Re: Use of herbs in medicine, another view

March 1, 1999

This is not to take umbrage with your message am. Just another slant on

the use of herbs in medicine.

The March issue of Health Magazine has a very good article titled Herbal

Lessons from Europe. Many people in the medical field are becoming more and

more interested in herbs used either singly or in conjunction with

allopathic medicines. The article covers the position of the FDA which is

in the process of change, as I write, in their attitude to herbs. In fact

to quote just a tidbit " In the fall of 1997, after looking hard at the

German system (their Commission E), the Presidential Commission on Dietary

Supplement labels urged that the United States follow its example. Since

herbs can be potent medicines, the commission declared, they ought to be

standardized and regulated, much as over-the-counter drugs are. "

At this time a person can't be absolutely sure when buying a herbal remedy

that the ingredients in the remedy are what they should be to receive the

desired effect. There is also a chart on page 99 giving info on how to find

reliable herbs listing eleven of the most popular herbs in use today. I was

happy to see EchinaGuard listed for Echinacea as that's what I have (got it

at GNC).

As to my physicians, My Nurse-Practitioner is very cooperative and

interested in what I take in addition to my prescribed medications. In

fact, in my folder is a complete list of all the supplements I take along

with the dosage. She has never pooh-poohed my interest in alternative

medicine and is even interested in the rhus-toxicondendron (homeopathic)

that I take for instant temporary relief of RLS. Both she and my

cardiologist have encouraged me in taking Hawthorn Berry, Coenzyme Q-10, and

various other anti-oxidants for my heart problems. They even go along with

me taking Kava-Kava in the late evening to relax me and help me get to sleep

along with my Pergolide.

They even cheered me on to visit an Acupuncturist when they couldn't help me

get rid of my awful headaches (yes, the headaches left after just two

visits).

So you see the picture is changing. The medical community is becoming more

open and less opinionated about alternative medicines. I'm very encouraged.

CHEERS!!

Jeanne and Mr. Biggles in Poultney, VT

Where the snow is coming down in huge flakes (we call it a sugar snow) and

the roads are slushy!

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