Discover Herbs

I worked in science research for decades but I always wondered why the path to health and longevity was so expensive, technology dependent, difficult to achieve and in the hands of so few. Surely we came into existence with more accessible tools for health and survival? If the birds and little creatures in this world have everything they need to thrive, why not us?

I have a science background in agriculture and applied botany and I worked in pharmacology research for many years. I always believed however, that everything we needed to be healthy and all the tools we need to care for ourselves, should be readily available in nature. Early on I knew to use dandelion as a tonic in spring, coltsfoot for the lungs, plantain leaves for bleeding and chamomile for sleep. I had expected that western medicine could draw on the wisdom of plant medicine but that is not what I saw happening.

As a now retired acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner, I have had first hand knowledge of the uses and benefits of herbal medicine. They enhance and work hand in hand with acupuncture because of the common medical framework and diagnosis. If you were diagnosed as having Liver Qi Stagnation, for example, there would be a specific point prescription that you could build based on the patient's underlying conditions. Then there would also be a matching herbal formula such as Xiao Yao San. I usually found that acupuncture was sufficient but stubborn or chronic conditions or cases where the patient was depleted, I found the herbal formulas were extremely beneficial.

I have a number of classic formulas that I still rely on all the time for my own use. I use the classic formulas because they have been developed and used for thousands of years, have a wide range of herbs and therefore are well balanced, gentle and safe. For example Bao He Wan is a popular choice, for myself and others, for an upset stomach and diarrhea. For the first signs of an oncoming cold or flu where the throat is sore, I find that Yin Chiao (with a soar throat) or Gan Mao is excellent. These will stop the virus from developing further if caught soon enough. For infections especially for the chest, I use Andrographis. It is a powerful antibiotic and antiviral. For injuries like sprains, to accelerate healing and reduce swelling, Zheng Gu Shui as a liniment, is a go to. For chronic pain conditions that are not from deep seated conditions like a hip disorder, I recommend "That Stuff for Pain". It is an all natural product made in Canada. For some things it is all you need. For deep seated chronic pain, it can help reduce the reliance on more harmful pills and painkillers.

The number of Chinese formulas is extensive. There are many large volumes of ancient Materia Medica available that you could spend years perusing. Each formula is well balanced and draws on the healing abilities, properties and synergies of a number of plants. Many of these plants have never been heard of in the west. At one time, my shelves were lined with largely unknown, natural antivirals, antibiotics, painkillers, immune boosters, digestive strengtheners, cholesterol reducers, cough suppressants, menstrual regulators, diuretics, anti-allergenic, anti-diarrhea formulas, fertility boosters, blood builders, energy boosters, calming herbs to regulate anxiety and herbs to improve and combat vision loss, to name many but not all of them. Now I just keep what I need for personal use.

We also have a strong western herbal tradition here in North America and many health food stores now carry herbal remedies based on this tradition. Our own natural food and supplement stores are growing in popularity and much more can be ordered online. Western Herbology also has a national treasure of tradition that needs to be developed and promoted for a healthier, sustainable and affordable way to keep ourselves well. There are many knowledgeable herbalists. It is always best to consult a qualified herbalist to help you select the right herbs.