HW205Unit 7 Seminar

UNIT 7 OUTCOMES Identify common herbs and know when

they would be recommended. Understand the categorization of herbs. Be able to define an herb. Know what the German Commission E

Monographs are. Understand the issues surrounding

herbs and potential contamination.

DEFINING AN HERB

Plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties. Referring to leaves, steams, stalks, etc.

PHYTOTHERAPY The science of using plant medicine to

positively impact illness. German physician Rudolf Fritz Weiss (1898-1991) wrote the Textbook of Phytotherapy. This book has become one of the leading authorities as a reference for herbal medicine. It is now in its seventh edition.

In Europe, phytotherapy has been used for decades as supportive therapies to help in the treatment of medical conditions.

GERMAN COMMISSION E MONOGRAPH Created in Germany, these monographs

describe plant medicine, their health care applications, dosages and safety precautions. There are more than 300 monographs listed currently that have been reviewed by professionals in the field of natural medicine. These Commissions are considered the most comprehensive and accurate available information on herbal medicine. The American Botanical Council has translated the German Monographs into English. These translated monographs are available for English speaking people who are interested in herbal medicine.

CATEGORIES OF HERBAL MEDICINES Due to the complexity of herbal

medicine, some herbalists prefer to reference these nutrients into categories that have been created to help those interested in using herbs to have an easier time at deciphering what is the best herb for which condition. The categories provide a framework of the impact of herbs in the body.

CATEGORIES OF HERBS: ADAPTOGENS Herbs that have a nonspecific effect of

balancing the body systems. Examples of adaptogenic herbs are ones that promote wellness in regards to stress reduction, enhance brain functioning, immune system regulators, and enhance energy. Most commonly recommended adaptogenic herbs are known for their role to help modulate stress and promote energy.

Examples of adaptogenic herbs include: Asian Ginseng, Astragalus, Maca and Ashwagndha.

CATEGORIES OF HERBS: ANTIOXIDANTS

Help to fight against free radical damage.

Examples of antioxidant promoting herbs include: Flavonoids- Apples, Green Tea, Onions, Cherries, Blueberries; Bilberry, Hawthorn, Milk Thistle

CATEGORIES OF HERBS: ASTRINGENTS

Help to fight against free radical damage.

Examples of antioxidant promoting herbs include: Flavonoids- Apples, Green Tea, Onions, Cherries, Blueberries; Bilberry, Hawthorn, Milk Thistle

CATEGORIES OF HERBS: CARMINATIVES This word is derived from the Latin word

carminare meaning “to cleanse”. Carminatives are used to help settle gastrointestinal upset including cramping, helping with infant colic, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, gas and bloating. It is there volatile oils which carry the carminative healing properties.

Examples: Peppermint and Chamomile, Anise, Fennel, Ginger

CATEGORIES OF HERBS: CHOLAGOGUES Help to stimulate both the production and

flow of bile from the gallbladder. This is necessary for individuals who are having difficulty with digesting and utilizing fats in their diet. Those who may be in need of cholagogues include people who experience a sense of fullness or bloating following a meal which contains fat. This fullness may be due to their inability to digest and utilize the fat in that meal.

Examples: Dandelion Root, Turmeric, Artichoke, Milk Thistle (notice two categories for milk thistle).

CATEGORIES OF HERBS: DEMULCENTS

These herbs help to soothe or protect irritated mucous membranes due to their high mucilage content.

Examples: Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm, Aloe Vera (leaves only), Fenugreek Seeds, Mullein Flowers

CATEGORIES OF HERBS: DIGESTIVE BITTERS

These help in the digestion of foods eaten. Ideal to take prior to a meal or immediately following to help with breakdown of the macronutrients, especially protein and fat.

Examples: Gentian Root, Yellow Dock, Dandelion Root, Wormwood

CATEGORIES OF HERBS: IMMUNOMODULATORS Promote healthy immune function.

Example: Echinacea, Astragalus, Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng), Shitake and Reishi Mushrooms, amongst other mushrooms.

CATEGORIES OF HERBS: LAXATIVES Promote elimination. Bulk forming or

stimulant. Bulk forming laxatives are safe and high in

fiber. Their action in the body is to absorb water and “bulk”. This action promotes more regular elimination, helps to lower cholesterol and pull toxins out of the system. Make sure that individuals taking bulk forming laxatives are also drinking ample amounts of water to prevent constipation due to lack of water. Very safe for long term use. Examples: Psyllium Husk

CATEGORIES OF HERBS: LAXATIVES Stimulant laxatives are not recommended

for long term use, and possibly not at all. They do promote elimination by increasing parastalsis in the colon, but over time, the body gets used to these stimulants and does not work well with out them. Using stimulant laxatives for a prolonged period of time can create a dependency on the herb. Short term use of stimulant laxatives during a “cleanse” or to help with occasional constipation is fine, but not the long term answer. Example: senna or cascara sagrada.

HERBAL CONTAMINATION AND QUALITY ISSUES There is lack of regulation in regards to herbs. Herbs are one of the classes of supplements

that are governed by DSHEA. Although this government regulation exists, it does not give specifics as to quality, at this point.

Herbs are maunfactured into different mediums, including: Teas, Infusions, Tinctures, Fluid Extracts, Solid Extracts and Standardization Extracts.

Because of the lack of strict regulation on herbs, there are concerns about herbs imported for other countries being contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, etc.