Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!news2.telebyte.nl!lightspeed.eweka.nl!213.218.66.70.MISMATCH!feeder.enertel.nl!nntpfeed-01.ops.asmr-01.energis-idc.net!surfnet.nl!newsfeed1.funet.fi!newsfeeds.funet.fi!newsfeed.kolumbus.fi!not-for-mail From: Henriette Kress Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs,alt.answers,news.answers Subject: Medicinal herbFAQ Part 6/7 Followup-To: alt.folklore.herbs Date: Sun, 25 Apr 2004 13:28:28 +0300 Organization: Yrtit ja yrttiterapiaa Lines: 1568 Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU Expires: Sun, 30 May 2004 23:59:00 GMT Message-ID: <0q3n80h1iii4ro35u4gfk231crsu7n98pd@4ax.com> Reply-To: hetta @ spamcop.net (no blanks) NNTP-Posting-Host: a80-186-14-229.elisa-laajakaista.fi Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Trace: phys-news1.kolumbus.fi 1082888702 9475 80.186.14.229 (25 Apr 2004 10:25:02 GMT) X-Complaints-To: abuse@kolumbus.fi NNTP-Posting-Date: Sun, 25 Apr 2004 10:25:02 +0000 (UTC) Summary: What you have always wanted to know (and ask on a newsgroup)(more often than once a month) about medicinal herbs X-Newsreader: Forte Agent 1.8/32.548 Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu alt.folklore.herbs:97206 alt.answers:72627 news.answers:270427 Archive-name: medicinal-herbs/part6 Posting-Frequency: monthly (on or about 20th) Last-modified: 25Apr04 Version: 1.38k URL: http://ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-cont.html ---------------------------------------------- 5.3 Different schools of Herbal Healing ---------------------------------------------- 5.3.1 Traditions in Western Herbal Medicine ---------------------------------------------- by Peter Cook, DBTh, FETC This Article is taken from The Herbalist, newsletter of the Canadian Herbal Research Society. COPYRIGHT June 1989. Thanks to Jonathan Treasure for sending this one over. The Development of Theory in North America Introduction: To one trained as a medical herbalist in Britain, it is a curious fact that herbal medicine, as it seems to be most widely known in Canada and the U.S., has been so little influenced by the great systems of herbal thought which once flourished here. Only remnants of these systems can now be found in the writings of Kloss, Christopher, Shook and others whose primary sources appear to be the European and native North American folk traditions. These folk traditions are very valuable medical resources in their own right; a fact which has been recognized and supported by the World Health Organization (1978). It has also been recognized and increasingly exploited by the pharmaceutical industry. Folk medicine however, is also important as a rich source for the periodic historical development of major systems of traditional medicine. Examples of the development of two such systems in North America will be discussed here, together with some of the more important theoretical and practical contributions to herbal medicine which these systems generated. Early American Folk Medicine: Eleanor Sinclair Rohdes (1922) has written very eloquently of the hardships faced by early American settlers in their efforts to cultivate the familiar medicinal plants of England and Europe. In many cases it seems these efforts failed completely and the pioneers were forced to supplement their folk medicine traditions with lore relating to indigenous plants obtained from the native people. To the extent that any special knowledge would have been likely, then as now, to remain a closely kept secret by the native medicine societies, it is probable that the native plant-lore passed onto these settlers was a matter of common knowledge amongst the native people. In fact, it may be said that a distinguishing feature of any folk tradition is that the lore contained in that tradition is, or has once been, common knowledge. Another distinguishing feature of folk medicine, regardless of its historical or ethnic origin, is that the indications for the use of individual remedies are always given in terms which refer to specific symptoms or illnesses. Thus, comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is said to be useful in healing fractures, while white horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is recommended for cough. Typically, such lore has been handed down from generation to generation, often for hundreds if not thousands of years. Each new generation learns at first hand the look and 'feel' of particular symptoms and illnesses. They learn which plants may be used to treat these illnesses, and the best methods for collecting, preserving and administering them. Such a tradition is entirely dependant upon repeated experience and observation; usually only minor changes can be detected in these traditions over relatively long periods of time. Thomsonianism: The popular medicine of all peoples however, has always given rise to, and been counterbalanced by a more specialized type of knowledge, acquired by individuals who have devoted their entire lives to the study and practice of healing. As resource persons, these individuals have served their communities by providing access to that specialized knowledge in circumstances where the more common folklore was insufficient to meet the needs of the moment. A very popular figure in early American medicine, who managed to combine native and settler folklore with a more specialized approach, was Samuel Thomson (1769-1843). Thomson came from a farming family and evidently learned some of the 'root and herb' practice at an early age. Later, he seems to have become an avid reader of medical literature and was particularly impressed with the Hippocratic writings. Probably as a consequence of his regard for Hippocrates, Thomson believed that medicine should be based exclusively upon observation. The formulation of theories, he felt, prevented ordinary people from taking responsibility for the care of their own health, and that theories obscured the simplicity and made a needless mystery of medicine. Thomson himself however, after 'long observation and practical results', borrowed theory from Hippocrates and used it as a basis to explain the 'why and how' of his own medical system. According to this theory, disease was the result of a decrease or derangement of the vital fluids, brought about by a loss of animal heat. The resulting symptoms were interpreted as efforts of the Vital Force to rid itself of the toxic encumbrances thus generated. Essentially, treatment was aimed at restoring vital energy and removing disease-generated obstructions. In specific terms, Thomson believed that in restoring vital heat by means of steam baths and cayenne (Capsicum annum), toxins which obstructed health would be thrown into the stomach where they could be eliminated by emetics such as Lobelia inflata (Griggs, 1981). This simple theory constituted a dramatic departure from pure folk medicine in that it recognized and sought to treat an underlying, fundamental cause of illness. Moreover, in perceiving symptoms as an expression of the organism's defensive efforts, this theory implied that the treatment of symptoms and illnesses, per se, might actually hinder the healing process. It is interesting to note that Thomson believed this theory was quite complete and needed no further refinement or extension. Nevertheless, despite his vehement opposition, Thomsonianism became a potent influence on the development to two major streams of thought within American herbalism. Eclecticism: The earliest of these was 'Eclecticism', founded by a man who had originally apprenticed to an old German non-Thomsonian herbalist, and who later qualified as a 'regular' medical doctor. Although the founder of this system, Wooster Beach (1794-1868), had been horrified by the 'regular' medicine of his day, and fervently wished for radical reform, Thomsonianism had impressed him negatively in two ways. First, Beach was keenly aware of the bitter antagonism which Thomson had roused in the regular medical profession. As a result he decided to attempt reform (unsuccessfully as it turned out) from within, rather than as another medical 'outsider'. Secondly, Beach was disgusted by Thomson's evident arrogance in thinking that no further learning could possibly enhance the practice of herbal medicine. Beach was well acquainted with the developments then taking place in such fields as chemistry, physiology, pathology and even botany. He was also quick to realize that this new thinking might have a valuable role to play in botanic practice, and began to move in this direction with the creation, in 1829, of his own school of 'Reformed Medicine'. In terms of the study of medicinal plants, Beach's orientation resulted in the development and proliferation of an entirely new style. Eclectic monographs on individual herbs became more formal and typically included notes on the plant's chemistry, toxicology, physiological and therapeutic actions, as well as appropriate forms of preparation and dosage (e.g. King, 1900). Later Eclectic physicians became increasingly interested in obtaining preparations which represented the entire chemistry of the original plant as closely as possible. Although this preoccupation had near-disastrous consequences in at least one instance (Griggs 1981a), in general their research supported and developed the fundamental position of the value of using whole plant preparations rather than isolated extracts of a particular plant constituent (Lloyd, 1910). Eclecticism was also a major contributor to herbal medicine in other areas. Beach himself, for instance, realized the fundamental importance of the blood and circulatory system in maintaining health, and began to develop herbal methods for 'equalizing the circulation'. Several valuable techniques used in the modern herbal treatment of fevers are probable directly attributable to Beach's work. A later physician by the name of W.H. Cook (1879) expanded on this work in his correlation of the functions of the nervous and circulatory systems. Cook also developed a concept which related illness to deviations in trophic (i.e. structural) and/or functional tone. According to this view, disease consisted of excessive or diminished tone in organs, or in the functions of those organs. Corresponding herbal approaches to the correction of these kinds of imbalance were also eventually developed (Priest & Priest, 1982). Another major development fostered by