Healing Herbs

Because herbs are natural, some people feel they may not have any serious side effects. However, over 100 individuals taking a Chinese herb, Aristolochia fangchi, suffered kidney failure, and some have kidney cancer caused by the herb. The manufacturer of a weight-loss herbal compound had inadvertently replaced an herb, which had a similar sounding name, with the Aristolochia.

As a matter of fact, several herbs may interact with prescription medicines as well. If you are on medications, do let your doctor know if you are using any herbs.

During 2004, the Consumers Union published a list of what they referred to as the "dirty dozen." These have caused serious illnesses ranging from liver or kidney damage to heart problems and cancer. In Asia and Europe, some of these have been banned. The list includes yohimbe, pennyroyal oil, kava, germander, and lobelia.

Aromatherapy is becoming an ever popular form of self treatment. World renowned aromatherapist Valerie Ann Worwood has written numerous books on this subject. These include "The Fragrant Heavens-the Spiritual Dimension of Fragrance and Aromatherapy," published by New World Library. This comprehensive guide explains how those of different faiths use fragrance as an aid to the spiritual realm. The author profiles seventy different essential oils, and explains in a no-nonsense manner how they can be used. It features handy tables, wonderful literary quotes, and other information of interest.

Garlic continues to be a very popular medicinal herb. So do its relatives, the other Alliums. You'll find comprehensive details on their herbal uses in "Garlic, Onion, and Other Alliums" by Ellen Spector Platt. This was published by Stackpole Books. This book has al the information you need to select, grow, harvest, and use these plants for medicinal, culinary, and ornamental purposes. Kitchen gardeners will be delighted with the recipes, while those interested in crafts will enjoy the craft projects. The author also provides valuable advice on using these plants in the landscape with ideas for children's gardens, biblical gardens, butterfly gardens and more.

The key to herbal self-help is knowledge of the herbs and their properties.

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