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FAQ's» I
have been advised that expectorant herbs can help clear the
respiratory tract. Is this true?
» Does taking herbal medicine help if a particular health condition or disease has already progressed far? » Is it true that herbal medicines are mostly preventative? » How do herbs play a huge role in anti-aging? » How do herbs and herbal medicines work to strengthen the immune system? » Every once in a while, when reading the description of an herb, I come across the term, adaptogen. What does it mean when an herb is adaptogenic? » Is it true that herbal medicines take a long time to take effect in the body? Can I take herbal medicines for minor problems? » What does it mean when a herb has anti-inflammatory properties? » Can herbs help to cure cancer? » How do anti-oxidants help against free radical damage? » When do I need to take herbs that have astringent action? » Can herbs and herbal medicines help for psychological conditions? » Are blood purifiers and detoxifiers the same? » What does it mean when an herb is said to be a nervine tonic? » I was advised by my doctor to take a cardiac tonic for overall conditioning of the heart. I would like to know how these cardiac tonics work? » What is a laxative? » How can diuretics help treat infections and inflammations in the urinary tract? » Is the manufacturing process an important consideration when choosing the brand of herbs? » Herbal medicines are available in several different forms. Is taking them as tablets better than taking them as capsules, for instance? I have been advised that expectorant herbs can help clear the respiratory tract. Is this true?Yes. Expectorants soften and liquefy
hard, dry phlegm and help expel wastes and mucus from the respirator
tract. These are used for moist coughs, asthma, emphysema, but also help
clear mucus from post-nasal drip or sinus congestion. Examples include
Garlic, Eucalyptus, and Ephedra.
Does taking herbal medicine help if a particular health condition or disease has already progressed far?The goal of herbal medicine is to
bring the opposite effects of the condition itself. If the disease is
chronic, then herbal medicines can slow the progression of the disease.
In less advanced cases, herbs can stop the disease from worsening. When
cure is not possible, herbs can help alleviate distress associated with
the condition.
Is it true that herbal medicines are mostly preventative?Fact is, the term 'prevention' has a
number of meanings and herbs typically fulfill all of them. For
instance, flu season is something that all of us are intimately familiar
with. In fact, some of us approach it with some dread because, for some
reason, we seem to catch it faster and more often than others. In such a
case, taking herbs can help bolster the immune system so that we are no
longer susceptible to contagious diseases. Another way in which herbs
are preventive is that they help to prevent chronic, degenerative
diseases. So, it is true that herbs are primarily preventive, although
their utility in helping cure ailments cannot be understated.
How do herbs play a huge role in anti-aging?It is true that herbs play an
important role in anti-aging, but it is important to take them with the
appropriate vitamins and minerals. There are dozens of herbs with
special rejuvenating properties and a long tradition of promoting
longevity. With anti-oxidant protection, improved circulation, enhanced
immunity and increased neurological function, a reversal of age-related
degeneration is a realizable goal.
How do herbs and herbal medicines work to strengthen the immune system?Immune health is the body's defense
system that holds the key to longevity and freedom from infection and
chronic illnesses. Herbs possess unique abilities to augment and
maintain immune health.
Every once in a while, when reading the description of an herb, I come across the term, adaptogen. What does it mean when an herb is adaptogenic?Adaptogens are a class of herbs that
have universal applications. Although a relatively new term, adaptogenic
herbs have the ability to either increase or decrease body functions,
according to its need. They are renowned for their ability to help the
body adapt to stress, improve performance, and fend off or recuperate
from illness. Many also have specific anti-aging effects. An example is
Ashwagandha.
Is it true that herbal medicines take a long time to take effect in the body? Can I take herbal medicines for minor problems?It is a myth that herbal medicines
take a long time to take effect. It all depends on the nature and
seriousness of the condition. Herbal medicines can be taken for any type
of acute condition, including infections, inflammations, bleeding,
injuries, or temporary stresses.
What does it mean when a herb has anti-inflammatory properties?Inflammation is one of the primary
defense systems of the body and part of a majority of disease syndromes.
