Herbal Roots: We re in the Right Place at the Right Time

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Herbal Roots: We re in the Right Place at the Right Time With Steven Horne, RH(AHG) Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food Hippocrates

1 Herbal Roots: We re in the Right Place at the Right Time With Steven Horne, RH(AHG) Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food Hippocrates Where Does Food End? Phytochemical Compounds: Tannins, Alkaloids, Volatile Oils, Glycosides, etc. Food Value: Fats, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Minerals, etc. Food Herbs 1

biochemical balance Herbal Energetics The basic constituents that give herbs their various properties can easily be detected using our own senses The effects of these basic constituents can also be

ability to get effective results with herbs Basic Energetic Terms Energy Production Warm (Stimulate or speed up metabolism, relieve tissue depression) Cool (Sedate or slow down metabolism, reduce

2 Are Phytochemicals Essential to Health? Many phytochemicals influence the body s own messaging systems James Duke believes the body can pick and choose things it needs from the complex chemical make-up of herbs in order to create biochemical balance Herbal Energetics The basic constituents that give herbs their various properties can easily be detected using our own senses The effects of these basic constituents can also be felt (and observed), in other words, experienced directly This is the basis of what herbalists call energetics, or how herbs affect the energies of the body Herbal energetics has greatly enhanced my ability to get effective results with herbs Basic Energetic Terms Energy Production Warm (Stimulate or speed up metabolism, relieve tissue depression) Cool (Sedate or slow down metabolism, reduce tissue irritation) Neutral (Does not warm or cool) Tissue Density Moisten (Lubricate and soften hard tissue, reduces atrophy) Dry (Remove excess fluid from tissue, relieves stagnation) Balancing (normalizes tissues from either atrophy or stagnation) Muscle and Tissue Tone Constrict (Increase tone, reduce secretion, counteracts relaxation) Relax (Relax spasms, increase secretion, counteracts constriction) Nourishing (provides nutrients to help tissues heal) 2

12 Basic Herbal Categories Pungent Aromatic Bitter Simple (Non-Alkaloidal) Alkaloidal Fragrant Salty Astringent Sour Acrid Mucilant Sweet Oily Pungent

ginger, garlic, horseradish, thyme, eucalyptus Aromatic Herbs Strong aroma, generally used as seasonings for adding flavour to food Constituents

3 12 Basic Herbal Categories Pungent Aromatic Bitter Simple (Non-Alkaloidal) Alkaloidal Fragrant Salty Astringent Sour Acrid Mucilant Sweet Oily Pungent Herbs Spicy or hot taste, biting aroma Constituents Resins Allyl-sulphides Alkamindes Some essential oils (monoterpenes) Warming and drying Capsicum, ginger, garlic, horseradish, thyme, eucalyptus Aromatic Herbs Strong aroma, generally used as seasonings for adding flavour to food Constituents Essential or volatile oils (oils that evaporate) Warming and drying, but milder than pungent herbs Catnip, peppermint, chamomile, sage, oregano, rosemary 3

Simple Bitters Bitter taste Constituents Diterpenes Glycosides Athraquinone glycosides Cooling and

thistle, turmeric Alkaloidal Bitters Bitter taste Constituents Alkaloids (alkaline compounds, names end

grape, barberry, chocolate Fragrant Bitters Bitter taste; strong, but not necessarily pleasant aroma

4 Simple Bitters Bitter taste Constituents Diterpenes Glycosides Athraquinone glycosides Cooling and drying, but there are a few that are warming and drying Alfalfa, gentian, artichoke leaf, dandelion, milk thistle, turmeric Alkaloidal Bitters Bitter taste Constituents Alkaloids (alkaline compounds, names end in ine) : caffeine, nicotine, berberine, lobeline, hydrastine Cooling and drying Goldenseal, Oregon grape, barberry, chocolate Fragrant Bitters Bitter taste; strong, but not necessarily pleasant aroma Constituents Sesquiterpene lactones and triterpenes Slightly warming and drying Black walnut, wormwood, tansy, elecampane 4

