If we are going to consume herbal medicines, it is important we know how to take them and how to handle them safely. This article will summarize the different forms and options for taking herbal medicines, and some tips on how to keep them safe and effective.
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| Many ways to consume herbs |
According to a study conducted over 20 years ago, nearly one in five adults in the U.S. have consumed an herbal medicine in the past year. Out of those, two-thirds were consuming the herb according to evidenced-based dosing. That’s good, but this also means that one-third were not.
Let’s discuss the options for consuming herbs first, and some efficacy concerns after.
Consuming Raw Herbs
Most herbs can be consumed as raw. This means their flowers, leaves and stems can be sprinkled into a salad or directly onto food in the form of spice. If raw, the herbs should be carefully washed. Triple washing is a good strategy.
Fresh herbs are especially good in salads. For raw consumption, it is important to note the herb should be generally consumed by the public (i.e., generally recognized as safe), and even available for sale at the grocery store.
For example, parsley or peppermint are common herbs that can be added to salads without concern. They are often considered garnishes yet are potent plant medicines as we've discussed.
On the other hand, rhubarb leaves are poisonous. They are not to be consumed. Rhubarb stalks are considered safe, but not the leaves.
In other words, best to make sure the herb is generally considered safe for consumption before tossing it into your salad.
Herbal Tea Infusions
Raw herbs can also be brewed into tea infusions as well. For leaves, flowers and stems, boiling water first before adding the herb will allow the best efficacy.
In the case of infusions, herbs can either be dehydrated or fresh. In either case, the herbs should be put into the water after it has been boiled. Boiling herbs can destroy their nutrient and medicinal benefit.
Raw roots typically require cooking a little further to extract their medicinal compounds. Cooking a root in hot water or soup for five minutes is a good rule of thumb.
Cooking with Herbs
This also goes for soups or cooked dishes. Herbs should be put into these dishes after the cooking is completed so as to not destroy their nutrient content and also retain their flavor (for spices).
Again, the exception here are roots. Herbs in root form generally should be cooked a bit further, in soups and cooking dishes. This somewhat depends upon the root of course. Some roots, such as ginger and turmeric, require very little to minimal cooking. Other roots, such as burdock, require more cooking to release some of their compounds.
Dehydrated Powdered Herbs
Herbs can often be taken in powdered form after dehydration. This can apply both to leaves, flowers, bark and roots. The dehydration process often boosts the availability of the medicinal compounds.
Dehydrated powdered herbs can be consumed by blending into smoothies, soups, food dishes, teas, even directly with juice or water. They can also be taken in capsules or taken with rice paper (a sort of homemade capsule).
Herbal Extracts
Most herbs are also now available in extract form, as powders, capsules or tinctures. These should be carefully consumed, using the dosing recommendations of the label and herbal practitioner recommendations. Herbal extracts are typically considered herbal medicines by most professionals, but whole herbs can also be considered herbal medicines.
Extracts are typically standardized by measuring one particular compound, often one of the more active compounds in that herb. Extracts can either be whole-herb extracts, where the herb is basically concentrated, or extracted compounds, where some compound(s) are concentrated.
Whole herb extracts are recommended, because they utilize the buffering safety of the mix of compounds available in whole herbs. By concentrating only a few compounds, the product may produce side effects that can mirror pharmaceuticals, which are typically one compound without buffering agents like most herbs have.
Sometimes, these whole herb extracts are called, “full-spectrum extracts.”
Homeopathic Herbs
Homeopathy is an extensive subject. And homeopathic remedies can include various other substances other than herbs. But when it comes to herbs, homeopathy can provide a completely different conduit to consuming the herb, often with completely different effects.
In a nutshell, homeopathic herbs are very diluted forms. Dilution can range from X to C.
The primary concentrations are X, C and K. X stands for a decimal or a dilution by a factor of 10. C stands for centesimal, and this is a dilution of a factor of 100. And K or Korsakovian, is a dilution method specific for that substance.
This all means that a 6X would be a dilution of 60 times. And 100C would be a dilution of 100,000 times.
To be clear, many homeopaths assume after 100 dilutions, there is very little if any of the original compound in the resulting remedy. They might express that what remains is the electromagnetic imprint of the original substance.
Others take on the more microscopic view and consider that any dilution should still contain some atomic element of the original substance.
The bottom line is that outside of an X dilution, homeopathic remedies often have completely different effects from the original herb. The X dilutions may often match the original herb, but just in a more subtle manner.
Because of these dilution factors, commercial homeopathic remedies are typically considered safe. But talking with a homeopath may provide greater clarity and even some surprising benefits.
Light Exposure
Outside of a sun dehydration, herbs should generally be kept out of direct light because light can diminish their efficacy. A dark, dry storage area is best.
Heat Exposure
Herbs should generally be stored in a cool environment, but typically not refrigerated, unless fresh. Fresh herbs should be refrigerated.
Keep Dry
Dehydrated herbs are best kept dry and isolated from other compounds.
Safety Note
Most commercial medicinal herbs are generally safe if taken according to dosages on the label or recommended by an herbalist. That said, some herbs will interact with medications, making the medication act powerfully or otherwise cause side effects. Therefore, discuss with your doctor before taking herbs during a time you are taking pharmaceuticals. Also consider consulting with an herbalist practitioner before consuming medicinal herbs.
Scientific References
Bardia A, Nisly NL, Zimmerman MB, Gryzlak BM, Wallace RB. Use of herbs among adults based on evidence-based indications: findings from the National Health Interview Survey. Mayo Clin Proc. 2007 May;82(5):561-6. doi: 10.4065/82.5.561.
Cohen SM, Rousseau ME, Robinson EH. Therapeutic use of selected herbs. Holist Nurs Pract. 2000 Apr;14(3):59-68. doi: 10.1097/00004650-200004000-00010.
Abebe W. Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2002 Dec;27(6):391-401. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2710.2002.00444.x.
Abebe W. Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2002 Dec;27(6):391-401. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2710.2002.00444.x.