Scientific Validation of Herbs

In the last decade or two there has been a lot of emphasis on evidence-based practices. My opinion on this focus can be best summed up by Simon Mills (a medical herbalist):

“…perhaps the fact that 90% of all scientists in history are alive today is a reflection of an age out of touch with itself.”

Operating within the construct that the only reasonable drug, herb or practice to use is one that has been validated scientifically is an incredible limitation for a number of reasons.

1) Lack of Research
First imagine everything that exists. For this example I will depict “everything”, including the entirety of knowledge, as a circle.

All that isIn the next picture, the black dots on the circle represent our present day scientific knowledge. Actually, this is probably an exaggeration, we know much less, but I wanted you to be able to see the dots. The number one limitation of basing what herb or drug to choose on scientific knowledge is the extreme lack of knowledge we have. In addition, notice how spread out the dots are. We know a little bit about a wide range of topics, but we don’t have a complete picture of the integrated whole.

scienceI personally have found very few research studies that reflect what would truly inform actual clinical practice. It is too hard and too limiting to do a study that reflects reality. Reality is too complex, so studies are designed to be simple and only ask a simple question.

Not only does the question need to be simple, it needs to be specific. For instance, “Does Cimicifuga (black cohosh) reduce hot flashes?” is too general. First, the type of extract of Cimicifuga needs to be specified and a complete chemical profile performed. Second, the dosing needs to be specified. Third, what is the population? Are we talking surgical menopause? Are we talking natural menopause. Do the women have a hot flash twice a day or ten times a day? Other considerations are the women’s ethnicity, culture, lifestyle, dietary habits, etc. Fourth, what do we consider a reduction? Will this be less instances of hot flash or a reduction in intensity? How do you measure intensity?

Studies that reflect clinically relevant question are rare. For instance, I once reviewed an excellent study on irritable bowel syndrome that compared the efficacy of a stock traditional Chinese herbal formula with a custom blended formula prescribed by a traditional Chinese medical doctor. The doctor did better than the stock formula. That validated my opinion that herbs need to matched to people, not disease names, so I liked the study.

What were the limitations of the study? Well, maybe that doctor just happened to be better than your typical doctor. Indeed, the study really only validated the one doctor, but not the idea that custom formulation based on an individual’s constitution is better. In addition, scientifically, no conclusion is considered valid unless it can be replicated by another independent researcher. This study was not repeated, as is common with herbal research. Who’s going to pay for a study that cannot be used to make a profit?

2) Research Flaws
Read more….

Fire Element

Summer is upon us. In the five element system, summer is ruled by fire element.  This is an extremely expansive season.  The extra fire from the sun fuels plant growth and expansion.  Lots of yang energy, which means, heat, fruition, passion, expansion, and glory.  The fire element is all about an external show of power, form and structure.

Mandala for the Fire Element

Mandala for the Fire Element

Summer in Phoenix is a good example of what excess fire/yang energy can do.  In Phoenix, the excess fire scorches the earth and instead of expansion we experience a withering of resources and energy.  Usually the water element is activated to balance and subdue fire.  We experience this as the summer monsoons.  The rain pours down to temper the effects of the summer heat. Good to prevent the fire element from turning everything to dust!

Similarly, too much fire in the body is experienced as inflammation and eruptions.  If balance is not restored, the internal organs can fall apart from the scorching action of the fire element.  The treatment?  Much like the desert monsoons, one can find relief with cooling substances such as anti-oxidant rich juices and herbs like burdock and dandelion root.  In contrast, conditions where fire is lacking, including indigestion, are benefited by things that create fire, such as the spices like cloves, cardamon, and ginger.

Sometimes it is not so clear how to treat digestive disturbances.  For instance, lack of “fire” in the stomach can result in intestinal ulcers (a fire condition) or other inflammatory conditions of the gut (cramping, gas and bloating).  From an allopathic perspective treatment for an ulcer involves suppressing fire by the use of anti-acids.  From a traditional perspective, the cause of the ulcer would need to be determined first.  Some people get ulcers from hyper-secretion of acid while others get ulcers from hypo-secretion of acid.  One situation calls for a cooling action the other requires more fuel be added to the fire.

Chamomile

Scientific Name:  Matricaria recutita.  Other chamomiles, i.e. Anthemis sp.,  have similar properties and can be used interchangeably.

Properties:  Good anti-inflammatory.  Sedative.  Do not underestimate this herb!

Preparation:  1teaspoon to 1Tablespoon per cup water as needed.  My teacher told me it would get bitter if steeped longer, but not necessarily stronger.  The entire above ground portion of the plant can be used.
chamomile flowersActions and Uses: 
Stimulates digestion and relaxes stomach muscles.  It lowers flatulence and is good with gastritis after heavy drinking.  It is an extremely nice anti-inflammatory for the stomach and duodenum.  Can be used as an enema for colitis.  Use five to fifteen cups of tea a day to get rid of ulcers.

Chamomile calms the mind and may help some fall asleep.  Excellent for calming children and colicky babies.  It is good for light to moderate pain, but don’t expect dramatic short term effects.

This is the best remedy for swollen eyes.  Use chamomile tea bags as a poultice directly on the eyes.

Can also be used topically to reduce inflammation and associated pain.

Contraindications:  May be a uterine stimulant.

Disclaimer:  This website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, prescribing any medication or other treatment, or discontinuing any medication or treatment recommended by your healthcare provider.