Eclecticism, was the clinical emphasis placed on treating a group or pattern of symptoms, usually with small doses of only one so-called 'specific' remedy. As the pattern of symptoms changed with the progress of disease, a new and more currently appropriate remedy would be indicated (Felter, 1922; Lloyd 1927). Perhaps significantly, this approach was and is still fundamental to the practice of homeopathic medicine, which was rapidly becoming the most popular of all medical systems in the U.S. during the mid-19th century (Coulter, 1973). In fact Hahnemann (1810), the founder of homeopathy, had already written at some length concerning the relative merits of prescribing for what he called the 'Totality of symptoms', versus the treatment of individual symptoms or named diseases. The use of small doses of a single remedy was also an established fundamental tenet of homeopathy (e.g. Kent 1900). Prescribing for patterns of symptoms had also been typical in traditional Chinese medicine for many generations. Clear examples of the fluidity of prescribing in accord with changes in symptom patterns may be found in the Chinese classic, 'Shang Han Lun' (Hsu & Peacher, 1981). However, although the use of a single remedy is an established technique within Chinese medicine under certain circumstances, Chinese herbal prescribing more often involves the use of formulae (e.g. Bensky & Gamble, 1986). Physiomedicalism: The second major stream of thought in American herbal medicine, which arose directly out of the Thomsonian movement, was 'Physiomedicalism'. Although not so heavily influenced by the developing sciences as Eclecticism, the originator of this 'neo-Thomsonian' movement, Alva Curtis, felt, like Beach, that Thomson's resistance to theoretical development was a mistake. Above all, Curtis wanted to open a school based upon Thomsonian principles, but encouraging a freer atmosphere for broader intellectual enquiry and learning. In 1835, despite Thomson's opposition, Curtis realized his ambition and opened the 'Botanico-medical School and Infirmary' at Columbus, Ohio. As evidence that he was not alone in his thinking, during that same year, a colleague opened the 'Southern Botanico-Medical School' in Georgia (Griggs 1981b). Ultimately this new system of herbal medicine retained much of what had been accepted as fundamental in the Thomsonian theory. Thus, organic function was thought of as the aggregate expression of Vital Force, acting through cellular metabolism to maintain the functional integrity of the entire organism. Illness was seen as a disordered response at the cellular level, brought about by internally or externally generated toxic obstructions. Essentially, treatment remained a matter of supporting the efforts of the Vital Force, and of eliminating the toxic encumbrances which hindered those efforts. A significant departure form Thomsonian thinking however, came with the recognition that some symptoms represented positive, eliminate and reconstructive efforts of the Vital Force, while others resulted from physical impediments to those efforts. If treatment was to be directed to the underlying cause of illness, therefore, symptoms which expressed a purely functional disorder had to be distinguished clinically from those produced by organic changes in cells and tissues. Eventually it was also realized that the organism was capable of establishing a compensatory equilibrium in which toxic encumbrance would be tolerated to a degree, in order to maintain a relative functional integrity. This was a major step forward in understanding and had important implications for herbal therapeutics. Certain symptomatic crises which had been observed, particularly in the context of treatment with herbal alteratives and eliminatives, could now be explained and avoided. Another significant development in Physiomedical thinking was stimulated through the work of W.H. Cook (see above). If health could be understood as the unimpeded and balanced function of all cells and tissues, then it was clear that the blood and circulatory system played a vital role in maintaining health, both in terms of nutrient delivery, and of waste and toxin transport to eliminative organs. Cook had shown that, in addition to the quality of the blood itself, the chronic relative contraction or relaxation of tissues and particularly arterioles and capillary beds could also have serious consequences. Cellular function, and eventually cellular structure, could be strongly influenced by a relative excess or deficiency of blood and tissue fluid. Further, as understanding of human physiology increased it became obvious that hyperaemia in one part of the body would necessarily imply a relative ischaemia elsewhere. The implications of this thinking for herbal medicine were threefold. Firstly, herbs which acted to increase or decrease tone in the three primary divisions of the circulatory system (arterial, capillary and venous) had to be distinguished. Secondly, the general, portal and pulmonary aspects of circulation had to be considered in treatment, as did the distinction between visceral and somatic components. Thirdly, the circulation to particular organs and tissues had to be taken into account, not only to support or modify the related functions, but also to restore normal trophic conditions, where possible. The achievement of these goals became much more accessible following the work of J.M. Thurston (1900), which stressed the regulatory importance of the autonomic nervous system. Thurston made many important contributions to Physiomedical thought in the areas of diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and, perhaps especially, in the area of herbal pharmacy. A number of aspects of his work, and of Physiomedicalism in general, have been described by Priest & Priest (1982a). Even by the close of the 19th century, Physiomedicalism could be described as a system which emphasized the role of herbal remedies in supporting Vital Force, balancing the circulation to various tissues, modifying and enhancing body functions, restoring optimum trophic or structural conditions, and in eliminating toxic encumbrances (Mills, 1985). Unfortunately, the publication of the Flexnor report in 1910 and the subsequent forced closure of the 'irregular' medical schools put an end to any further developments of the kind described here in American herbal medicine (Cody, 1985; Gort, 1986). Conclusion: Curiously, despite the slightly more open attitudes which prevailed in Canada (e.g. the government regulation of naturopathy on Ontario, 1925; Govt., 1986), neither the Eclectics nor the Physiomedicalists seem to have moved north across the border. In fact both systems, together with a version of Thomsonianism, had been taken to England where they were eventually integrated into one system of professional herbal medicine, regulated by law and still taught in the U.K. In Canada and the U.S. however, only traces remain of these once influential and effective systems. The Dominion Herbal College in British Columbia for instance, has referred in its course notes to the need for 'equalizing the circulation' (1969). References can also be found in these notes and elsewhere to 'relaxing' or 'stimulating' herbs (i.e. plants capable of increasing or decreasing functional tone). The importance of supporting vital force and of eliminating accumulated toxins is also still widely recognized and practised. Nevertheless, there are probably few today however, who can apply physiomedical principles in distinguishing for instance, those lung, bowel and kidney conditionsrespectively requiring relaxing or stimulating expectorants, laxatives and diuretics. Due principally to repressive legislation, herbalists in North America must once again rely heavily on folk traditions as their major source of learning and inspiration. It should be noted here that much of the valuable herbal lore once utilized widely by native North Americans is now known by only a small handful of native elders (PC. 1988). It is very fortunate therefore, that Canadian and American herbalists have preserved some of this knowledge in their own practices. Folk medicine traditions are virtually impossible to legislate against directly, and even in the recent Ontario government recommendations, treatment of oneself and one's family had been specifically exempted from prosecution under the proposed legislation (HPLR, 1989). Direct legislation however, was not the only factor contributing to the decimation of native culture and the virtual loss of their traditional healing knowledge. The proposals tabled in the Ontario legislature will almost certainly impose or support severe restrictions on the cultivation and/or sale of medicinal plants, should they be passed into law. Furthermore, such legislation will definitely prevent or seriously delay the free development and re-emergence of a professionally oriented system of herbal medicine in Ontario. Consequently, those who choose to make use of this 'valuable medical resource' (W.H.O., 1975a), will be forced to rely on their own experience and to gather and use only wild plants. This assumes however, that environmental policies in Ontario and the rest of North America will not poison even this source in the very near future. References * Bensky, D., Gamble, A. (Compl. & Ed.) Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica; Eastland Press; Seattle, 1986. * Cody, G. 'History of Naturopathic Medicine', in A Textbook of Naturopathic Medicine, Pizzorno, J.E.; Murray, M.J.; John Bastyr College Pulos, Seattle, 1985. * Cook, W.H. The Science and Practice of Medicine; 1879 - quoted in Priest & Priest, ibid. * Coulter, H. Divided Legacy: a history of the schism in medical thought Vol. 111. McGrath Pub. Co., Washington, D.C., 1973. * Dominion Herbal College, Home Study Notes, 1969. * Felter, H.W. The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Scudder, Cincinnati, 1922. * Gort, E.H. A Social History of Naturopathy in Ontario: the formation of an occupation; M.Sc. Thesis; Univ. Toronto, 1986. * Griggs, B. Green Pharmacy, a history of herbal medicine; J.Norman & Hobhouse Ltd.; London, 1981. * Hahnemann, S. Organon of Medicine. 1810; 6th Ed. Trans. Hahnemann Foundation; Victor Gollancz Ltd.; London, 1983. * HPLR, Striking a New Balance: a Blueprint for the Regulation of Ontario's Health Professions', Government of Ontario. 1989. * Hsu, H.; Peacher W.G.