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1. Herbal treatments are beginning to get mainstream acceptance. Why? Influential information from friends, family, doctors and the internet, plus media coverage of international research studies and of health practices has brought attention to herbal treatments. Folks are attracted be comparatively low costs, less side effects, lack of addictive qualities, and relief from symptoms of many chronic ailments for which pharmaceuticals are inadequate. Also, because we are in the midst of a cultural shift from dependence on medical practitioners to fix problems caused by our taking lifestyle choices, to our taking responsibility for our health. Examples of this behavior include our interest in preventive treatments, diets, exercise, and supplements.
Hopefully by now most people know that antibiotics are antibacterial, which is why they are prescribed as preventive treatments against the possible secondary infe Úction of the respiratory system (ie.; pneumonia and sinus infection). However, antibiotics are ineffective with colds and flu because they are viruses. In fact, the creators of antibiotics voiced concerns that the indiscriminate use of antibiotics could set the stage for the type of viral mutations that we now see. Sadly, a few doctors tell me that some patients want and expect to receive antibiotics. Fortunately, many herbs are terrific for common bacterial and viral infections.. Research has shown the use of Echinacea, Goldenseal, and Elderberry to be very effective. In Asia, Honeysuckle is also used. I have used Echinacea and Goldenseal to stop the progression of clods and flu, and was happy when doctors in town started to prescribe them. This is a beautiful example of how herbs fit hand-in-glove with current medical practices. Violet leaf tea is a fine expectorant. One researcher in town recommends Kudzu. Astragalus, a Chinese herb, seems to be the best preventive measure. It is a tonic herb which the Chinese use as a deep immune builder, not only for colds and flu but also for auto-immune disorders such as allergies. they cook the Astragalus root in soups. (Garlic could be a comparable tonic.) In the USA, Astragalus is available as a supplement. I was dismayed to see that the first batch of Echinacea supplements sold at Wal-Mart was labeled, "Take one daily for immune health." Echinacea is considered to be an immune stimulant, not a tonic. It has no history of long term daily use, and research has shown that its activity falls off sharply after nine to fourteen days (which is why in England it is administered in doses: ten days ON, five days OFF, etc. for deep-seated kidney infections). In Germany the research is based on an Echinacea injectable, and since that is not available in the USA, the extract or tincture is considered to be preferable to capsules, not only because it is more potent, but also because the extract alerts the immune system's first defenses in the mouth. Ho wever, many Americans object to the fizzy, sharp flavor, and opt to take higher doses of capsules or tablets. Most research has been conducted on Echinacea purpurea, but one study indicated that Echinacea agustifolia was more potent; since then, other studies have shown both to be equally effective. The tennesseans and palidia varieties have also shown healing properties, but are not as commonly cultivated. The root of this plant is considered to be the most potent plant part, but the leaves also contain active constituents. Incidentally, Echinacea was first used by American Indians for a variety of complaints including snake and spider bites. One friend of mine mistakenly called it "Indignation," which I thought at first hilarious, and then realized how inadvertently appropriate it was since Echinacea is so swift at handling the indignities of a clod. Echinacea purpurea is a beautiful pinkish-purple flower which you will see in many gardens as an ornamental called "purple cone flower."
Licorice root, (not to be
confused with the candy) is probably the most
common herbal ulcer remedy used around the world.
Deglycerrized is considered to be the best kind
these days. Kudzu root starch and fennel tea are
also prized for soothing the digestive tract. I
have found that they are marvelous for acid
indigestion. Tienchi is a Chinese herb which I'm
sure we'll all hear a lot more about in the future.
It stops hemorrhagic bleeding and speeds healing
tremendously. It is a principle ingredient in the
Chinese remedy called Yunnan Paiyao. The benefits
to ulcer suffers are obvious. Yunnan Paiyao is one
of the most remarkable herbal remedies I've ever
encountered. I first learned about it in a book
called Asian Health Secrets. Since then I've seen
it work wonders for a wide range of wounds, serious
injuries, and surgeries - assisting people and
animals. |
4. Tell
us about your herbal garden, and what percentage of
the herbs you sell are grown in your
garden?
