Herbs

Dosage: Study each herb and understand it's uses and suggested dosage. Herbs vary a great deal in strength (for example, chamomile and valerian are both used for nervous conditions, but valerian is considerably stronger). Most herbs are safe to use at a ratio of one ounce to one pint of water, and that is the usual European recommendation. Herbalists in the United States tend to recommend lower dosages. There is quite a range of safety with the majority of herbs. My recommendation is to start smaller and work up to the larger dose if you need to. Part of learning to administer and take herbs is the process of learning to assess the body's reactions and the results you are getting.

You must also assess the person you are giving herbs to and determine their energy level. The elderly and weak may not be able to tolerate strong dosages of herbs or herbs with strong, active therapeutic action. Active blood moving herbs and emmenagogues with a strong, downward action should not be used with pregnant women. Pregnant and lactating women pass along the herbal results on the their own body to those of the baby.

Mild herbs are best for children; avoid harsh, laxative and cleansing herbs. You must watch the healing crisis very carefully with children, they can react very quickly and strongly. To determine dosage: divide the weight of the child by 150 pounds and that will equal the fraction of the adult dosage.

    weight of child
   ----------------- = fraction of adult dosage.
   150(adult weight)

Acute problems: Treat these more quickly, with stronger herbs; often using just a few herbs in the formula. Use larger doses, frequently (every two to four hours) until the crisis breaks and symptoms subside. Then, two to three time a day until symptoms disappear. After this it is good to do nutritive and tonic herbs for a period of time. If you do not see improvement in two or three days, reevaluate the formula you are using.

Chronic problems: These should be considered a long term therapy as most chronic conditions took a long time to develop and will take time to repair. Treat them more slowly and gently with a balanced formulation. The approach must be systemic and should be combined with mental, emotional and body work. Also important considerations are diet, nutrition, exercise and fresh air. The herbs used should have an effect on the whole body and bring about slow and gradual change. Start slow and work up.

Negative Reaction: Reduce dosage or stop taking the herbs. If the symptoms stop quickly or immediately, change formula.

Rest Periods: It is recommended that you take breaks from the herbal therapy. Take the herbs for a week and then take a day off. Or Take for a month and take a week off.

Choosing the Herbs: Most herbs have an affinity for a certain body system; this can help you choose the appropriate herb. Another important consideration is the action activity of the herb (diuretic, laxative, etc.).

Combinations can be formulated to work synergistically in a more holistic approach. The formula can treat the obvious symptoms and at the same time work to support and tone the systems involved. A rule of thumb recipe for combinations is as follows:

• 3 parts of active herb or herbs
• 1 part modulator to action
• 1 part flavor

The modulator can temper the side effects of harsh herbs, such as ginger with laxative herbs to keep from having intestinal cramps. Mucilaginous herbs will help to protect the mucous membranes of the digestive tract from harsh herbs. Sometimes herbs are added to a formula that are activators or simulators that promote the action of the primary medicine, such as kelp, ginger or cayenne.

Flavoring herbs may also be chosen to add to the action of the formula. Mint, cinnamon, fennel, anise, cardamom and lemon balm all have their own medicinal properties as well as taste good.