(D) (Trans. & Ed.) Shang Han Lun; Oriental Healing Arts Institute; Los Angeles, 1981. * Kent, J.T. Lectures on Homoeopathic Philosophy: 4th Indian Reprint, B. Jain Publishers; New Delhi, 1977. * Kings's American Dispensatory; Felter & Lloyd, 1900; Reprinted by National College of Naturopathic Medicine; Portland (undated). * Lloyd, J.U. Fragments from an Autobiography, a paper read at the 63rd meeting of the Ohio Eclectic Medical Assoc., Arkon, May, 1927; Eclectic Medical Journal, 1927. * The Eclectic Alkoloids. LLB no. 12, Pharmacy Series 2, P41; 1910. * Mills, S. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism; Thorsons Pub. Gp.; Wellingbourgh, New York, 1985. * Personal Communication, Art Solomon and other Ojibwa Elders; Native Elders Conference, Trent Univ., Peterborough, 1988. * Priest, A.W.; Priest, L.R. Herbal Medication, a clinical and dispensary handbook; Fowler & Co. Ltd.; London, 1982. * Rohde, A.C. The Old English Herbals, 1922; 3rd Ed. Rohde, E.S.; Minerva Press Ltd; London, 1974. * World Health Organization The Promotion of Traditional Medicine; Technical Report Series No. 622; Geneva, 1978. * W.H.O. Document EB/57/21, Training and Utilization of Traditional Healers and Their Collaboration with Health Care Delivery Systems; Nov. 1975. ---------------------------------------------- 5.3.2 Ayurvedic Medicine - an introduction ---------------------------------------------- by Dr. Duane Weed, D.C. (drweed.delphi.com) The Ayurvedic system traces its roots to the Himalayan Mountains of India over five thousand years ago. According to legend, a conference was held in a Himalayan cave in which the greatest sages of India--some after having traveled thousands of miles--met to discuss their knowledge of their healing arts. These scholars and teachers possessed traditional knowledge about the medicinal plants of India that had been handed down orally by the tribes of the Indian forests since the beginning of history. At this conference, these sages compared and combined their knowledge into one body which they called the Ayurveda, from two Sanskrit words; Ayus, or "life", and Veda, or "knowledge". "Ayurveda" has been translated as "the knowledge of life", and as "the science of life". It has been suggested that a more appropriate translation would be "the knowledge of life span". After this historic conference, the Ayurvedic knowledge was passed orally from teacher to student for over a thousand years, continuously growing as each Ayurvedic physician added his insights and experiences. It was finally written down in the first century A.D. by the Ayurvedic physician, Charaka. By that time--and hundreds of years before the birth of European medicine--Ayurveda had specialists in psychiatry, pediatrics, gynecology, ear nose and throat, ophthalmology, surgery, toxicology, virility, and fertility. Ayurvedic medicine probably predates any other healing tradition in existence today--even Chinese medicine. Even before the Ayurvedic conference, knowledge of the medicinal plants of India had spread to other continents. Seeds from plants indigenous to India have been found in the tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs. Travelers had carried information about Indian plants through Tibet into China, and Arabs had traded for Indian herbs before the birth of Islam. At the time of King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba traded herbs and spices of India to the Israelites. Ayurvedic medicine began to be studied by Arab physicians and knowledge of the plants of India was passed on to the Greeks and Romans. By the first century A.D., when Charaka was writing Ayurveda's first written records, Pliny was already describing the plants of india to the Roman Empire in his NATURAL HISTORY. And much more recently, as any American school child can tell you, a Portuguese sailor by the name of Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492, while searching for a trade route to India to acquire her herbs and spices. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, health is dependent upon one's ability to live in harmony with one's self and with the external universe. As much attention was given to illnesses of the mind as to illnesses of the body. The Ayurvedic physician taught that in order to avoid illness and pain, the patient must control the destructive (and self-destructive) nature. Living in harmony with the environment was recognized as essential to one's mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Ayurvedic physicians taught that prevention was more desirable than a cure. Their ideal was to develop an individual's natural resistance to disease to the point where one's immune system could function as one's best medicine. Their goal was to maintain an individual in his or her optimal health throughout life, so that the ultimate goal of life--the awareness of his or her connection with the life principle--could be pursued. Today's Ayurvedic physicians, like their predecessors, recognize three major body (or physiology) types which they refer to as the three DOSHAS: VATA, PITTA, and KAPHA. One's body type is also referred to as one's PRAKRITI, and is determined by heredity. Most people are actually a combination of types; a VATA/PITTA type for example. Ayurvedic physicians evaluate their patients using such techniques as observation, interview, and pulse diagnosis to determine the patient's body (or physiology) type. They then determine the imbalances that are present in the body and make recommendations according to the patient's body type. Dietary and herbal recommendations make up a large part of their treatments; but many other techniques such as meditation, hatha yoga, aroma therapy, and music therapy are also employed. Thanks to the Ayurvedic tradition, many herbal combinations based on centuries of accumulated knowledge are available to today's eclectic herbalists and natural health enthusiasts. Ayurvedic herbal formulations, like Chinese herbal formulations, are combinations of many different herbs that work synergistically. Single herbs are rarely if ever employed. Even though there are competent Ayurvedic physicians in practice today, one does not have to see an Ayurvedic physician to use an Ayurvedic herbal combination, as long as the recipe of an Ayurvedic master is carefully followed. Some of the most common herbs currently used in Ayurvedic formulations are: Acacia catechu, Adhatoda vasica (Vasaka), Andrographis paniculata, Aegle marmelos (Bel), Alpina galanga, Alstonia scholaris, Apium graveolens, Ashwagandha root, Azadirachta indica (Margosa), Boerhaavia diffusa (Hogweed), Boswellia serrata, Caesaipinia crista, Clerodendrum indicum, Commiphora mukul (Indian Bedellium), Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Cyperus rotundus, Enicostemma littorale, Fumaria parviflora, Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice), Gymnema sylvestre, Hedychium spicatum, Hemidesmus indicus (Ind. Sarsaparilla), Holarrbena antidysenterica, Inula racemosa, Momordica charantia (Bitter Gourd), Myrica nagi, Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil), Paederia foetida, Phylianthus emblica, Picrorhiza kurroa, Pimpinella anisum, Pistacia integerrima, Pterocarpus marsupium, Rubia cordifolia (Indian Madder), Sida cordifolia, Smilax china, Swertia chirata, Syzygium cumini (Jamun), Terminalia belerica, Terminalia chebula (Chebulic Myrobalan), Tinospora cordifolia, Trachyspermum ammi, Tribulus terrestris, Trigonella foenum-graeceum, Vitex negundo, Withania somnifera (Winter Cherry), Zingiber officinale (Ginger) REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL READINGS: * THE GARDEN OF LIFE, AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HEALING PLANTS OF INDIA by Naveen Patnaik, Doubleday, New York, 1993. * PERFECT HEALTH, THE COMPLETE MIND/BODY GUIDE by Deepak Chopra, M.D., Harmony Books, New York, 1991. * PERFECT WEIGHT, THE COMPLETE MIND/BODY PROGRAM FOR ACHIEVING AND MAINTAINING YOUR IDEAL WEIGHT by Deepak Chopra, M.D., Harmony Books, New York, 1994. * RESTFUL SLEEP, THE COMPLETE MIND/BODY PROGRAM FOR OVERCOMING INSOMNIA by Deepak Chopra, M.D., Harmony Books, New York, 1991. * RETURN OF THE RISHI by Deepak Chopra, M.D., Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 1988. ---------------------------------------------- From Robert Hensley (Hensleys.aol.com): Ayurveda is the world's oldest science of health care. The written tradition dates back around 5,000 years, but the oral tradition in India is timeless. The basic principles of Ayurveda include: 1. Mind, body, emotions, and spirit are more than connected, they are one. 2. There are 3 fundamental principles of nature: called Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which govern all processes in all levels of our life. 3. Vata governs all movement, Pitta all heat and transformation, and Kapha all growth, structure and lubrication. 4. Everything we experience influences these governing principles. 5. If these principles that guide the processes of our body, mind, etc get "out of balance" due to poor diet, activity, etc. they can become overactive, and disease results. 6. If vata gets out of balance, for instance, it leads to overactive mind, poor circulation, poor nerve conduction, loss of memory, irregular elimination, uncomfortable menses, etc. - all things related to movement. 7. If pitta is out of balance, we can get excessive digestive fire, resulting in heartburn, excess stomach acid, a hot temper, inflammations, etc. -all things related to heat and digestion. 8. If kapha gets out of balance, it can lead to chronic congestion, weight gain, cellulite, cholesterol buildup, acne, oily skin, etc. - all things related to structure and lubrication. 9. Herbs in synergistic combination, diet, routine, meditation, etc are used to restore balance to restore proper operation of the various systems. Balance restores health. 10. Ayurveda does not focus on decreasing symptoms, it focuses on increasing health. Where there is health, there is no room for disease. 