Acrid Herbs Bitter, nasty, burning taste Constituents Resins Alkaloids Relaxing, may also be

Slightly bitter, with drying, slightly puckering sensation Constituents: Tannins Drying and

Constituents Fruit acids (citric, malic and abscorbic acid) Flavonoids Antioxidants Cooling,

5 Acrid Herbs Bitter, nasty, burning taste Constituents Resins Alkaloids Relaxing, may also be cooling and drying Lobelia, kava kava, black cohosh, blue vervain, Echinacea Astringent Herbs Slightly bitter, with drying, slightly puckering sensation Constituents: Tannins Drying and Constricting White oak bark, uva ursi, bayberry, sage, yarrow Sour Herbs Sour taste Constituents Fruit acids (citric, malic and abscorbic acid) Flavonoids Antioxidants Cooling, balancing (may moisten or dry), nourishing Lemon, bilberry, cranberry, rosehips, lycium, hawthorn, mangosteen 5

Salty Herbs Slightly salty, grassy or green taste (think of celery or spinach) Constituents Salts of magnesium, potassium, sodium

dulse Sweet Herbs Bitter-sweet flavour, not sugary or starchy, more like the sweetness of dark chocolate Constituents

bee pollen, astragalus Mucilant Herbs Slippery slimy feel when moist, generally bland or slightly sweet taste Constituents

6 Salty Herbs Slightly salty, grassy or green taste (think of celery or spinach) Constituents Salts of magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium Balancing (may moisten and/or dry tissues) and nourishing Alfalfa, mullein, nettles, chickweed, red clover, kelp, dulse Sweet Herbs Bitter-sweet flavour, not sugary or starchy, more like the sweetness of dark chocolate Constituents Polysaccharides Saponins Moistening and neutral (may be slightly warming or cooling, too) Licorice, stevia, ginseng, Eleuthero, bee pollen, astragalus Mucilant Herbs Slippery slimy feel when moist, generally bland or slightly sweet taste Constituents Mucopolysaccharides (mucilage and gums) Glucoaminoglycans Moistening, cooling and nourishing Aloe vera, slippery elm, psyllium, marshmallow, Irish moss, kelp 6

concept in all traditional herbal systems

Ayurvedic Medicine Native American Medicine

7 Oily Herbs Oily taste and texture Constituents Oils Fatty acids Moistening, Cooling and Nourishing Flaxseed, black currant seed, evening primrose seed, pumpkin seed, borage seeds Herbs and Detoxification Detoxification A major concept in all traditional herbal systems Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Ayurvedic Medicine Native American Medicine Traditional Western Herbalism Still a valid concept today And more needed than ever 7

Two Approaches to Detoxification Puke em, Sweat em, Purge em Stimulating outward elimination Using herbs that cause a slight irritation to systems, which increases elimination Uses up energy

nutrition to build up the body s vitality When the body has more energy and nutrients elimination systems work better Generally used for chronic illness and daily cleansing programs Stimulating

8 Two Approaches to Detoxification Puke em, Sweat em, Purge em Stimulating outward elimination Using herbs that cause a slight irritation to systems, which increases elimination Uses up energy reserves, can weaken the body if overdone Generally used for acute illness or short term cleansing programs Cleansing the blood with alteratives Assisting internal elimination Uses herbs and nutrition to build up the body s vitality When the body has more energy and nutrients elimination systems work better Generally used for chronic illness and daily cleansing programs Stimulating Elimination Clearing the bowels Bulking Agents Peristaltic Stimulants Colon Nourishing Agents Increasing Urination Urinary Stimulants Urinary Tonics Opening the Sweat Glands Diaphoretics Clearing the Respiratory Passages Expectorants Skin Kidney Lungs Colon Clearing the Bowels Stimulating peristalsis to increase colon transit time Ideal colon transit time should be hours Most people s transit time is 2-3 days This can be done through herbs, nutrients or hydrotherapy (enemas or colonics) Cascara sagrada Photo by Stephen Foster 8

