Herbal Medicine

A Woman's Garden of Natural Healing

Long before science created today's powerful pharmaceuticals, Mother Nature had a mighty arsenal of her own to treat the ills and injuries that affect us all from time to time. That arsenal? Herbs.

Examples? Valerian root eased the nerves of anxious women 1,000 years before the advent of sedatives such as Valium. Native American women relied on black cohosh tea to soothe menopausal problems for centuries. And women have been using feverfew leaves to combat migraine headaches since a.d. 78.

What's more, few people realize that some of the most widely used drugs available to women are derived from herbs. Examples include digitoxin, originally derived from the foxglove plant and used for congestive heart failure; the antimalarial drug quinine, from Peruvian bark; and reserpine, a blood pressure medication made from Indian snakeroot.

And today, medical researchers are unearthing new revelations about medicinal herbs, says Ethan Russo, M.D., a neurologist at the Western Montana Clinic in Missoula, academic adjunct professor in the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Montana and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Dr. Russo believes that yet-to-be-discovered herbs may one day play a pivotal role in human healing. "We have yet to tap the enormous potential of our rain forests' herbal resources," he says. For example, says Dr. Russo, the sap from the jungle-growing croton tree, known as dragon's blood, contains taspine, a substance that seems to increase wound healing.

"NEW" MEDICINE WITH OLD ROOTS

What is a medicinal herb? Simply, any plant whose seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark or flowers are used for medicinal purposes.

The exact moment when humans discovered that herbs had the power to heal is lost in time. One theory is that our earliest ancestors took a botany lesson from even earlier ancestors: Primates use herbs as an antiparasite medicine.

Whether it's instinct or observation, of this we are certain: We have used herbal remedies to treat ourselves and our families since the dawn of humanity. As soon as we began recording history, it seems, we began recording our use of herbal medicine.

Babylonians carved herbal prescriptions into clay tablets dating from 2600 b.c. Egyptians inked their herbal remedies into the Papyrus Ebers nearly a millennium later. And in China, the Shang Han Lun, written 1,800 years ago, ranked the 365 herbs that formed the backbone of Chinese herbology and is still used today.

Use of medicinal herbs is old. Scientific study of their use began in the eighteenth century, but in the United States it fizzled out during the 1960s. Though it has been making a comeback in the United States, interest remains small in comparison to some other countries. Of the 42 small grants awarded by the Office of Alternative Medicine in the National Institutes of Health over a two-year period, only 5 focused on herbs. Europe is another matter: Researchers in Germany, for example, have published 300 scientific reviews of the use of herbs. Experts hope that someday the Food and Drug Administration will adopt standards for the use of medicinal herbs based on German research now applied in that country.

For women, medicinal herbs may present a distinct advantage over standard medications, say advocates. "For certain health concerns such as fibrocystic breast 'disease' (harmless breast growths) or heavy menstrual bleeding, herbs are a far better choice than conventional prescription drugs," says Adriane Fugh-Berman, M.D., former head of field investigations for the Office of Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

"That's because the drugs that we use for problems like these--drugs such as tamoxifen or danazol for fibrocystic breasts--are very powerful and wreak havoc with a woman's delicate hormonal balance. But herbs used for these problems are relatively mild. They work with, not against, a woman's system."

FOOD, TONIC OR DRUG?

Medicinal use of most herbs takes know-how. The following descriptions categorize medicinal herbs from mildest to potentially toxic, according to Susun S. Weed, an herbalist, teacher and author of the Wise Woman herbal series from Woodstock, New York, who speaks widely on the medicinal use of herbs at medical gatherings.

Nourishing herbs. Leafy herbs such as calendula flowers, fennel seeds, lemon balm, nettles, oatstraw, raspberry leaves and violet leaves are some of "nature's safest herbs," says Weed. Like leafy, dark-green vegetables, they're highly nutritious, and they may be used daily for long periods of time.

Tonic herbs. Herbs such as burdock, chaste tree, dandelion, Dong Quai, ginseng, hawthorn, motherwort, wild yam and yellow dock nourish a particular organ or system, says Weed. They act slowly and have a cumulative, rather than immediate, effect. "It's best to take tonic herbs in a broken pattern, like three days on, four days off, rather than daily," she explains.