11. Symptoms are only used as one of eight ways to determine the underlying imbalance or weakness that has allowed the disease to occur. Due to foreign intervention in India for hundreds of years, Ayurveda became fragmented, and it has been revived over the past 35 years by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. As a result of growing scientific verification at major research institutions, it is the worlds' fastest growing health care system. ---------------------------------------------- 5.3.3 Homeopathy sites: Check these sites: The Homeopathy Homepage: http://www.homeopathyhome.com ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/academic/medicine/alternative-healthcare/ faqs/homeopathy (an olde document from the stoneage - 1993 or so...) The homeoinfo -pages: http://www.homeoinfo.com/ pretty good. Check, for instance, the Materia Medica section on Common questions: "Contaminating pills by touching them". Homeopathy online is good, too: http://www.lyghtforce.com/HomeopathyOnLine/index.html ---------------------------------------------- 5.3.4 What is Traditional Chinese Medicine? ---------------------------------------------- From Suzanne E. Sky, L.Ac. (avena.aloha.net) Traditional Chinese Medicine is a phrase used to describe a complex system of medicine developed in China that has now spread around the world in its various forms. This system is over 3,500 years old. Its fundamental basis is a philosophy which views humans as a microcosm of the universe and inherently connected to it, to Nature and to all Life. Chinese Medicine is actually a part of what is called Oriental Medicine, because there are many different styles practiced, with the same origins and medical foundation, in China, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries. This medicine spread to America and Europe as practitioners migrated and settled in different countries. Now Oriental Medicine is practiced and taught all around the world. I. HISTORY & CURRENT USE The history of Chinese Medicine is very long, complicated, and fascinating. There have always been many different styles of practice and theories of medicine in China. The early Communist leaders destroyed much of the old information but finally decided that Chinese Medicine was a valuable method. The principles were simplified and began to be taught in colleges. Before this, Chinese Medicine was passed down through generations of families, through apprenticeship and training that began at a young age. Now there are several well established Colleges in China that train Chinese Medicine practitioners. Westerners can study there as well. In Chinese hospitals, Chinese Medicine is practiced alongside modern Western Medicine. For example, cancer patients in China receive radiation treatment or chemotherapy, and they also receive Chinese herbal medicine to ameliorate the side effects. II. WHAT MODALITIES DO CHINESE MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS USE? Chinese Medicine is a large area of study and practice. Some of the modalities it includes are: * Herbal Medicine: An advanced and effective system of herbal medicine. * Acupuncture & Acupressure: Use finger pressure or special fine needles to harmonize and activate the body's own healing ability. * Moxibustion (moxa): Special therapeutic warming techniques. * Diet & Nutrition: A unique and effective system which teaches the energetic qualities of food and how it effects us. * Chi Kung and Tai Chi: Systems of movement and breathing that promotes health. Chi Kung is also an ancient healing method. * Tui Na: Chinese medical massage Practitioners are trained in several or many of these modalities and specialize in one to a few areas of expertise. III. SCHOOLING AND PRACTICE Many schools in America and Europe are fully accredited and confer Master's Degrees in Oriental Medicine. Schooling takes 4 to 6 years. The requirements include Western science and medical courses along with about 2,000 hours in Chinese Medical Theory, techniques and practice. This includes in-depth study of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and other modalities. In addition, anywhere from 800 to 1,200 hours of clinical observation and internship are required in an acupuncture clinic. The traditional way of learning, apprenticeship, is still in existence, but is less common today. In America about 20 states certify or license Acupuncturists for practice, through an examination process. There are over 30 schools in America and many schools and practitioners in Europe. IV. ACUPUNCTURE IS RECOGNIZED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes over 250 illnesses successfully treated by acupuncture and the list continues to grow. Among these are included: PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome), gynecological disorders, anxiety, depression, arthritis and joint problems, colds, flus, sinusitis, cough, bronchitis, headaches, numbness and poor circulation, stress, fatigue, recovery from injuries. V. QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR ACUPUNCTURIST * How and where (or with whom) did they study? (School or apprenticeship) * How long was their training? Currently some health professionals can attend what amounts to a weekend class and then practice acupuncture under their medical license. They may know where to stick a few needles, but they are not trained in Oriental Medicine. * What modalities do they use? * How long have they been practicing? VI. INTERNET RESOURCES A great Acupuncture page with lots of resources: http://www.acupuncture.com/ Foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine: http://www.ftcm.org.uk/ ---------------------------------------------- 5.3.5 Flower essences ---------------------------------------------- From Suzanne E. Sky, L.Ac. (avena.wave.net) Flower essences are liquid preparations, containing only minute traces of actual flowers, which convey the vibrational pattern and essence of specific flowers. Because of this, their action is subtle and extends beyond the physiological. Their action is not biochemical, but is vibrational. These gentle essences enjoy a reputation of being very safe. They have no side-effects and are non-toxic. Some people state they don't 'feel' any change or effect from using flower essences. However, many people find the flowers provide an essential factor in their healing process. Each person responds to flower essences according to their inner rhythm and needs. Research in the modern field of psychoneuroimmunology shows a clear interrelationship between physical illness, stress and emotional/mental outlook. Flower essences help address issues which often underlay stress and health problems, helping to 'untie' or release these mental/emotional energetic knots. Flower essences can help transform emotions, attitudes or patterns of behavior to enhance one's development, growth and awareness. Flower essences expand our understanding of health care, recognizing the interweaving of spiritual, mental, emotional and physical aspects of wellness. The name most closely associated with flower essences is that of Dr. Edward Bach, the English physician who first discovered them. In the 1930's, he introduced his set of 39Flower Essences that changed the world of natural medicine forever. Dr. Bach's Life and Discovery of Flower Essences Dr. Edward Bach was a remarkable man. He was an early pioneer of natural medicine who discovered results when he treated the person rather than the disease. Born in 1886, Bach entered the medical profession from a sincere desire to help others. Early on in his practice he noticed that the patients personality or temperament was more helpful in deciding which medicine would be most effective than any other factor. Early in his career, Bach studied bacteriology and became fascinated by the connection between a person's colon flora and their health. He discovered that a vaccine made from the patient's intestinal bacteria, and injected into their blood stream, gave excellent results, especially in chronic diseases. When Bach discovered homeopathy, he modified his method and made homeopathic preparations known as nosodes (remedies made from pathological tissues). He classified the intestinal bacteria into seven main groups and made preparations still known today as Bach's Seven Nosodes. Soon, he found that when a patient entered his office, he could immediately tell which type of flora would be predominant in that person, and which nosode they would need. From this Bach correlated seven main personality types and began prescribing the Nosodes solely on the basis of the patients personality, rather than laboratory tests. The results were even greater than he expected, and he saw clearly the importance of treating the person rather than their disease. While Bach had great respect for homeopathy and its founder, Dr. Hahnemann, he refuted the basic premise of homeopathy, that like cures like. Bach states "It is obviously fundamentally wrong to say that 'like cures like'. ...Like may strengthen like, like may repel like, but in the true healing sense like cannot cure like. ....And so in true healing, and so in spiritual advancement, we must always seek good to drive out evil, love to conquer hate, and light to dispel darkness. Thus must we avoid all poisons, all harmful things, and use only the beneficent and beautiful." (Collected Writings, page 113) Bach became dissatisfied with using the intestinal Nosodes, desiring to find a natural method which would not require using pathological material. He felt herbs would provide the most suitable material and began investigating the plant world. As Bach continued to work with and observe people, he became even more convinced that a person's temperament and personality were the factors that determined what illnesses they were prone to and what medicines would help them. The first two plants he discovered and used in his practice, that are still flower essences today, were Impatiens and Mimulus. The third one was Clematis. This was in 1930. Bach was so pleased with the results, he decided to give up his use of nosodes altogether and seek out other herbal remedies to add to his repertory. Dr. Bach gave up his successful, lucrative and prestigious Harley Street office and set out for Wales to discover new healing plants. Little did he know he was about to discover a whole new form of natural medicine and herbal preparation. Tromping around Wales for many years led him to discover the remaining 36 flower remedies. Bach was very particular in his selection of flowers and where he found them. Each of his remedies is a specific botanical entity, and substitutions are not equally effective. Bach was a sensitive as well as a medical researcher and physician. This blend made him search out only non-toxic plants that offered the highest