By Jonathan Evans
Herbal Information Specialist, The Herbarium
Happy Summer to all.
I recently looked back and realized I have been writing this column since October of 2005, that’s over 200 columns!
A little about the Herbarium
Things we talk about every day at the Herbarium become so regular I forget many people still do not understand what we do. Education is paramount in our work here. “Much more than an herb store” is not just a slogan we use, it really is what we are about.
For example, A customer came in recently complaining about stress, lack of energy and so on. When I asked her about a multivitamin she responded, “yes, I take ...” It was one of the usual store brands, advertised heavily on television. When I showed her a comparison sheet I produced many years ago showing what the national brand touts as this great multivitamin and one of our brands she was shocked.
“But it gives me 100% of the daily requirements,” she said.
Sounds good until you see what the daily allowance is, and it is not much. For example, Brand X gives you 100% of the daily value of vitamin C. Sounds good, but that is only 60 mg. That is about what you would get in one orange. Most people buy vitamin C capsules that measure 500 mg., and take more than one when needed. A vitamin c amount of 60 mgs. will keep you from getting scurvy, but that is about it.
It’s imperative that one reads a label with some kind of reference point. We have sheets available listing optimal ranges of nutrients to better understand what you are actually getting.
Coping with wildfire smoke
Air quality continues to be a factor with over 200 Canadian wildfires still out of control. Protect your respiratory system with supplements such as vitamin C, Quercetin and Bromelain. These are excellent anti-inflammatories with other health benefits. Mullein leaf tea is also helpful for lung issues.
Seltzer and your teeth
I recently saw a news story pertaining to the increase in seltzer consumption. Many people choose seltzer for weight management, less sugar, etc., but the report stated tooth decay is on the increase due to the acids in seltzer.
Try rinsing your mouth with plain water after drinking your favorite seltzer to protect your teeth.
Readers ask...
Once again this month, we’re sharing much-requested info based on questions we’ve received at The Herbarium:
Dear Jonathan,
My knee has been painful on and off for five years now. It also affects other parts of my body. My doctor says a knee replacement would require physical therapy that would be difficult for me. Are there any botanical remedies to help with my problem?
— Ray
Dear Ray,
I wish you had contacted me a bit sooner. Is there any cartilage left in the knee or is it bone on bone?
Glucosamine Sulfate can help with rebuilding the cartilage if any remains. It takes six to eight weeks before we would know how much help it is providing.
Meanwhile there are several botanicals that would help with the pain and inflammation. Turmeric is excellent for osteoarthritis, but be careful about products. Some companies sell “curcumin”, which I find somewhat disingenuous. Curcumin is found in turmeric. Also watch out for the term “standardized.” Again, it is misleading. The term was originally used to give us some measure of quality, but it led to many inferior products being “spiked” with curcumin. It is not just one ingredient, but the whole plant that works best.
Boswellia is a great anti-inflammatory and is excellent for both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis
Devil’s Claw is an old remedy still used today. There are other botanicals, usually found in formulation, that will help manage your pain and they act quickly.
I hope this information helps.
— Jonathan
Dear Jonathan,
I know you and your wife have said for years not to ingest essential oils, but I keep being told that is wrong. It is FDA approved. Who is telling me the truth? — Elaine
Dear Elaine,
Think about this. The person(s) telling you to ingest the essential oils are selling them to you. If you consume more, they sell more and make more money.
We tell you not to, so we are losing money.
Why would I do that?
The fact is, the oils are FDA approved as flavoring agents in manufacturing, not for home use. Look it up at the FDA website.
The FDA has repeatedly warned the multi-level marketing companies to cease some of their claims about essential oils. You may also have heard of the” French Method,” where oils are taken internally. Again, this is a bit misleading. Prescription ingestion of oils in France is allowed but only administered by trained doctors or pharmacists who have taken several years of study and training.
My wife is a certified clinical aromatherapist practitioner and instructor who has taught hundreds of doctors, nurses and other health professionals the safe use of essential oils in clinical and medical settings all over the world. I have attended many of her classes and programs and I can tell you, simply, that you do not ingest the oils, period. The full medical explanation would be too detailed to explain here such as how the liver has to convert them, damage to mucous membrane and so much more.
Please take my word for it and ignore the “sales associate” and their spiel.
— Jonathan
Send question on botanical remedies to: Nature’s RX: Jonathan Evans at Herbarium258@gmail.com or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 254 Exchange St., Chicopee, MA 01013. If requesting information, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
