HERBS FOR HEALTH

Brothers and sisters, herbs are a gift from the Lord and should be utilized more by our people as we involve ourselves in the true methods of healing. Indeed, at this time when various pharmaceutical drugs are being called into question because of their many and deadly side effects, the spotlight is again being focused on these natural healers.

The drug industry would have us believe that herbal remedies are untested and therefore "dangerous," but herbs have been used for centuries. And many of them have been rigorously tested in other countries. Indeed the German Commission E, similar to our Food and Drug Administration, has done extensive research on many of the most common herbs and found them safe and efficacious when used as directed. It's instructive to note that in Germany herbal science is state of the art and natural remedies are taught in medical schools.

Let's take a closer look at herbs as a viable healing modality:

* Herb, which are in tune with our biological make-up, were part of the first system of healing that the world has known--yes, even from Bible times. They contain great healing benefits and are really a class of foods and therefore an extension of nutrition.

* The World Health Organization informs us that 80% of the more than 6 billion world population rely on herbal medicines. 30 to 50% of all medical doctors in France and Germany rely exclusively on herbal praparations as their primary medicines.

* Andrew Weil, MD., who teaches at the University of Arizona Medical School and is the author of Spontaneous Healing and other books, has prescribed herbs for everything from asthma to immune deficiency and has never seen plants cause serious side effects. He says he prescribes 40 times more botanical and herbal medicines than synthetic drugs.

* The herbal medicine chest has a centuries old history of effectiveness and solid scientific research confirmas their traditional use. Indeed, respected herbal practioners around the world recommend them to their patients...Varro E. Tyler, PhD, ScD, America's foremost expert on herbs and plant derived medicine, and dean emeritus of the Purdue University School of Pharmacy and Pharmacal Sciences, points out that herbs are part of the antioxidant army so cruicial for good health. Indeed, in many cases they are as much as 50 times more powerful than the antioxidant vitamins.

* Herbs (plants), work by assisting the body's normal self-healing mechanism... Drugs work by suppressing symptoms. Herbs are the new focus of reputable experts and labs across the country. From Rockefeller Univ. to the National Institutes of Health, studies are underway looking into the benefits of these healing wonders.

* For every drug there is an herbal alternative.

* A major "pain" that herbs can prevent: regular visits to the doctor's office.

* Time, the weekly new magazine pointed out that in one recent year 60 million Americans took herbal supplements, spending nearly $5 billion.

* Lynn Walker, PhD., writing in Nature's Pharmacy, points out that herbs are nature's gentle yet effective medicines. Many medical drugs are developed by isolating or imitating plant ingredients. But only the whole herb contains nature's wisdom and safety.

Important Note: Ask the Lord for wisdom and guidance as you utilize the healing power of herbs. And study, study, study--this subject is indeed worthy of our time and concern as we explore God's method of healing.

God heals His creation with His creation.

Suzanne

More on Herbs

Brothers and sisters, herbs have been used as healing agents since the beginning of time by every race upon the earth. Indeed, every culture has had some knowledge of herbs. These plant remedies represent the most continuous and universal form of treatment for man's ills.
The practice of using herbs in health care sprang back to life in the U.S. so suddenly and dramatically in the late'60's and early '70's that the decades since have been seen as an "herbal renaissance."

Drugs act upon the vital forces in a manner similar to whipping a tired horse, whereas herbs are in tune with bodily processes and work along with it in building, repairing and vitalizing in a more gentle fashion.

Isadore Rosenfeld, MD., writing in an issue of "Parade" magazine: "A Doctor's Guide to Herbs," points out that "Times have changed. Establishment doctors like myself are taking a fresh look at herbal medicines--largely because of patient pressure. People are turning to a 'natural' approach because of their interest in prevention (not a strong suit of traditional medicne) and to find relief from a host of degenerative diseases, ranging from Alzheimer's to arthritis, for which there is currently no cure. In addition, herbal medicine is now the subject of serious research not only abroad but also in America."

Dr. Rosenfield list the following herbs as those he uses in his own practice: echinacia, helps alleviate the symptoms of colds; St. John's wort, treats mild depression; feverfew, prevents migraine headaches; saw palmetto, helps men with benign enlargement of the prostate; ginkgo biloba, used to treat memory loss; ginger, prevents motion sickness and nausea; garlic, lowers cholesterol; ginseng, increases energy; valerian, a safe, mild sleeping aid; milk thistle, for hepatitis and other liver disorders; and peppermint, a digestive aid.

Dr. Rosenfield issues certain cautions and says that these herbs should be avoided: comfrey, chaparral, jin bu haun, germander, pennyroyal and pokeroot, as all can hurt the liver. Ephedra (ma huang) can raise heart rate and blood pressure and should likewise be avoided.

(I have also read elsewhere that certain Chinese herbs should be used with extreme caution or not at all). Any use of herbs should be preceded by learning as much as possible about them. Here is where detective work comes in.