vibratory patterns. Of the 39 essences we attribute to Bach, 37 are from plants, trees and bushes. One remedy, Rock Water, is from a special spring. The 39th, is a combination of several remedies, used for acute and emergency situations. Bach found great results using the flower essences with people who came to him from all over. No matter what illness the person had, he only gave remedies in accord with their mental/emotional state of being. Bach himself became ill several times and only recovered after discovering and using the appropriate flower essence. He discovered several essences in this way. Dr. Bach died in his sleep in 1936, feeling his life work was complete. He stated that the 38 flower essences he discovered would cover every possible area of need. His goal was to discover a safe, effective system of medicine that even the simplest person could use to help themselves, without a doctor. He felt he achieved this goal with his system of the Flower Remedies, which anyone can learn and apply with a little study. IMPORTANT NOTE Flower essences work most beneficially as part of a wholistic program of health care, including exercise, nourishing diet, stress reduction, inner work, play, and rest. They are not a substitute for medical attention or professional psychological counseling. If you are ill, please consult a qualified physician. ---------------------------------------------- This entry was much longer - but this is the medicinal herbFAQ, not the flower essence FAQ, so for the full entry go to this page: http://ibiblio.org/herbmed/neat-stuff/bachflow.html ---------------------------------------------- 5.3.6 Aromatherapy intro ---------------------------------------------- From: Marcia Elston - http://www.wingedseed.com What is Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is a true medical science and is the skilled use of specific essential plant distillates (essential oils), singularly or in combination, for health and well being. How Does Aromatherapy Work? The essential plant distillates (essential oils) interrelate with the human body within four distinct modes of action, pharmacological (as phytopharmaceuticals), physiological (physically and chemically), psychological (affecting mental states and processes) and incorporeal (spiritual). Our body uses the aromatic molecules (essential oils) both (1.) through our olfactory system which is connected to the limbic system in the brain where our most primal feelings, urges and emotions reside, (2.) and by inhalation and skin absorption of the low weight molecular structure of essential oils. Aromatherapy works best within a holistic approach to wellness. Is Aromatherapy New? We know from the study of ancient manuscripts that priests in India some 4,000 years ago practiced aromatherapy very much like it is practiced today. Modern Ayurvedic medicine includes an aromatic component that has evolved from this ancient practice. Scent was very important to ancient Egyptians who used plant-oil infusions, gums and resins, as well as aromatic herbs and flowers in rituals, relaxation and skin care extensively in their culture. Modern aromatherapy, as we know it today, was revived in 1910 by the French chemist, Gattefosse, after having been badly burned in a laboratory explosion and plunging his arm into a nearby vat of lavender essential oil. The amazing speed of recovery and lack of scarring led him into a lifetime study of essential oils and their medicinal uses for skincare. Can I Do This Myself? Most essential oils have been approved as G.R.A.S. (generally regarded as safe when used by various trades at their normal levels of use). However, these standards were developed by the food and perfume industries and were not developed specifically for the use of essential oils in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy, as a medical healing modality, has been in existence in England and parts of Europe for quite some time, and the United States is fast developing a similar model, however there is at present no FDA approval for the use of essential oils medicinally. An individual can use essential oils themselves (self medication) provided they are thoroughly familiar with the uses, safety precautions and contraindications and have available thorough and accurately referenced information on the potential hazards associated with using essential oils. SAFETY FIRST! Essential oils are very potent and strong concentrated plant constituents (chemicals). Always keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets. Do not apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth and other tender mucous membranes. Essential oils should never be taken orally. Essential oils are flammable and should be kept away from fire or flames. Some essential oils can cause dermatitis; always do a skin test with 2% dilution before applying to large area. Some oils are not recommended by use in infants and very young children, pregnant women, persons with epilepsy, hypersensitive individuals, just to name a few. Some essential oils can cause photosensitivity. Some essential oils may not work well when taking prescription drugs. Be well informed before you use any essential oil. The best manual on the market for the safety data of essential oils is The Aromatherapy Practitioner Manual by Sylla Sheppard-Hanger. This reference of over 350 plant extracts, in two volumes, includes an index of biologically active phytochemicals, clinical index and taxonomical index and is a must for anyone seriously considering using aromatherapy intelligently and effectively. When not used properly, essential oils can be harmful and they should never be used indiscriminately. Where Can I Learn More? There are numerous and rapidly emerging educational programs and home study courses being offered throughout the United States and Canada. Here is a short list. Valerie Cooksley, Principal Instructor The Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy http://www.aroma-rn.com Issaquah, WA Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, Principal Instructor Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy http://www.pacificinstituteofaromatherapy.com San Rafael, CA Sylla Sheppard-Hanger, Principal Instructor The Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy http://ww.AtlanticInstitute.com Tampa, FL Michael Scholes, Principal Instructor Michael Scholes School of Aromatic Studies http://www.michaelscholes.com Los Angeles, CA Laraine Kyle, Principal Instructor The Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy http://www.aroma-rn.com Boulder, CO Jade Shutes, Principal Instructor The Institute of Dynamic Aromatherapy http://www.theida.com Seattle, WA Dorene Petersen, Principal The Australasian College of Herbal Studies http://www.herbed.com Portland, OR ---------------------------------------------- 5.4 The Ames Test ---------------------------------------------- >Does anyone know more about this Ames test? The Ames test cultures mutations of bugs (usually Salmonella spp) that are unable to grow without the amino acid histidine and adds suspected mutagens to the culture medium (after incubating them with liver extract to expose them to lysosymal activity). If the bugs then grow, the mutation is deemed to have reversed (ie they now synthesise histidine) and the test substance is regarded as (ultimately) mutagenic. It is the case that the majority of known chemical carcinogens are also mutagens according to the Ames Test. The problem is that also according to the Ames Test the prevalence of environmental mutagens is so high that the human population should long ago have been wiped out by cancer if the extrapolations were correct. (The extrapolations being histidine gene mutagenicity equals ultimate carcinogenic action, and salmonella bugs equals people.) This is of course acknowledged by pathologists - but seems not to be understood by the rank and file scare mongers who like to appear to be *scientific* in their attacks on herbalism. jonno.teleport.com (Jonathan Treasure) ---------------------------------------------- From: Kevin Jones <100621.17.CompuServe.COM> There are several drawbacks to the Ames test which basically make it worthless on its own. Firstly carcinogens are divided into those which require to be metabolised in a cell (activated) and those which don't. Obviously the metabolism of a bacterial cell is going to differ from that of a mammalian cell. Compounds which are activated in a bacterial cell may therefore show no activity in a mammalian cell and vice versa. Secondly carcinogens act by reacting with genetic material. The type which are metabolically activated generally form free radicals which then react with DNA. Many carcinogens have an affinity for a specific sequence of nucleotides. Obviously the number of sequences that are shared between mammals and bacteria are going to be very small! There may well be many chemicals which cause mutations in bacteria but which have absolutely no effect on mammals. In short, all the Ames test does is show that a chemical produces a mutation in Salmonella bacteria. It might possibly indicate the potential for being carcinogenic in higher organisms - and then again it might not. It also is quite possible that the Ames test could declare a chemical safe which is quite powerfully carcinogenic in mammals simply because it does not affect bacteria. In any case, relying on the Ames test shows a distinct lack of understanding of the nature of cancer and cell growth. Mammalian cells are programmed to die. Only chemical messages keep them alive and keep a particular gene turned off. It's like a dead man's handle. The moment a genetic error is detected the cell is told to stop dividing. If the error is serious, this gene is turned on and the cell destroys itself. This gene and its backup copy have to fail before a cancer can develop _or_ the chemical messenger system has to become defective and keep it turned off _or_ the self-checking mechanism has to become defective. Many cancers have genetic defects in one or more of these command chains. Presumably it is also possible for an error to develop in the signalling system between the self-destruct gene and the lysosome - the dead man's handle is released but the grenade doesn't go off. Another gene which codes for ras protein is part of the cell division mechanism. If it is defective the cell goes on dividing. Similarly other parts of the cell