Transcript HW205

Unit 7 Seminar
 Identify
common herbs and know when they
would be recommended.
 Understand the categorization of herbs.
 Be able to define an herb.
 Know what the German Commission E
Monographs are.
 Understand the issues surrounding herbs and
potential contamination.
 Plant
lacking a permanent woody stem; many
are flowering garden plants or potherbs;
some having medicinal properties. Referring
to leaves, steams, stalks, etc.
 The
science of using plant medicine to
positively impact illness. German physician
Rudolf Fritz Weiss (1898-1991) wrote the
Textbook of Phytotherapy. This book has
become one of the leading authorities as a
reference for herbal medicine. It is now in its
seventh edition.
 In Europe, phytotherapy has been used for
decades as supportive therapies to help in
the treatment of medical conditions.

Created in Germany, these monographs describe
plant medicine, their health care applications,
dosages and safety precautions. There are more
than 300 monographs listed currently that have
been reviewed by professionals in the field of
natural medicine. These Commissions are
considered the most comprehensive and
accurate available information on herbal
medicine. The American Botanical Council has
translated the German Monographs into English.
These translated monographs are available for
English speaking people who are interested in
herbal medicine.
 Due
to the complexity of herbal medicine,
some herbalists prefer to reference these
nutrients into categories that have been
created to help those interested in using
herbs to have an easier time at deciphering
what is the best herb for which condition.
The categories provide a framework of the
impact of herbs in the body.
 Herbs
that have a nonspecific effect of
balancing the body systems. Examples of
adaptogenic herbs are ones that promote
wellness in regards to stress reduction,
enhance brain functioning, immune system
regulators, and enhance energy. Most
commonly recommended adaptogenic herbs
are known for their role to help modulate
stress and promote energy.
 Examples of adaptogenic herbs include: Asian
Ginseng, Astragalus, Maca and Ashwagndha.
 Help
to fight against free radical damage.
 Examples
of antioxidant promoting herbs
include: Flavonoids- Apples, Green Tea,
Onions, Cherries, Blueberries; Bilberry,
Hawthorn, Milk Thistle
 Help
to fight against free radical damage.
 Examples
of antioxidant promoting herbs
include: Flavonoids- Apples, Green Tea,
Onions, Cherries, Blueberries; Bilberry,
Hawthorn, Milk Thistle
 This
word is derived from the Latin word
carminare meaning “to cleanse”.
Carminatives are used to help settle
gastrointestinal upset including cramping,
helping with infant colic, heartburn,
irritable bowel syndrome, gas and bloating.
It is there volatile oils which carry the
carminative healing properties.
 Examples: Peppermint and Chamomile,
Anise, Fennel, Ginger
 Help
to stimulate both the production and
flow of bile from the gallbladder. This is
necessary for individuals who are having
difficulty with digesting and utilizing fats in
their diet. Those who may be in need of
cholagogues include people who experience
a sense of fullness or bloating following a
meal which contains fat. This fullness may be
due to their inability to digest and utilize the
fat in that meal.
 Examples: Dandelion Root, Turmeric,
Artichoke, Milk Thistle (notice two categories
for milk thistle).
 These
herbs help to soothe or protect
irritated mucous membranes due to their
high mucilage content.
 Examples: Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm,
Aloe Vera (leaves only), Fenugreek Seeds,
Mullein Flowers
 These
help in the digestion of foods eaten.
Ideal to take prior to a meal or immediately
following to help with breakdown of the
macronutrients, especially protein and fat.
 Examples:
Gentian Root, Yellow Dock,
Dandelion Root, Wormwood
 Promote
healthy immune function.
 Example:
Echinacea, Astragalus, Eleuthero
(Siberian Ginseng), Shitake and Reishi
Mushrooms, amongst other mushrooms.
 Promote
elimination. Bulk forming or
stimulant.
 Bulk forming laxatives are safe and high in
fiber. Their action in the body is to absorb
water and “bulk”. This action promotes more
regular elimination, helps to lower
cholesterol and pull toxins out of the system.
Make sure that individuals taking bulk
forming laxatives are also drinking ample
amounts of water to prevent constipation
due to lack of water. Very safe for long term
use. Examples: Psyllium Husk
 Stimulant
laxatives are not recommended for
long term use, and possibly not at all. They
do promote elimination by increasing
parastalsis in the colon, but over time, the
body gets used to these stimulants and does
not work well with out them. Using stimulant
laxatives for a prolonged period of time can
create a dependency on the herb. Short term
use of stimulant laxatives during a “cleanse”
or to help with occasional constipation is
fine, but not the long term answer. Example:
senna or cascara sagrada.
There is lack of regulation in regards to herbs.
 Herbs are one of the classes of supplements that
are governed by DSHEA. Although this
government regulation exists, it does not give
specifics as to quality, at this point.
 Herbs are maunfactured into different mediums,
including: Teas, Infusions, Tinctures, Fluid
Extracts, Solid Extracts and Standardization
Extracts.
 Because of the lack of strict regulation on herbs,
there are concerns about herbs imported for
other countries being contaminated with heavy
metals, pesticides, etc.