And there are various herbal books that give much info on the subject. My favorite is Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss. Varro E. Tyler, PhD, ScD, America's foremost expert on herbs and plant derived medicine, lists these herbal books as quite helpful: 101 Medicinal Herbs, by Steven Foster; The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, by Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon, PhD; The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs, by Rob McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien; The Doctors Book of Herbal Home Remedies by the editors of Prevention Health Books; Tyler's Honest Herbal, 4th ed., and Herbal Medicine Expanded Commission E Monographs (Integrative Medicine Communications, 2000), edited by Mark Blumenthal, Alicia Goldberg, and Josef Brinckmann.

The use of herbs for health is obviously for the thinking man or women who takes the time to prayerfully and carefully study up on the subject. They are part of a total program that includes the 8-laws of health as outlined in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy.

Your health is YOUR responsibility.

Suzanne

Hi Suzanne,

Thank you for the herbal references; Back to Eden has been a favourite as it includes treatments, anecdotes and some sound Biblical precepts.

It's true that we've long viewed health as our own responsibility, within the SDA construct. But my health is not truly MY responsibility, nor is my behaviour. These belong to God if we believe He is our Creator, and Christ our Redeemer. The difference may seem petty or contentious, merely semantics. But not so. If a man or woman is surrendered to Christ, HE will work in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)

Herbs in themselves are only a minor inclusion to the Newstart principle (under Nutrition), and here is my position: It's Christ we need, not herbs. Your sage words on Overeating & Gluttony confirm this truth: "The animal part of our nature should never be left to govern the moral and intellectual." (CD 47)

Christ has infinite power. Surrendered to Him, we partake of that divine nature because He is living within. It is no longer I that live, but Christ that liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galations 2:20)

There are few, if any Adventists who follow the inspired laws of health, and so they suffer from afflictions you list: colds, depression, migraines, BPH, memory loss, elevated blood cholesterol, insomnia, indigestion, etc. Herbs will not remove the cause. We willfully violate the laws of health only when we resist His direction. Trust in Christ's love for us alone will keep us safe and healthy, for He will never lead us amiss.

Many amongst us have forgotten the Divine reason for the health laws, and so apply them as works. This preserves us to some extent, but fails of reaching the intended goal, which is to have the mind of Christ. A mind open and subject to the leading of Divinity. As we surrender to Him by faith, our faith increases and we trust more, surrender more. Christ was always in subjection to His Father's will, and thus He is our example.
______

Thanks, gordon1, for your words of wisdom--so true! However the Lord "knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust," (Ps. 103:14), and do not always measure up. Hence He has given us a sensible, balanced health message, which includes natural remedies, and the use of herbs, as His own approved healing modalities that can and should be used when needed.

And this system stands as an open rebuke to those who use and foster the use of expensive, dangerous medicinal drugs that have well nigh taken over the Western world and is met with indifference by many SDAs.

It may be well for each of us to reread, and prayerfully study The Ministry of Healing, by Ellen White. This volumn clarifies so many questions that arise concering the health of the body and our relationship to Christ.

Suzanne

Brothers and sisters, the Lord in His mercy has given us a balanced view of many Bible statements that sometimes are misunderstood. Consider the following thought from Inspiration:

"Brethren, we are far behind. Many of the things which the church should do in order to be a living church are not done. Through the indulgence of perverted appetite many place themselves in such a condition of health that there is constant warring against the soul's highest interests. The truth, though presented in clear lines, is not accepted. I wish to set this matter before every member of our churches. Our habits must be brought into conformity to the will of God. We are assured, 'It is God which worketh in you,' but man must do his part in controlling appetite and passion. The religious life requires the action of mind and heart in harmony with the divine forces. No man can of himself work out his own salvation, and God cannot do this work for him without his co-operation. But when man works earnestly, God works with him, giving him power to become a son of God." --Ellen White, Testimony for the Church, Vol. 6:371, 372.

Comment: The point I want to make here is that we are not robots to be controlled like puppets on a string by the Lord, but must cooperate fully in working out our salvation. That means that we definitely have a role to play in following the directions the Lord has outlined--work out what the Lord works in. And we need divine help to do our part.

It may sound a bit confusing, but by the grace and help of the Lord we can and must understand these crucial concepts.

Suzanne

Herb Sales Grow

In spite of the recession, more consumers purchased herbal supplements last year (2009), than in 2008. This according to HerbalGram, a publication of the American Botanical Council. Indeed, in natural products stores, sales of plant-based dietary supplements increased by 4.5%.

Top sellers include the following:

1. Aloe vera
2. Flaxseeds and/or flaxseed oil
3. Wheat or barley grass
4. Acai
5. Turmeric
6. Milk thistle
7. Stevia
8. Elderberry
9. Saw palmetto
10. Echihnacea

Suzanne

I would like to emphasize that herbs are only a part of the whole program. Many seek herbs as a magic pill unlike the toxic substances urged by the slash, burn, and poison industry.

Of course, it depends upon what one defines as "herbs", but using the definition related to the context that they are to be taken for healing rather than regular consumption, if someone is following the eight laws of health, they would not need healing. It's only those who have not been following them who may need a boost while they get back on track.

For those who refuse to follow the laws of health, herbs may not harm them, but they won't fix the problem. Too many put too much belief in advertising hype such as, lose weight without changing your diet.

