Herbal Remedies & Recommendations

Instead of the normal cuts, bruises, gashes and breaks that most herbalists had been accustomed to treating, it appears that more and more concerns are related to viruses and bacteria. Drugs are becoming less effective and over-the-counter medication may relieve symptoms but frequently prolong the illness or creates new problems. For example, antibiotics kill only certain types of bacteria, but things like colds and flu are from viruses. Drugs like aspirin and acetaminophan (anti-fever medicines) interfere with your body's immunity system and then opens the door for a higher grade of infection and possibly Reye's syndrome. Drugs like Motrin, indocin, and ibuprofen -- which are antiflammatories without steriods -- increase your susceptibility to flesh eating bacteria.

Into this climate of fear enters the historical tradition of herbs and alternative medicines. Throughout my youth and almost all of my adult life only those in the Native and Hispanic communities came to first my Grandmother, then me, for herbal remedies. Although death is inevitable for all, I can honestly say I know of no one that met that fate prematurely because of our remedies. Now I even have M.D.s coming to me and buying some of my remedies in bulk to provide for THEIR patients! Talk about the world being a funny place.

Below are ailments that I am frequently asked about. Obviously there are those who have very specialized problems that would not fit the simple cures given here. For example, a person with diabetes and congestive heart condition would not be given the same treatment as a healthy teen-ager. In those instances, I may still be able to help, but I then insist on working WITH your physician.

WARNING: I do not advocate ignoring or revising your doctor's orders. I also advise that if the problem does not correct itself within a week or two, go see your doctor. Lastly, please don't start experimenting with herbals based on what the labels, marketing ploys, or a well-meaning friend may say. Herbs are drugs --20 maybe not always immediately causing bad affects, but a drug nonetheless. Some herbs can make things worse for you if you're already on medication and you start mixing the wrong thing! So, proceed with the full knowledge that alternative medicine is an alternative that requires intelligent understanding of what you are doing.

For each of the ailments listed, just click on the item and you will be taken there for more info. If an herbal remedy is recommended, and I have some available, I will have an Asterisk ("*") by it. You can click into my page with the list of herbals that I presently have available for sale. If I suggest something that I do not have available, I recommend going to a reputable health food store in your area.

Thank you for checking in with me. I'll keep adding new remedies and recommendations as I am able to schedule time to put them in. I hope this helps you! Happy days and good health to you