Western Herbs for Martial Artists and Contact Athletes. Susan Lynn Peterson. Читать онлайн. Newlib. NEWLIB.NET

Автор: Susan Lynn Peterson
Издательство: Ingram
Серия:
Жанр произведения: Медицина
Год издания: 0
isbn: 9781594392153
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href="#fb3_img_img_4ee76df5-9dbd-5a29-b6de-301e0257794a.jpg" alt=""/> Universally recognized by both conventional medicine and alternative medicine as being a safe, reliable remedy. Large–scale clinical tests say this herb works. This level is the “holy grail” of herbal medicine. Few if any herbs or dietary supplements gain this kind of recognition. No remedy is a sure thing, of course, but this one has far fewer documented risks and far more documented success than the vast majority.

      

Recognized by several scientific studies as well as by ample tradition as being a reliable remedy. This herb is well on its way toward gaining the recognition of both conventional and alternative medicine. We are also beginning to get a firm handle on the associated risks. Only a small handful of herbs have gained this level of recognition. No remedy is a sure thing, of course, but this one has more documented success than most.

      

Research combined with traditional evidence is promising, but more results are required to draw definitive conclusions. Some studies show that the herb might be an effective remedy. Either these studies are solely on animals, are unduplicated, or are not up to the highest standards of research; or they test not the herb but only one active ingredient of the herb. Generally, research into the herb’s safety is similarly sketchy. A worthy experiment, but with some risks.

      

We have confirmation by more than one source of this herb’s usefulness. Perhaps scientific research is unavailable, but anecdotal evidence is good. This herb has been used to treat this particular condition either throughout centuries or by at least two independent cultures. Or scientific research is preliminary, substandard, or contradictory but it agrees with some minimal anecdotal evidence. The herb might be worth an experiment, but with unknown risks.

      

Minimal evidence. Some anecdotal or hearsay evidence says the herb might be useful in treating this condition. We have, however, no clear pattern to usage between cultures or throughout time. If you experiment with this herb, there are no guarantees regarding efficacy, risk, or safety. Proceed with caution and a bit of skepticism.

      

Multiple tests indicate either that the herb does not work for this condition, or tests indicate that the herb does more harm than good for this use. Don’t use this herb at all for this use without the guidance of a trained naturopath, herbalist, or savvy physician.

      Chapter One

      Using Herbs Safely

      Why herbs? Walk the aisles of any drugstore or supermarket, and you’ll see hundreds of “over-the-counter” remedies. Why not use them? And beyond that, why not rely on just what the doctor gives you? In 2006, Americans walked right past standard remedies to spend $22.3 billion on herbal supplements. They would not be spending that kind of money if they didn’t see some kind of attraction. What draws people to herb use?

      One reason people turn to herbal remedies is gentleness. Herbs are typically less refined, less distilled than standard remedies.

      For example, Mormon tea contains pseudoephedrine, the same active ingredient as the over-the-counter cold remedy Sudafed®. The actions of Mormon tea aren’t as harsh, however, because the plant contains less of the active ingredient than Sudafed, the plant’s pseudoephedrine is buffered by other ingredients, and it hasn’t been distilled to magnify the effect. Furthermore, with Mormon tea, you get the liquids that are so crucial to a cold, and you get the warmth and the steam, which soothe irritated tissues. Moreover, you don’t get the fillers and the red dye #40. Similarly, if you compare prescription sleep aids with herbal remedies, you’ll see the difference between something that knocks you out and something that helps you sleep. Even if you don’t appreciate the difference in the evening, you will in the morning when you’re trying to clear the residual from your system.

      In short, one of the differences between herbal care and standard Western medicine can be the difference between a nudge and a shove. Mormon tea, willow bark, thyme, eucalyptus, peppermint—all these herbs have distilled, more potent counterparts in over-the-counter medicines. Using the herbal version sometimes gives you the option of taking a gentler amount of the active ingredient.

      It is not true, however, that all herbal remedies are less potent than their counterparts. Some are more potent, perhaps dangerously so. If you use Listerine®, for example, you get the disinfectant properties of thymol (an active ingredient in thyme) in a well-tested form. If you decide to “go herbal” and use the essential oil of thyme or thymol straight, you could kill yourself with it if you don’t take proper precautions. Though, in general, herbs are gentler than their refined counterparts, some herbs are not at all subtle in their effects. If you’re going to use herbs, especially internally, you must know the difference between the two.

      Another benefit that draws people to herbal remedies is the complexity of herbs. Most prescription and over-the-counter medicines have one or two active ingredients in some kind of carrier. By contrast, herbs usually contain a blend of several chemicals, each with active properties.

      What that means is that sometimes herbs are a fortunate blend of several active ingredients working in concert. For example, arnica contains not just the anti-inflammatory compounds that it’s famous for, but also chemicals that function as antiseptics and anesthetics. Some herbs—hops for example—don’t have a single verifiable active ingredient, but all the ingredients together have a verifiable cumulative effect, especially when blended with other herbs. In other words, one reason to use herbs is a faith—and I choose that word deliberately—in nature’s benevolent complexity. A corollary of that statement of faith is the belief that when we refine an herb into a single active ingredient, we may be refining out benefit as well as “inactive” ingredients.

      Is such faith warranted? Partially. To be honest, though, herbs’ complexity can be either the good news or the bad news. The bad news is that you may be getting problematic ingredients with helpful ones. For example, borage oil contains a powerful anti-inflammatory, but it also contains the liver toxin pyrrolizidine. Licorice is an outstanding remedy for coughs, but it also contains glycyrrhizin, which messes up the electrolyte balance of the body. The bottom line is that some herbs have a beneficial complexity; some have hidden harmful ingredients. Only careful investigation will tell you which is which.

      Another reason people use herbs is to gain effects not available in standard Western medicines. If you go to your doctor and ask for something to help keep you from getting a cold this winter, chances are the doctor won’t be able to help you. The herbal shop down the street, however, has echinacea, andrographis, elderberry, astragalus, and all manner of other exotic sounding herbs, each claiming to offer help in warding off a cold. Similarly, if you go into the doctor with a bruise from heavy training, the doctor will probably tell you to ice it and hope for the best. Go to the local herb shop, and the proprietor may give you arnica, bromelain, perhaps some comfrey.

      For most people, money, time, or just a fear of doctors has created a line between significant ailments and ordinary ones. If annoyance with a physical problem exceeds a certain level, they’ll go into the doctor. Below that threshold, however, is where they turn to herbs. Frankly, this realm of “ordinary ailments” is where herbs excel. They can help clear up minor annoyances, they can help foster health and well-being, and they can make you feel better while you’re healing. An herb may not “cure” a cold, but neither will a visit to the doctor. Furthermore, a nice cup of chamomile tea will probably make you feel better than sitting for a couple of hours in a doctor’s waiting room.

      Herbs typically are gentler, have fewer side effects, treat not just major physical malfunctions but minor day-to-day physical