Dr. Earl Mindell's Herb Bible

Earl Mindell

• Publisher: Atria Books
• Year: 2000
• ISBN:
  9781439123867
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Alternative & Complementary Medicine

The Bestselling Guide to Herbal Remedies -- Completely Revised and Expanded
Since its original publication in 1992, Earl Mindell's Herb Bible has become the definitive guide to the world of herbal remedies. Recognized as today's leading trend in self-care, herbs can help you heal faster, live longer, and look better. In this completely updated edition, one of the world's foremost authorities on nutrition and natural remedies demystifies the language and lore of herbs, and shows you how to choose and use herbs and herbal treatments -- from the traditional favorites to those on the cutting edge.
Here is new and valuable information on how herbs can treat depression and anxiety, boost energy, improve your sex life, combat aging, prevent illness, and speed healing. Highlights include:

• Thirty new "Hot Hundred" herbs
• A new section devoted specifically to anti-aging herbs
• New and completely updated information on the fastest selling herbs: St. John's wort, kava kava, grapeseed extract, and green tea
• Special updated chapters on "A Man's Body" and "A Woman's Body"
• And much more

Commercially prepared yet free of synthetics, herbal remedies are now widely available in many forms, from teas to tinctures. Authoritative and easy to use, this comprehensive resource is an essential addition to every medicine chest.

The word herb has usually been used to refer to any plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities. For the purposes of this book, herb means any plant or plant-derived substance that is primarily used for medicinal purposes.

There are approximately 380,000 species of plants on earth that we have identified, and several hundred thousand that have yet to be discovered. Right now, many scientists are desperately trying to catalogue the plants in the Amazon rain forest in the belief that there are thousands of potential plant cures that are rapidly being destroyed by development. Of the number of known plants, about 260,000 are classified as higher plants, which means that they contain chlorophyll and perform a process called photosynthesis. In photosynthesis, plants utilize the energy provided by sunlight to manufacture carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water. All the members of the higher plant group have the potential to offer medical benefits. Only 10 percent, however, have actually been studied for this purpose.

In this book, I usually refer to each herb by its two names: the familiar name by which it is commonly known and a Latin botanical name describing its genus and species. The genus or first name is the general grouping of plants by family. Although plants in a given genus are not identical, they have certain similar characteristics. The species is a more specific way of defining each plant’s distinctive qualities. For example, onions, garlic, and chives are all members of the Allium genus. However, each of these herbs is classified as a different species.

In rare cases, however, I do not include the botanical name for a particular herb. Some herbal products are not derived from the whole plant; rather they are biologically active extracts. A case in point is bromelain, an enzyme that is extracted from pineapple that is sold as bromelain, not pineapple. In other cases, an herbal supplement may contain a combination of herbs that are marketed under one name.

■ How Do Herbs Work?

The living cells of plants can be likened to miniature chemical factories. They take in the raw materials carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight, and convert them into useful nutrients. Oxygen is a by-product of this process. Herbs are a rich source of phytochemicals, compounds that are pharmacologically active, meaning that they exert a profound effect on certain animal tissues and organs. Therefore, they can be used as drugs in treating, curing, or preventing disease. A plant may consist of several components, including leaves, roots, fruit, flowers, bark, stems, or seeds. Any of these parts may contain the active ingredients that give the plant its medicinal properties.

The herbal pharmacy is a rich one. There are herbs that target specific organ systems, and there are herbs that are used as general tonics to promote overall health. There are herbs that soothe pain and inflammation, and still other herbs that work to reduce muscle spasm. Some herbs have a stimulating effect; others have a relaxing effect. Some kill bacteria; others activate the body’s own immune system so that it can ward off invading organisms.

