When using herbs as medicine, you are employing the entire plant (root, flower, leaf, rhizome, etc) which consists of hundreds or thousands medicinal constituents to address specific issues. This differs from pharmaceuticals which are manufactured to address one specific goal (which they often do very effectively). they do not take into account the synergy of multiple body systems, often leading to unnecessary and potent side effects. Herbal medicines were not created for your specific diseases and illness, therefore there is no herb to “treat arthritis” or to “treat IBS”. Herbs, when combined together in a custom compounded form, can be remarkably effective in providing holistic treatment that is not just symptom specific, but whole body supporting.

Not unless you are under the clinical supervision of a qualified Herbalist or Naturopathic Doctor. It can be very dangerous to abruptly discontinue pharmaceuticals and extremely difficult for a lay person to choose an acceptable alternative(s) to their treatment.

There are many factors involved, such as the severity of the problem, the health of a person's digestion and assimilation, the amount of herbs taken, the stress a person is under, and so on. However, someone with problems such as constipation or blood sugar imbalance will often get excellent results within a day. Someone with joint pain may not feel any difference for several weeks or more. Herbs to aid in chronic and long-standing conditions are taken for a longer period of time. Milder and more nutritional Type herbs can be taken over a longer period. With herbs that are considered strictly medicinal a break of a few days should be taken after10 to 14 days of use

The internet is the worst place to go to find natural medicine advice. Period. There is no regulation on people’s opinion and what can be published on the internet unless it is a scientific journal or medical publication. There is so much mis-information and poorly researched advice floating around that it makes it extremely difficult to make an informed decision about your health on your own. Seek out a qualified herbal medicine practitioner or naturopathic doctor who have been properly and extensively trained to help guide you in your health choices.

Many people take herbs with water, 15 to 30 minutes before meals so the liquid won't dilute their digestive enzymes. Herbs can also be taken with the meal itself, as you swallow your food. Others on a busy schedule take them first thing in the morning and last thing at night. (Some people who take their herbs after or between meals will experience burping.) Herbs for insomnia are usually taken at night. Appetite suppressants and blood sugar balancers are best taken as needed

A single extract contains one herb. A compound extract contains more than one herb. Often 3-5 different herbs are part of a compound extract and they enhance each other's beneficial properties.

Not all herbs are appropriate for children. The mildest herbs are givenfirst. Mild does not mean ineffective, just work mildly with the body. Children are usually much more responsive to mild therapies than are adults. The liquid extracts are probably the easiest form of herb to give to children. The drops are placed in a teaspoon, and enough extra drops of water are added to fill the dropper back up. The diluted herb can then be quickly placed in their mouth (especially if a big deal isn't made of it). Or, they can be given the diluted drops from the spoon. Dosages for children, very generally, is about 1 to 2 drops per year of age. After age 12, doses nearing that of the adult dosage can be given. Remember, most childhood problems should only be aided with the mildest herbs.

An infusion is much like making a cup of tea. Water is brought just to a boil and then poured over an herb (or combination of herbs).It is covered and allowed to sit/steep for 10-15 minutes or so. It can be prepared in the drinking cup (by just pouring the heated water over the herb in the cup) or by dropping the herb into the pot which the water was heated in. You drink the water on top and discard the settled herbs or powders.

The best way to brew a cup of herbal tea To make a cup of tea using fresh herbs: place a handful of the herbs into a glass, enamel or stainless pot, cover with cool water and lid, and slowly heat until steaming, but not boiling. Turn off the heat and let infuse 5-30 minutes. The longer your tea infuses, the stronger its flavor. To make a cup of tea using dried leaves and flowers: Boil 1 cup of water. Place 1-2 Tablespoons of dried herbs into a tea pot, glass canning jar or tea infuser. Pour the hot water over the herbs, cover with a lid or small plate, and let infuse for 5-15 minutes. Strain and compost the plant material. To make a cup of dried, chopped roots: Place 6 tablespoons of chopped, dried roots into a glass, enamel or stainless pot. Cover with 4-5 cups of water and simmer for 20-30 minutes, covered. Turn off heat, strain and compost the plant material.