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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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You have probably been using
herbs all of your life. When your mother gave you ginger ale for an upset
stomach, or orange juice for a cold, she probably knew there was more good
in those things than just carbonation or vitamin C. Now that you have decided
to use herbs to promote your own physical and emotional well-being, we
would like to try to answer some of the questions you may have about how
to use herbs for their maximum benefit.
Q) What are herbs ?
A) Herbs are concentrated foods, known
to help the body heal itself. Herbs can offer the body nourishment it may
not be receiving due to poor diet, environmental problems and excess stress.
Herbs work to balance the body, so that it can create the best possible
health for itself.
Q) Are herbs like vitamins ?
A) No. Vitamins are isolated, concentrated
substances. Most people take vitamin supplements daily to insure against
nutritional deficiencies. While herbs are concentrated, their value is
in their wholeness. There are many different elements in herbs and, like
food in the digestive system, herbs combine and work with the enzyme activity
of the body. Rather than compare herbs to vitamins, its more accurate to
think of them like foods. Herbs do supply nutrients, and they work best
when taken in small amounts over a long period of time, allowing the body
to awaken to its own vital energies.
Q) Are herbs like drugs ?
A) No. While many drug isolate one part
of a plant as an active ingredient, herbs in their whole form are very
different from drugs. Do not expect the fast reaction of a drug when taking
an herb. While the drug is focused on eliminating the symptom, the herb
is working with the body on the cause of the problem. Results take much
longer, but by helping the body to restore its own inner balance rather
than just temporarily masking a symptom, herbs help to create a real foundation
for health.
Q) How do herbs work ?
A) Every human body is born with the
ability to bring itself to a state of balanced health. Herbs simply help
the body to do its own work by breaking up toxins, cleaning, lubricating,
strengthening and nourishing. They support the body at its deepest levels,
supporting nature in its fight against illness, and maximizing the quality
of health.
Q) Can herbs help my immune system ?
A) Chinese herbs have been used for
thousands of years and have proven to be very effective in strengthening
the immune system. As with any kind of physical deficiency, one must realize
the fragility of the body and respect its limits. Instead of using large
doses of herbs to stimulate fast results, it is much wiser to use moderate
amounts over a longer period of time. Even when you feel the herbs are
helping to improve your health, increasing the amount or the number of
herbs can aggravate symptoms, and lead to negative results.
Q) Can herbs become addictive?
A) No, because of the nature of herbs
they cannot become addictive. While people do find that herbs increase
their energy, it is best to treat the herbs as powerful foods, and keep
in mind the end result of balancing the body. The first rule of herbal
consumption is moderation. Don't think that if one dose feels good, two
will feel better. Remember, herbs work with the inner wisdom of the body,
and the body does not adjust easily to radical changes. Go slowly, and
think of time as an essential ingredient in the herbal formula. Using herbs
wisely and well will bring results that will be worth the wait.
Q) Can herbs be used along with prescription
drugs ?
A) It is always advisable to seek advice
from a medical doctor who understands the benefit of herbs. Many studies
indicate that Chinese herbs can be used safely and effectively along with
prescription drugs. In fact, this practice of combining Western medicine
with Chinese herbal therapies is widely used in China, and is called Fu
Zheng therapy. If you have an illness that is being treated with drugs,
adding herbs to your treatment can give you the best of both worlds.
Q) How often should I take herbs ?
A) It is best to start your program
with a substantial dosage to build a good foundation for your health. As
you notice your energy and balance returning, a smaller dose should be
taken to maintain the effect. Finally, reduce the dosage further for long
range maintenance. Guidelines below can be followed for example.
Tea Capsules
3-4 cups per day 3-4 capsules
3 times a day
2-3 cups per day 2-3 capsules
3 times a day
1-2 cups per day 1-2 capsules
3 times a day
Q) I would like to give herbs to my
children. What do I need to know ?
A) Children can benefit from herbs just
like adults. The fact that children have very fast metabolism means the
herbs pass through them quicker so they can take up to 3/4 of a adult dosage,
but when you notice their energy and balance returning, a smaller dose
should be taken to maintain the effect. Use1/2 dose for babies and infants.
Q) How should I store my Chinese herbs
?
A) All herbs should be stored in airtight
containers, in a cool dark place. Sometimes you may find you have a problem
with insects They will be attracted to herbs the same way they are attracted
to rice or cornmeal. In this case, refrigeration will keep your herbs safe
and fresh.
Q) Where can I find out more about Herbs
?
A) Four Seasons has a great selection
of books on herbs and healing that can answer any questions you may have.
If you are just starting to learn
about herbs, the book we recommend is
Chinese Tonic
Herbs by Ron Teeguarden.
If you know a little, but would
like to know more, we suggest
The Web That
Has No Weaver.
If you are already familiar with
these books, we recommend the comprehensive Chinese
Herbal Medicine by Dan Bensky.
The more you learn about herbs, the
more you can take advantage of all of the benefits they have to offer.
The information in this catalogue
is derived and reproduced from
Chinese Tonic
Herbs by Ron Teeguarden,
Chinese Herbal
Patent Medicine by J. Fratkin,
Chinese Herbal
Medicine Formulas & Strategies by Bensky and Barolet,
Root Tap by
East Earth Trade Winds, and from literature produced in China.
Click above
to check the book section of Four Seasons Health Products.
These are for general information.
We make no claims as to the effectiveness of these herbs.
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