FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS
Do herbal medicines work?
Herbal medicines are extremely effective. But some people may show little improvement after taking them, whereas others can be cured rapidly. It can depend on the ailment, whether the recommended dose is taken, on many different factors. Irrationally, some people respond more positively than others to treatment with herbal medicine.
Why take herbal TINCTURES? Surely tablets are just as effective?
Well, oddly, in order for certain herbs to be fully effective, they have to be TASTED! This applies to 'bitters', as the nervous system response is involved in full absorption of the herb's properties. (Strange, isn't it? But it works.) And if this applies to 'bitters', in a subtle way it probably applies to all herbs. Also, it has been proven that alcohol actually HELPS THE HERB TO BE ABSORBED more efficiently by the digestive system. And tablets are mass-produced industrially; individually-made herbal tinctures are not. They are carefully prepared, giving each single preparation the necessary attention for a number of weeks, until they have 'brewed'. Then, under strictly hygienic conditions, they are bottled. This is all to ensure the best quality and optimum potency of the active ingredients of the herb. Whether you take tablets or herbal tinctures is up to you. We know what we prefer!
I'm not sure I believe in alternative medicine. Isn't it all just a bit of a con?
Animals don't believe in alternative medicine, either! Yet veterinarians are increasingly finding that pets respond very well on the whole, to treatment with herbal remedies. Now, that's got to be a pretty honest assessment of whether herbal treatment is a con or not. (We cannot comment on other alternative treatments.)
I've heard it's better to take tinctures than herbal teas. Is that true?
Herb teas are fine. But it can be very time-consuming to steep them, or decoct them, then wait 15 or 20 minutes for the teas to 'brew'. Busy people don't always have that opportunity, and most dosages are three times a day! Tinctures are an easy way to take remedies, and easy to carry a small bottle with you during the day.
Tinctures, especially alcohol-based ones, are also more rapidly-absorbed into the body.
Should I take the herbal tincture at any particular time; before meals, for example? Or after meals?
Unless otherwise advised by your Health Professional, it is more effective to take the tinctures on an empty stomach, as they are very rapidly-absorbed.
I don't like alcohol. Is there any other solution?
Herbal tinctures can be made with apple cider vinegar, instead. Also some are made with glycerin. The alcohol-based ones have a longer shelf-life. But the medicinal properties of the herb are 'extracted' more efficiently in alcohol than in glycerin or cider vinegar, with more effective results.
If you don't like the idea of having any amount of alcohol, why not try adding the tinctures to a hot drink? Within a minute or two, most of the alcohol will evaporate.
It is strongly recommended that anyone taking drugs to help with alcoholism should not take alcohol-based herbal remedies.
I've been taking a herbal remedy for some time now, and it doesn't seem to be making much difference. Why is that?
It could be that you have been taking the wrong treatment. If you have an ailment that does not respond to a particular medicine, maybe it is better that you visit a qualified Health Professional, who can customize and monitor your treatment regime. Or it may be that you need a completely different kind of medicine. Also, some remedies are intended to be taken for longer periods of time in order to see any marked improvement.
Are herbal medicines safe to take? I have heard some scare-stories!
There have been some cases of dangerous substances included in herbal medicines, obtained from dubious sources. At Herbal Tinctures Supplies, we ensure that our products are carefully and individually made, and we know what goes into them!
Generally, herbal medicines are tolerated well by the patient. But this doesn't mean they could not be toxic to some extent, if taken wrongly. And many do not interact well with prescription drugs. There are a lot of factors to take into account. (You may click on this link: www.personalhealthzone.com/herbsafety.html for really well-researched guidance if you're not sure.)
I am breastfeeding, and am unsure whether it's safe to take herbal medicines.
Some herbs are safe for your baby, and some are not. Even the 'safe' ones could give your baby disagreeable experiences (for instance, GARLIC, which is not harmful, and would even be beneficial, is an overpowering flavour, and will pass into the breast milk. Some babies will dislike this. Laxative herbs could give your baby diarrhoea. And some quite safe herbs, like PARSLEY for example, can dry up the breast milk.
The question about using herbs medicinally during breastfeeding (and pregnancy) is a complicated subject.
Two links which may be helpful are: http://www.itmonline.org/arts/breast.htm and: http://www.breastfeeding.com/reading_room/herbs.html
I have heard it is a good idea to take ECHINACEA every day, to strengthen the immune system, and protect against infections, especially in the winter. Is that true?
It's not a good idea to take Echinacea all the time. In fact, it could be harmful. Echinacea (Purpurea) is excellent to use for protective purposes, for fairly short periods of time, (ie, a week or so) Used this way, it will help strengthen the system against invasion by viruses and infections. Echinacea (Angustifolia) on the other hand, is the remedy to use at the first sign of any infection, and as a treatment for infective illnesses. It has a strong effect, in many cases, similar to antibiotic treatment, though without too much interference with our intestinal 'good bacteria' and generally without side-effects. However, we shouldn't underestimate the balance of our immune systems. The immune system is quite capable of fighting its own battles, most of the time, in generally healthy people, and to disrupt this fine balance could be detrimental. An exception would be if your Herbalist specifically recommends an extended treatment which contains Echinacea.
There is nothing quite so protective as: a healthy vitamin-rich diet, as much sleep as we need, regular outdoor exercise, finding ways to cope with/lessen stress, if possible, and a natural balance in our lives.
There is a lot of information about Echinacea on this website:
The University of Maryland Medical Center
Though research results incline to the view that Echinacea does not necessarily protect against catching colds or 'flu, and certainly will not cure them, it can often lessen the severity of symptoms. (The dropper-dosages quoted on this website for 1:5 herb/alcohol are unusual......)
Can Herbal remedies help with Erectile Dysfunction?
There are various causes of this common problem. Certainly, herbal remedies can help. Ginkgo Biloba has a positive effect on the circulatory system, thus improving blood flow generally. Damiana is very helpful, especially if there is any element of depression involved, however mild. If depression or stress is at the root of the problem, St John's Wort will be beneficial. Also, making sure you have a healthy diet and plenty of outdoor exercise will strengthen the whole body and mind, keeping you as fit as possible, which will reflect positively on the sexual system.
....................more to follow.................................
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