Many herbs contain antioxidants, important compounds that protect against potentially dangerous chemicals called free radicals. Free radicals are produced in our bodies as a natural byproduct of energy production. If not tightly controlled, free radicals can destroy healthy cells and tissues, and are believed to be a causal factor in many different diseases, ranging from Alzheimer’s disease to cancer to heart disease. In fact, free radicals are a major culprit in the aging process itself! Our bodies produce antioxidants on their own, such as glutathione and Coenzyme Q 10. Vitamins C and E are well known antioxidant vitamins, but there are hundreds of other lesser-known but nevertheless important antioxidants found in herbs, as you will read in this book.

Thousands of years ago, when people first began using herbs, they had no idea why they worked. All they knew was that a certain plant elicited a desired result. When our ancestors first used foxglove to treat heart failure, they didn’t know that this fuchsia-flowered plant contained molecules called glycosides that stimulate heart cells. When mothers in the Middle Ages soothed a scraped knee with a comfrey leaf, they didn’t know that the plant’s astringent tannins formed a protective surface over the wound, thus promoting healing. When Chinese healers prescribed licorice for arthritis flare-ups, they didn’t know that it contained saponins, anti-inflammatory compounds similar to natural steroid hormones. When the Ancient Egyptians fed garlic to their slaves to keep them healthy, they didn’t know that it contained volatile oils that fight infection.

CAUTION!

Just because herbs are natural substances doesn’t mean that they can be used indiscriminately. Herbs can be strong medicine. Before trying any herbal remedy, be sure that you know what it does, how to use it, and the possible side effects. Never exceed the recommended dose. As a general rule, few medical problems occur from ingesting herbal remedies, but the potential for an allergic or toxic reaction is always there. In addition, about 1 percent of all plants are poisonous—mushrooms are a good example. Therefore, I do not recommend that people gather their own herbs unless they are skilled botanists. That’s not to say that you cannot use the fresh dill, chives, or aloe from your garden or window box. Just don’t consume anything that you are unsure of. Pregnant women should take herbs only under the direction of a knowledgeable physician or midwife. Not all herbs are safe for children; throughout the Herb Bible I advise parents as to which herbs can be used for children, and which should be avoided. Ideally, parents should check with a qualified health-care practitioner before giving any herb or over the counter medication to children.

Thanks to modern laboratory techniques, we now understand how many of these herbs function. We are able to break down each plant into its basic molecular structure and analyze its extracts. Although we know a great deal more than our ancestors did about how some herbs work, there are still many more that need to be researched. Due to the lack of scientific data for many herbs, we must still rely heavily on information transmitted through folklore, antique herbals, and word of mouth. Ironically, we are only just discovering the scientific basis for many herbs that have been used successfully for millennia.

■ How to Buy Herbs

In the past, if you wanted to use an herbal remedy, you had two choices: You could either grow your own or try to find it in the wild. And that was just the beginning of your labor. Once you found it, you had to pick it, dry it, grind it, boil it, or mix it in an alcohol solution to create a potent remedy. Needless to say, the process was extremely time consuming. In addition, due to differences in climate and growing conditions, you could never be absolutely sure that the plant you picked contained enough of the right active ingredients or that you had processed it in just the right way.

Today, you don’t have to be a gardener or a chemist to use herbs safely and effectively. Herbs are now packaged in easy-to-use forms that eliminate much of the work and the guesswork. Several companies that have been making and selling vitamins for years now have their own lines of herb products and offer a standardized, guaranteed-potency product. This means that herbs sold by these and other reputable companies contain uniform levels of the compound or compounds believed to be responsible for the plant’s medicinal activity, and that the herb is grown under safe conditions. Typically, these products are certified by an outside laboratory. There have been numerous reports in the press of packaged herbal products containing little, if any, of the herb or its active ingredients. These products will not work and are a waste of money. Therefore, it is extremely important that you buy standardized herbal extracts from reputable companies.

Look for products that have safety seals and are packaged in tamperproof bottles or boxes.

Because of the concern over pesticides and processing techniques, many manufacturers offer organically grown, nonirradiated products. There are times in the Herb Bible when I will recommend fresh herbs, but only in cases where they are easily accessible. In most cases, however, I recommend using a commercial herbal preparation.

