Q. How long have people been using herbs?

A. Long before recorded history herbs have been used for healing. The ancient  Egyptians, Greeks as well as people of all early civilizations have used herbs to promote health. Abigail and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin (as well as the other founding fathers of our free country ), had been practicing herbal alternatives years before the pharmaceutical companies came to the forefront of medicine. Lewis and Clark ventured across the wilderness, to the Pacific and back (to Philadelphia ) successfully, with only one death (and that was of natural causes) by relying on herbal alternative practices as taught to them by the native American guides and helpers along the way. In fact, our modern-day pharmaceuticals are an outgrowth of herbs and botanicals. 

Q:  How effective are herbs for healing and maintaining wellness in this day and age? After all, this is the twenty- first century.

A:  Herbs and their botanical counterparts are highly effective healing agents. Herbs are very powerful and must be respected. If taken the wrong way or abused, herbs can have negative side effects. Herbs, however, do not have the uncomfortable and often dangerous side effects that pharmaceutical agents possess. Herbs have the ability to heal flesh eating spider bites and to clear up infections  and viruses that antibiotics would usually eliminate. Antibiotics, if taken too often or in excess, can cause deleterious physical conditions. Herbs accomplish the same exact results, but at a slower rate and  without the negative  physical consequences.

Q:  How safe are herbal alternatives?

A:  Herbs have the potential to deliver dangerous and uncomfortable side effects (just like pharmaceutical medications do), however, if herbs are taken responsibly there is no need for worry. The herbs will accomplish the desired results with patience and time.

Q:  Should a doctor be consulted before using herbal alternatives?

A:   Yes. A person who is already taking medications should ALWAYS check with their physician first and foremost before adding herbs to their medication regimine. Herbs could potentially be contraindicated with certain meds. Follow all precautions as directed and ALWAYS consult with a doctor before adding herbal alternatives or supplements to a condition already being treated by your doctor or specialist.   There are naturalpathic doctors who specialize in alternative or natural healing systems. If you are seeking the benefits of natural healing, it would be wise to consult with a doctor who uses both traditional and alternative methods of healing. This is referred to as  "integrative medicine".