By Gabriel Foster
“The use of herbs as early forms of medicine or healing aid dates back centuries, as far back as the Old Era throughout the continents,” Nero explained to her. “Even here in Lacasnarlight,” he raised his arms in the air. “Herbs are generally safe and like warm sunshine, natural and beneficial to mind, body and spirit, not to mention affordable compared to prescription medicine,” Nero went on. “Herbs can be listed in three main categories, food, medicinal, and poisonous.”
“You mention the Old Era, so even back then the races were developing the early beginnings of herbology?” Nero’s friend inquired.
“Yes Priscilla! The many races back then slowly developed highly skilled techniques in what we call herbology of today, but still their level of healing would be no match for the various advancements we have developed for over six thousand years,” Nero proudly pointed out to her.
Confusion Is Only Illusion
Nero continued “Herb can be pronounced with the “h” (H-E-R-B) or without it (E-R-B). Either pronunciation is correct. You’ll notice that I have “an”, in front of the “herb” word when appropriate. I do this for readers that wish to leave the “h” in herb silent and simply pronounce it as “Erb”. “
Priscilla gave him a sly smile and accusation “You’re feeling full of yourself in this moment, aren’t you?”
“That’s ridiculous!” Nero scuffed at her, “I’m a professional herbologist”, “you expect me to dumb myself down?” he gave her a low growl.
The Big Three
Priscilla laughed and indicated for him to continue.
Nero gave her a scolding look before he spoke again, “Food herbs: Supports the positive aspects of the body, cleanses its system and maintains holistic balance. Food herbs can be consumed in great amounts without fear of losing their benefits.”
“Medicinal herbs: They are used for a short period of time to fight infections, flu and similar ailments when the need occurs. A time limit is used, because prolong use (overuse), may take away its medicinal benefits.”
“Poisonous herbs: I know what you’re thinking, why use poisonous herbs at all, because this category of herbs poses no real threat. Like any type of powerful remedy, if they are misused in anyway, they have the potential to decrease health or even cause death. Another reason why poisonous herbs are used, is because they promote short term specific benefits.” Nero could see the questioning look on Princilla’s face and gave her a look of silence.
Therapeutic Synergy
Priscilla continued to walk side by side with Nero through the herbal garden listening to him educate her on his wonderful world of herbs.
“Therapeutic plants are fascinating entities unto themselves Priscilla. They contain phytochemical properties that were created millions of years ago. These same phytochemical properties have been dancing hand in hand with evolution up to our present time. Providing us and many other animals that consume them with both healing and health benefits that take our hand and lead us into their therapeutic dance festival.”
Priscilla gave him a look that made him quickly clear his throat.
Nero continued “An herb may contain thousands of phytochemical properties, all existing and working in unison towards the plants own health and existence. The total collection of those phytochemicals within a plant, are usually working together in a synergistic way to provide the therapeutic benefits that we need.”
Synthetic Copies
I know you have questions Priscilla, what do you want to ask? Nero asked her face to face.
Priscilla smiled her mischievous smile shaking her head “no not right now, please continue”.
Nero sighed and shook his head “The drug manufacturers may copy some of the benefits of herbs by distilling it down to just a few of its original phytochemicals to create a chemical rival for profit. Most often, the chemical counterpart may have a tremendous amount of side effects, because it no longer resembles the original design, created by millions of years of plant evolution. Some herbs have no synthetic counterparts whatsoever. Most herbs, unlike their prescription brothers, are non-evasive to the human body. Meaning, they cause very little to zero side effects, depending on what and how much dosage you’re using.”
Sensibility Is Key
Nero then cautioned “It would be wise to consult your health care professional before undertaking any therapeutic herbal program. Some herbs have a tendency to increase the effects of prescription drugs and others simply to neutralize the drug’s potency. In the worst-case scenario, herbs when taken with medical drugs will cause some serious harm and side effects.”
“Most herbal supplements already have a recommended dosage on the label, but it would still be wise to work with your physician or health care professional, since they may be in a position to know what herbs and drugs cannot be taken together.” “And that’s everything Priscilla,” Nero concluded.
Still no questions? He asked her.
“I might have some on the way home, will you escort me?”, she mused and asked at the same time. Nero sighed and shook his head and surrendered with a “fine, but I’m not buying you lunch on the way there”.
Priscilla responded “of course not doctor, you’re your own man, fully capable of making your own decisions” she smiled mischievously.
GF Wisdom | Herbs are nature’s currency of choice, they foster better health, invest in them for wealth and bank the change you call happiness. ~ Gabriel Foster