"Herbal tonics have benefits as preventive medicine," says Marcey Shapiro, M.D., a family practitioner in private practice in Durham, North Carolina, who lectures widely on herbal medicine. "They were once widely used but have been lost to us in modern Western medicine."

Herbs that sedate or stimulate. Herbs such as catnip, hops, poppies, wild lettuce, wintergreen, passion flower and valerian, among others, are sedating. Others, such as cayenne, ephedra, primrose, ginger and guarana, are stimulants. Herbs that sedate or stimulate must be used carefully. They're powerful and can produce side effects or other unwanted reactions. Long-term use of sedating or stimulating herbs can lead to addiction, says Weed. "These herbs should be used in small doses for fairly short periods of time," she continues, suggesting that you rely on expert guidance when it comes to this class of herbs.

Potentially toxic herbs. More powerful herbs, such as blue cohosh, black cohosh, goldenseal and rue, among others, are potent medicines that must be used with caution, says Weed. While these herbs can stimulate powerful healing effects, taking too much of them will, almost always, produce side effects, she adds. "For example, goldenseal has become very popular lately, but it can cause liver and kidney damage."

At the same time, potent herbs can be extremely useful. So Weed suggests seeking the guidance of an experienced herbal practitioner rather than self-treatment with these herbs.

HERBS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW

If you were to ask leading herbal healers to list the most important herbs for women, none of their lists would be identical.

Nevertheless, the herbs that follow include nourishers, tonics, sedatives and other medicinal herbs that experts frequently recommend for women. Herbs that can be easily garden-grown are noted. Herbs are used medicinally as teas, infusions (a water-based solution stronger than tea), decoctions (concentrated infusions), tinctures (herbs in a vinegar, glycerin or alcohol base) and poultices and ointments (topically applied mixtures).

Black Cohosh: Nature's Hormone?

Healers have long used the dried roots and rhizome (woody stem) of the black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) to treat the spectrum of women's discomforts, and now we know why. Research shows that black cohosh helps ease hot flashes by suppressing the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH). It may be an alternative to estrogen-replacement therapy: One study showed that following hysterectomies (surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries), there was no significant difference in menopausal symptoms among women treated with estrogen and those treated with black cohosh extracts.

In addition, researchers consider black cohosh to be effective for treating PMS, menstrual cramps and emotional problems associated with menopause. "Black cohosh is excellent for hot flashes," says Dr. Fugh-Berman. Use black cohosh only in consultation with a health care practitioner familiar with herbs.

Calendula: Nature's Band-Aid

This herb reduces inflammation and helps wounds heal. Shown to be effective against staphylococcus germs, calendula (Calendula officinalis) is used externally for cuts, bruises, rashes and other skin irritations. It's most commonly applied to the skin in the form of poultices, ointments or infusions.

Calendula makes a hardy addition to your flower or herb garden. Sow fresh seeds directly into a sunny flower bed in April or May and enjoy the creamy yellow to brilliant orange floral display until fall.

Chamomile: Tension and Tummyache Tamer

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is so popular and well-regarded for its healing benefits that in 1987 it was declared "the medicinal plant of the year" in Germany.

Among the healing herbs, chamomile has been extensively studied and is an effective remedy for stomachaches and other gastrointestinal upsets. The volatile oil of chamomile, which is blue in color, contains anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic substances--namely the terpenoids and matricin. The flower also contains other compounds, known as flavonoids, that scientists say make chamomile an effective digestive aid.

Chamomile has tiny daisylike flowers and a distinctive sweet-apple fragrance. A natural sedative, chamomile works gently and safely, says Dr. Fugh-Berman. If you are allergic to ragweed, however, you may want to avoid it.

In Germany, chamomile is designated as safe and effective for treating everything from skin problems and topical bacterial infections to bronchial irritations.

If you decide to try chamomile, experts advise that you look for whole, dried flowers, purchased from reputable sources. Avoid powdered or pulverized chamomile--it may not be pure. If you decide to grow your own, chamomile will tolerate most soils and likes lots of sun and moisture.

