Using Herbs Effectively by Neva Howell

The primary focus of "quick-fix" medicines is to relieve symptoms temporarily, such as pain, indigestion or depression. Relieving distressing symptoms is not necessarily a bad thing. If I've got terrible heartburn, for example, quick relief can be very valuable and I won't hesitate to chew a few antacid tablets if I don't have time to make some nice ginger tea for the same effect. However, if I fail to acknowledge that some imbalance of my total physical system, as well as some corresponding imbalance in my non-physical system (either mentally, emotionally, and/or spiritually) is causing me to manifest the symptoms and continue to treat those symptoms without dealing with the causative factors, then simple heartburn will eventually turn into something far more serious.

To completely balance an chronic or very serious condition in the holistic, herbal way, may take six months to a year. Usually, I see improvement within a week or so but each person's system is different so my advice would be to hang in there for at least a month or two (in the absence of allergic reactions, of course) before deciding that a certain regimen is not working for you. Also, just because one herb doesn't work, please don't decide that none of them will. In fact, most drugs have far more potential for allergic reaction than full plant herbal preparations, by far. Each person's chemistry and metabolic make-up is unique. I'd keep trying until you find the right combination and dosage. Therein is an important key to cure.

4. Shaking things up:

I believe that shaking the bottle (when using a tincture, or other stored liquid preparation) before each use actually rejuvenates, reactivates and stimulates the potency of the medicine. This is a component of homeopathic medicine called sucussion, which, I feel, applies equally to herbal tinctures. Of course, proper sucussion in homeopathy involves striking the bottle against a soft object (like a pillow) for 100 times.

This I do when I first buy a new tincture but only then. After that, I just tap it 10 times before use. Note: This is not according to any homeopathic guideline and you might hear different suggestions from a homeopathic physician. This is just what works for me.

5. Detoxing slowly:

Whenever I take a strong detox formula, such as a total system cleanse or a colon cleanse program, I start even more slowly than with singles or tonic formulas and build up to maximum dosage. I try to begin at a time when I can rest--at least for the first two days after I start. I also skip a day every week or so, to give my body time to rest and renew.

In addition, I add tonic herbs like lemon balm to support my body and keep my energy level high. Drinking lots of water (and, even more important, spreading that water throughout the day so that I drink some at least every two hours) is a definite focus for me.

Taking more showers helps my skin eliminate more and reduces the chance of skin eruption from toxins being released. Brisk towel rubs are also something I do when cleansing, to help the skin release and to stimulate circulation and blood flow on the skin surface.

6. Mixing and matching:

I have learned to be a little cautious about adding several different formulas into my system at once. If I were under a doctor's care for a pre-existing condition, I would think it most advisable to consult with my doctor before adding any herbal medicines to the system.

In general, I have learned (through experience) not to add more than two new formulas at a time. It's what works for me. By honoring what your body tells you, you can determine what is safe for you. Using more than one formula is sometimes perfect, and appropriate. If we learn to listen to the Spirit of our body, we will know. Until then, it might be wiser to err on the side of caution by using only one new formula at a time or by working with a wellness counselor and monitoring our body system closely during the first few days of any new addition to our regimen.

7. Hearing the spiritual message:

Experience has taught me, to the point that it is absolute Truth for me, that our physical bodies are a kind of diagnostic tool for our spiritual selves. If we are living in balance, in accordance with what is true and progressive for our path, keeping our minds positive and our emotions cleared, we will not manifest illness. It is when we are out of spiritual balance that the physical warnings appear.

I have learned not to look so much at why any ingested ingredient causes imbalance but why I chose to take it in the first place. This is decidedly a metaphysical approach to self-treatment and I realize it isn't for everyone!

Working with herbs is a wonderful journey into natural health and wellness that, when approached with respect, responsibility and a sense of exploration can yield dividends for the rest of your days. I believe herbs provide a viable supplementation to traditional medicines and, for some like myself, are the preferred method of treatment. We're all adults here. Make wise choices; chices which work for you. Self treatment requires self-responsibility and monitoring. Don't try it if you aren't willing to explore, expand and learn what may now be new to you.

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BIO:

Neva is a wellness counselor, reflexologist, herbalist and Reiki Master. Having studied herbs extensively for years, she brings an intuitive and spiritually based wisdom to working with plant medicines. She is webmaster of the health, wellness and Spirit portal at http://www.healthynewage.com

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