Why Herbs Work

Thousands of years ago people used herbs but did not understand why herbs work. Find out how herbs work and why herbs work.

Thousands of years ago people used herbs but did not understand why herbs work.  They just knew it worked.  When Aloe was used to soothe burns they did not know the plant contained allatoin allowing burns to heal faster. 

When Licorice was used for arthritis they did not know it contained Sappiness that are similar to steroid hormones.  When Garlic was used as a preventative they were not aware it contained volatile oils that fight infection.  Since times gone by, a lot of research has been conducted, but even still we rely heavily on folklore. 

Believe me when I tell you that herbal remedies are very much alive and often in disguise in over the counter drugs. Visit your local drugstore and check out some of the product labels. Hundreds of non-prescription drugs, from cough remedies to laxatives, contain plant substances. As well, about one quarter of all prescription drugs still contain active ingredients derived from herbs.

Don't forget to visit our Herbs That Heal Reference Material or staff herbologist and author of Healing Herbs For The Mind Body and Soul. Packed with reference material, including other names for common herbs, chemical makeup, and herbal energy information.

The living cells of plants are like chemical factories.  They take in water, sunlight, carbon dioxide, and produce nutrients.  Many herbs have active pharmacological compounds, making them useful in treating and preventing disease.  The type of plant determines the part of the plant that contains the active ingredients.  Some herbs target a specific system such as the heart while others are an excellent overall tonic.  Some ease pain while others ease muscle spasms.  Some relax while others stimulate.  Some boost the immune system while others detoxify.

Just because herbs are natural does not mean they can be used carelessly or without the same respect given to the chemical counterpart.  Know what the herb does and how it works before you use it.  That’s the basis of this book to give you knowledge to allow you to determine what will meet your needs. 

Overall very few medical problems arise from herbal use but there is always a few, often seen in the form of an allergic reaction.  About 1% of plants are poisonous so if you plan to grow or gather your own herbs be sure to have done your homework or have a skilled Herbalist with you. 

You shold always know the cautions and always take the recommended dosage.  More is not always better.  In fact, I recommend seeking the assistance of a physician trained in herbal treatment such as a Naturopath or a Master Herbologist.

The biggest problem with herbal medicine is obtaining useful information when trying to determine an effective herbal cure.  Physicians and Pharmacists have no training in herbs, labels are vague and uninformative, and the Village Shaman is from days gone by. This site and my book are designed to aid the average person in determining the uses of herbs.  It is designed for both novices and experienced users who want to explore the world of herbal remedies. 

Learn how herb works, what the medicinal values are, the history of the herb, the active ingredients, the research that has been conducted, what ailments the herb is most effectively used for, cautions, and much more. 

Find out what my favorites as “Top Picks.”  These are my favorite herbs, my opinion only, but realize there are many other excellent herbs.  The herb’s I have chosen are easily available, and have good sound research behind them. 

Herbal Medicine is making big come back.  Society is beginning to realize that herbal remedies do work and the number one reason that the pharmaceutical companies are not interested is because there is no money to be made from plants.  Many of us find natural remedies safer, easier on the body, and more economical then chemical based drugs.

You might wander how I become so knowledgeable in herbs.  Many years ago I became very ill and caught up in the conventional medical world.  I had been sick for many months and I became very frustrated with what was being done for me and the side effects from many of the chemical based drugs.   I was eventually diagnosed with endrometrial cancer which did require surgery. Although I could not avoid major surgery, I believe that herbal medicine was the reason for my quick recovery and the reason I lived to talk about it!

During my illness my weight had dropped to below 80 pounds when I decided I had to do something to save myself while conventional medicine plodded along at it's slow pace trying to find out what was wrong.   I began to research herbal medicine and became fascinated with it and the culture that surrounds it.  I  began to utilize various herbal treatments which sustained me during my weakest period and allowed me to grow stronger and better after my surgery.

My doctors were amazed yet skeptical when I told them what I had been doing.  After my full recovery I could not get herbal medicine out of my system, so become a Master Herbalist.  I want to share the information I have with each and every one of you.

Later after my recovery I went on to become a licenced herbologist so that I could help others maintain their health.  There is nothing more important to us than good health!

Herbal Medicine can help all of us whether it is for a specific ailment or a tonic that promotes overall health and well being.  We live in a world were we are bombarded with pollutants of all sorts.  Our bodies can only do so much before they become run down and cannot function properly.  Think of your body like your car.  If you do not keep it tuned up it does not perform optimally.  Your body needs your help in staying tuned and running properly.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you never had to worry about another cold or how about constantly feeling tired.  These dreams are within your reach.  “Healing Herb’s for the Mind Body and Soul” will become the number one reference book in your home. 

Herbologist and author of "Healing Herbs For The Mind Body & Soul"
Sherry Matsen