs was typically half that of prescription drugs for the same conditions. Side effects that did occur from herbal remedies were much milder. The most common side effects are headache and upset stomach, both normally go away if the dosage is reduced, the herbs are taken with meals, or use is discontinued.

During consultation, an herbalist will try to discover the root of the problem and then prescribe herbs or other natural healing methods such as massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture, or other types of bodywork, to address the source. The most effective formulas are those custom designed for you by the herbalist. However, here are some basics to help you begin your exploration of the world of natural healing.

Types of Herbal Remedies: Tonics, Specifics, Cleansers

Tonics

Tonic herbs are gently working generalist herbs that support nutrition and assist in the repair of organs, systems, and the body as a whole. For instance, if you suffer from repeated colds or yeast infections, your immune system is run down. Tonic herbs will help the immune system restore its strength, allowing it to do its job of eliminating your cold or infections over time. For maximum effectiveness, patients should take tonics consistently for a minimum of three months up to a year, depending on the severity of the imbalance. Because of their gentle nature, tonic herbs are safe for long-term use.

Specifics

Specific herbs, or specifics, target a specific organ or system and help it to heal or work more efficiently. During an acute infection, such as a fever, sore throat, or during a vaginal yeast infection, specifics are used for shorter time periods because they are essentially stimulants for these organs or systems. Echinacea, for example, is a stimulant for the immune system and is best taken for several days just as you feel a cold or yeast infection coming on.

Specifics, including Echinacea, are not for long-term use. They should be taken for several days and then stopped. If the problem persists, try another course of the stimulating herb. If that doesn’t work, your organs and tissues may need the continued support of tonics for a few months. Tonics and specifics can work together. During the acute phase of an infection, let the specific antibacterial herbs predominate, supported by a few of the tonics. Then ease off the specifics as the symptoms dissipate, but remain on the tonics.

Cleansers

Cleansers are herbs that stimulate immune functions and increase elimination through the bowels, skin, and kidneys. Cleansers also help the liver process toxins. Skin problems such as acne, boils, or dandruff can be stopped at the source through the use of cleansers to eliminate waste products. Blood purifiers are a particular category of cleansers that work to clean the blood and circulatory systems.

Types of herbal remedies

There are many options for taking herbs:

• Teastablets/capletsinfusions - made from leaves, stems, flowers
  
• Decoctions - made from roots, barks, berries
  
• Tinctures - alcohol based extracts
  
• Glycerites - non-alcohol based extracts

You may choose to add any of these forms to your food if that makes them easier to take. Regardless, choose the form you are most likely to use consistently. The quality of the herbs is also critical, so unless you grow your own, buy them from a reputable store or mail order outlet. Here’s hoping you will continue exploring ways to apply their natural remedies for a healthier life.