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Selling Herbs Is A Big, Controversial Business

Read more articles on Natural Medicine and The Thoughts Of A Writer In New York City and Medicine.

September 3, 2006

Posted by neillevine

About This Editor: I am a writer. Have been writing for other sites, but expect to do most of my future work HERE! My expertise extends from the esoteric such as burning hydrogen to the unpredictability of the stock market and my writing makes me a jack of all trades and exasperated master of none. I have had some influence over national wildfire and water policy and there are hints of a change in energy policy, BUT as Samuel Goldwyn once said, "A verbal promise is not worth the paper it is written on."

         

Selling herbs is a big business. Vitamin Shoppe, General Nutrition Center, Vitamin World, Puritan’s Pride, Swanson’s and others that sell such products are not small companies.

However, the entire business is controversial because there is no standardization as far as medical recommendations go. A comparison of four books on the subject, “Natural Remedy Bible” by Michael Tierra and John Lust, “Herb Bible” by Earl Mindell, “The Green Pharmacy” by James A. Duke and “The Complete Guide To Herbal Medicines” by Charles W. Fetrow and Juan Avila, makes this issue especially clear.

Take garlic, for example. This common food item, no less, is supposed to reduce high blood pressure and fight infections. Only “The Green Pharmacy” and “Complete Guide To Herbal Medicines” suggest it can thin blood, a serious life threatening complication that doctors often have to deal with in many commonly encountered medical situations, although reputable medical facilities can conduct blood tests to elucidate the problem when a patient is undergoing treatment.

Then there is cinnamon, which may treat athlete’s foot, body odor, diabetes, erection problems, fever, heartburn and slash or nausea, according to “The Green Pharmacy.” But “Herbal Medicines” says it is good for abdominal pain, chest pain, diarrhea, fungal infections (at least, here there is some agreement), gynecological disorders (read the previous list), high blood pressure, kidney problems, pain and rheumatism. “Natural Remedy Bible” lists blood pressure (some agreement), flu, loose stools and pulse as potential uses, while “Herb Bible” claims cinnamon tea clears the brain and improves thought processes, recommends cinnamon oil for upset stomach, gas and diarrhea and claims cinnamon itself increases energy and awareness.

Other popular herbal remedies also receive contradictory treatment. “Green Pharmacy” says Coenzyme Q-10 is good for cardiac arrhythmia. All “Herb Bible” says about it is it is an antioxidant produced by the body. “Natural Remedy Bible” also calls it an antioxidant good for “relieving cardiovascular problems.” “Herbasl Medicines” does list irregular heartbeats along with eleven other uses.

The same problem arises with many other popular herbal remedies such as gingko biloba and apple (pyrus malus).

So much for uniformly clear and consistent information. So if you are seeking a medical miracle, it is probably best to consult your local physician.

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