Dandelion: The Good-for-You Weed

So you thought dandelions were only weedy, yellow lawn-wreckers. Wrong! Dandelion, says Weed, is a dandy--and the perfect first herb for beginners to try.

Young, tender dandelion greens (Taraxacum officinale) are even more nutritious than spinach and make great salad additions. "Like spinach, dandelion is loaded with nutrients that women especially need, including calcium, vitamins A and C, folate, iron and potassium," says Weed. "I encourage women to eat two raw pesticide-free dandelion leaves a day."

Evening Primrose Oil: Hot-Flash Cooler

Evening primrose oil and the similar, but less widely available, oils of borage seed and black currant seed are excellent for painful fibrocystic breasts and hot flashes, according to Dr. Fugh-Berman.

"These conditions aren't serious, but they certainly are uncomfortable for many women," notes Dr. Fugh-Berman. "One out of two women has harmless breast lumps, yet the only medications that we have to treat these problems have serious side effects."

Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis), from the seed of a Native American wildflower, is a good source of gamma-linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid), and it's also useful for rheumatoid arthritis and eczema, says Dr. Fugh-Berman. "Doses range from two 500-milligram capsules twice a day for breast pain to 8 to 12 capsules a day for eczema or arthritis." Start with the minimum dose and proceed cautiously, she warns. Some people experience nausea, diarrhea or headache when taking this oil. If you experience side effects, discontinue its use.

Feverfew: Migraine Mediator

"I see a lot of women with chronic headaches and migraines, and I tell them to start chewing a feverfew leaf every single day and work up until they get the relief they need. And for a significant percentage of them, it works," says Dr. Russo.

For 2,000 years, feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has been used to reduce fever. Lately, science has resoundingly proven its value against headaches, particularly migraines, and the nausea and vomiting that often accompany them.

Scientists have identified parthenolide as the active component responsible for feverfew's ability to knock out a headache. In Canada, authorities recommend that feverfew products contain a minimum of 0.2 percent parthenolide.

Dr. Russo recommends purchasing a plant or growing feverfew plants from seeds. British feverfew seeds are preferred for their quality. High-quality feverfew seeds can be purchased from two British companies: B and T World Seeds, Whitnell House, Whitnell, Bridgewater, Somerset, TA5, 1JE, United Kingdom and Chiltern Seeds, Bortree Stile, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12, 7PB, United Kingdom.

But be prepared, Dr. Russo warns. "Feverfew tastes terrible, and it gives a small number of people--perhaps 5 percent of those who use it--mouth sores. Aside from that, I haven't noticed any side effects."

Feverfew has small, white daisylike flowers and grows like a weed. It needs very little cultivation to survive happily in most gardens.

Note: Bees hate the smell of feverfew and will avoid the entire garden that it grows in, so be sure not to plant it anywhere you have flowering plants that need pollination.

Garlic: Nature's Infection Fighter

"Garlic is so good for you," says Dr. Fugh-Berman, "that I wish everyone would eat a lot of it, every day. Then none of us would have to worry about having 'garlic breath.'"

Garlic (Allium sativum) fights viral and bacterial infections. Its active ingredient, allicin, is a potent antibiotic, though easily destroyed by heat. Consumption of garlic and onions has been linked with a lower risk of developing stomach cancer, says Dr. Fugh-Berman.

Scientists say that garlic is also effective for reducing risk factors for coronary artery disease and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and may be helpful in treating digestive problems, bacterial and fungal infections and high blood pressure.

The difficulty with garlic is knowing how much to take--and in what form. "To lower cholesterol," suggests Dr. Fugh-Berman, "you need to take 12 capsules of raw garlic oil or eat 10 to 12 cloves, daily. Unfortunately, some of its activity may be lost when garlic is cooked."

Ginger: The Tummy-Settler

Don't swear off sailing because of your seasickness until you've given ginger a try, says Dr. Russo. "For motion sickness and dizziness with nausea, ginger is my remedy of choice. The only drugs available for this problem cause sedation or other serious side effects. I've taken ginger to prevent seasickness, and I can tell you that it works for me."

