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8 Questions most often asked about herbs:
1.
How has herbal medicine come about and what is it?
Throughout most of man's time here on earth, plants have been available
for medicinal use. It is only in the past century that we have learned pharmacology, chemistry, and the technology necessary
to make formalized allopathic medicines today. "Allopathic" means medicine as practiced by the American Medical Association.
Today many pharmaceuticals come from plants, but scientists are finding that some of these medicines cause harmful side effects
that older botanical medicines did not. Why is that? Whole, natural medicinal herbs contain "buffering" agents that soften
the effects of the medicinal constituents. These buffering agents are lost when allopathic medicines are made. Herbal medicine
gently assists your body to take up it's job of keeping you healthy. Herbs are provided to retrain our tired bodies to take
over when the herb is withdrawn. The goal is to provide and support the body to fight off infection and dis-ease. Herbs are
very subtile in their effects, which may not be seen for a few days.
2. Are herbs safe?
Herbal medicine has
been used for thousands of years by cultures around the world. Most herbs, when taken for a specific illness, will pass harmlessly
through our system if not needed by the body. They are safe when used correctly and with proper guidance and knowledge. It
is not safe to buy an herbal product from a pharmacy shelf and take it without any information or guidance. Many people employed
in health food stores are unaware of harmful synergy between any pharmaceutical you may be taking and an herbal product.
3.
Where can you find an herbal practitioner?
I recommend going to an independently-owned health food store. They usually
know who is practicing in the area. Many colleges today are beginning to offer courses in herbal medicine; and acupuncturists
are training to use Chinese herbs. All of the above will know who in your area is good.
4. Can I take herbs with
my pharmaceuticals?
Very often you can, but sometimes not. For instance, there are herbs in the "coumarin" family
that you may not take with blood-thinning medicines. The coumarin family of herbs thins blood and helps it to run freely.
These herbs will react with coumadin to make blood too thin. Chamomile is a member of the ragweed family and cannot be taken
by those with ragweed allergies. There are many more which we hope to have up soon, along with a list of herbs in the coumarin
family of herbs.
5. How can I learn more about herbs?
There is a lot of information online about herbs. Purchasing
books on herbs from your health food store is another way. I also have an online 6 month course in herbal medicine. It is
our fourth year offering it here at our farm. More information on the courses we are updating and writing is linked above.
6.
Do you give courses in person?
Not yet, but it is in our future plans.
7. Do you grow your own herbs?
Yes,
I do. The Conley farm has a long history of good soil and wonderful growth. We began as a vegetable farm, and now grow up
to 50 different varieties of medicinal herbs. Many of our herbs are listed in our products and services category. As this
website grows we will be providing you with pictures of some of them.
8. What is a naturopath?
A naturopath
is one who has studied in many different disciplines in alternative medicine. The disciplines I use and am most comfortable
with are: herbal medicine; homeopathy; aromatherapy; and visualization.
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