My fascinations with plants was peaked by my parents. They were diligent in identifying everything that grows, and sometimes telling tales of their origins and other times explaining their medicinal uses... always noting the unique and often subtle physical characteristics. I never attempted any serious cultivation except what was required of me in the family vegetable garden and later in my father's Marijuana research garden, until I started landscaping my first shop location. Jo Ann Allen (winner of the Commercial Appeal's 1998 Garden of the Year Award!) and Tom Yancy were my first mentors, teaching me about soil and demonstrating the dirty side of gardening as they wielded pickax and shovel in my first properly prepared garden bed... revealing and amending subterranean surprises. Jani Locke inspired me with her herbs and humor. Bob Plants (an appropriate name) gave me my first Echinacea seeds. Many folks encouraged and empowered me in my early gardening. I set out to collect as many native (easy going), culinary (practical), aromatic (luxurious) and medicinal (mystical) plants as possible. Some of my favorite are lavender and rosemary. (Yes, they will come back if properly placed and tended!) At last count, there were well over three hundred species. The majority of the herbals sold inside the shop are represented in the landscaping, including; lemon vebena, comfrey, ginger, jewelweed, evening primrose, scullcap, fo-ti, and astragalus. La Boheme gardens are not formal gardens, and we've been in this location for only four years. So, much of the landscaping is in progress and some specimens are still quite young. This year I was blessed with the enthusiastic help of a British girl named Nicole Reville who became my first apprentice. She helped me lost and label all the plants in my garden, a prerequisite to the self-guided walking tour which we now offer. Our shop and garden brochures are now available at the Mississippi Welcome Centers! As all gardeners do, I have plans for a grander garden next year complete with water gardens. This spring we plan to host our first herbal festival complete with live plants for sale from local nurseries, lectures, herbal foods, a seed swap, and crafts.
At La Boheme we take a holistic approach to health: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. We aren't health fanatics who became interested in natural products; we are nature lovers who became fascinated with natural living and healing. At La Boheme you won't get the "attitude" that unfortunately prevails at some health food stores. We prefer to help folks with their concerns by providing se rvice, information, encouragement, referrals, high quality products and discretion. Rather than dictate what people should do, we like to guide folks through the wealth of knowledge available to all who care to learn more about living well. La Boheme has donated numerous books to the Lafayette County Library. The Library at the shop is open to anyone to use on site. Hard-to-find books can be purchased at reduced rates. Next year we hope to provide in-house use of interactive computer software detailing herbal protocols for hundreds of ailments based on the most current research from around the world. The staff at La Boheme examines each manufacturer and its products for sources, purity and potency of ingredients. We also utilize a network of health care professionals. Consultations are kept in the strictest confidence. Mail order is available. I feel very fortunate that my mother, who was a Japanese-American Pharmacist, brought me up with massage, using Japanese techniques. Eighteen years ago I began studying Kundalini Yoga. Nine years ago I was certified in Reiki. These experiences contributed to preparing me for working with the healing arts. At La Boheme we feel grateful for the massage therapists who work with us. Our staff has the highest standards in dealing with our clientele. They enjoy respectful referrals from health care professionals throughout the region. In addition to their extensive training in Swedish massage, the therapist have learned Aveda's Stress Relief Techniques and have studied aromatherapy, Reflexology, and other body working techniques. In keeping with the origins of La Boheme as a salon, I still do hair cuts and hair color using the finest natural products and diverse range of techniques, which learned over a period of twenty years experience including stage and film work.
This exotic herb comes from the South pacific where it has been used for over three thousand years. There are many different kinds of Kava. At La Boheme we stock only the most pleasantly relaxing and uplifting types. Our favorite comes form the island of Vanuatu. Clinical research has shown that Kava is as effective as the pharmaceuticals in the Valium and Xanax families for anxiety and tension, without the addictive tendencies or loss of mental and motor skills, when taken as directed. In fact, high quality potent Kava has been shown to increase the acuity of vision and hearing. It is also a delightful pain reliever, since it doesn't dull the senses. Kava helps create a warm sociable mood. A Fijian proverb says, "No problem can outlast a Kava session." At an international herbal conference this year, the Minister of Kava Trade for the USA said that Kava consumption had doubled worldwide. As evidence of its popularity in the USA, a Kava combination formula called Erotikava won the West Coast "Best new natural product award."
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© 2000 Gail Doorenbos. All rights reserved. |
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