We all want only the best for ourselves and our families.
When opting to use botanical medicines [herbs], it is urgent that you consult research-based information, and to use only natural products-- that is, non-standardized herbs. The reason: when plants are altered to remove most of their constituents and leave only one or two [the standardization process], the resulting product cannot be called an herb any longer; it is now an artificial substance. This is sometimes referred to as a "phyto [plant]-pharmaceutical". The results can become skewed and drug-like side effects and/or lowered effectiveness can result. When a study concludes that ginkgo, or echinacea, is not effective you can bet that the product used was standardized.
To sum up: standardization does NOT necessarily result in safer or more effective herbal products. These continue to fail the testing conducted to determine consistency and quality. One thing it does allow for is the patenting of proprietary formulas, for the financial protection of manufacturers. See, you can't patent a plant. Plants on the other hand are open to the [far less costly] use of anyone who decides to "keep it simple". I just love that phrase.
Needless to say, all our herbal tinctures are natural, whole-plant products.
Why a "tincture"?
A tincture, or liquid extract of a plant, is accepted by plant medicine experts to be the most effective way to reap all possible benefits from an herb. An extract is focused, thus less is used; it retains its potency for several years if kept properly, and is already "broken down" for the body to absorb fully and quickly. Tinctures are also more cost-effective. Herbal capsules, the form most commonly offered on the market, at first appear to be quite inexpensive, but so many have to be taken to equal the effectiveness of a tincture that they usually end up being much more expensive. An aside: the suggested dosage for our herbal line is generally quite a bit less than that of other brands, as we feel "less can be more" and through years of history with our customers have come to conclude that our herbs may be more effective than many on the market.
What about the taste?
Most herbs have a completely agreeable taste, and as we recommend putting the tiny amount in a swallow of water, juice or tea and tossing it down, it's a simple, totally "painless" experience.
But, there's a lot of confusion and controversy about using herbs.
How very true! --However, we do know this: Herbs, used properly, are almost never harmful. On the other hand, we also know that pharmaceutical drugs, correctly prescribed and taken exactly as directed, can kill-- and, increasingly often, do. In fact, they're a leading cause of death in the U.S., per the Journal of the American Medical Association:
"According to a study reported in the mid-April 1998 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association ( JAMA), they are the fourth leading cause of death in America. ADRs [adverse drug reactions] rank behind only heart disease (743,460 deaths), cancer (529,904 deaths), and stroke (150,108 deaths). More people die in the US from ADRs than from pneumonia and diabetes."
Add to this more recent news, such as the possibly fatal side effects of using synthetic hormone replacement; anti-inflammatory drugs and even one of the drugs for nail fungus, and the picture has become ever more confusing and frightening for consumers.
As consumers become more aware of the serious risks of drugs, the numbers of those switching to safer alternatives continue to grow. That growth, not surprisingly, is accompanied by anti-herb and anti-supplement press. Why? Profits within the pharmaceutical industry are being negatively affected by revelations about, even withdrawal from the market of, some major drugs. The fact that billions are being increasingly spent on "natural supplements" is of course an unacceptable situation to industries who're not getting those sales. The other side of the coin is that the "natural products" community also needs to be more mindful of its own ethics, standards and accountability. We all must become vigilant, informed, consumers.
The bottomline: I for one am grateful that certain prescription drugs are available. When I have a kidney stone, it's not an herb I'm asking for -- it is a shot of morphine, and as quickly as possible, please!
We endorse the concept of "integrative medicine"; the informed use of both medical science and natural supplements.
Overall, it is intelligent to live more healthfully and depend less on all kinds of "treatments". Then, when you must make a choice [after consultation[s] with appropriate medical professionals], go with the choice least likely to do further damage to your already troubled body while providing effective results.
How, then, to make the best choices for health?
Note our company slogan: "Be well-- and well-informed." The key phrase is "WELL-INFORMED". Do your homework-- learn scientific, documented facts. NO one has as much at stake as you do regarding your health. Consult only research-based material [rather than sales hype-- or unfounded accusations], establishing the best you can that the study was not backed by an entity with a vested interest. Good sources of factual information include The Herb Research Foundation, The American Botanical Council and Pubmed [the federal government's public medicine website which contains the American Library of Medicine with literally millions of research reports]. *NOTE: Check out our page "Information Resources" for more suggestions. Also know that you can expect honesty and factual information from The Well and its staff.
Our suggestions for the most effective use of herbs for health:
*Use as directed [or, ask us for suggestions]. Do not assume that "If a little is good, a LOT is better."
*Use it long enough to give it a fair chance to work for you.
*Be willing to find the best herb for you. Due to the unique chemistry of each person, one herb or supplement will of course work better than others to achieve the desired result. Just as with drugs, you may need to try 2 or 3 before determining the best one for you. At least, with natural products used as directed, you shouldn't be experiencing negative side effects as you try them out; plus the cost is minimal compared to prescription drugs.
*Tell your physician what herbs you are using. If we can provide them information, let us know.
*Contact The Well if you have any questions-- you'll get factual, research based information.
*Take the following statement seriously, and heed it.
PLEASE READ: During pregnancy, take NO supplements, herbs, medicinal drugs, over-the-counter "medical" products, or ANYTHING similar without consulting your physician. Always ask about herb/drug interactions if you're taking medications.
FDA Compliance Statement
The products and statements on these pages have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult a health care professional.
PRODUCT LIST: [*For herb info, click on the herb name. Use "back" to return to this page.]
Tinctures come in brown glass dropper bottles.
**SHIPPING COSTS ONLY $6.00 [within Continental U.S.] NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU ORDER.
