This web page and this web site discuss the following topics relevant to
herbal supplements, herbal products, and herbal medicine. These include:
Herbal supplement use
Many people are searching for herbal cures and herbal alternatives to
pharmaceutical medicines. Although medications are very important in many health
conditions, such as pain relief and the treatment of infections, many
nutritional and herbal
supplements can be effective for the treatment of chronic medical
conditions or symptoms such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes type 2, age
related vision loss, age related cognitive decline, sexual dysfunction,
arthritis, prostate problems, fatigue, and obesity. Most doctors are not
aware of the vast potential of herbal cures and that is unfortunate. Herbal dietary supplements often
have fewer side effects and they are much cheaper than drugs. Unfortunately, herbal nutrition
is not taught in most medical schools.
High quality natural herbal
supplements formulated by a
medical doctor

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Rx a daily comprehensive multivitamin for more energy and
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Herbal medicine and herbal remedy use
Herbal supplement use
is widespread in the US adult population, despite the fact that few participants
inform their conventional health care providers about their use of an herbal
remedy or product. The reasons that patients do not inform their doctor of herbal nutrition supplement use are
many, but three that come to mind include:
1. Patients do not expect their doctors to know much more about herbal supplements than
they do, particularly if they read a lot about herbal remedy treatments and
keep up with herbal supplement information and research. Furthermore, some
patients may be nervous that their doctor may dismiss or say something
derogatory about natural supplements.
2. Patients may not realize that herbs and supplements can often have a profound
influence on their health, medical condition, sleep patterns, energy level,
mood, and interact with other medicines. Hence, they may not think it is
appropriate or necessary for them to mention the use of these herbal supplements during an office
visit.
3. Most doctors do not have enough time to discuss herbal supplements with their patients within the allotted time needed to satisfy a managed care medical office, or to make a suitable income after office expenses. Talking about herbs takes a lot of time. Insurance companies, and certainly Medical and Medicald, are not going to reimburse a doctor adequately enough to justify the extra time. It's a difficult situation to resolve. And even more difficult is finding a knowledgeable doctor who practices herbal medicine and takes supplements himself or herself to have first hand knowledge of herbal remedies. Some patients visit an herbal store for advice. The accuracy of the advice at an herbal store is hit and miss, just like the advice from a traditional medical doctor regarding herbal medicine.
Herbal remedy and herbal treatment side effects
There are countless herbal remedies and medications available. Herbal medication treatment does have side effects, sometimes minor, other times very
serious. Certain herbs and herbal extracts can speed heart rate and cause heart rhythm
abnormalities. Many people think that natural herbal treatment has few side effects, but
that is not true. Although herbal treatment has fewer side effects than drug
treatment, nevertheless one has to be cautious. Plus, herbal treatment could
have unexpected reactions when combined with prescription medicines.
Herbal extracts and herbal nutritional supplements
Originally herbs were used as a whole plant, but in the last few decades more
and more herbal raw material suppliers are providing herbal extract that are
concentrated to anywhere from 2 to 100 times or more. In some cases an herbal
extract works better than the whole herb, but in other cases the whole herb may be more effective.
We received an email question on the topic of herbal extracts.
Herbal extracts versus the whole herb. Which is healthier?
Q. In terms of herbal supplements, and in particular
the ones containing herbal "extracts", I've been wondering whether herbal
"extracts" are really such a good idea, in that these herbal extracts, as
I understand it, contain isolated and concentrated components of herbs,
these components being what are considered the "active" components. My
concerns are: When these so-called "active" herbal components are
isolated and concentrated in this way, are we not possibly excluding other
important synergistic components that would normally work with these
components in the natural situation, i.e. in the whole herb? and, when the components are concentrated in this way, is
this not now bordering on being like an artificial drug where the active
herbal components are present in amounts not normally found in the natural
whole herb? Add to that the fact that other components are excluded which
otherwise (at least I wonder) maybe would have somehow "balanced" these
active components. Is this then safe?Basically I've been wondering these
things, comparing whole herbs to herbal extracts. Hope your highly knowledgeable
staff will enlighten me.
A. This is an excellent question.
There is no blanket statement that can be made. Each herb has to be evaluated
individually to see whether the whole herb or the extract is preferable. With
some herbs, it may be better to take the whole herb, and with others, an herbal
extract may be preferable. Sometimes the active ingredients are too minimal
within the herb, or there may be toxic or unwanted substances within the herb
that need to be removed in order to obtain the active ingredients without
toxicity. As a rule, we prefer the whole herb, but we have no problems using
extracts when appropriate. Sometimes the active ingredients have to be
concentrated in order for therapeutic amounts of the active herb to fit in a
capsule.
We have to keep in mind that nature did not produce
herbs with the intent that these would be beneficial to human consumption or
to treat a human medical condition. Herbs evolved in order to protect
themselves from microbes, insects and animals that would eat them or to
protect themselves from harsh environmental conditions. It just happens
that certain herbs have some beneficial compounds that we find helpful. But this does not mean that every molecule or substances within an
herb is beneficial.
As to whether concentrated herbal extracts are drugs depends on how one defines a drug.
We
consider a drug any substance that is not normally found in the body. By
this definition most herbs are drugs, whether whole or concentrated, or
extracted. However, there are substances within herbs that are useful to
the body and are normally found in the body. For instance, goji berry has
zeaxanthin, a carotenoid, which is found in the retina and other tissues.
Hence, certain components of some herbs are not drugs but supply crucial
molecules to the body. One advantage of standardized herbal extracts is that
different research labs can compare their results using the exact same herbal
extract. One example is ginkgo extract, another is saw palmetto.
Bottom line: no sweeping statements can be made that
apply to all herbs. Each herb and herbal extract needs to be evaluated
individually in different dosages for each person who is using them, and
also how they interact with other supplements and medicines. There are too
many variables that prevent a simplistic answer. Furthermore, different
raw material processing companies may have different ways to make herbal
extracts, and one batch from one company may be slightly or significantly
different than another company. Add the fact that soil conditions,
temperature, time of harvesting all influence an herb's composition, you
can see why no simple answers can be provided.
Herbal tea use
Herbal teas. There are quite a number of herbal teas that are delicious. Use stevia as a sweetener. Try these various
herbal teas: alfalfa, chamomile, cinnamon,
Earl grey, fennel, ginger, green tea (contains caffeine), hibiscus, hops (for
nighttime as a sedative), hyssop, lemon balm, licorice (avoid drinking daily since high doses
of licorice cause high blood pressure and loss of potassium), milk thistle,
mint, nettle, peppermint, and rose hips. Many of these herbal teas can be used
during pregnancy but ask your doctor first. See bottom of page for a link to a
stevia website.
Herbal sex stimulant - Herbal nutritional supplement for
better sex
There are many herbal sex stimulants that work including tongkat ali, tribulus terrestris,
horny goat weed, muira puama, and catuaba. You will find online web sites
promoting Herbal Viagra products. Many of these products do actually work to
enhance sexual pleasure and libido. One such product is Passion Rx.
Herbal cancer remedy
There are several herbs and combination herbal products that have been studied
as an herbal cancer remedy. Much more research is needed.
Herbal combinations
This is a typical email we receive, "Hi can i take St. john's wort and
ginseng herbal supplements together?" You would think the answer would be
relatively simple, but it is not. For a complete discussion on herbal
combinations and all the factors involved in making a decision on what
herbal products and supplements to take together, see
www.physicianformulas.com and click on the link that says Newsletter.
Chinese herbal medicine
Chinese herbalists and doctors have used herbal healing knowledge for thousands
of years, and there are literally thousands of herbs used in China for
practically every illness.
Herbal weight loss products - Herbal Diet Pill
There are several herbs and nutrients that can reduce appetite or cause a
thermogenic affect which could help with weight loss. However, whether the
herbal weight loss benefits continue with time is difficult to predict due to
lack of adequate research. Some companies promote their herbal weight loss
products as "herbal phentermine" or "herbal slimming tea." Many people buy these
herbal products with high hopes. A few people probably do find that these herbal
weight loss products are effective for them. Diet Rx is a product that
effectively helps reduce appetite.
Natural herbal supplement for libido
Q. What is the best herbal libido enhancer?
A. Each person is different and hence one herbal remedy for libido
may work for one person but not for another. Passion Rx is an excellent option.
Herbal remedy for menopause - Are there herbal cures for
menopause
Estrogen works well to reduce hot flashes but long term use could cause side
effects and increase the risk for breast cancer and blood clots. Certain natural
herbal home remedies could be helpful. These include:
Soy isoflavonoids -- Four-week supplementation with soy isoflavone has
beneficial effects on bone metabolism and on serum lipids in perimenopausal
women. These effects could have the potential to reduce risks of postmenopausal
osteoporosis and of cardiovascular diseases in such women.
Black Cohosh -- A review of randomized, controlled trials found black cohosh and
foods that contain phytoestrogens show promise for the treatment of menopausal
symptoms. Ann Intern Med 2002 Nov 19;137(10):805-13.
Chaste Berry,
Red Clover extract, and
St. John's wort for mood enhancement are other options.
Herbal acne remedy or treatment
We are not yet aware of an herbal acne remedy
or skin care herbal products that are effective. However, diet does influence acne.
Herbal penis enlargement
We are not aware of any herbal or pharmaceutical product that leads to an
anatomically bigger penis. However, if you have not had much sexual arousal in
the past, and your penis is normally quite limp, certain herbs can help you get
improved penile engorgement, it is possible that you will achieve maximal
engorgement which could be a little larger penis than you are used to. But this
does not mean that your penis got larger, it just means that your penis became
the maximum size it would normally have been under ideal arousal conditions.
Herbal remedy for erectile dysfunction
Erectile
dysfunction is defined as the consistent inability to obtain or maintain an
erection for satisfactory sexual relations. For many years patients relied on
pharmaceutical medications for erectile dysfunction treatment, but now there is
a growing number of effective herbal products and supplements, providing a natural
alternative or herbal remedy to erectile dysfunction drugs.
Herbal breast enhancement or breast enlargement
Over the years many products have been promoted as herbal breast enhancement pills.
We are not aware of
any human research with herbal breast enhancement pills that have evaluated the
role of herbs in enlarging the size of fat cells in breast
tissue. Getting fatter overall would enlarge breasts. It's possible that fluid
accumulation would lead to breast enhancement, however we are not aware of any
product that actually increases the size of fat cells in breast tissue without
increasing the size of fat cells in other parts of the body. Having said this,
it is possible that there are such herbs that have this breast enhancement
effect that we may not be familiar with. We are constantly surprised at the
power some herbs have.
Natural herbal
home remedy
There are a number of natural herbal home remedies for various conditions.
Herbal plants have been used for thousands or tens of thousands of years for a
number of medical conditions.
Herbal detox
Many people are on herbal detox diets. Many people try various "cleansing"
methods including olive oil / lemon juice programs, colon irrigation, water and
juice fasts, etc. Herbal tablets are promoted to cleanse and rid the body of
toxins. Do any of these herbal detox plans work? And besides, what do people
really mean when they use the words "herbal detox" or "cleanse?" Certain people
who suffer from depression, fatigue, anxiety, allergies, digestive symptoms,
headache, vague aches and pains, etc, think that these symptoms are due to
accumulated toxins in their body. Are they right, or are they misdiagnosing the
causation of their symptoms?
Herbal laxative
Cascara sagrada is promoted as an herbal laxative. Cascara is a common
ingredient used in weight loss herbal products. One of the few pills approved as
an over-the-counter drug by the FDA, it is a strong stimulant laxative.
Herbal antibiotic
Many websites and health articles claim that certain plants or plant
extracts are herbal antibiotics. It is true that many herbs, when tested in
vitro, that means in a test tube in a laboratory, are found to have
antimicrobial activity. However, the question remains as to whether taking an
herbal supplement or eating certain herbs can act as herbal antibiotics. Will an
herbal antibiotic kill an infection in the body? Will an herbal antibiotic cure
pneumonia, skin abscess, sinusitis, throat infection, ear infection, and other
infections of body organs and tissues? Unfortunately very little has been
published in regards to herbal antibiotics and actual human studies with serious
infections but some of the research appears promising. One major advantage of
pharmaceutical antibiotics is that they are clearly shown to treat and cure many
serious infections that would otherwise cause significant morbidity and
mortality. The following are some herbs and supplements that have been promoted
as having antibiotic potential: Garlic, colloidal silver, propolis, royal jelly,
olive leaf extract, oregano, probiotics, and others.
Herbal remedy for anxiety
Kava, passionflower, and valerian are natural herbal remedies for anxiety.
Herbal remedy for depression
St. John's wort is an herbal remedy for depression.
Herbal
treatment for diabetes
There are several herbs that have been found to be helpful as a natural herbal
treatment for diabetes. These herbs include: Banaba has been used in the
Philippines for the treatment of diabetes. Fenugreek is an herb that helps
support healthy blood sugar levels. Psyllium half or one teaspoon in a glass of
water twice daily with food. Cinnamon -- 1 to 5 grams daily improves sugar
levels and reduces blood lipids.
Herbal remedy for high blood
pressure
Many flavonoids found in plants and herbs are natural remedies for high blood
pressure.
Herbal quit smoking remedy
We have not seen official studies evaluating the role of
an herbal dietary supplement
in smoking cessation. But, if smoking is due to low mood,
certain natural antidepressants could be helpful including 5-HTP, SAM-e, and the
herb St. John's wort.
Philippine herbal medicine
Banaba is an herb used for the treatment for diabetes in Phillipine herbal
medicine.
Herbal nutrition supplement for energy
Q. Taking herbal products makes my life better. Is there an herbal energy
booster you recommend?
A. There are quite a number herbal supplements for
energy including suma, maca, ginseng, and
rhodiola.
Herbal aphrodisiac
There are quite a number of effective herbal aphrodisiacs. Most doctors have
little knowledge of herbal healing or treating sexual dysfunction with natural herbs.
Modern medicine does not have good drugs that treat female sexual dysfunction,
yet herbal healing for a woman with sexual problems can be achieved with herbal
aphrodisiacs. See bottom of page for a link to aphrodisiac herbs.
Herbal skin care
Certain herbs are beneficial to skin health. Some spas use an herbal body wrap.
We don't know enough about herbal skin care to comment on the benefits of herbal
products for skin care. Herbal soaps are found in herbal stores or health food
stores.
Herbal highs
Q. Are there natural pills that cause herbal highs?
A. St. John's wort is used as a herbal mood lifter and can lead to
a natural herbal high, but in high dosages it can cause insomnia and tired and
fatigue the next day.
Herbal vitamin
Q. Is there an herbal vitamin?
A. Herbs and vitamin are different, so there is no such
thing as an herbal vitamin unless you mean an herbal product that also has
vitamins in the formula.
Herbal weight loss product
Q. What do you consider to be a good herbal weight loss product?
A. Diet Rx is an excellent herbal product that leads to appetite
suppression with hardly any side effects. Hoodia is another herbal weight loss
herb. For more information, see the link at the bottom of the page.
Herbal supplements that stimulate
testosterone
There are several herbal supplements that in animal studies have been thought to
stimulate testosterone release. Two such herbs are tribulus terrestris and
tongkat ali. It is not clear whether the testosterone stimulation with these
herbal supplements is temporary (the body my get exhausted of its testosterone
supply) or consistent over days, weeks and months of use. Long term human
studies are not available to give us a good understanding.
Chinese herbal medicine
Q. Is Chinese herbal medicine better than Ayurvedic herbal medicine?
A. They both have a role to play, and a good herbal medicine doctor
will combine the benefits from all forms of medicine.
Herbal medicine book
Q. Which herbal medicine book do you recommend for the best herbal alternative medicine
research?
A. Research with herbs and herbal medicine is changing so quickly,
that we prefer learning about the latest information through the internet since
by the time a book is written, published, and distributed, the information is
already at least a year or two old.
Herbal health medicine doctors often read the latest research published on
Medline.
Herbs versus prescription drugs
Pharmaceutical companies have provided us with some wonderful medicines. So has
nature. Pharmaceutical companies have, at times, also marketed dangerous drugs.
Nature has also created herbs and plants dangerous for human consumption. We
often hear people emphatically claiming that herbal therapies are safe and are
preferable to drugs. Although this is generally true, it would be simplistic to
unequivocally assert that substances found in nature are inherently safer and
superior to those synthesized in laboratories. Each chemical, whether natural or
man-made, has to be evaluated on its own merits. Let's keep in mind that during
millions of years of evolution, herbs created chemicals to help them not only
extract and use nutrients found in soil, water, and air, but created chemicals
to make themselves unpalatable and toxic to insects and animals bent on
consuming them. Poisonous Amanita mushrooms are a case in point. We know that
many chemicals found in herbs are not fit for human consumption. The
only good way to find out the medicinal merits of a particular herb is to do
extensive human testing.
It just happens that certain herbs and plants
have produced chemicals that are beneficial for human consumption. Examples are
fruits and vegetables. Not only do they contain carbohydrates, fats, proteins,
vitamins, and minerals, but they also have thousands of nutrients including bioflavonoids and carotenoids that have enormous health-promoting properties.
Additionally, many herbs have been found to have chemicals that have potential
in the therapy of a variety of human ailments.
Book on herb, drug, and
supplement interactions
Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and
Therapeutic Strategies
Mitchell Bebel Stargrove ND, LAc, Jonathan Treasure MNIMH, AHG, Dwight L.
McKee MD
Presenting detailed, evidence-based coverage of the most commonly
encountered therapeutic agents in modern clinical practice, this resource
is designed to help you safely and effectively integrate herbal, nutrient,
and drug therapy for your patients or clients. Combining pharmaceuticals
with herbs or nutrients may complement or interfere with a drug's
therapeutic action or may increase adverse effects. Furthermore,
drug-induced depletion of essential nutrients can occur. Comprehensive
clinical data, quick-reference features, and the insight and expertise of
trusted authorities help you gain a confident understanding of how herbal
remedies and nutritional supplements interact with pharmaceuticals and
develop safe, individualized treatment strategies for your patients.
Additional web sites of interest
Aphrodisiacs natural web site
discusses the various herbs that enhance sexual pleasure and stamina.
Hoodia diet weight information as
an herbal remedy for weight loss.
Ray Sahelian, M.D. web site for various
medical and health issues including herb and herbal knowledge and research.
Stevia sweetener for use in tea or
lemon juice. Stevis is a natural no calorie sweetener that is safe to use.
Tribulus Terrestris, also called
"puncture vine," is a plant long used around the world for the treatment of
various ailments. Tribulus may work by relaxing smooth muscles and increasing blood
flow into the corpus cavernosa. The relaxant effect observed is probably due to
the increase in the release of nitric oxide from the endothelium and nerve
endings.
Herbal and herb questions
Q. I'd like to ask a philosophical question. I take it that herbs by definition
are considered as having some pharmacological properties to them, correct? Can
one then also speak of herbs providing some sort of nutrition to the body,
meaning providing nutrients to the body, not just acting like a natural drug?
A. The answer is both.
There are countless substances in the human body, and there are also
countless substances in herbs. Some of the substances in herbs act as
pharmaceutical agents, just like drugs. It just happens that some herbs
have substances in them that are also found in the body and act as
nutritional replacement or supplementation. For instance, the herb wolfberry has a high
concentration of zeaxanthin, which, along with lutein, are carotenoids
found in the retina of the eye. Zeaxanthin and lutein help improve vision.
In this case, the zeaxanthin in wolfberry is acting as a nutritional
agent. Herbs also contain many vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty
acids, and flavonoids which have nutritional value. These substances
are used by the body for structural repair, hormone synthesis, and enzymatic
activity.
Hercampuri is a Peruvian folk medicine (Gentianella nitida)
Hyperoside
flavone information
Health From The Sun Black Currant supplement
AlerBlock
supplement
Nasal Cool Mist
product
Q. I would like to ask you about mixing herbs
to make the aphrodisiac or libido herbs of my own, I have purchased some
herbs in powder such as:- Saw Palmetto herb, Yohimbe herb, Maca herb,
Ashwaganda herb, Ginkgo Baluba, Muira Puama, Horny Goat Weed herb, Damiana
leaf, Catuaba and also Shatavari roots for ladies?I will mix all those
herbs with certain measurement including other local herbs as well, My
concern is how much is the right and safe measurement should I mix each of
those herbs and which herbs is can or cannot mix or it not necessary to
mix at all, just take the herbs alone?
A. We suggest first learning how each herb or herbal extract works
for you by itself before mixing. It is a very complicated matter and
cannot be explained in a paragraph or two. It takes months and years of
study and experimentation to learn how to mix herbs properly.
Herb, vitamin and food
companies
Barlean's dietary
supplement company
Choice Organic
teas company makes Whole Tea Organics
Lipogen PAS with
phosphatidylserine
Nutiva hemp foods
Trace
Minerals Research company