division command chain (growth hormone receptor, cytokines etc) can have errors. Some viruses (eg: Epstein-Barr in some circumstances) cause a proliferation of growth hormone receptor on the cell's surface which keeps the cell dividing. The more a cell divides, the more the chance of a mistake and therefore the higher the risk of a cancer developing. Now the likelihood of being able to show that these specific genetic defects are going to be caused in humans from a bacterial model is laughable. A bacterium is a single-celled organism. It has no use for programmed cell-death! The Ames test may have some value as an initial screening test, but only as long as its limitations are acknowledged. To rely entirely on it as definite proof that a compound is carcinogenic is not only laughable - it is also bad science! ---------------------------------------------- 5.5 Trying out the placebo effect ---------------------------------------------- > It's really hard to judge whether the effects were the result of the ..herb.., or whether I just thought these effects were occurring because I was seeking for them to happen (constantly checking myself to see if I notice any change - a bit like the placebo effect I guess). It's nice to see someone wondering whether they were subject to the placebo effect! Too many people seem to be a bit too convinced by their own personal experiences. If you are concerned about a placebo effect you might want to try your own little experiment. Get some large empty gelatin capsules from a health food store. Put sugar in half of them and your ginkgo capsule (which should be small enough to fit) in the other (with sugar to fill up the rest of the space. Have a friend label some bottles with numbers (the more bottles your use, the more likely it will be that you aren't just guessing right). The numbers will correspond with whether the bottle contains the sugar or the ginkgo but only your friend will know which is which. Then have your friend put the capsules in the bottles. Complete one bottle and then go on to the next. Don't look at the capsules as you take them and be aware of any subtle ways that you might be discerning the difference (e.g. weight, aftertaste etc.) You might want to use a rating scale of your alertness. Be aware that if you choose the ginkgo, it might simply be a coincidence, so make sure that the difference in ratings is big. MORAVCSIK.clipr.colorado.edu (Julia Moravcsik) ---------------------------------------------- 5.6 How to find an herbalist / ND ---------------------------------------------- I get a lot of emails saying, eg, "I have Hep C and my dad has Lupus and Crohn's, and my mon's hypothyroidal, what herbs can you recommend for that?" - I don't recommend herbs for that at all, I give a list of referral sites and addresses for alternative healthcare associations. Here it is, gathered over a couple of years: Try the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP): http://www.naturopathic.org Or the American Herbalists Guild (AHG): http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com Canadians can check the Canadian Naturopathic Association (NDA): http://www.naturopathicassoc.ca Then there's the Ontario Herbalists Association (OHA): http://www.herbalists.on.ca Brits can look for member of the National Institute of Herbal Medicine (NIMH): http://www.nimh.org.uk Australians have the National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA): http://www.nhaa.org.au If you're in New Zealand check the New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists (NZAMH): http://nzamh.org.nz If you still can't find a practitioner near you, you can try the bulletin boards at your local coop / health food store / vegetarian restaurant / other similar place. ---------------------------------------------- 5.7 Politics and herbal medicine ---------------------------------------------- The growing awareness of herbs is nothing but growing competition to profitable product lines - at least if you're a pharmaceutical company. Which is why pharmacogiants do their very best to spread FUD (Fear Uncertainty Doubt) about herbs and herbal medicine. A case in point: the German kava debacle, leading to its banning in many countries without any published details on the adverse effect cases whatsoever. In fact, these oh-so-dangerous adverse effects were mostly due to meds taken together with or even instead of kava, or due to pharmaceutical-type kava products (50+ % kavalactones, extracted with acetone? That's not a herb, that's a med!). Adverse effects from kava, the herb, extracted at 1:2 in 95 % ethanol are very rare. In fact, I'd suggest the use of education (don't extract insanely high amounts of "active constituents", and don't use toxic solvents) and common sense (stop using kava if you get the telltale scaly skin) instead of legislation, to help clear up the rather few (and quite benign) adverse effects from kava, the herb. Kava, Piper methysticum, is a direct competitor to Paxil and other anti-anxiety agents. It's cheap, can't be patented, and has next to no side effects. Oops. Another case in point: headlines (and study conclusions) like " does not work" hide the fact that the med compared in the same trial was way below placebo, too: http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/287/14/1807 - a better headline would have been " better than and !" And this is but a single example of the multitude of skewed research headlines that have been shouted over the rooftops over the last 6 years - ever since St. John's wort made it big on 20/20, back in 1997. FUD. Fight it. St. John's wort, Hypericum perforatum, is a direct competitor to Zoloft and other antidepressants. In addition it's cheap (or even free - pick your own!), can't be patented, and has next to no side effects. Oops. How to know who's right and who's wrong, then? There's two types of medical journals, the biased ones and the unbiased ones. This is my take on two of the big ones - the ones that get quoted in headlines: * if the BMJ publishes something on alternative healthcare it's unbiased unless proven biased. * if JAMA publishes something on alternative healthcare it's biased against unless proven unbiased. I'm not saying there aren't quacks in herbal medicine - there are, foremost among them those that take advantage of the desperate (like selling essiac to terminal cancer patients at exorbitant rates) (those people are despicable), and the multitude of MLM'ers (multi level marketing biz people) (these people are just clueless and annoying). And don't let me get started on the supplement business ... However, mainstream medicine and pharmaceutical companies aren't any angels either. Perhaps they believe in what they are doing to alternative healthcare in general and herbal medicine in particular, but that doesn't make them right. So herbal medicine is under siege. And you generally see only the anti-herbal headlines, because the ones critical to meds and MDs are hidden away as well as they ever can be. How then do you find balancing information? Here's a few links. I hope they are as enlightening to you as they were to me: * Oops - there goes unbiased medical research: http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/326/7400/1167 * How to make new diseases for fun and profit. Nicholas Regush has collected some very interesting links on his page: http://www.redflagsweekly.com/special_edition.html . Among them these gems: * Drug companies and Female Sexual Dysfunction: http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/326/7379/45 * Ritalin and ADD/ADHD: http://www.house.gov/ed_workforce/hearings/106th/oi/ritalin92900/baughman.htm * Paxil and Social Anxiety Disorder (what used to be called shyness): http://www.policyalternatives.ca/publications/articles/article315.html * Paxil and Generalized Anxiety Disorder: http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4471963,00.html * A summary of the tactics pharmacogiants use to discredit herbal medicine: http://www.rmhiherbal.org/review/2003-2.html * Too many doctors prescribe based on favors received from pharmaceutical companies: http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/326/7400/1189 * You've heard of the quackwatch site. Here's something to put quackwatch into perspective: http://www.quackpotwatch.org/opinionpieces/aaaaaaaa.htm * The morbidity and mortality site is downright scary, and very hard to find: http://webmm.ahrq.gov ---------------------------------------------- 6 Information sources ---------------------------------------------- 6.1 Good Books on Herbs and Herbal Medicine ---------------------------------------------- Please also check Jonno's Herbal Bookworm page: http://www.herbological.com . And let me know if I've left out -your- favorite book. Be aware, however, that I won't even consider stinkers such as Tyler or Hutchens. ---------------------------------------------- 6.1.1 Good books to get started with ---------------------------------------------- Real basics * Lesley Bremness: The Complete Book of Herbs - a practical guide to growing and using herbs. 288 pages, paperback, 11.60 x 7.66". Penguin Studio, Sep 1994. ISBN 0140238026. Listprice USD 22. A good allround book for the beginner, it includes one-page articles on 100+ herbs, and a wide variety of uses for them (culinary and medicinal uses, cleaning, beauty, etc.). There's also a section on how to grow herbs. Lots of clear plant and how-to color pictures. * Richard Mabey: The New Age Herbalist - How to use herbs for healing, nutrition, body care, and relaxation. 288 pages, 9.71 x 7.69". Fireside, Nov 1988. ISBN 068481577X. Listprice USD 22. A beginner's herbal, lots of pictures, not as practical as the others, but still worthwile. * Andrew Chevallier: The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. 336 pages, 11.25 x 9". DK Publishing, Dec 2000. ISBN 0789467836. Listprice USD 40. Like all Dorling Kindersley books it's big on pictures, so it's good for beginners. This one contains one-page articles on 100 plants (lots of pictures for each of these) and very short paragraphs on 450 more (with pictures for about a third of them), in addition to the obligatory history and making remedies bits. If you're out where there's no herb stores you won't like it too much - there's far too many plants from TCM. * David Hoffmann: The Holistic Herbal - A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies 288 pages, 9.66 x 7.44". Thorsons Pub, 4th ed., Jan 2003. ISBN 0007145411. Listprice USD 17. The 1996 edition had 256 pages, of which 200+ half-page articles on single herbs and a section on problems and herbal remedies by organ system. Also includes the usual how-tos - teas, ointments, lozenges, etc. Very visual. * John Lust: The Herb Book. 700 pages, 6.84 x 4.2". Benedict Lust Publ., Jun 2001. ISBN 0879040556. Listprice USD 9. Short notes on the medicinal use of a lot of herbs. Also tables you can look up things in. Some black-and-white plant drawings. * Susun Weed: Healing Wise - Wise Woman Herbal. 