Bulking Agents Herbs that contain water soluble fibre such as Mucilages Gums Pectins Water soluble fibre: Forms a gel when mixed with water that bulks the stool, aiding elimination Helps to feed

intestinal tone General detoxification Regulating cholesterol Contraindications Will cause constipation if a person is dehydrated Fibre products can cause a flareup of small intestinal bacterial

9 Bulking Agents Herbs that contain water soluble fibre such as Mucilages Gums Pectins Water soluble fibre: Forms a gel when mixed with water that bulks the stool, aiding elimination Helps to feed friendly bacteria Absorbs irritating substances and cholesterol Soothes the intestinal walls When to Use Bulking Agents Indications Hard, dry stool Loose stools Irritation in the intestines Lack of intestinal tone General detoxification Regulating cholesterol Contraindications Will cause constipation if a person is dehydrated Fibre products can cause a flareup of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), causing gas and bloating Bind nutrients as well as toxins (so separate from other supplements and medications) Examples of Bulking Agents Psyllium hulls Slippery Elm Marshmallow Acacia gum Guar gum 9

Peristaltic Stimulants These are herbs that stimulate peristalsis in the intestines Primary herbs in this category contain anthraquione glycosides, a yellow brown dye that inhibits water and

Peristaltic Stimulants Indications Occasional irregularity (such as when traveling) To cleanse the body during acute illness To help regulate gut microflora To decrease colon transit time To aid in

10 Peristaltic Stimulants These are herbs that stimulate peristalsis in the intestines Primary herbs in this category contain anthraquione glycosides, a yellow brown dye that inhibits water and electrolyte absorption in the colon These herbs also stimulate bile flow and can help to regulate gut flora To a lesser degree, pungent herbs also act as peristaltic stimulants When to Use Peristaltic Stimulants Indications Occasional irregularity (such as when traveling) To cleanse the body during acute illness To help regulate gut microflora To decrease colon transit time To aid in periodic colon cleansing Contraindications Avoid with intestinal cramping or spasms Not recommended for continuous use over long periods (3 months or more) Will stain the bowel tissue with long term use Use with caution in pregnancy and nursing Also use with caution with inflammatory bowel disorders or acute lower abdominal pain Examples of Peristaltic Stimulants Anthraquinone Glycoside Herbs Cascara sagrada Buckthorn Turkey rhubarb Yellow Dock Pungent Herbs Capsicum Ginger 10

Colon Nourishing Agents Nutrients that aid elimination include: Vitamin C Magnesium Plant enzymes Use these

Is done by drinking plenty of water to dilute irritating substances Can be aided by using herbs that slightly

kidney Juniper Berries Photo by Steven Horne Urinary Stimulants These herbs contain substances that provide a

11 Colon Nourishing Agents Nutrients that aid elimination include: Vitamin C Magnesium Plant enzymes Use these nutrients to help restore normal eliminative function Increase gradually to bowel tolerance Increasing Urination Is done by drinking plenty of water to dilute irritating substances Can be aided by using herbs that slightly irritate the kidneys stimulating the production of more urine Can also be done by using herbs that nourish the kidney Juniper Berries Photo by Steven Horne Urinary Stimulants These herbs contain substances that provide a slight irritation to the kidney, encouraging them to produce more urine This helps to flush fluid and toxins from the body 11

When to Use Urinary Stimulants Indications The body is retaining fluid or congested Swollen tongue Puffy under eyes Difficulty urinating As part of a periodic cleansing program

speaking, these are not herbs to be used long term (over three months) Examples of Urinary Stimulants Juniper Berry Uva Ursi Buchu Parlsey (mild) Urinary Tonics These are herbs that aid

