by Ann Cue, Master Herbalist
Q Why should I be asking questions about herbs?
A Because your future health depends upon how well you supply your body with the nutrients required for daily
maintenance, and for protection from pollution and disease. Herbs, chosen wisely, provide thousands of nutrients
(phytochemicals) not available in even the best of diets. These important nutrients cannot be efficiently supplied by the
chemical isolates which are in common use today.
Q I have heard of herbs for cooking, and herbal medicines, but I do not know much about herbs for nutrition.
Should I be cautious when adding herbs to my daily diet?
A Yes. Many well-meaning "experts" recommend herbal preparations for daily use that are actually medicinal, and should be
prescribed by licensed and experienced health professionals, for short-term use only. Get your advice from those who know
the difference between herbal foods and herbal medicines.
Q Are there some herbs that I should not be taking on a daily basis?
A Some of the currently popular herbal preparations with known side effects include green tea, various algae, ginkgo biloba,
ephedra (ma huang), psyllium, aloe vera, pau d'arco, echinacea, guarana, melaleuca, and goldenseal. Given the absence of
quality control standards in the herbal industry, there are many others that can cause problems, depending on how they are
handled. For example, soybeans, a rich herbal (plant) source of many important nutrients, are usually handled in a way that
destroys their benefits and actually makes them harmful to health. The same is true of many essential oils used in today's skin
care products.
Q How can I recognize which herbal products are good for my health?
A It helps to understand how important the preparation process is. We take this for granted when we use more familiar
foods: we know what parts to keep and what parts to throw away; we know whether a food is under-ripe, spoiled, or just right;
and in general we know how to fix the food to make it edible. When it comes to herbs, especially unfamiliar ones, it is even
more important to have understanding of preparation processes. For this knowledge, most of us need to rely on herbal health
food experts. Whoever prepares the herbs for nutritional purposes must know what parts of the plants to use, how to harvest
at the right stage, and how to customize the herbal food for balance and assimilation. This is a very exacting science.
Q Does anyone know how to do this?
A While some "folk wisdom" exists, most cultures experienced in the use of herbs did not keep adequate written records.
There is one exception. The ancient Chinese kept very precise records for thousands of years, detailing hundreds of
thousands of herbs that could promote long life and maximum health. For the last 2000 years, these records were lost.
However, they are currently in use as the foundation for the restoration of herbal nutritional science by the herbal experts at
Sunrider International in Torrance, California. At this time, we know of no other company with Sunrider's level of information,
technical expertise, and resources. They now have 15 years' experience combining the best of ancient herbal knowledge with
modern technology.
Q Is this the same as the Chinese Traditional Medicine I have heard about?
A Definitely not. Herbal nutrition is a separate science from herbal medicine. Herbal medicines correct symptoms, and
should not be self-administered. Herbal nutritional products are foods that supply what your body needs but your ordinary diet
cannot provide. They can be used safely, the same as regular foods. Even if you are using medications, herbal or
pharmaceutical, herbal foods will help you overcome side effects and improve your total health picture. They do not require a
doctor's supervision.
Q What should I expect in herbal nutritional supplements designed by "experts"?
A You should look for these things:
Q What can I expect herbal nutritional supplements to do for me?
A Because herbs will immediately begin to supply nutrients your body has probably never had before, you never know what
to expect! Your body will use these long-forgotten foods to restore various functions, cleanse and purify, balance various
systems, and in general improve your health. Some benefits are immediately apparent; some appear after long and regular
use. What people report regularly are benefits such as:
More energy
Less sickness, and improvement in chronic conditions
Better emotional balance and clearer thinking processes
Looking younger
Strength, endurance, and improved muscle tone
Health-centered weight loss
Control over addictions and food cravings
Q How do I get started?
A We can help you. We have over 20 years' experience in this important health field.
Cues for Health, Madison WI
cues@chorus.net