FAQ’s
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FAQ’s
Why The Optihealth Wellness Centre for your Custom Botanicals?
What is Botanical Medicine?
How are Naturopathic Doctors Trained in Botanical Medicine?
What about the Strength of Botanicals?
What about the Quality? And why is it Important to work with a Standardized Product?
What are some of the most Common Botanicals?
Can I use my Medical Doctors Prescribed Medicine with Botanicals?
Can I use Botanical Medicines if I am Pregnant?
Can Botanical Medicine be used with Children?
What are the Different Types of Botanical Medicine Preparations?
What about the Research?
How can I Learn more and what are some further Links?
FAQ’s
Why The Optihealth Wellness Centre/The Naturopathic Dispensary For Your Custom Botanicals?
At the Optihealth Wellness Centre your Botanical Medicines are chosen according to your health profile and individually customized to you.
What is Botanical Medicine?
Botanical Medicine involves the use of plant substances for their healing effects and nutritional value. Such use of plants dates back to the beginnings of civilization and therefore much of the knowledge of their healing properties originates from historical use. Current technology allows us to have a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying the medicinal action of many plants, as well as to identify their constituents, contradictions and interactions. As much as 80 percent of the world’s population depend on plants to treat many common ailments ( WHO, 1985). In addition , 30 percent of modern conventional drugs are derived from a plant source and it is estimated that 30-40 percent of all medical doctors in France and Germany rely on herbal preparations as their primary medicines ( Interview: An interview with Prof. H. Wagner. Herbal Gram 17,16-17,1988). During the last 10-20 years a renewel in the interest of scientific research and herbal medicine has yielded and explosion of scientific information available.
How are Naturopathic Doctors Trained in Botanical Medicine?
Naturopathic Doctors are professionally trained to know both the historical uses of plants as well as the modern pharmacological mechanisms and interactions. The educational process is over 4 years in Naturopathic Colleges and then complimented through continuing education courses post graduation.
What about the Strength of Botanicals?
The strength of a Botanical can be expressed by a percentage of active ingredients ie .3% hypericin for St. Johns Wort , and or concentration ie 1:10 tincture of St. John’s Wort and or total weight ie 300 mg per capsule.
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Herbal Extracts are typically a 1:1 concentration
Solid Herbal Extract are typically 4:1 and are thus four times as potent when compared to an equal amount of fluid extract and forty times as potent as a tincture if they are produced from the same quality of herb.
Herbal tinctures are typically a 1:10 or 1:5 concentration
Typically:
1gm of a 4:1 solid extract= 1/7 of an ounce fluid extract=1.5 ounces of a tincture
What about Quality? And Why is it Important to work with a Standardized Product?
When using a botanical medicine it is very important to use a high quality product. The best measure is to use a standardized extract ( or guaranteed potency extract). This ensures that a standard amount of active ingredient is included in the remedy. Examples of this are: Vaccinium myrtillus with 40 mg of anthocyanosides; Silybum marianum ( Milk Thistle) 70 mg of silymarianum and Hypericum (St. John’s Wort) .3% hypericin.
On analysis of herbal products it has been found that there is a great deal of variation in amount of actual active ingredients present. Government departments have been established to promote quality control. Leading companies that produce high quality products allow third party independent assessments of their products and are able to provide the research associated.
It is important to use the proper latin name versus the common name to be clear on the herb. Also it is crucial to understand that any one herbal may have many different compounds that are collectively known as a grouped collection of an active ingredient ie panax ginseng contains at least 13 different steroid like compounds, collectively known as ginsenosides. These compounds are believed to be the most important active constituents of Panax ginseng. The usual concentration of ginsenosides in mature ginseng roots is between 1-3 percent. Ginsenoside Rg1 is present in high quantities in Panax ginseng and has sedative effect in contrast to Rg1 found in American ginseng which has stimulatory effects. Thus the action of Panax ginseng versus American ginseng are very different and would not be clarified if one were just asking for ginseng.
What are some of the most Common Botanicals?
All of us use botanicals in our cooking and foods. The most common botanicals for foods and health include to name a few :
- Aloe vera- skin irritations, sun burns
American ginseng- to promote energy
Echinacea angustifolia, E. Purpurea, E. pallida(Echinacea- 9 different varieties in total )- for colds
Panax ginseng- to nourish the nervous system
Tanacetum parthenium ( Feverfew)- often for migraines
Taraxacum officinale (Dandilion)- root/liver tonic; leaves/diuretic
Zingiber officinale ( Ginger)- nausea and vomiting , migraines
Can I use my Medical Doctors Prescribed Medicine with Botanicals?
