what's your stand on herbal medicine? or what can you say about it?

Answer 1

I've studied herbal medicine off and on for about 20 years. I have lectured on the topic off and on for about 12. My original teacher used only herbal cures, and hadn't been to an allopathic (western medicine) doctor in 25 years. She was an amazingly healthy person.

Many herbs are the basis for modern medicine. Aspirin was discovered because German doctors noticed that patients who took a "folk remedy" of white willow bark (salicylic acid) for rheumatic fever recovered better and faster than those who didn't. Aspirin is simply chemically derived (acetasalicylic acid) white willow bark.

The herb foxglove is used to treat heart conditions, though now it is also chemically derived (digitalis). The bark of the yew tree is used to treat breast cancer, and there have been many studies showing the efficacy of such herbs as feverfew for migraines, ginkgo and phosphytidl choline for memory.

Many people will tell you that herbs are "safe", however they are no more "safe" than prescription drugs. Simply because they are natural, does not mean you can use them without regard for safety. There are many herbs that can be toxic in doses only slightly higher than the therapeutic doses.

Also, there are areas where allopathic medicine has far surpassed herbal medicine, and more often than not, herbal medicine should not be used as a substitute for a medical doctor's (though preferably one with knowledge of herbal medicine) advice. In the best circumstances, herbal medicine and western medicine can work hand-in-hand.

Overall, herbal medicine is a valuable resource, but should only be undertaken with training, understanding and respect for the potency and efficacy of the herbs in question.

Answer 2

I've been studying herbal medicine for a few months, and already I've made some medicines that are more effective than anything I've purchased on the market. Everyone who uses the stuff says the same thing, as well. But I don't pretend to try to treat serious diseases...my medicines are more in the first aid variety.

My take is, there are some really good herbal cures out there. However, it's not regulated well, so I don't trust that a recipe is going to work until I've tried it. I also don't use many herbal products on the market, because many "herbal" products often contain harsh chemicals as well; it's cheaper that way. Many specialty shops are on the up and up on this end, though.

And to echo the comments of others, just because it is herbal does not mean it is safe. Arnica, for example, while great for bruises, can cause internal bleeding if applied to an open wound or ingested. Not to mention the possibility for allergic reactions.

Tread carefully, but do tread.

Answer 3

I think that herbal medicine is the backbone of modern medicine. Many of the prescriptions and drugs we buy over the counter are made from plants just like herbal medicines. Herbal medicines are just not regulated as well.

Answer 4

I don't have enough space to say all that can be said. There is a basis for herbal medicine being worthwhile. (Willowbark, foxglove etc)
The thing with that is it needs to be included with the health picture of the person. There are interactions with drugs. Herbs have side effects. Perhaps the biggest is that herbs given at the wrong time by the wrong person delay the correct diagnosis of a serious problem.

Answer 5

Some herbs work very well: Valerian for insomnia, Peppermint for IBS, and so on. A good herbal doctor can do good things for many conditions, but traditional medicine works really well for others. See Dr Atkins' Vita-nutrient Solution for a pragmatic approach that tries to use the best of both worlds to help patients.

Answer 6

i love to use herbal medicine's whenever i can. i think they promote healing as opposed to many synthetic pharmeceuticals which cover up symptoms which lead to more diseases.
i think, however, that just like with synthetic drugs, its very important to make sure you have someone who knows what they are doing to help you figure out what you need and what will help. just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it is safe, or ok for any disease. nightshade, anyone?
there are also some cases that i will almost always use non-herbal medicine. for a headache, i always take ibuprofen, for me nothing else works, and getting rid of the headache and being out of pain, is much healthier than continuing to be in pain.
in general though, since the body is a self-healing organism i think herbal and natural medicines support the body in it's healing of itself.

Answer 7

I think most medicines, like aspirin, were derived from nature and that herbal remedies can be just as if not more potent that the prescriptions doctors write out left and right. I also think, like any meds, an educated herbalist with a good reputation should aid in dispensing these remedies. They can have serious side-effects, like any other medication.

Answer 8

As long as the doctor is certified and the treatment is satisfactory to the patients, I'm for it...but I also know that herbal medicine however great might not always cure, more omnious illnesses

Answer 9

todays medicine is about 200 yrs old , herbal medicine is about 200, 000 yrs old , think about it

the chinese alone have been using it for 3000 yrs fully documented

I have used 5 herbal remedies which worked well, no side effects, AdHd, Bipolar disorder, etc major stuff

Good websites are changeisgood.naturerich.net and fastresponce.com/bb/NJ_CM/

Answer 10

It Depends on what you want to use the "alternative" herbals for .
I personally have had good results, however I think you need to be more specific.