FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS............
(Ground Ivy)
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.
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 tablets, or 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
.....................more to follow.................................