Botanicals can have interactions with medically prescribed drugs. One needs to check with their Naturopathic Doctor, Pharmacist and or Medical Doctor to ensure drug interactions are taken into consideration .
Can I use Botanical Medicines if I am pregnant?
Certain botanicals have been researched to be safe during pregnancy. It is advised to check with your Naturopathic Doctor, Pharmacist and or Medical Doctor.
Can Botanical Medicine be used with Children?
Yes botanicals are generally very safe and proper consultation with a health care professional as listed above will ensure the product you are thinking of using is indicated as appropriate.
What are the Different Types of Botanical Medicine Preparations?
- 1.Teas:Teas are the most common household use of Botanical Medicines. They are prepared from dried herbs either in single form or combination. The combinations have the advantage of acting synergistically , promoting healing from several different angles and treating the whole body systems rather than isolated symptoms. For example a tea mixture for the circulatory system could contain teas that invigorate the heart , soothe the nerves and enhance circulation.
- There are four basic preparation methods for herbal teas:
- a.Infusion- Boiling water is poured over the herbs and the tea is steeped for about 10 minutes. The herbs can be dried or fresh and generally 1 tsp is used per cup of water.
- b. Decoction- Simmering herbs in water, which is used for the roots, bark and herbs or seeds with a tough membrane. The ratio is 1 tsp of dried or 3 tsp of fresh herb per cup of water. Once the herbs are brought to a boil they are simmered for 5-10 minutes.
- c. Maceration- Cold water method which is preferred for tough herbs that are rich in mucilages , such as marshmallow root. The ratio is 1 cup of cold water per 1 tsp of herb. Here the water is poured over the herbs and steeped for 6-8 hours first, then boiled. Caution is needed in this method to ensure boiling is done to avoid contamination with bacteria.
- d. Combination Methods- This technique is used if a tea mixture includes ingredients that need different methods of preparation.
- A few simple and wonderful formulas are as listed below. Note always check with your Naturopathic Doctor to ensure that these combinations are suited to you.
- 2. Fresh Juice:
- The benefit of fresh juices is that it captures the whole synergistic complex of healing ingredients locked in the living plant. The therapeutic effect of plant juices is thus attributed to the complex effects of the various elements contained only in the fresh plant. Plant juices provide lots of nutrients as well as the enzymes needed to boost immunity. An example of a fresh juice would be wheat grass, which provides wonderful health benefits. It is important in any juicing technique to use organic ingredients. Juices should always be used immediately and if needed stored in the refrigerator for not more than 1 week.
- 3. Capsules and Tablets:
- For capsules , the herbs are pulverized and put inside gelatine capsules. Tablets are the same herbs that are compressed into a tablet form. These forms are most commonly used by professional practitioners because this reduces any unpleasant taste and in convenient for people to use.
- 4. Extracts:
- Extracts are herbal preparations that are more concentrated than tinctures. They are often made from hydroalcoholic mixtures other solvents may be used such as vinegar, glycerine, propylene glycol. Commercial fluid extracts are usually made by distilling off some of the alcohol, typically by using methods that do not require elevated temperatures, such as vacuum distillation and countercurrent filtration. The strength of a herbal extract is expressed in two ways. If they contain known active principles their strength would be indicated in terms of the content of their active ingredients. Otherwise the strength is expressed in terms of their concentration . for example tinctures are commonly made at a 1:5 concentration. This means that there is 1 part herb to 5 parts liquid. A solid extract is commonly prepared in a 4:1 ratio, or 4 parts crude herb to 1 part solution.
- 5. Solid Extracts:
- A Solid Extract is produced by further concentration of the extract, using the mechanisms described above for fluid extracts as well as other techniques such as thin layer evaporation. The solvent is completely removed, leaving a viscous extract ( soft solid extract) or a dry solid extract, depending on the plant , plant portion or solvent used and on whether a drying process was used. The dry solid extract, if not already in powdered form can be ground in course granules or a fine powder. A solid extract can also be diluted with alcohol and water to form a fluid extract or tincture
- 6. Tinctures:
- Tinctures are prepared from fresh or dried herbs in a base of eighty proof to 140 proof alcohol. The alcohol acts as a solvent for extracting the most active constituents and also serves as a stabilizer, preserving tinctures for a great length of time. It has been proven that alcohol makes the walls of the stomach more permeable and facilitates absorption. Actual exposure to the alcohol is minimal since the amount of botanical is often 30-40 drops per dose. If alcohol is a concern one could drop the botanical into hot steaming water, let sit for 5 minutes thus allowing most of the alcohol to evaporate. Once finished then one could consume.
- 7. Glycerine Tinctures:
- Often these are prepared by first being alcohol extracted for maximum potency , then de-alcoholized in a special process.
- 8. Herbal Oils:
- Herbal Oils are preparations in which an oil carrier is used and the herb has been allowed to steep. Herbal oils are used most often for massage and for skin care. A Common herbal oil is calendula which has mild antimicrobial and healing properties.
- 9. Essential Oils:
- In this method , drops of essential oil are added to a carrier oil in a 2-10 percent dilution . Lavendar oil is a wonderful essential oil tha facilitates optimal sleep and has antimicrobial properties. The art of healing with essential oils is called aromatherapy.
- 10. Inhalation:
- In this method a herbal may be put in hot steaming water and inhaled to promote support of the body. A steam inhalation would commonly be used for respiratory ailments. The most natural inhalation method would be for asthma and bronchitis individuals to inhale sea air, which is filled with wonderful healing minerals.
- 11. Salves:
- Salves or ointments have a long history in home treatment. Herbs such as calendula and chamomile , which are antibacterial and soothing work well. Other common ingredients for ointments are aloe vera, St. John’s wort and comfrey. The base to a salve can be oils, beeswax and coconut butter.
- 12. Poultice:
- A poultice is a thick , warm , herbal paste applied to the skin for pain, swelling or muscle spasm. Poultices are commonly made from dried herbs to which hot water is added or oils such as the famous castor oil pack. Castor oil packs have a wonderful detoxifying impact and can assist uterine fibroids and fibrocystic breasts.
- 13. Plaster:
- A plaster is like a poultice, except that the herbal paste is put between two layers of cloth instead of directly on the skin to avoid potential irritation.
- 14. Compresses and Wraps:
- Compresses are made by soaking a towel in either hot or cold herbal tea, wrung out and applied to the effected area. Compresses are applied hot for pain relief and cool for inflammation. A hot compress is called a fomentation and are used for swelling, pain , colds and flu. In the cold method the same steps are used with the exception of using a cold herbal tea and a towel is applied on top to keep the area warm. Cold compresses work very well on sore throats and other inflammatory conditions. The cool towel draws the heat from the area. Compresses can be as simple as cool towel for a headache. Wraps are made by dipping a piece of cotton gauze or cotton wool in the herbal infusion . This is then placed between two pieces of flannel and then on the affected area.
- 15. Packs:
- Packs are commonly used to stimulate, irritate or soften the skin and promote healing. Cold packs are generally used to calm an acute stage of inflammation or pain. Hot packs serve two purposes: to soften and ripen abscesses and for heat therapy. One of the most common packs is mustard seed packs. The oils in mustard seed improve circulation of the skin and mucus membranes, stimulate mucous secretion and combat bacteria and fungus. The mustard wrap can be applied as a neck, foot, arm, calf or chest wrap. It helps pleurisy, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis and chronic ailments of the liver and kidneys.
- Mustard Pack:
- Prepare by mixing two or three tbsp of mustard flour with a quart of cold water. After 10 minutes add hot water to activate the healing properties of the mustard until the mixture reaches 107 degrees F ( 42 degrees C). ( The hot water is essential to activate the healing substance of the mustard.) Dip a cotton cloth in this mixture, wring out and immediately place on chest. Cover with a cotton towel, then finish with a wool blanket, closely wrapped around the chest. Remove wrap after 5-10 minutes, or when skin turns red, to avoid skin burn. With a moist cloth dab off any remaining mustard. Cover with warm blankets and stay in bed.
- 16. Bolus:
- A Bolus is a mixed herbal in a carrier of cocoa butter or coconut oil to form a thick paste which is cooled in the refrigerator then formed in finger sized cylinders. A common bolus is a herbal vaginal preparation to help detox the reproductive organs and is helpful in healing local tissue. Another herbal bolus may be used as a suppository to soothe and heal haemorrhoids. Note proper medical attention must be obtained before beginning these types of programs.
- 17. Douche:
- Herbal vaginal douches can be very helpful to soothe and heal inflammations, to help control candida and for general infections. Consult with your Naturopathic Doctor before beginning this type of program. Care needs to be taken to not disturb the natural acid / alkaline balance.
- 18. Enema:
- Used periodically , herbal enemas help maintain the health of the bowls by preventing a build up of toxins. With mineral depletion , herbal enemas may be used to supply the body with vial nutrients.
- 19. Wash:
- A wash is used cleanse wounds or skin conditions. Dip a clean soft cotton cloth in lukewarm herbal infusion and wash area with light, circular motions. The herb acts on the diseased skin and the light rubbing increases blood flow to the area.
- 20. Eye Wash:
- Eyewashes are used to clean and heal the eyes. The infusion or preparation is usually placed in the eye with a dropper or diluted with purified or boiled water used with a glass eyecup. Eyewashes are very helpful for children’s minor eye infections.
- 21. Herbal Bath:
- Herbal baths is an excellent cleansing, disinfecting and relaxing therapy and can relieve many conditions, including stiff muscles and insomnia. Herbal baths are made by making a tea with the herb of choice either fresh or dried and add to bath water. You could also use 5 drops of an essential oil to running water.
- Herbals for The Bath :
- Chamomile- for wound healing and skin inflammations: relieves itches and cramps, chronic eczema, haemorrhoids and anal fissures
Comfrey- soothes sunburned skin
Elderflower- heals and cleanses skin
Eucalyptus oil- combats colds, respiratory problems and poor circulation
Lavender- calming, promotes circulation and helpful for itching
Lemon balm- calming and relaxing; relieves stress, insomnia and cramps
Oak bark- relief for weeping eczema, abscesses, haemorrhoids, acute contact dermatitis, stomach and intestinal problems.
Baby Colic Formula:
3 tbsp Chamomile
2 tbsp Lemon Balm
1 tbsp Fennel
1 tbsp licorice root
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over ½ tsp of dried mixture. Give baby ½ cup of diluted tea daily. The breast feeding mother can drink the rest.
Cold Prevention Tea:
6 tbsp Rosehip leaves
5 tbsp Lindenflowers
2 tbsp Echinacea
2 tbsp Thyme flowers
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp of this mixture, steep for 5 minutes , strain , sweeten with 1 tsp of honey and drink 1 cup at bedtime or when feeling chilled. Note those with autoimmune conditions should not use Echinacea.
Sensitive Stomach Formula:
3 tbsp Chamomile flowers
2 tbsp Lemon Balm Leaves
2 thin slices of ginger
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp of this mixture, steep covered for 10 minutes , strain and sip warm.
What about the Research?
There is many clinical studies being performed currently, Here are just a few existing studies:
Modern day research confirms that taking Echinacea may reduce the risk of catching a cold by up to 58% and by 86% when used in conjunction with Vitamin C ( Lancet, July ,2007)
Aloe vera has demonstrated activity against many common bacteria and fungi in several studies ( Robson MC, Heggers JP, and Hagstron WJ: Myth, magic , witchcraft or fact? Aloe revisited. J Burn Care Rehab 3 157-162, 1982.). The antimicrobial effects of Aloe vera compare quite favourably to those of silver sulfadiazine a potent antiseptic used in the treatment of extensive burns ( Robson MC, Heggers JP, and Hagstron WJ: Myth, magic , witchcraft or fact? Aloe revisited. J Burn Care Rehab 3 157-162, 1982.).
Bromelain has been shown to reduce plasma kininogen levels(Katori M, et al: A possible role of prostaglandins and bradykinin as a trigger of exudation in carrageenan induced pleurisy, Agents Actions 8, 108-112, 1978). The net result of this action is inhibition of the production of kinins. As kinins cause much inflammation , swelling and pain, inhibiting their production is indicated in the treatment of traumatic injuries and inflammation.
A study in humans that has demonstrated the liver healing abilities of Dandelion was conducted in 1938 in Italy (Hobbs C: Taraxacum officinale: A monograph and literature review. In : Eclectic dispensatory. Eclectic Medical Publications. Protland, Or, 1989). In this study twelve patients with severe liver imbalances were treated wtih dandelion extact ( one 5 milliliter injection per day for 20 days). Eleven of the twelve patients showed a considerable drop in blood cholesterol. In another study dandelion extract was used to successfully treat hepatitis ( FaberK: The dandelion Taraxacum officinale. Pharmazie 13,423-436, 1958).
How Can I Learn More and What are some Further Links?
provides links to medical information and to any resource relevant to medicinal herbs or herbalism practiced in a clinical setting
www.phytotherapies.org
an extensive searchable and hyperlinked herbal data
also provides links to other herb related sites, an online newsletter, a calendar of events, information on herb books
The Healing Power of Herbs, Michael Murray, N. D. , Prima Publishing , P.O. 1260BK, Rocklin, CA 95677, 1992
The New Holistic Herbal , David Hoffmann, Element Books Ltd., Longmead, Shaftesbury, Dorset , 1983
The Illustrated Book of Herbs, Edited by Sarah Bunney from a text by Jiri Stodola and Jan Volak, Octopus Books Ltd, 1984