312 pages, 8.44 x 5.52". Ash Tree Pub., Jul 1989. ISBN 0961462027, listprice USD 13. In-depth information on seven very common herbs. Some black-and-white plant drawings. * Michael Tierra: The Way of Herbs. 416 pages, 9.31 x 6.19". Pocket Books, Aug 1998. ISBN 0671023276, listprice USD 17.00. A beginner's herbal. No pictures. Michael Tierra is online at: http://www.planetherbs.com/ * James Green: The Herbal Medicine Maker's Handbook - A Home Manual. 384 pages, 10.62 x 8.48". Crossing Press, Dec 2000. ISBN 0895949903. Listprice 23 USD. (I have his 40-page booklet on the theme, and find that the allround beginner's herbals cover the topic distinctly better. This almost 400 page treatise might cover ground not found elsewhere, though.) * Igor Vilevich Zevin: A Russian Herbal. 250 pages, 8.97 x 6.06". Inner Traditions Intl Ltd., Feb 1997. ISBN 0892815493. listprice USD 15. For a different view on how to use herbs (still beginner's level) get this book. Some black-and-white plant drawings. * No longer in print (my but time flies!): o Penelope Ody: The Complete Medicinal Herbal. 192 pages, hardcover, 11.75 x 8". Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Jun 1993. ISBN 1-56458-187X. Listprice USD 30. A good allround book for the beginner, with one-page articles on 120 plants, charts that tell you which herbs to use for which problems, and the obligatory history and making your own remedies bits. A very visual book. o Penelope Ody: Home Herbal - a practical family guide to making herbal remedies for common ailments. 144 pages, hardcover or paperback, 9.75 x 7.75". Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Jun 1995. ISBN 1564588637. listprice USD 20. A short introduction to making your own herbal remedies, and the ailments to use them for. Lots of clear plant and how-to color pictures. o Christopher Hedley and Non Shaw: Herbal Remedies - A beginner's guide to making effective remedies in the kitchen. 96 pages, 12.25 x 9.5". Parragon Jan 1999. ISBN 075252416X. Listprice GBP 7 or so. Very good recipes. It's down to earth and well-written, and you'll get to know (and probably expand) your spice rack in ways you didn't expect when you bought your spices. Lots of clear plant and how-to color pictures. I have both the original hardcover and a later smaller paperback; the content is identical. ---------------------------------------------- Often mentioned, but perhaps not really worth it: (If you feel I'm wrong in my assessment of these books let me know why you disagree - my email address is hetta@spamcop.net.fix (no fix)). * James A Duke: The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook - Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing. 352 pages, 6.74 x 4.16". St. Martin's Press, Jun 2002. ISBN 0312981511. Listprice USD 7. I have the 1997 edition of this. It's a book written by a researcher, not by a practitioner, and it shows in some of the herbal recommendations. Don't trust it, get one of the books written by a practitioner instead. * David Hoffmann: Medical Herbalism - The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. 672 pages, 10.9 x 8.68". Inner Traditions Intl Ltd., Aug 2003. ISBN 0892817496. Listprice USD 60. I'm told (I don't have this book) that this is a reprint of the usual Hoffmann database with scientific research thrown in. If that is indeed the case it's not all that much use to the practising herbalist (scientific research on herbs being mostly theoretical), at least if you already have a couple of Hoffmann's works. Add to that that it's very expensive - well, it's not on my list of books to buy anytime soon. If you have this book, are a herbalist, see clients, and disagree with this assessment, let me know. * Varro Tyler. Read Jonno's review of Tyler's "Honest herbal" and "Herbs of choice" to see why Tyler's writings aren't respected by professional herbalists: http://www.herbological.com/deconstructing.html . If you want a good scientific book on herbs try Rudolf Fritz Weiss, MD, Herbal Medicine (don't buy the "updated" version, stay with the original from 1988) (listed in entry 6.1.3, In-depth books, by organ system) * The Complete German Commission E Monographs - Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines This is a very expensive set of committee summaries (380 monographs, Listprice USD 189). Jonno has reviewed the monographs; find his comments here: http://www.herbological.com/understanding.html * Simon Mills, Kerry Bone: Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy - Modern Herbal Medicine. 448 pages, 9.96 x 7.75". Churchill Livingstone, Nov 1999. ISBN 0443060169. Listprice USD 83. I'm told this book constantly praises the use of 1:1 extracts as made by Kerry Bone's company MediHerb. If that's indeed the case it should be given away for free, not sold for rather too much money. Whatever, you're probably distinctly better off buying Simon Mill's earlier work, "Out of the Earth" (also called "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"). And stay away from other books by Kerry Bone, unless he's writing with co-authors who have the guts to put their foots down about hidden marketing. * Volker Fintelmann, Rudolf Fritz Weiss: Herbal Medicine - second edition, revised and expanded. 448 pages, 9.25 x 6.75". Thieme Medical Publ, 2nd ed., Aug 2000. ISBN 0865779708. Listprice USD 59. Stay FAR away from this rewrite. Read Jonno's review if you want to know why: http://www.herbological.com/weiss.html ---------------------------------------------- Field guides * Steven Foster, James A. Duke: A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America. (A Peterson guide). 424 pages, 7.22 x 4.48". Houghton Mifflin Co, 2nd revised ed., Dec 1999. ISBN 0395988144, listprice USD 19. I have the 1990 edition, and it really has very little in the way of text. It's possible that the 1999 edition is distinctly better. * Jim Pojar, Andrew MacKinnon: Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast. 528 pages, 8.53 x 5.57". Lone Pine Publishing, Dec 1994. ISBN 1551050404. Listprice USD 20. You'll find the most common plants of the PNW USA, including photos, drawings, maps, and short paragraphs on usage. It's an excellent field guide - we need more of this caliber. One peeve: botanical works should always mention Genus species auct.; there's no auct in this book. ---------------------------------------------- Diving deeper * Michael Moore: Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. 351 pages, 9.30 x 6.14". Museum of NM Press, Aug 2003. ISBN 0890134545. Listprice USD 25. Michael has rewritten the 1979 Mountain West book; it's now in the same format, with the same depth of detail and with as many funnies as his extraordinary Pacific West book. Go buy it. * Michael Moore: Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West. 359 pages, 9.23 x 6.14". Red Crane Books, 1993. ISBN 1878610317, listprice USD 22.5. The single best book on medicinal plants I have seen to date. Don't let the title throw you, it's got universal appeal. I use it, and I'm rather far away from the Pacific west. * Michael Moore: Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West. 200 pages, 8.48 x 5.48". Museum of NM Press, Apr 1990. ISBN 0890131821. Listprice USD 15. A good book on the medicinal uses of some southwestern herbs. Michael Moore's books on medicinal herbs are very good and fun to read, too. You're in for a treat if you haven't visited his homepage yet - he's got some good practitioner-level booklets online, free for downloading: http://www.swsbm.com * Michael Moore: Los Remedios - Traditional Herbal Remedies of the Southwest. 108 pages, 8.47 x 5.48". Red Crane Books, Oct. 1990. ISBN 1878610066. Listprice USD 10. If you ever decide to do a book on traditional medicinal uses of your local flora, check this book to see how it's done. It's the only work in this genre (that I've seen) that includes a paragraph labelled "usefulness" with the usual traditional uses. * Matthew Wood: The Book of Herbal Wisdom 250 pages, 9.05 x 6.05". North Atlantic Books, Sep 1997. ISBN 1556432321, listprice USD 19. Well worth the price, as Matthew Wood opens a rather different point of view on plants. His tales are sprinkled with personal experience and herbal wisdom. Very very good. * Gazmend Skenderi: Herbal Vade Mecum - 800 Herbs, Spices, Essential Oils, Lipids, Etc. Constituents, Properties, Uses, and Caution. 496 pages, 8.86 x 6". Herbacy Press, Jun 2003. ISBN 0971320926. Listprice USD 25 plus shipping. Available directly from the publisher: herbacy@aol.com . (better buy it there - Amazon wants USD 50 for it - plus shipping, too, of course.) Uses are given, dosages aren't - you need to know your plants before you use this book. It's a very good materia medica for practitioners, focusing on the essential; beginners might not do all that much with it, except they'd get solid, practical, sensible cautions for the listed plants, instead of the usual overblown and overly theoretical ones. No pictures. * Janice Schofield: Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, Western Canada, The Northwest. 355 pages, 10.9 x 8.45". Alaska Northwest Books, 1998. ISBN 0882403699. Listprice USD 40. A delightful book, it includes information on a lot of plants found up here in Finland, too. Great pictures, lots of tried and true recipes, sensible medicinal uses - you need this book if you live up north. * Janice Schofield: Alaska's Wild Plants. 95 pages, 8.02 x 4.55". Alaska Northwest Books, 1995. ISBN 0882404334. Listprice USD 13. Compared to her excellent Discovering Wild Plants: this one is a tenth (or less) of the scope and a third of the price. You makes your choice and you pays your price. * Thomas Bartram: Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - The Definitive Guide to the Herbal Treatments of Diseases. 