An herb is part of a plant that, in addition to other uses, has many medicinal applications. The field of herbal medicine and therapy has developed over centuries throughout many cultures.

Herbs and their medicinal uses are strongly related to modern medicine. 25% of all prescription drugs are derived from herbs, trees or shrubs. Many of today's pharmaceutical medications are based on herbal medicines derived from older cultures.

Medicinal herbs are used heavily in Europe, Asia and Latin America. But in the US, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has tried to restrict the use of herbal medicines as they compete with pharmaceutical and synthetic medicine sales.

Today, research findings are being used to validate and refine the use of herbal therapies.

Herbs have often been shown to be effective by virtue of the natural chemicals within them. More research is being done to isolate the active ingredients in herbs to make their physiologic actions even more effective.

Herbs that are administered orally are slower in action than isolated derivatives that are introduced directly into the blood stream; however, herbs taken orally on a consistent basis, are, in most cases, well suited for treating chronic health issues. The ways herbs can be administered are in teas, capsules or liquid tinctures, oils within the herbs or the peel or in ointments and salves.

General categories of herbs according to their function

• Adaptogenic herbs help body adapt to and resist stress by supporting glands (e.g. Licorice)
• Alternative herbs help restore general function of the body (e.g. Goldenseal)
• Anti-inflammatory reduces inflammatory response of body (e.g. Echinacea)
• Antimicrobials help kill microbes and increase body resistance to infection (e.g. Garlic)
• Antispasmodic ease cramping in muscles and can ease psychological tension (e.g. St. John's Wort)
• Astringent links to skin and mucous membranes to protect those tissues from inflammation and infection
• Bitter herbs bitter taste triggers digestive juices, bile flow and gut repair
• Carminative stimulates gut to function better, removes gas and pain in gut
• Demulcent soothes irritation in gut/colon; for sensitive GI system and prevention of diarrhea (e.g. Ginger)
• Diuretic increases urine flow to assist in waste elimination
• Emmensgogue increases menstrual flow plus help normalize female reproductive system
• Expectorant helps remove irritants and mucous in lungs and respiratory passages
• Hepatic helps liver function in digestion and detoxification (e.g. detoxification)
• Hypotensive lowers elevated blood pressure (e.g. Hawthorn)

Schedule an Appointment

If you'd like more information about herbal therapy, contact Natural Horizons Health & Wellness Center at (877)-292-1571.