Hello All,
As an herbalist who specialty is in Chinese herbal medicinals, and who has a
special interest in galatagogue medicinals used in all traditions, I'd just
like to chime in, in agreement, with two of the other posters on the
subject.
There are many excellent studies that show that the healing qualities of
herbs are dependent on the region in which it is grown, the parts of the
botanical used, how it is stored and how it is prepared for ingestion (and
then some).
We also have found that isolating just one "active" chemical or protein
found in a medicinal is not the most effective way to use medicinals. The
plant (or plant part) in its entirety is necessary to achieve the
traditionally understood therapeutic effect. Also, in Chinese medicine we
use may use animal parts such as bones, fats, or sea shells etc.
Further, in Chinese medicine, and in other herbal traditions, the use of
herbal formulas (teas or extracts which consist of more then one herb) are
extremely beneficial and usually preferred over the use of a single herb.
Together these herbs blend together to create the aggregate medicinal effect
(much like avoiding the use of an isolated chemical from an isolated plant
or plant part, we avoid using an isolated whole herb part or plant). Some
herbs harmonize the formula, and others mitigate properties of other herbs
as necessary for the desired therapeutic affect.
And as an important addition to this conversation, it is important to note
that "conventional science", has experimented with herbs from many
traditions, resulting in harm to the patients they experimented on because
they were not trained in herbalism. They use the wrong part of the plant,
prepare it improperly or use it for for an extended period of time. they are
unaware of the contraindications of herbal medicinals etc. Then the world
flips out that herbs and supplements are terrible and must be more
regulated.
A great example of this problem is the recent news about infants who were
fed an FDA approved baby formula which was literally killing these poor
babies. The formula contained imbalanced Omega Fatty Acids. Here is a quote
from an article I read on the subject, "A sad irony is that the kids placed
on this "experimental" IV feeding formula were being killed by liver failure
induced by their FDA-approved feeding formula.
Incredibly, the only FDA-approved intravenous fat formulas contain loads of
pro-inflammatory, liver-overloading omega-6 fatty acids, but no
anti-inflammatory, liver-protecting omega-3s". Here is the link to the full
article http://newsletter.vitalchoice.com/e_article000616701.cfm?x=b11,0,w
<http://newsletter.vitalchoice.com/e_article000616701.cfm?x=b11,0,w>
After some back and forth the FDA, they finally approved a course of Omega-3
therapy for the babies which saved lives.
Anyway, in my practice when I am not using the raw or raw/prepared herb, I
use "standardized extracts" so that I know exactly how much of each herb is
being delivered per dose. I suggest the same in looking at labels of OTC
herbs sold at health food stores and online. Also, freeze dried extracts are
usually still quite therapeutically potent and active.
Best of health to all of you and your patients!
Be Well,
Juliette Aiyana, Author, Chinese Herbalist, Nationally Board Certified
Acupuncturist (NCCAOM),
www.amazinghealing.com
Aiyana Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs
41 Union Square West, Suite 519
New York, NY 10003
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