12 When to Use Urinary Stimulants Indications The body is retaining fluid or congested Swollen tongue Puffy under eyes Difficulty urinating As part of a periodic cleansing program Contraindications Dryness dry tongue, dry mouth, chapped lips, excessive thirst Inflammation of the kidneys (if it feels hot over the kidney area, don t use these remedies) Generally speaking, these are not herbs to be used long term (over three months) Examples of Urinary Stimulants Juniper Berry Uva Ursi Buchu Parlsey (mild) Urinary Tonics These are herbs that aid urinary function without a stimulating action They often contain potassium and other electrolytes that aid urinary function They have been traditionally used as tonics to improve urinary function 12

Opening the Sweat Glands Is done to increase sweating Mechanically done through application of dry or wet heat (sauna or

13 When to Use Urinary Tonics Indications Chronic urinary issues Scant urination Urinary tract irritation Back problems Contraindications Excessive dryness and thirst Examples of Urinary Tonics Dandelion Parsley Nettles Eucommia Morinda Root Opening the Sweat Glands Is done to increase sweating Mechanically done through application of dry or wet heat (sauna or steam bath) or through hot baths and exercise Diaphoretic herbs can also help to open sweat glands Yarrow Photo by Steven Horne 13

Diaphoretics Diaphoretics work by increasing blood to the skin and by relaxing the muscles that control the sweat glands This increases elimination through the skin via sweating Most aromatic or

recovering from acute illness, especially when used with sweat baths, saunas, etc.

14 Diaphoretics Diaphoretics work by increasing blood to the skin and by relaxing the muscles that control the sweat glands This increases elimination through the skin via sweating Most aromatic or pungent herbs will act as diaphoretics when taken with warm liquids When to Use Diaphoretic Herbs Indications Helpful to cool the body when overheated Traditional therapy to aid the body in recovering from acute illness, especially when used with sweat baths, saunas, etc. May be helpful for clearing up the skin Also helpful for periodic general detoxification Contraindications Contraindicated when a person is dehydrated (dry skin, dry mouth, dry eyes, thirsty) Sweat therapy is contraindicated when a person is pale, weak and feeble, although some warming diaphoretic teas may still be helpful Examples of Diaphoretic Herbs Catnip Ginger Boneset Yarrow Lobelia 14

Clearing the Respiratory Passages Remedies that thin mucous making it easier to expel and/or stimulate the cillia that move mucous out of the lungs and sinuses This aids

there is excessive mucous production When mucous is thick and difficult to expel Following exposure to substances that irritate the lungs Also helpful for periodic general

15 Clearing the Respiratory Passages Remedies that thin mucous making it easier to expel and/or stimulate the cillia that move mucous out of the lungs and sinuses This aids the lungs in clearing out irritants Can increase sinus drainage and create productive coughing (cough with mucous being expelled) When to Use Expectorants Indications When there is excessive mucous production When mucous is thick and difficult to expel Following exposure to substances that irritate the lungs Also helpful for periodic general detoxification Contraindications Dry, irritated cough Dry asthma Lack of mucous secretions Examples of Expectorant Herbs Garlic Horseradish Yerba Santa Thyme Citrus peel 15

Nourishing Elimination Alteratives Hepatics Microbiome Hydration Alteratives Alteratives have also been called blood purifiers These herbs have been

When to Use Alteratives Indications Stagnant fluids of any kind Skin conditions Heavily coated tongue Dull, cloudy eyes Exposure to environmental toxins

16 Nourishing Elimination Alteratives Hepatics Microbiome Hydration Alteratives Alteratives have also been called blood purifiers These herbs have been traditionally used to clean up the body without promoting a noticeable increase in elimination They appear to assist internal detoxification mechanisms When to Use Alteratives Indications Stagnant fluids of any kind Skin conditions Heavily coated tongue Dull, cloudy eyes Exposure to environmental toxins General detoxification Contraindications Dryness Emaciation Skin pale and cool to the touch Severe fatigue Pale tongue with scant coating Dry, withered tongue 16

Examples of Alterative Herbs Burdock Red clover Yellow Dock Oregon Grape Sarsaparilla Echinacea Hepatics Hepatics are herbs that help protect the liver from

chemicals When to Use Hepatics Indications Regular exposure to chemicals in work or environment Bloated or stuffy feeling under right rib cage Nervous energy in the

