Herbology is a science of preparing herb extracts for treatment purpose. At ImmuneLine we use wide range of medicinal herbs and products. This method of treatment goes back in ages. Actually, the evidence of humans using herbs to heal diseases and injuries goes back in time even more... Nowadays herbs are used everywhere. In some countries herbal preparations are made in conventional pharmacies by the prescription from a doctor, while in others such as US, they are available as "supplements" and from Naturopathic doctors. I studied Herbology in my medical school back in Russia. It was and still is a part of a required pharmacology course. We studied all medicinal plants and their components, the use and side effects and so on, and had an exam where we had to name plant ingredients, write a prescription and select needed plants for the treatment of certain diseases.
You might be surprised to know that most of the modern medications are plant-based. So, how come conventional doctors regard herbal remedies as a "Woo-doo"? . Indeed, plants and herbs have actually provided a starting point for synthesis of over 50% of currently used pharmaceutical drugs (Pan et al., 2013). The pharmacopeia includes ephedrine (from Ephedra sinica), aspirin (from Salix alba), lovastatin (from Monascus purpureus), reserpine (from Rauwolfia serpentina), and taxol (from Taxus brevifolia; Frishman et al., 2009). Remarkably, reserpine (which depletes adrenergic neurotransmitters) still remains an effective treatment for hypertension (Weber et al., 2014).
Medicinal Herbology is complex and certain rules must be followed to achieve desired effect. One plant can be used to treat as many as 15 different health issues. And trained herbologist must know all about growth, collection and preparation of the herbal remedies.
Growth and soil. First of all, we must never ingest plants from toxic and polluted areas. medicinal plants are extremely absorptive. That actually makes them so good for our health as they contain maximum of minerals and bioactive compounds. But same quality makes them so bad if the soil contains commercial toxins, herbicides or radiation. Also, if the soil is poor in mineral content, the plant will not provide needed healing power. It is a known fact that the same plant grown in different areas of the world may possess different medicinal qualities, and if grown on the farm may loose such treatment effect completely.
Collection. Did you know that all medicinal plants must be harvested strictly by rules, for example: - Only when blooming or not, - Only before sunrise or after dawn, - When fruit is ripe or when the plant is dormant
Preparation. Some plants must be used only when dried, while others should be absolutely fresh. Also, different part of the plant are used for different treatment effects: roots, stems, flowers or berries.
Extraction. Here starts the magic - the same plant can be prepared in soo many ways and exhibit completely different effect on our body!
Lets talk about various forms of the medicinal preparations of the Nature's healing gifts. Here is what can be done commercially or at home:
Dry method. Many leaves and roots are dried up and then worked into a dry powder or shreds and pieces. Then such preparation can be used in a capsule, tablet, or simply sprinkled on food. In fact, most of the commercial supplements are made this way. It is also convenient if you want to mix few different preparations. Unfortunately, biopharma is using this method inappropriately for plants that must be prepared only as teas or extracts. For example, I completely do not recommend multivitamins, unless it is an organic powder mix of dried vegetables
Oil extraction. You need to know which plants to use for this method. Some leaves can be extracted by oil, but is mostly used for berries and preparation of stems (pine, juniper, lavender etc.). Oil extracts can be taken internally, used for skin and hair treatments, or as aromatherapy.
Alcohol or water-based tinctures. Certain treatment extracts can become bioavailable and active only when diluted in alcohol. For example, you cannot use propolis if it is not alcohol-extracted. This method should be used with caution at home, as you can get unwanted or even toxic from the plant, if you do not know all ingredients of the plant you are using, or the time you need to keep it in alcohol.
Herbal tea. This method is used for centuries and one of the most simple and effective ways herbalists achieve desired treatment. It is also the safest for home use. While historically a water bath is used to slowly extract needed ingredients, I use thermos which is a good and fast substitute. Teas can contain single or multiple herbs given to you in a prescription. As a doctor-herbologist I must follow complex rules of compatibility while making a complex tea remedies.
Personally, I always use herbal treatments whenever it is possible. I do not like commercial preparations for multiple reasons. My biggest concern is safety - I can list a handful of nutraceutical companies I trust. You need to understand that their goals of moneymaking are not far from pharmaceuticals. So, it is hard to believe they will be all honest and good. And many times they are pure evil! As there is no FDA control over quality of supplements, we are on our own in finding the safe herbal preparations.
At ImmuneLine we devote a lot of time searching for safe companies and learning about all hidden dangerous components, such as grape seed extract, mycotoxins, tocopherol as so on. Read my next post where I will address hidden dangers of supplements and recommend some honest and safe herbal makers.
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