Herbal medicine

• Published in: The Western journal of medicine 2001-08, Vol.175 (2), p.125-128
• Main Authors: Vickers, Andrew, Zollman, Catherine, Lee, Roberta
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Arthritis; Herb-drug interactions; Herbal medicine; Herbs; Humans; Medicine, Botanic; Medicine, Herbal; Phytotherapy; Prescription drugs
• ISSN: 0093-0415; 1476-2978
• DOI: 10.1136/ewjm.175.2.125

Table 1 Example of an herbal prescription for osteoarthritis Turmeric (Curcuma longa) tincture 20 mL--For anti-inflammatory activity and to improve local circulation at affected joints Devil's claw (Harpogophytum procumbens) tincture 30 mL--For anti-inflammatory activity and general well-being Ginseng (Panax spp) tincture 10 mL--For weakness and exhaustion White willow (Salix alba) tincture 20 mL--For anti-inflammatory activity Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 5 mL--For anti-inflammatory activity and to improve palatability and absorption of herbal medicine Oats (Avena sativa) 15 mL--To aid sleep and for general well-being Chinese herbalism is one of the most prevalent of the ancient herbal traditions currently practiced. Summary points Herbal medicine differs from conventional medicine in its use of whole plants, generally as an unpurified extract; herb combining (polypharmacy); and diagnostic principles based on treating "underlying causes" Practitioners of herbal medicine tend to concentrate on treating chronic conditions and improving well-being Because many plants are toxic, herbal medicine probably presents a greater risk of adverse effects than other complementary therapies The potential for interactions of herbal products with conventional drugs exists and some interactions have been well-characterized Differences from conventional drug use Although superficially similar, herbal medicine and conventional pharmacotherapy have important differences. Sources of information on safety of herbal products Food and Drug Administration www.fda.go . tel [phone] American Association of Poison Control Centers www.aapcc.org/ Herb Research Foundation 1007 Pearl St, Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80302. tel [phone]. www.herb.org American Botanical Council PO Box 144345, Austin, TX 78714-4345. tel [phone]. www.herbalgram.org In addition to the herbal prescription, practitioners may work with their clients to improve diet and other lifestyle factors, such as exercise and emotional issues.