496 pages, 9.10 x 6.12". Marlowe & Company, Sep 2002. ISBN 1569245509. Listprice USD 18. A lot, and I do mean a LOT, of short notes on herbs, supplements, and diseases, listed alphabetically. Very good as a repertory - a work which gives you treatment options for diverse ailments. No pictures. * Maud Grieve: A Modern Herbal - Vol. 1, A-H, and Vol. 2, I-Z. 443 + 476 pages, 2 x 9.17 x 6.49". Dover Publ. 1971 reprint of the 1931 original. ISBN 0486227987 (I), 0486227995 (II), listprice USD 13 each. A fairly good materia medica, especially for its history value. It's online too, scanned and OCR'd in full by Ed Greenwood: http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/mgmh.html Thorough but easy to understand descriptions of some plants and/or some organ systems * Janice Schofield: Nettles. (A Keats good herb guide). 96 pages, 6.77 x 4.18". McGraw-Hill, Jan 1998. ISBN 087983840X, listprice USD 5. Despite the small format you'll get real in-depth information about that nicest of plants, the stinging nettle. I can personally vouch for Henriette's Potato Mush, with nettles of course. Excellent work! * Michael Moore: Herbs for the Urinary Tract. (A Keats good herb guide). 96 pages, 6.77 x 4.18". McGraw-Hill, Jan 1999. ISBN 0879838159, listprice USD 5. A short but thorough introduction to the urinary tract and what gets it out of and back into kilter. * Aviva Romm: ADHD Alternatives - A Natural Approach to Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 128 pages, 8.49 x 5.54". Storey Books, Jul 2000. ISBN 1580172482. Listprice USD 13. * Christopher Hobbs: Medicinal Mushrooms - An Exploration of Tradition, Healing & Culture. 264 pages, 9.38 x 6.66". Book Pub Co, 2003. ISBN 1570671435, listprice 19 USD. It's _the_ book on medicinal mushrooms. Go get it, it's good. * Christopher Hobbs: Natural Therapy for your Liver: Herbs and Other Natural Remedies for a Healthy Liver. 128 pages, 2002, ISBN1583331328, listprice USD 10. * Christopher Hobbs: Vitex, the Women's Herb. 95 pages, 2003, ISBN 1570671575, listprice USD 8. Accurate and balanced booklets. He's online here: http://christopherhobbs.com * Steven Foster's botanical booklets. Web site here: http://www.stevenfoster.com * No longer in print - a shame really: o Paul Bergner: The Healing Power of Garlic 304 pages, 8.25 x 5.50". Prima Publishing, Oct 1995. ISBN 0761500987, listprice USD 16. o Paul Bergner: The Healing Power of Ginseng and the Tonic Herbs 288 pages, 8.75 x 5.25". Prima Publishing, May 1996. ISBN 0761504729. Listprice USD 15. o Paul Bergner: The Healing Power of Echinacea, Goldenseal and other Immune system herbs 336 pages, 8.75 x 5.50". Prima Publishing, Feb 1997. ISBN 0761508090, listprice USD 15. o Paul Bergner: The Healing Power of Minerals, Special Nutrients, and Trace Elements. 320 pages, 8.50 x 5.75". Prima Publishing, Jul 1997. ISBN 0761510214, listprice USD 15. These are very good in-depth books both about the herbs and the organ systems involved. Get them if you can. Paul Bergner is the editor of Medical Herbalism (see the professional level journal list, ch.6.3.2). He has a website at http://www.medherb.com. ---------------------------------------------- 6.1.2 Specialty books: women's herbals, men's herbals etc. ---------------------------------------------- Let's get gender-specific: * Rosemary Gladstar: Herbal Healing for Women - simple home remedies for women of all ages. 304 pages, 9.17 x 7.35". Fireside Books, Nov 1993. ISBN 0671767674, listprice USD 14. A very good book on herbs and women's health - and at that price it's a steal. Rosemary Gladstar's website is at http://www.sagemountain.com * Amanda McQuade Crawford: Herbal Remedies for Women. 304 pages, 9.23 x 7.41. Prima Health, 1997. ISBN 0761509801. Listprice USD 20. A very good book on herbs and women's health. * Ruth Trickey: Women, Hormones & The Menstrual Cycle - Herbal & Medical Solutions from Adolescence to Menopause. 680 pages, 9.22 x 6.68". Allen & Unwin, 2nd ed., Apr 2004. ISBN 186508980X. Listprice USD 30. A good book about the hormonal system and what gets it out of and back into balance. Learn how to remedy, for instance, endometriosis, fibroids, or painful menses with diet, herbs and supplements. My copy of this book (1st ed.) is misbound (parts are upside down and, obviously, back-to-front), and the publisher promised me a new copy over a year ago. Haven't seen it yet. Tut tut, bad publisher. * Amanda McQuade Crawford: The Herbal Menopause Book. 224 pages, 9.10 x 7.08". Crossing Press, Oct 1996. ISBN 0895947994, listprice USD 17. Great notes on menopausal discomforts, and how to remedy them. * Susun Weed: New Menopausal Years, the Wise Woman Way. 304 pages, 8.42 x 5.52". Ash Tree Pub., rev. ed., Nov 2001. ISBN 1888123036. Listprice USD 13. * Susun Weed: Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year. 196 pages, 8.42 x 5.52". Ash Tree Pub., Jun 1985. ISBN 0961462000. Listprice USD 10. * Susun Weed: Breast Cancer, Breast Health, the Wise Woman Way. 380 pages, 8.42 x 5.52". Ash Tree Pub., Mar 1997. ISBN 0961462078. Listprice USD 15. Susun has her own very wise way of looking at things. You buy one first, and then you go out of your way to get the others when you or somebody close to you needs them. Susun is online here: http://www.susunweed.com * No longer in print: o Anne McIntyre: The Complete Women's Herbal - a manual of healing herbs and nutrition for personal well-being and family care 287 pages, 10 x 7.75". Henry Holt & Co., Jan 1995. ISBN 0805035370, listprice USD 25. A very good book on herbs and women's health. o James Green: The Male Herbal - health care for men and boys 278 pages, 9 x 6". Crossing Press, Apr 1991. ISBN 0895944588, listprice USD 15. The only book about herbs for men that I've seen so far. Kids * Aviva Romm: Naturally Healthy Babies and Children - a Commonsense Guide to Herbal Remedies, Nutrition, and Health. 2000, Storey Books, Pownal, Vermont, USA. ISBN 1-58017-285-7, listprice USD 17. A good, practical, all-round book for parents. * Linda B. White, MD, and Sunny Mavor: Kids, Herbs and Health - practical solutions for your child's health, from birth to puberty. 1998, Interweave Press, Loveland, CO, USA. ISBN 1-883010-53-5, listprice USD 22. Another look at herbs for kids, this combines the conventional approach with the herbal one. Pets * Mary L. Wulff-Tilford and Gregory L. Tilford: Herbs for Pets. 1999, BowTie Press, Irvine, CA, USA. ISBN 1-889540-64-1, list price USD 30. A blockbuster of a book, this really is worth getting. It includes, among other things, 200 pages of herbal materia medica for pets with glorious pictures, and notes on diet for dogs and cats. Cancer There are three books on cancer and herbal medicine for the serious herbalist. These will help you understand the research. They also make it easy to see what's real and what's hype around herbs for cancer: * Donald Yance: Herbal Medicine, Healing & Cancer. 1999, Keats Publishing, Lincolnwood, Ill, USA. ISBN 0-87983-968-6, listprice USD 22. * John Boik: Cancer & Natural Medicine - A Textbook of Basic Science and Clinical Research. 1995, Oregon Medical Press, Princeton, Minnesota, US. ISBN 0-9648280-0-6. * John Boik: Natural Compounds in Cancer Therapy. 2001, Oregon Medical Press, Minnesota, USA, http://www.ompress.com . ISBN 0-9648280-1-4. If you want to get some knowledge about TCM, but keep your western herbalist bias: * Steven Foster + Yue Chongxi: Herbal Emissaries - bringing Chinese Herbs to the West. 1992, Healing Arts Press, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-89281-349-0, listprice USD 17. Very thorough description of Chinese plants (with growing instructions) for us Westerners. (I LIKE books with more than 2 pages per plant. These guys use about 6 pages per...) ... or the other way around: * Michael Tierra: Planetary Herbology - An Integration of Western Herbs into the Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic Systems. Lotus Press, Santa Fe, NM, USA. ISBN 0-941524-27-2, listprice USD 18. ---------------------------------------------- 6.1.2.1 Going for broke (and I wish you luck) ---------------------------------------------- There's a very good series of books on how to turn a herb enthusiast into a cottage industry: the bootstrap guides(at www.bootstraps.com). They're practical, down to earth, and they tell you not only what plants will sell but also what kind of American bureaucracies you need to look out for. They are: * Lee Sturdivant: Profits from your backyard herb garden 1995, San Juan Naturals, PO Box 642, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA. ISBN 0-9621635-3-8, listprice USD 11. Starting with a smallish herb garden, this book tells you what you need to know in order to sell fresh herbs to local restaurants and markets. * Lee Sturdivant and Tim Blakley: Medicinal Herbs in the Garden, Field and Marketplace 1999, San Juan Naturals, PO Box 642, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA. ISBN 0-9621635-7-0, listprice USD 25. The first half of the book gives a view into successful herb businesses, the second part tells you how to grow herbs for the bulk trade - machinery, techniques, hints and tips, and growing and picking specific plants. At the very end of the book you'll find contact information of some American tincture and tea makers, including what plants they need and how to approach them. * Lee Sturdivant: Herbs for sale 1994, San Juan Naturals, PO Box 642, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA. ISBN 0-9621635-2-X, listprice USD 15. Interesting views into diverse successful herb businesses. Not in the same series, this one comes from the other side of the world: * Greg Whitten: Herbal Harvest Bloomings Books, The Stables, 21 Isabella Grove, Hawthorn Victoria, Australia 3122. ISBN 1876473045. (review by Rosemary Jones:) Just got a copy from the publisher and it seems to answer most questions on the bulk processing of herbs for commercial use. How to build drying sheds and so on. The farming advice is geared towards Australia but could work elsewhere with some modification. If you're in the US you can order it from Rosemary (healingpgs.aol.com or Healing Pages 1-800-561-2909) and save on freight. Or order it straight from the publisher. ---------------------------------------------- End of part 6 of 7. ---------------------------------------------- -- Henriette Kress, AHG Helsinki, Finland Henriette's herbal homepage: http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed