Herbal Medicine 101

By Jessica Moore, BA, MH

What are herbal medicines, how do they work, how are they taken and what can you expect from them? There is much confusion in the world of herbal medicine and not surprisingly consumers are often mislead. Considering the “root” of most modern medicine, herbs should have more respect, but since a stem, a few leaves and a flower won’t make anyone rich, herbs are left shunned, downplayed and ridiculed.

Botanical Medicine is the use of plants to suppress conditions of dis-ease.  Up until about sixty years ago, medicines were only botanical or botanical based. Since then, conventional biomedicine has synthesized many botanical compounds. This allows for the standardization of dosage, consistent clinical trials and drug manufacturers the ability to protect their intellectual property. While a particular genius of plant is not unique to each grower, individual pharmaceuticals are specific to each company, and are protected by patent laws.

Chemical constituents account for the specific medicinal actions of a substance. Most of today’s pharmaceuticals are derived from the chemical make-up of plants. These mucilages, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, etc., act specifically on individual organs, tissues and body systems.  For example, the Phenolic glycosides (specifically Salicylic acid) found in White Willow tree bark (Salix alba), act as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Aspirin, first produced in 1899, is a synthesized form of that same Salycylic acid. Digitalis, a leading cardiac drug for strengthening the cardiovascular system, is derived from the cardiac glycosides in Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea.)

Drug manufacturers spend billions of dollars dissecting plants from all over the world in attempt to discover useful constituents. This scientific approach to plant medicine can have serious pitfalls. First and foremost, herbs and herbal medicine are holistic. A plant is a delicate balance of constituents. If just one constituent is isolated, that balance is upset. In turn it can be less effective or cause a variety of side effects.

With the influx of interest in herbal medicines, drug companies have started manufacturing herbs to fill demand. Companies have attempted to isolate the main active constituents and standardize it in every lot of that herb, allowing them an opportunity to regulate dosage, etc. and file a patent. Again, this upsets the natural balance of the botanical and often negates its effectiveness.

In an attempt to sabotage the alternative health care industry, these commercial preparations of herbs often do not contain the portions of the herb (stem, leaf, root, flower, etc.) where the medicinal properties are found. Quite often commercial preparations of Echinacea tincture, for example, contain the “aerial” parts of the plant. Meaning, the extract is made by macerating the leaves, stems and flowers. The trouble with this is the immune stimulating (alterative) property of Echinacea is found in the root and rhizome of the plant. Many Echinacea tinctures do not contain any root at all. The medical industry also attempts to negate the medicinal properties of an herb, by subjecting double-blind placebo controlled studies where not enough of the herb is administered. It is not surprising the studies show herbs have minimal effectiveness; a sixteenth of a dose of Ibruprophin probably wouldn’t get rid of a headache either.

So then what should you look for when buying an herbal supplement? First, know your companies. Reputable herbal supplement manufacturers use the proper parts of herbs, most often grown organically and harvested ethically. Many herbs today have been over-harvested in the wild and are now on the Endangered Plant list, i.e. Goldenseal (Hydrastis candensis) and Ginseng (Panax ginseng). Obtain your herbal supplements from Natural Pharmacies, Alternative Medicine Practitioners or Natural Food Stores. Most commercial pharmacies carry commercially prepared herbs, of which the source and growing/harvesting conditions may not be specified.

Herbs can be administered in a variety of formats. The most readily available forms are tinctures, infusions, decoctions, capsules, syrups and infused oils/salves. Tinctures or Extracts are macerated herbs (often fresh) that have soaked over a period of several weeks/months in a solution (generally alcohol, although sometimes Vegetable Glycerin or Apple Cider Vinegar) that extracts the constituents of the herb. Tinctures are one of the most effective ways of administering an herbal medicine. The dosages can be regulated and monitored and the shelf life of a tincture can last for years if stored appropriately. Infusions/decoctions are herbal beverages. An infusion is made by steeping the aerial parts of an herb in just under boiling water for anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. The different steeping times extract different medicinal constituents.  A decoction is made by simmering, (generally,) roots in just under boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes. Capsules are generally powdered forms of dried herbs that are encapsulated in a gelatin-like casing. They are easy to administer, but not always the most medically potent, based on the dried nature of the herb. Syrups are often administered to children since they are pleasant tasting. They consist of herbs infused in a sugary (honey, maple syrup, sugar, etc.) liquid. Infused oils extract the medicinal constitutes in an oil base and can be used for massage or added to salves. Salves made from infused oils generally have more medicinal potency than ones containing simply essential oils. (Unless of course, the constituent is more potent in the essential oil. Essential oils are distilled extractions of herbs.)

While each herb is administered differently, so too is each person requiring botanical medicine. Suggested dosages should be specific to each client and cannot be generalized. Be sure to discuss your particular ailment with your health care professional to determine the proper administration of herbal medicine and to avoid drug interactions. For, even though Conventional Medical Professionals often negate the beneficial effects of herbs, they are quick to point out instances when they should not be used. When a dose and herbal protocol has been established for you, it is important to adhere to it. Like all medicine, herbs will only help if they are taken consistently and accurately. Herbs offer an alternative to synthetic drugs that often come with fewer side effects and in some cases, a more effective treatment option than that of conventional medicine.