Herbs work in complex and comprehensive ways to block inflammation. They
produce better clinical effects with much fewer side effects. An example
is Bosweillia.
Can herbs help to cure cancer?No, there is as yet no identified
herbal cure for cancer. However, one class of herbs called anti-mutagens
help to neutralize carcinogens that have the ability to cause genetic
mutations because these herbs are high in bioflavanoids,
sulphur-containing molecules, and a variety of immune boosting agents.
An example is Garlic.
How do anti-oxidants help against free radical damage?Anti-oxidants are known for their
broad healing action. Anti-oxidants strike at one of the major causes of
disease and aging - free radical damage. They prevent destruction to
collagen or protein in the body and thus have a profound effect on
protecting small blood vessels and enhancing circulation. Examples are
Garlic, Gotu kola.
When do I need to take herbs that have astringent action?Astringents are drying agents that
reduce the body's secretions and have the ability to coagulate and
precipitate proteins. They reduce mucus, have antiseptic capabilities
and help all kinds of congestions. Their deeper effect is to tone and
tighten tissues that have become weakened and lack tone. They can be
applied to almost any system in the body. Powerful astringents include
Garlic, Echinacea.
Can herbs and herbal medicines help for psychological conditions?Herbs are nature's tranquilizers and
are amply suited to depression, anxiety and hyperactivity. Some herbs
work as effectively as well-established drugs, without the associated
addictive tendencies. Herbs are known to work well with psychotherapy
because they often sharpen cognition.
Are blood purifiers and detoxifiers the same?Yes. Detoxifiers and blood purifiers
are essentially the same thing. A crucial aspect of healing is the
clearing of accumulated debris from organs, tissues, lymphatics, and
cells. They act in various ways, but the sum result is deep tissue
cleansing. This can alleviate underlying causes of both acute and
chronic diseases. There are many detoxifiers, one of which is Neem.
What does it mean when an herb is said to be a nervine tonic?Nervines or nervine tonics restore
and rebalance the nervous system. They may be stimulating or relaxing,
but ultimately nourish and strengthen the brain and nerves. Bacopa and
Gotu Kola are good examples.
I was advised by my doctor to take a cardiac tonic for overall conditioning of the heart. I would like to know how these cardiac tonics work.Also known as cardiotonics, these
herbs improve the functioning of the heart in a global way. They
increase the force and volume of blood pumped, improve the supply of
nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscle and regulate its rhythm.
Additionally, many herbs in this group work on the blood vessels,
influencing arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure. Cardiac tonics
include Arjuna, Garlic, Gotu Kola.
What is a laxative?Laxative herbs increase the passage
of wastes through the small and large intestines. Aperient refers to a
mild laxative, purgative refers to a more powerful action, and cathartic
is a strongly irritant laxative. An example of a laxative is Triphala.
How can diuretics help treat infections and inflammations in the urinary tract?Diuretic herbs help increase the
flow of urine, useful for clearing infections and inflammations from the
urinary tract. Diuretics are also useful in other conditions including
heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, PMS, and menopause.
Is the manufacturing process an important consideration when choosing the brand of herbs?It is important to buy herbs from
companies that adhere to the highest good manufacturing practices (GMPs)
for food products. Good companies provide full disclosure on the label
and offer considerable support literature, describing the manufacturing
process and adherence to various guidelines for keeping herbs fresh and
effective. It is always advisable to ensure that you are aware of a
company's manufacturing process when making a decision about trying its
herbal products. Some standards to look out for are Identification,
Purity testing, and Chromatograph testing.
Herbal medicines are available in several different forms. Is taking them as tablets better than taking them as capsules, for instance?Regardless of whether they are
consumed in tablet or capsule form, herbal medicines provide
progressive, long-term benefits. Capsules containing dried herbs
represent the majority of herbal products sold today. They may also
contain solid extracts or liquids. There are some advantages to
consuming herbal medicines as capsules instead of tablets, just as there
are some benefits to tablets over capsules. Tablets, for instance, have
advantages similar to capsules, but because they require binders and
stabilizing agents, they are less absorbable by the body.
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