Is it better to buy herbs in an herb shop than in a health food store? It all depends on what you’re looking for. As a rule, herb shops carry a greater selection of dried herbs and teas, including many of the more exotic varieties. Although visiting an herb shop is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, a well-stocked health food store may actually offer a better selection of prepared herbal remedies. It is also very difficult for the average consumer to assess the quality of goods in an herbal shop. If you don’t live near an herb store or a health food store, or don’t have time to shop, it is possible to buy herbs through the mail or the Internet.

Here is a list of some of the different ways in which herbs are packaged and sold:

CAPSULES AND TABLETS. Most of the commonly used herbs are now sold in capsule and tablet form, accounting for about two-thirds of all herb sales. The usual dose, depending on the herb, is 2 to 3 tablets or capsules, taken 2 to 3 times daily. Always follow the directions on the label.

EXTRACTS OR TINCTURES. Extracts or tinctures are liquid herbal products, typically prepared by soaking herbs in an alcohol solution. However, there are some new alcohol-free extracts on the market that may be preferable in certain instances, especially for diabetics, pregnant women, children, and other people who should avoid alcohol. The usual dose, depending on the herb, is 10 to 30 drops, 2 to 3 times daily. Use as directed. Homeopathic extracts used by homeopathic practitioners are much stronger than conventional herbal tinctures and are strictly regulated by the FDA. They should be used only in conjunction with treatment by a homeopathic practitioner.

POWDERS. Some herbs are sold in powdered form. The required dose may be mixed in water or juice. If the herb is bitter, a drop of honey may be used as a sweetener. Some people, however, may prefer the convenience of capsules. Most stores will sell empty capsules, usually in number 0 size, that hold 400 to 450 mg. of herb. Kosher, gelatinfree capsules are available for vegetarians and people on restricted, religious diets.

DRIED HERBS. Dried herbs are sold in bulk, usually in large glass bottles. They should be stored in an airtight container at home, out of direct sunlight. These herbs may be put into capsules, but are usually brewed into a tea. It’s very easy to do: Simply put 1 heaping tablespoon of herb into a tea ball or other infuser, and submerge it in 1 cup of hot water. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink the tea while it’s hot. If you double the recipe, the leftover tea can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated. If you don’t use a tea ball, you can put the dried herb directly into the hot liquid. When the tea is brewed, strain the liquid before drinking it.

PREPARED TEAS. Many herbs these days are sold in tea-bag form. Keep in mind that many of the teas you find in health food stores, especially those designated as “home remedies” for colds, are more potent than herbal tea sold in supermarkets and should only be used as directed.

NUTRACEUTICALS. Nutraceuticals are foods that have been fortified with herbs, vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients. Some herbs are sold in juice, nutrition bars, cereals, and even chips. They should be used according to package directions. The problem is, however, that the herbal ingredients may be so diluted, that they aren’t effective. I would not use these products unless they specify the precise dose of the herb, and the active ingredients on their labels.

COMBINATION HERBAL PRODUCTS. A wide range of herbal remedies combining two or more herbs that work well together are available in capsule, tea, and extract form. For example, several herbs that are good for maintaining heart health, or herbs good for immune function, may be combined in one easy-to-use product. Use as directed.

CREAMS AND OINTMENTS. Many herbs that are commonly used externally are ...

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication Page
• Acknowledgement
• CHAPTER 1 What Is an Herb?
• CHAPTER 2 The Hot Hundred
• CHAPTER 3 Traditional Favorites
• CHAPTER 4 The Hot Hundred Herbs from Around the World
• CHAPTER 5 The Herbal Medicine Cabinet
• CHAPTER 6 A Woman’s Body
• CHAPTER 7 A Man’s Body
• CHAPTER 8 Anti-Aging Herbs
• CHAPTER 9 Looking Good
• CHAPTER 10 Aromatherapy
• Selected Bibliography
• Index
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