I agree. While it is true our health is a gift from God, can one expect God to restore health if we abuse the machinery He's given us? How we choose to treat our bodies IS our responsibility.

You are an enigma to me kland, sometimes appearing scientifically aware, and at other times, not..

Medicinal Herbs

Medicinal herbal teas taking the mainstream beverage industry by storm

by Jonathan Benson, staff writer

(NaturalNews) Many people looking for alternatives to coffee, soda pop, artificially-sweetened drink mixes, and other mainstream beverages that severely lack in the nutritional department, are turning to medicinal teas, according to a recent report in The News Tribune. Tisanes, or herbal infusion teas that often have a medicinal flare, are popping up at coffee shops and specialty beverage stores across the country, as customers seek healthier and more flavorful beverage alternatives.

Herbal tea blends containing all sorts of plant materials, from common herbs and fruits to flowers and roots, have been utilized for centuries by many ancient cultures that recognized their health-promoting benefits. And many Americans are now discovering for the first time that when certain herbs are carefully steeped at just the right temperature for just the right amount of time, they can provide benefits like headache relief and anti-inflammation.

Maureen McHugh, co-owner of the Mad Hat Tea Co. in Tacoma, Wash., and certified nutritionist, told the Tribune that her particular tea shop is actually run more like an apothecary because many of her customers often come specifically to purchase teas for pains and ailments.

"I have had people come in, sit down, have a cup of tea and walk away without a headache," she said, referring specifically to her "Pounding Headache" herbal infusion tea made from white willow, lavender, rosehips, blue violet, lemon peel and chrysanthemum.

She and other tea herbalists have also developed blends to promote things like restful sleep and energy, among other things, taking advantage of the countless natural compounds present in plants and herbs that can be extracted into water and consumed like medicine. And while such herbalists do not specifically dispense medical advice, customers quickly learn of the teas' benefits and continue to come back for more.

Sources for this story include:

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/...

Suzanne

Chamomile helps with anxiety, sleeplessness and depression

by Celeste M. Smucker, MPH, PhD

(NaturalNews) Anxiety and insomnia are health concerns which may appear together and are often also linked to depression. These three health issues have a significant impact on people's lives and on our national health care economy. Within any 12 month period, 18% of adults suffer from anxiety, while nearly 29% will do so at some time during their life. Similarly, as much as 30% of the population may suffer from some form of insomnia, including a high percentage of those individuals diagnosed as depressed. Annual economic costs are significant and range from estimates of $15 billion for medical care to as much as $150 billion in lost productivity. While medical interventions are common, there are a variety of natural solutions including chamomile, a common herb which is inexpensive and readily available with minimal side effects.

Chamomile Tames Anxiety
While traditional healers have long recommended chamomile for anxiety, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania were some of the first to examine this relationship scientifically. In a 2009 study, the authors compared scores from standardized tests designed to measure generalized anxiety disorder or GAD. Over a period of eight weeks, one group received a placebo while the other took pharmaceutical grade chamomile capsules. Subjects were then tested to measure changes in symptoms of anxiety during this time. Those who took chamomile enjoyed a reduction in anxiety symptoms and the changes were termed "clinically meaningful and statistically significant."

Chamomile is a Great Sleep Remedy
Most of us are familiar with chamomile as a soothing tea that promotes relaxation and feelings of drowsiness at bedtime; its effectiveness is possibly due to its mild sedative action. While researchers have not confirmed a link between chamomile and sleep in humans, there are animal studies which do support a relationship. For example, a Japanese study using sleep-disturbed rats found chamomile worked as well as a tranquilizer in helping them fall asleep. Chamomile also has anti-inflammatory properties and may promote sleep by helping to reduce swelling caused by inflammation associated with allergies.

Chamomile May Indirectly Impact Depression
In an article about depression and insomnia which appeared in the Journal of Affective Disorders, the authors concluded that if you are diagnosed with insomnia your risk of also being diagnosed with depression in the next one to three years is very high. Of course anxiety is also strongly associated with depression. As many as 85% of depressed individuals were found to be anxious according to a study reported at the consumer mental health site, Healthyplace.com. The frequency of anxiety and insomnia during depression suggests that chamomile may be helpful for alleviating some of its symptoms as well.

Chamomile's Long Lasting Effects
Unlike some supplements which are only effective for a few hours, chamomile seems to stay in your system for a relatively long time. A 2005 study reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry evaluated the urine of volunteers who drank chamomile tea daily for two weeks. They found elevated levels of hippurate, an anti-inflammatory, and glycine, which helps soothe muscle spasms. Two weeks after the volunteers stopped drinking chamomile, levels of these elements were still measurable.

Chamomile is readily available in capsule form and as a tea in most grocery and health food stores. However, proceed with caution if ragweed causes you to sniffle and sneeze. Chamomile is in the same family and could cause a similar allergic reaction.

Sources for this article include

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/...
http://www.better-sleep-better-life...
http://nccam.nih.gov/research/resul...
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-s...
http://www.jad-journal.com/article/...
http://www.Healthyplace.com January 13, 2009
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021... J Agric Food Chem, Jan 26, 2005

Suzanne