This site contains links to countries and other sites offering travel and related information.homesite mapcontact us

The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines

This unique book from a trusted name in medicine rates the effectiveness and safety of more than 300 natural substances, based on a careful assessment of the scientific research available. Alphabetically arranged listings include every substance readers are likely to want to know about -- and some they may not be familiar with, but should be. Known side effects and dangers are noted as well. A basic 1-to-5 rating scale ranks each substance. The highest rating is given to those substances with a great degree of safety and effectiveness based on "years of use and extensive, high-quality studies." Readers also learn how natural medicines are regulated and tested here and abroad, and do's and don'ts when selecting natural medicines. Special indexes organize the medicines according to those commonly used for various symptoms.

The ABC Clinical 
Guide to Herbs
Book Info - (American Botanical Council) Text serves as a reference and nationally accredited continuing education course for physicians, pharmacists, and dietitians. Covers 29 of the most popular herbs sold in the U.S. market today. Each monograph includes primary and potential uses, dosage and duration of use, adverse effects and drug interactions, and data from clinical trials.

 
home >shop>herbal_healing 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HERBAL HEALING


The popularity of herbal medicine has exploded during the past decade, with herbal remedies becoming increasingly available in such conventional outlets as health food stores, drugstores and even supermarkets. Most herbal remedies have very good safety profiles, however like drugs, herbal or botanical preparations have chemical and biological activity and they also may interact with certain medications. Keep in mind that the golden rule is that anything that can help you can also hurt you if used inappropriately.

For example herb ephedra (known in Chinese language as ma huang) - can raise blood pressure, sometimes to fatally high levels and some preparations containing that herb have caused many adverse reactions, even deaths. An analysis in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2000 said at least 54 deaths and about 1,000 reports of complications had been linked to ephedra since the mid 1990s, and there are currently 100 reported deaths. Find more info about ephedra on web page http://www.ephedrine-news.com.

Did you know that on Dec. 30, 2003, FDA issued a consumer alert on the safety of dietary supplements containing ephedra. The alert advised consumers to immediately stop buying and using ephedra products. Find out more about that in Documents About FDA’s February 2003 Actions on Ephedra.

Children under the age of 12 should not be given any herbs without consulting with a family physician first (in same cases naturopath or other health care provider). Pregnant women or women who are breast-feeding should avoid all medicinal herbs, in the same way that they avoid prescription medications whenever possible.

Some herbs and drugs should never be taken together. Many people use both without knowing that some combinations are beneficial while some can be downright dangerous. You should know that even a mild, seemingly innocuous herb like chamomile (usually used as very mild sedative, to relieve menstrual cramps and to aid digestion) can cause severe reactions in people allergic to ragweed. It is important for consumers to realize that there are risks in using herbals, just as there are with any other drugs.
For example:
Devil's claw and white willow bark are often combined with glucosamine in herbal remedies for arthritis and should never be mixed with prescribed anti-inflammatories.
Ginkgo biloba (usually used to help stem vascular disease, tinnitus, PMS, memory loss and depression) can reduce the clotting time of blood, which may be of concern to anyone already taking anticoagulants such as Coumadin.
St. John's wort (used for treating mild to moderate depression), should not be used with some prescribed antidepressants.
Some herbs like echinacea (used for preventing or relieving colds and sore throats) can cause uterine contractions and is not recommended for pregnant women.

If you are one of the people who are already taking herbal remedies, or you are in the group of people with the idea of giving them a try - follow the guidelines to ensure that you're using them as safely and effectively as possible. Following basic guidelines can help avoid many potential problems and can greatly increase good health and well-being.

BASIC GUIDELINES:
1. Always know what you are taking.
2. Make sure that a product is safe and effective and with clearly defined and proper drug identification number.
3. Know why you're taking it, whether you really need it and try not to overuse it. Our immune system easy becomes immune to the stimulant and there is no benefit in treatment.
4. Make sure that label on the product have detailed information on how to use product, possible side effects and what not to do while taking it.
5. Use caution when combining herbs, prescription drugs and other supplements. Be completely up-front with your doctor about what you are taking because that is the only way to prevent interactions between prescription and herbal medications.
6. Know when not to take it or give it to the others.
7. Be informed consumer and learn more about herbal remedies you and your family members are taking. Keep in mind that people who are working in the health food stores may have a general knowledge of the use of the certain herbs, but they may not have the training and knowledge to be aware of the possible contraindications.
8. Before you use any herbal remedy don't be afraid to check more than one reference and do some research on the subject. Contact your local health department or government drug administration or check reliable online resources on the subject.
9. Before taking any herbal product, call the producer and request more information on the product you're interested to use. A reputable producer should be able to provide you with prompt and satisfactory answers to any questions you may have about their product.
10. If you have any unexpected reactions to an herbal or a botanical preparation, inform your doctor or other health care provider immediately.

NOTE: The information provided in this document does not replace medical advice.
HERBAL BESTSELLERS:
OTHER RELATED TOP SELLING BOOKS:
TOP SELLING HERBAL REMEDIES:
Google
Camomile (Herb Library Series) by Kate Ferry-Swainson
Used for centuries for its soothing and calming properties, camomile also treats a number of conditions, from allergies to ulcers. Here, with clear color illustrations and simple recipes, readers can discover how to grow and make their own camomile remedies, incorporate the herb into their beauty regimen, and learn fun facts about the folklore and history of this multi-faceted herb. 

Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine
This book easily meets the scientific standards of a contemporary medical school and it is essential for those seriously interested in herbal medicine. Provides a detailed, practical and - where possible - research based rationale for the use of herbal treatments in a wide variety of clinical conditions and problems. Through the filter of scientific literature, the authors have reappraised traditional use of herbal remedies and present realistic guidelines for modern practice.
The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines
Info -American Botanical Council, Austin TX.Text representing the most accurate information available on the safety and efficacy of herbs and phytomedicines. Translated from the German Institute for Drugs & Medical Products in the Bundesanzeiger, the German equivalent to the U.S. Federal Register. For physicians, pharmacists, and other health professionals.
Herb Contraindications And Drug Interactions, 2nd Edition by Francis Brinker, Nancy Stodart, N.D. Francis J. Brinker
A handbook for health care providers and the public. This 2nd edition expands an essential reference on the contraindications of over 200 herbs and drug interactions.
Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies by Phyllis A. Balch