Herbs
Single herbs or formulas
Extract
Balms, tincture, lotions.
Herbs
Natural Medicine
Introduction
the power of natural
With the use of herbs, we are moving more towards the medical field. However, the use of herbs can be found extensively in the garden and kitchen tips of many self-help traditions. This is not surprising as traditional herbal medicine was taught by using the herbs themselves and experiencing their effects. Some herbs work in your favor, while others may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms. The important thing was to learn about the herb through an empirical (experience-based) approach. The unwritten rule was that you should not prescribe anything that you have not tried yourself.
Regarding herbal medicine, there are two groups of herbs used: single herbs and compound formulas. Herbs can be consumed in many ways, such as in tea, rice pudding, oatmeal, or soup. You can use them in food, or in some cases, you can take them directly, but most of the time, you boil the herbs and drink the infusion.
Compound herbs are carefully matched to each other, with each herb having a specific function. Dosage, frequency, and duration of use are determined. It is important that the doctor always checks how the patient’s situation is evolving so that adjustments can be made in a timely manner. Everything is dynamic and subject to change, including your and my health condition. This means that it is almost never the case that you will use certain herbs continuously. You use them for a specific purpose, and once that purpose is achieved, you stop taking them.
Literature
Research library
Herbal Medicine
Interesting documents
.This thesis deals with the safety of herbal preparations on the Dutch market. It is a doctoral thesis by MJ Martena submitted tot he University of Wageningen.
An overview is given of the Dutch and European legislation on the subject. Subsequently, data is presented on the percentage of banned substances found in herbal preparations on the Dutch market. Among other things, lead, mercury and arsenic content is discussed.
It is concluded that, of course, the term does not necessarily equate to ‘safe’. However, it is necessary to keep European and Dutch legislation up to date as there are several gaps in the net. Covering this up should ultimately protect the consumer better.