But ginger's real value is in its proven power to treat nausea of all kinds, including morning sickness. "Pregnant women can stave off morning sickness with ginger," says Mary Hardy, M.D., clinical instructor at the University of Southern California School of Medicine and an associate at the Huntington Medical Foundation in Los Angeles. "I tell women to grate one-quarter to one-half teaspoon fresh ginger into a cup of tea, steep for five minutes, strain and drink first thing in the morning to prevent morning sickness," she adds.

One study also indicates that ginger (Zingiber officinale) can reduce the nausea and vomiting that can follow major surgery. In addition, there is some scientific support for ginger's use against migraine headaches, and it may even help ulcers.

"I find that ginger is excellent for cramps, because it is an antispasmodic and it encourages menstrual flow," says Dr. Shapiro. "I also recommend ginger for women who have acute sinus problems with clear mucus."

Dr. Russo's favorite way of taking ginger is in its candied, crystallized form (available in Oriental food markets). "Just eat a hunk before you board the boat to prevent seasickness," he says. You can also chew on a slice of fresh ginger or grate a small amount, to taste, into tea, notes Dr. Russo. Ginger capsules are also available. Each piece or capsule of ginger is equal to 500 to 550 milligrams of ginger, the standard dose.

Hawthorn: A Tonic for the Heart

Researchers believe that hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) relaxes the smooth muscles of the coronary blood vessels, which increases blood flow and may reduce angina--that is, chest pain resulting from decreased blood supply to the heart. "Hawthorn makes a good heart tonic--it supports cardiac function," says Dr. Fugh-Berman. "And in Western medicine, we don't have much in the way of preventive drugs."

While few healthy women under the age of 50 should have immediate concerns about heart disease, it happens to be the number one cause of death among older women. So hawthorn may be useful as a preventive medicine, especially for people with a history of heart disease or who have a family history of heart disease, suggests Dr. Fugh-Berman. She is quick to note that if you're being treated for existing heart disease, hawthorn can't replace the conventional cardiac therapy recommended by your doctor, which might include medications such as digitoxin, drugs known as beta-blockers or nitroglycerin.

Purple Coneflower: Cold and Flu Foe

Scientists say that echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) sparks the production of two protein substances--interferon and properdin--which fight off bacteria and viruses. In Germany, it's approved for use to help heal infections, wounds and inflamed skin conditions.

"There's lots of scientific evidence to support our use of echinacea," says Dr. Fugh-Berman. "It's a proven immune-system stimulant, and it's antiviral. That's important, because we don't have effective Western drugs that combat viral infections such as colds or the flu. Now if I'm exposed or feel the first symptoms of a cold, I take echinacea for a few days and can usually avoid a full-fledged infection."

Taken in tinctures, echinacea will make your mouth feel a little numb, says Dr. Fugh-Berman. "If it doesn't, then you don't have fully potent echinacea. Genuine echinacea always has a slight numbing action."

"Take echinacea in divided doses," she continues. "To ward off colds, take the lowest recommended dose twice a day. If you have a cold or flu, take a larger dose three or four times a day. Don't use it every day; it will lose its effectiveness."

Echinacea is a handsome, hardy perennial that looks like a purple black-eyed Susan. Sown from seed or transplanted, echinacea will thrive in most gardens. Wait till several hard frosts have passed before you harvest echinacea for medicinal purposes; then clean and dry the root. You can replant the crown after you harvest the root, but it won't be as potent as it was before.

OTHER HERBS IN BRIEF

In treating health problems, herbalists choose from among hundreds of other plants. Here are short takes on a few more herbs that experts consider especially useful.

Cranberry. A glass of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) juice a day might keep urinary tract infections away, according to physicians who treat women with herbal medicine.

Hops. In beer, hops (Humulus lupulus) acts as a natural preservative, keeping the brew fresh. Dr. Fugh-Berman suggests drinking hops as a gentle, relaxing tea, which is especially effective for insomnia. (Don't worry--you won't get drunk.)

Oatstraw. The green parts of the same oats that you eat for breakfast make a supernourishing infusion that's rich in calcium and B vitamins, says Weed. Oatstraw (Avena sativa) calms nerves, reduces cholesterol and helps you sleep restfully, she says.

