Articles
N.B. The information in these articles is for interest only and does not constitute medical advice.
SAFETY AND HERBAL MEDICINE
by Sara Hamer
As herbal medicine has become more and more popular, there has been a huge increase in the range of remedies available over the counter. There is an assumption in many people's minds that because they are natural, herbal remedies are safe.
However, herbs can sometimes cause more harm than good if used inappropriately, just like other kinds of medicine. While self medication with over-the-counter (OTC) herbal remedies is fine much of the time, there are potential dangers that people should be aware of. This is particularly important if you are pregnant, taking any other form of medication, or taking OTC remedies for anything other than minor ailments. In these cases, it is preferable to see a qualified medical herbalist.
Some herbs can have unwanted effects. For example, Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), which is used as a cough remedy and for stomach problems among other things, can raise blood pressure in some people. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva ursi), which is in remedies for urinary infections and fluid retention, can irritate the kidneys if used excessively.
As well as drug interactions and side effects, some herbal remedies can cause problems, or simply be ineffective because they are being taken inappropriately. A good rule of thumb is to only take a remedy for between a fortnight to a month. If you do not get any relief, it is likely that the remedy is not the right one, in which case you should stop taking it. Even if you feel the remedy is helping, you should still stop taking it after two or three months to find out whether you still need it. If your symptoms return with the same intensity, then the problem hasn't been solved and may need further investigation or different treatment. A trained medical herbalist can help make an accurate diagnosis and will formulate an individual prescription that is likely to be more effective. Stop taking any remedy immediately if adverse symptoms occur and contact a medical herbalist or your doctor if they persist.
Problems with adulterations and substitutions of OTC herbal remedies have more often been a problem of Asian herbal remedies with some alarming reports of steroids found in herbal creams for skin complaints and toxic metals, such as mercury found in other remedies.
One of the problems with the OTC market is a lack of regulation. While many companies act very responsibly and carefully label their products, this is not the case with all manufacturers.
So, what can you do to ensure that OTC remedies you use are appropriate, safe and effective?
- Be suspicious of very cheap herbal products - they are likely to be poor quality or old.
- Buy your remedies from a reputable and knowledgeable supplier who can give clear advice about what to take and how to take it. Ask what training assistants have had and be wary if staff are trained by a manufacturer only.
- Only buy herbal remedies that are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified - this is the only guarantee that herbs are correctly identified and good medicinal quality.
- Try to buy organic products or ones that have been tested to ensure they contain only low levels of pesticides and have not been irradiated.
- Remember, dried herbs lose their colour and aroma as they age Ð even more so if they are exposed to light and air. Only buy dried herbs that are well dried and stored and that have not been on display in a shop window. If they are good quality, they will have a distinct smell and taste.
- Always read the label of herbal capsules, tablets and tinctures. It should name all the ingredients, state the recommended daily dosage, state the weight of each capsule or tablet, or volume of tincture, and it should list the ratio of the herb in the product, such as 1:5 (one part herb to 5 parts liquid).
- Products should have the name of the manufacturer and contact details for them. You should be able to contact them to ask about the product if you want to.
- If you are on prescribed medication, pregnant or breastfeeding, or have anything other than a minor complaint, then the safest thing to do is consult a qualified medical herbalist.
THYME
by Sara Hamer
Everyone is familiar with Thyme. It is one of the classic aromatic herbs, that, even if someone doesn't use it or grow it, they know from that old song "Scarborough Fair". Most people are aware of it's culinary uses; it is an ingredient in the French bouquet garni, and in many mixed herb blends. However, it is also widely used in medicine and perfumery.
Thyme is the general name for the herbs of the Thymus species, all of which are native to the western Mediterranean region. This huge genus has three or four hundred species, most of which are aromatic shrubs or perennials.
Thyme was traditionally used by herbalists in Europe, and is still prominent in almost all medical herbalists' dispensaries as it is used to treat a wide range of health problems. As a topical treatment, it is a powerful antiseptic and antifungal. The essential oil can be added to creams for skin infections, athlete's foot or acne. The tincture or tea can be used as a gargle for sore throats or gum disease.It relaxes and disinfects the airways, making it ideal for asthma, bronchitis or other respiratory problems. It also treats infections in the urinary system, such as cystitis or urethritis. One of the reasons for its traditional use in cookery is that it helps improve digestion and eases wind and colic.
The essential oil content of the dried plant is about 2-5%. It is found mainly in small glands on the leaves and contains thymol, paracymene and linalol. Thymol is a powerful antiseptic and essential oil of thyme is one of the strongest antimicrobial essential oils known. The ancient Egyptians used it in embalming. Thyme oil has a clean, fresh, herby smell and is used in perfumery and to fragrance soaps and detergents. It blends well with woody essential oils, such as cedarwood and pine, citrus fragrances, such as bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, or lime, and with other herby or floral oils like lavender, marjoram, oregano, peppermint, rosemary and tea tree. It is a natural insect repellent and is said to repel rodents and get rid of fleas.
Thyme is easy and satisfying to grow. Thyme prefers to be in a hot, sunny place and is at its aromatic best if grown in well-drained soils that are low in nutrients. It thrives in stony ground and doesn't need much watering once established. Thyme is very attractive to bees and planted near the vegetable garden can help promote pollination. The bushes may also help to mask the smell of vegetables and can reduce insect infestations. Plant seeds in spring, preferably in pots for transplanting later. New plants can easily be propagated by layering from an established clump or by dividing the plants and replanting rooted sections. The plant also grows easily from cuttings taken in late spring. The plant should be cut back after it has finished flowering to encourage bushy growth. It should be collected when in flower, and carefully dried out of direct sunlight to preserve the characteristic colour and scent.
In culinary doses, thyme is quite safe, however, it should be used with some care with larger doses for medicinal purposes. Dilute the essential oil to no more than 2% before use, less for sensitive skins, as it may cause irritation. Do not use the essential oil or tincture when pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are taking prescribed medication without first consulting a medical herbalist or your doctor.