Herbs for Health

The use of medicinal herbs is as old as history itself. In western society there has been a renaissance in the use of herbs over the past decade. In eastern societies however particularly China and India they maintained their traditions and herbal therapy continued to be used alongside the allopathic medicines that developed over the past two centuries.

Herbs can be used for an infinite variety of applications such as:

• As a bedtime tea to help improve sleeping pattern.
  
• As a supplement to improve brain, memory, or eye function.
  
• As an energizer to provide energy during sports, exercise or to relieve stress.
  
• As a tonic to help recover from the effects of flu.
  
• As a balancer for hormonal conditions.
  
• As a treatment to heal a wound or relieve constipation.
  

Forms Available

Herbal beverages, supplements and medicines come in various forms. With a little study and investigation you can establish over time what is best suited to you.

• Teas
  Infinite variety from mild to specialized.
  
• Infusions
  Self-made with boiling water and dried herbs.
  
• Tinctures
  Popular form for routine medicinal use.
  
• Fluid Extracts
  A more concentrated form industrially prepared.
  
• Capsules
  Industrial preparations using whole plant or extracts of active ingredient(s) or individual chemicals.
  
• Tablets
  Industrial preparations using whole or specialized extracts of active ingredient(s) or individual chemicals.
  

Education & The Individual

Herbs work differently for different people. The same herb will prove very effective for one person for a particular condition, less effective for the next person and may be of minimal or no value the third. The herb is the same, people are different. Your bodys ability to absorb a particular herb might be a factor. It may be that an organ is toxic or malnourished. In those circumstances it may not fully absorb or assimilate the herb. Preparation is therefore necessary so that you can obtain benefit from your herbal therapy. Seek professional advice.

We recommend you chose herbs carefully. Find out what suits you. Some reading and research will be necessary. You will benefit in the long run.

Ask for details on the products available. What is the active ingredient, what level of active ingredient is present. Where does it come from. All of this is part of the education process.

Interactions

Certain herbs interact with medicines, with foods, with alcohol and with other herbs. Some herbs interact positively whilst others interact negatively. More and more information is becoming available on this. New Vistas Healthcare can provide you with the current and up-to-date information on herb/drug interactions. E-mail us for details or check with your practitioner, pharmacist or healthstore.

Caution

Herbal medicine is an adjunctive and complimentary therapy. In cases of illness it should not be used to replace conventional treatment. In cases of serious illness we recommend you consult your Doctor. If you are using herbal medicine for preventative or routine purposes consult your Doctor if conditions persist in particular cases.