Frequently Asked Questions
about Herbs
What are Herbs?
Herbs are plants. They are the highest quality food known to mankind. They
contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and trace elements in natural balance and
harmony. It depends on what the is, as to whether the root stems, leaves or
flower parts contain the most active ingredient and if one or more parts are
used. Herbal formulas are more powerful than a single herb, as they work
together synergistically and can enhance the tissue healing.
Why You Should Use Herbs?
It is my sincere belief that God our Creator put herbs upon the earth to
maintain and restore our health (Genesis 1:29; Exodus 15:26; Psalm 104:14;
Revelation 22:2). I believe that instead of simply masking symptoms as
many pharmaceuticals do, herbs get to the real cause of health problems by
feeding the body the nutrition that it needs to complete the healing process
that God created into each of us.
Will Herbs Cure My Illnesses?
Herbs work to correct or heal symptoms, not cover them up like drugs do. Herbs
have the knowledge to go to the part of the body that is the weakest and needs
support. Rather than fighting a specific disease directly, they act to
strengthen body functions such as immune, glandular, digestion, circulation
and/or elimination system(s). This helps the body, and over time builds a
"gentle strength" against whatever ails us. For example; when using high blood
pressure medication it will always lower the blood pressure. If you use an herb
or herbal formula it will always normalize it and never make it low.
Do I Treat Herbs Like Drugs?
Herbs are food, not drugs. Herbs can be taken in large quantities with no
harmful side effects. Mixing herbs has less of a side effect than eating
different foods together. Therefore, you can take all the herbs you want to get
greater health benefits. Most chemical drugs can be taken when using herbs, but
is preferable to take at different times (preferable 1 ½ to 2 hours apart)
because of the way the body digest them differently.
What Is The Main Difference Between Taking Herbs and
Taking Drugs?
Because I believe that God uniquely and supernaturally created mankind and
originally placed him in a garden, we also believe that everything that is
needed for man’s health can be found in that garden. The vast majority of modern
"drugs" were originally developed from plants, and many are still based on their
original plant formulas.
Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are now chemically-reproduced
(counterfeited) copies of the original natural substance.
It is also openly admitted by most "traditional" health care professionals that
Western medicine is more concerned with the suppression of symptoms than with
the actual restoration of health. It is estimated (by the AMA) that as many as
80% of all prescription medications are dispensed to counter the undesired
effects of other prescription medications.
Herbs do not "mask" or hide symptoms — instead, they feed the body the
nutrition that it needs to properly heal the root causes of the symptoms.
How Many Herbs Should I Take and for How Long?
"When using a new herb, begin with a recommended dosage and observe how your
body reacts to it. If you do not receive the desired result, increase or
decrease the dosage accordingly. When herbs are used for restoring health,
dosages will need to be five to seven times that which is required for
maintaining health. Depending, of course, on the ailment and the severity of
it, approximately three months of sustained high dosage is usually required
before the body is repaired. Sometimes it takes a full year for reparation to
occur so that a person goes through all four seasons. The science of Homeopathy
teaches that it takes one month for every year of illness for the person to
rebuild the body," (Dr. Jack Ritchason, The Little Herb Encyclopedia)
How Soon Will I Notice Results?
It's impossible to give a set answer. There are many factors involved; the
severity of the problem, how long the problem has been going on, the person's
assimilation and digestive system, the stress of the person. However, some
problems like constipation and blood sugar imbalance will usually get excellent
results within a day, while someone with other problems may not feel any
difference for days or it may take a week or longer. Some can tell the
difference the first hour or two. It is necessary to be consistent when
taking herbs to get the results you want or need.
Can I Stop Taking My Prescription Medicine?
Herbs are a slow, and safe way to build and maintain health. Continue taking
your medication because your body may be depending on it. However, many people
have safely and successfully decreased or even eliminated their drugs and
replaced them with herbs. As with any serious health problem, please consult a
competent health practitioner.
When is the Best Time to Take Herbs?
Since herbs are food, you can take them whenever you want. Most people will take
them 15 to 30 minutes before meals so the liquid won't dilute their digestive
juices and enzymes. Others on a busy schedule will take them first thing in the
morning and last thing at night. (Some people who take their herbs after meals
will experience burping.) Herbs for insomnia and cleansing are mostly taken at
night. Appetite depressants and blood sugar balancers are best taken 15-30
minutes before the problem hits or as needed. The timing can be best determined
by the individual’s own experience.
I Seem To Be "Allergic" To Some Herbs. Why is That?
Although it is possible for some people to be allergic to some foods, it is very
unlikely that any people will have any kind of negative reaction at all to
good-quality herbs. (It is possible that some manufacturers of herbal
products have an inadequate quality control process, and their products may not
be sufficiently pure — you may be having a reaction to contaminants in the
product.) Remember, herbs are natural foods, like broccoli and parsley. If you
experience what seems like an adverse reaction to herbs, the most likely reason
is that you are beginning to feel the cleansing and purging action that herbs
have on the toxins in your body. These toxins have been stored up in your cells
and organs for many years, and as the herbs begin the cleansing action, the
toxins are released from your cells into your blood stream so they may be
filtered and eliminated as the natural healing process begins to occur. If you
are in doubt as to your ability to take herbs, you should consult a qualified
health care professional (usually a naturopath, nutritionist, chiropractor, or
osteopath is best qualified to advise you — most medical doctors have no more
than a one-semester class [or less] in nutrition as part of their training,
and are therefore unqualified to advise you on nutrition).
Can herbs be taken during pregnancy?
Sure! While there are many herbs that are very beneficial during pregnancy,
there are many that should be avoided. Check with your health care professional.
Go to my personal NATURE'S SUNSHINE
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Contact: Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist and Natural Health Consultant
Phone: (719) 495-4930
E-mail: Karen
