Introduction
The purpose of this book is to serve as a “ready
reference” on the safe and effective use of liquid herbal extracts.
Although much of the language used throughout this text is in the vernacular
of modern orthodox medicine, and diseases are often referred to by specific
medical names, it must be understood that in traditional herbal medicine
disease is not seen as a separate entity and therefore is not treated
as such. Disease is actually an interrelated set of underlying conditions
manifesting as a specific set of symptoms. Modern medical science classifies
these symptoms into collective categories, gives each category a name
(e.g., eczema, allergies, hypertension, etc.), and then tries to cure
the patient by treating the symptoms. The herbalist, however, is more
concerned with treating the patient, not the disease, and does so by
improving the overall health of the patient and by removing the underlying
causes of the disease.
Herbs by themselves can only be expected to do so much. For optimal
results they should be used in the context of a natural wholesome diet,
ample exercise and rest, a positive attitude, fulfilling work, and a
simple lifestyle. This combination will almost always have a favorable
influence on one's health and often induces healing where modern medicine
has failed. The information presented in the following pages has been
gleaned from 30 years of experience as a medical herbalist and from
extensive academic research of herbal literature that ranges from ancient
herbal texts to modern phytopharmaceutical journals. However, it must
be understood that there can never be any guarantees that herbs will
always help or heal every health problem for which they are indicated.
There is no form of medicine, herbal or otherwise, that can make such
a guarantee.
The Price of Freedom is Responsibility
It is every American's inherent right to freely choose
for themselves whatever type and source of healthcare he or she deems
appropriate. However, it must be emphasized that practicing such medical
freedom requires the responsibility of acquiring valid health information
and skills, having the wisdom to recognize when professional healthcare
is needed, and to choose that healthcare wisely.
