You have probably been using herbs all of your life. When your mother gave you ginger ale for an upset stomach, or orange juice for a cold, she probably knew that there was more good in those things then just carbonation or Vitamin C. Now that you have decided to use herbs to promote your own physical and emotional well-being, we would like to answer some commonly asked questions about how to use herbs and receive their maximum benefit.

• What are herbs?
• Are herbs like vitamins?
• Are herbs like drugs?
• How do herbs work?
• Can herbs help my immune system?
• Can herbs become addictive?
• Can herbs be used along with prescription drugs?
• How often should I take herbs?
• I would like to give herbs to my children. What do I need to know?
• How should I store my Chinese herbs?
• Where can I find out more about herbs?

HERBS ARE concentrated foods, known to help the body heal itself. Herbs can offer the body nourishment it may not be receiving due to poor diet, environmental problems and excess stress. Herbs work to balance the body, so that it can create the best possible health for itself.

NO. VITAMINS are isolated, concentrated substances. Most people take vitamin supplements daily to insure against nutritional deficiencies. While herbs are concentrated, their value is in their wholeness. There are many different elements in herbs and, like food in the digestive system, herbs combine and work with the body's enzyme activity. Rather than compare herbs to vitamins, it is more accurate to think of them like foods. Herbs do supply nutrients, and they work best when taken in small amounts over a long period of time, allowing the body to awaken to its own vital energies.

NO. WHILE many drugs isolate one part of a plant as an "active ingredient," herbs in their whole form are very different from drugs. While the drug is focused on eliminating the symptom, the herb is working with the body on the cause of the problem. Results take much longer, but by helping the body restore its own inner balance rather then just temporarily masking a symptom, herbs help to create a real foundation for health.

EVERY HUMAN body is born with the ability to bring itself to a state of balanced health. Herbs simply help the body to do its own work by breaking up toxins, cleaning, lubricating, strenghtening and nourishing. They support the body at its deepest levels, supporting nature in its fight against illness, and maximizing the quality of health.

CHINESE HERBS have been used for thousands of years and have proven to be very effective in strenghening the immune system. As with any kind of physical deficiency, one most realize the fragility of the body and respect its limits. Instead of using large doses of herbs to stimulate fast results, it is much wiser to use moderate amounts over a longer period of time. Even when you feel the herbs are helping to improve your health, increasing the amount or the number of herbs can aggravate symptoms, and lead to negative results.

NO BECAUSE of the nature of herbs they cannot become addictive. While people do find that herbs increase their energy, it is best to treat the herbs as powerful foods, and keep in mind the end result of balancing the body. The first rule of herbal consumption is moderation. Don't think that if one dose feels good, two will feel better. Remember that herbs work with the inner wisdom of the body, and the body does not adjust easily to radical changes. Go slowly, and think of time as an essential ingredient in the herbal formula. Using herbs wisely will bring results that will be well worth the wait.

IT IS always good to seek advice from a medical doctor who understands the benefits of herbs. Many studies indicate that Chinese herbs can be safely and effectively used along with prescription drugs. In fact, this practice of combining Wester medicine with Chinese herbal therapies is common in China, and is called Fu Zheng therapy. If you have an illness that is being treated with drugs, adding herbs to your treatment can give you the best of both worlds.

IT IS best to start your program with a substantial dosage to build a good foundation for your health. As you notice your energy and balance returning, a smaller dose should be taken to maintain the effect. Finally, reduce the dosage further for long range maintentance. Guildlines below can be followed for example.

CHILDREN CAN benefit from herbs just like adults. The fact that children have very fast metabolism means ther herbs pass through them quickly so they can take up to 3/4 of an adult dosage, but when you notice their energy and balance returning, a smaller dose should be taken to maintain the effect. Use 1/2 dose for infants and toddlers.

ALL HERBS should be stored in airtight containers, in a cool, dark place. Sometimes, you may find you have a problem with insects: they will be attracted to herbs the same way they are attracted to rice or cornmeal. In this case, refrigeration will keep your herbs safe and fresh.

FOUR SEASONS has a great selection of books on herbs and healing that can answer any questions you may have. If you are just starting to learn about herbs, the book we recommend is Chinese Tonic Herbs by Ron Teeguarden. if you know a little, but would like to know more, we suggest The Web That Has No Weaver by Ted Kaptchuk. If you are familiar with these books, we recommend the comprehensive Chinese Herbal Medicine by Dan Bensky. The more you learn about herbs, the more you can take advantage of all the benefits they offer.

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us at herbs1@jps.net and we will be happy to help.