Psyllium. Also known as plantago seeds, the cleaned, dried, ripe seeds of psyllium (Plantago psyllium) "help lower cholesterol and provide the roughage that keeps things moving through the lower intestine," says Dr. Fugh-Berman.

Stinging nettle. Nettles (Urtica dioica) are extremely rich in vitamins and minerals and make a valuable nourishing infusion for women during pregnancy and menopause, says Weed. An excellent diuretic, nettles are also good for women who retain water. And don't worry--despite the name, when dried, nettles don't sting.

Valerian. Tea made from dried valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root has been used as an effective minor tranquilizer and sleep aid for more than 1,000 years. One caution, though: "Valerian can easily become addictive," says Weed. To avoid dependency, she advises using it for less than a month--and not daily. Otherwise, you'll find it hard to fall asleep without the herb.

MORE M.D.'S PRACTICE HERBAL MEDICINE

As consumer interest in herbal medicine has grown, so has the number of herbal practitioners, says Roy Upton, president of the American Herbalist's Guild.

"Herbs range from safe nourishers like nettle to useful but dangerous plants such as pokeroot," says Weed. Many plants can heal us, but only a few can hurt us. Although herbs are natural, some can occasionally have side effects. Most herbs are safe to use even if you only have a little knowledge, while others are best left to experts, she explains.

"The problem is, in the United States, anyone can hang out a shingle and call himself an herbalist," cautions Penny King, research and education coordinator for the American Botanical Council.

"Conservatively, I'd estimate that there are between 15,000 and 20,000 healers in this country who prescribe medicinal herbs," says Upton, noting that the numbers encompass naturopaths, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and midwives, in addition to a growing number of conventional medical doctors.

"Now, medical schools are starting to incorporate herbal studies into their curriculums," says Upton. "Harvard, Columbia, Cornell and the University of California in Los Angeles all have programs that provide at least some level of herbal instruction," he continues.

At the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, medical students can study herbalism with Andrew Weil, M.D., professor of herbalism and director of the Program of Integrative Medicine and best-selling author of Spontaneous Healing and Health and Healing.

For details on what credentials and training to look for when locating a qualified herbal practitioner, see page 175. For information about finding a naturopath or doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine trained in herbal medicine, see pages 251 and 284.

USING HERBS WISELY AND SAFELY

Should you decide to try a mild herbal remedy for minor complaints, Weed offers this advice.

Pay attention to the botanical names of herbs. Every plant has an official botanical name, and that includes herbs. "What's sold as eyebright (an herb used for eye conditions) in one store may be sold by another name elsewhere. But Euphrasia officinalis means eyebright everywhere," says Weed.

Use one herb at a time. "Don't buy herbal combinations--you won't know which herb will work best for you. Instead, learn about one herb before trying others," says Weed.

Start small. "Begin by using gentle, nourishing tonic infusions and vinegars and watch for side effects or reactions (such as headache, skin rash, hives or visual disturbances) for 24 hours the first time you try a new herb," cautions Weed. "Anyone can be sensitive to anything. Some people can be bothered by strawberries, chamomile, anything."

Start gently. Use tinctures only after you've gained an understanding of herbs, and then use the smallest recommended dose, says Weed. Build up slowly as needed.

Use herbs for minor complaints first. Learn about an herb's effectiveness for a minor problem (such as menstrual cramps or insomnia) before you try herbal healing for more serious concerns, suggests Weed.

Don't expect instant results. Using herbs can be as easy (and as familiar) as going to the local discount drugstore and buying some pills or capsules. Don't expect herbs to be as instantly effective as over-the-counter drugs, however. "That's not the way herbs work," says Dr. Hardy.

Dr. Hardy believes that the rituals surrounding herbs are an important part of the healing process. When you use herbs for self-care, she suggests, you might be actually growing or gathering them, chopping them, steeping or brewing them, eating them raw or cooking with them, bathing with them or applying them directly to your body. "You make a positive mental connection when you use herbs; the ritual aspects of their use are very powerful," she says.