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Herbs FAQ

Are herbs safe?
Some people have allergic reactions just as they do with certain foods but this doesn’t mean all food is bad for you! Educating yourself, and used in moderation and according to manufacturer’s recommendations they can be a very safe alternative to drugs with the common toxic side-effects. Some things to keep in mind are they are not a concentrate or drug so effects can take longer. Normally improvement for an acute symptom is seen with a few days with chronic problems taking longer. A rule of thumb is one month of healing for every year of the problem. If you do not see some kind of result within these guidelines one should consider switching to another formula. It is not uncommon to adjust the dosage and herbs needed for each individuals needs. Use herbs only as needed and reduce consumption as problem improves and discontinue use when well.

Can herbs be used along with prescription medicine?
Most naturopaths and herbalists say yes. However, they also agree that you should always check with your healthcare professional before doing so, as many herbs have the same action as prescription drugs. For example, St. John’s Wort & Kava Kava should not be combined with antidepressants; Ginkgo can act as a blood thinner, and is therefore not recommended for ones taking anti-clotting medications such as aspirin or coumadin.

Why don’t most American doctors recommend the use of herbs?
Unlike some European countries where doctors & pharmacists are trained in herbal medicine, doctors here in the United States are generally not offered such training. However, the trend is changing and many medical professionals are now recognizing the value of alternative therapies, including use of herbs. The Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy in 1997, notes that 27 medical schools in the United States currently offer elective courses on alternative medicine, including Harvard, Stanford & Yale.

What is the difference between “wild-crafted” and organic and certified organic herbs?
Generally wild-crafted herbs are grown and harvested in their natural habitat, while organic herbs are grown under controlled situations. Certified organic herbs are third party inspected to assure purity. Not all herbs are available as certified organic yet we try first to purchase this type of herb first and our suppliers assure us that the botanicals are free of chemical pesticides and are not irradiated. The organic method of growing food means that no artificial pesticides or chemicals are used in the production process. Many modern farms use all sorts of chemicals in their production processes to help kill bugs etc. Not only are the bugs killed but the food contains many of these highly toxic substances. Simply by eating this contaminated food you are basically putting yourself at risk to some degree.

Are standardized herbs better than whole (non-standardized) herbs?
There is no yes or no answer, and even herbalists are split on this subject. Standardization means that the active ingredient or what’s believed to make the herb effective, is extracted from the whole herb, measured and sometimes concentrated, then packaged. According to well-known health expert Dr. Andrew Weil, this is a guarantee that the product contains what it’s supposed to contain in amounts sufficient to produce a desired effect. Sometimes the standard is lower than you would receive through a whole herb extract!