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ARE HERBS FOOD OR DRUGS
When referring to herbs for medicinal use it is not in the medical sense. The herbalist is not trained or licensed to diagnose disease. They can not identify bacteria, viruses or germs. They merely look at a person from a healthy model instead of the disease model and present the programs, diet, foods and herbs needed to put the healthy model back into a balance.
Herbs are not used the same way a medication is used. Their function is to bring the body back into balance so the body can heal itself. They are used to energetically raise one’s level of optimum energy, to bring more strength and vitality. The herbs help one to work with the natural forces within instead of suppressing them.
How do they work? Herbs are food that nourish and feed the body. When using hepatic herbs for the liver, the practitioner is not trying to cure, heal or apply medication to the liver, but instead trying to feed the liver with nutrients to heal itself. Herbs contain enzymes, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and most important life force. They build, repair, cleanse and restore function of tissue. Herbs are completely natural, safer than drugs and have miniscule side effects. They go to the cause of the illness and restore. They can balance pH levels, dissolving masses of toxic material and congestion.
Certain herbs are so high in nutritional value, making them completely safe for all ages and in all conditions. Taken in tea form, tincture, or pill form, you are getting nutrition in perfect balance. Other herbs are foods used in a medicinal sense and some limits should be applied. Golden Seal is one of those herbs. Although highly regarded by herbalists to be a cure-all for many ailments, it usually is only required to take a limited amount for a limited time period. And in a diseased state such as a cold or infection, the body can handle a larger amount than is usually recommended. Two of my favorite formulas that I use for acute illness such as sore throat or sinus infection are Capsicum / Garlic and Echinacea/Golden Seal . I increase the amount recommended by double and gradually decrease as health returns to normal.
Some herbs have been ridiculed only because of misuse. As soon as it is altered or concentrated in anyway, you disrupt the natural state of the herb and if taken improperly you can increase your risk of negative effects.
I have come to believe that the more herbs are used ,it is possible to develop an intuitive side in collaboration with the creative natural forces . It becomes internal and the sense is that of complete union with the plants and the forces behind them. This of course takes a belief system in effect that there is a higher intelligence within us that connects to all living things.
I strongly advocate the use of herbs for even healthy individuals who have no visible signs of illness. I find for myself that a pot of healthy formulas of good nutritional herbs teas can raise the vibratory rate of our cells, creating a higher state of mind and bring better balance on all levels. Instead of relying on adrenaline fixes like caffeine or sugar which are unhealthy, one can begin to rely on a pot of good tea. Teas that offer high doses of nutitional value are Dandelion, Nettle,Alfalfa, Oatstraw,Fo Ti, Ginseng, Gotu Kola,and Peppermint, to name a few. See what this may bring to your state of mind.
I see too many people relying on health supplements, popping many pills a day. For some, this may be necessary and for others a waste. Proper diet, lifestyle, good attitude and herbs teas can give us that perfect state of health. The goal is to maintain balance and optimum function. That is why herbs are for improving your health in a natural way.
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