17 Examples of Alterative Herbs Burdock Red clover Yellow Dock Oregon Grape Sarsaparilla Echinacea Hepatics Hepatics are herbs that help protect the liver from environmental toxins and/or stimulate liver detoxification mechanisms Antioxidants are very important for protecting the liver as it does it s job of detoxifying chemicals When to Use Hepatics Indications Regular exposure to chemicals in work or environment Bloated or stuffy feeling under right rib cage Nervous energy in the evening Grogginess in the morning Eye problems Skin problems Contraindications Avoid with gall bladder inflammation Use with caution with liver diseases Milk Thistle Photo by Stephen Foster 17

Examples of Hepatic Herbs Milk Thistle Schizandra Dandelion

part of the immune defense of the gut A diverse gut flora helps

body to detoxify chemicals, protecting the body from toxins

18 Examples of Hepatic Herbs Milk Thistle Schizandra Dandelion Turmeric Bupleurum Microbiome Friendly bacteria are a critical part of the immune defense of the gut A diverse gut flora helps to regulate the entire immune system Probiotics also help the body to detoxify chemicals, protecting the body from toxins Microbial Biofilm Mucus Microvilli Your First Line of Immune Defense 18

19 Ingredients to Support the Microbiome Herbs with Inulin Burdock Dandelion Elecampane Gut Microbe Regulators Barberry (Berberine) Pau d arco Water and Detoxification Water is the body s primary detoxifier All channels of elimination rely on water to work properly Always drink plenty of water when using herbs for detoxification Is Traditional Herbalism Still Relevant? 19

Yes!! The Potential Market Need is Huge Millions are suffering from a lack of proper herbal care David Winston,

next two decades (1946-1964) the largest generation in the history of the world was born This generation has been

Health Care Demographics Health care is one segment of the economy that increases as population ages Expenditures on

20 Yes!! The Potential Market Need is Huge Millions are suffering from a lack of proper herbal care David Winston, RH(AHG) The Baby Boomer Generation At the end of World War II, returning soldiers married and had families Over the next two decades ( ) the largest generation in the history of the world was born This generation has been dubbed the Baby Boomer generation (Boomers for short). Health Care Demographics Health care is one segment of the economy that increases as population ages Expenditures on prescription drugs increase steadily, peaking at 81, the age at which the average woman dies With the oldest boomers at age 71, the peak of expenditures on health is still a ways off 20

Health Issues Fall into four categories: Infectious disease Inherited genetic disease Trauma Degenerative disease Modern medicine is best at

is least effective at treating This is also the area that will be of greatest concern to baby boomers Natural medicine is better at both

$200 billion dollar industry Today it is a $500 billion dollar industry and growing Herb and natural health industry has grown in recent years,

21 Health Issues Fall into four categories: Infectious disease Inherited genetic disease Trauma Degenerative disease Modern medicine is best at treating 1-3, but this is only 10-12% of the cost of healthcare 88-90% of healthcare costs are on 4, degenerative disease, which modern medicine is least effective at treating This is also the area that will be of greatest concern to baby boomers Natural medicine is better at both preventing and reversing degenerative disease than orthodox medicine The Wellness Revolution By Paul Zane Pilzer, economist 2002 Wellness was a $200 billion dollar industry Today it is a $500 billion dollar industry and growing Herb and natural health industry has grown in recent years, in spite of the recession The wellness industry will likely continue to grow as the baby boomer generation continues to age Where are we on the adoption curve? 21

22 We re in the Right Place at the Right Time The Spirit of the Founders Health freedom Customer servicer Nobody does herbs better Selection YOU!! 22

An herb is any plant or part of a plant that has nutritional or medicinal uses. It might be a leaf, root, flower, seed, bark or a fruit.

Categorizing Herbs The Basics An herb is any plant or part of a plant that has nutritional or medicinal uses. It might be a leaf, root, flower, seed, bark or a fruit. The medical definition of medicine: