The practice of herbology is far from being some New Age fad. Herbs have been used as medicine since ancient times. Jules Jannick, Professor of Horticulture at Purdue University, lectures about ancient herbal remedies used by the Sumerians in 3000 B.C., the Egyptians in 1500 B.C. and the Greeks in 3 B.C..
Whether carving their prescriptions onto stone tablets, or typing them on their iPad, herbologists have passionately championed the therapeutic values of plants for treating nearly every condition known to man. Modern day herbologists you don't have to forage in the wilderness to find herbal remedies since contemporary herbology products are available for purchase in several different forms.
Bulk Herbs
Many natural foods retailers offer herbs sold in bulk. A typical health food store has a section of shelves stocked with rows of neatly arranged jars, bearing labels like "Damiana" or "Horsetail Equisetum" or "Dong Quai", all of which are common herbal remedies. These bulk herbs are sold by weight. To purchase bulk herbs, you merely scoop the desired amount into a little plastic baggie, and off you go.
Bulk herbs are most commonly used for brewing tea, but some industrious herbal enthusiasts also use bulk herbs to make their own herbal extracts or capsules..
Capsules and Tablets
If you prefer not to drink your herbs, capsules and tablets are a welcome convenience. Capsules contain dried and sometimes powdered herbs. Capsules are most often made of gelatin that is derived from animal sources, but vegetarian and kosher capsules are also available. By buying empty gel caps, you can fill them with your own customized mix of dried bulk herbs.
Herbal tablets are made from the dried extracts of herbs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Tablets may include additives such as binders and preservatives, and sometimes bear an enteric coating to reduce the chance of adverse gastrointestinal reactions.
The actual amount of active herbal ingredient in any given capsule or tablet may vary. Look for labels that reveal standardized amounts of active ingredients, to ensure you're getting the dosage that you desire.
Tinctures and Extracts
Tinctures are a liquid form of a herb product, made by dissolving one part active herbal ingredient in five to 10 parts water or alcohol. Extracts are similar to tinctures, but have a concentration of one part herbal ingredient to one part liquid, according to the University of Maryland. Sold in small bottles, sometimes with eye droppers included, these can be dispensed one drop at a time either under the tongue or into a beverage.
Currently the most popular herbology products in the U.S. include echinacea, which is used as an immune system booster; ginseng, considered an overall health tonic; and feverfew, which has been confirmed by scientific studies to be effective in the treatment of migraines, according to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Member Comments