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Wish Garden Herbs Library
Basics of Taking Herbal Extracts
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Herbal extracts are a wonderfully healing method of taking care of common ailments and health concerns. How one takes herbal remedies depends on the type of remedy indicated and the specific ailment or health concern. There are three general types of herbal extracts offered by WishGarden Herbs.
The first is a tonic. A tonic is designed to gently support healing and health over a longer term process. It is designed to help nourish and balance bodily systems such as the endocrine system or nervous system. A tonic is best taken daily over many weeks.
The second is an acute (or structure-function) extract. An acute extract is designed to help speed healing of specific acute conditions over a shorter term, such as Earache-Be-Gone or Serious Cough.
The third is a symptom reliever. A symptom reliever is designed to address the symptoms of an ailment or health concern, and less specifically the ailment itself, although we do formulate symptom relievers to help in healing the ailment.
Please note that herbal remedies are medicines and should be used carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult a qualified professional herbal practitioner before taking an herbal remedy. We highly recommend that you begin to familiarize and educate yourself on the use of herbs through the many wonderful books on the topic. Please consult your local library, independent bookseller, or Amazon for books on herbs and herbal remedies.
General Guidelines: Please take WishGarden Herbal remedies according to the suggested use directions on the label. Please note that most WishGarden dosages are dropperfuls, not "drops", except for infants and young children. If you are unsure of your sensitivity, please begin with a small dose and consult a qualified professional herbal practitioner in your community. For children and infants, please see our article, Dosages for Children in this Library. WishGarden Herbs remedies are well-known for being tasty and easy to take, but taste sensitivities vary. Dosages can be taken directly under the tongue or placed in a small amount of water or juice, depending on preference. Please do not exceed the recommended dosages on the label, except for double dosing for symptom relief, unless instructed to by a qualified professional practitioner.
Taking TONICS: Tonics should be taken over a longer term. 4 -6 weeks is the usual recommended period for tonics. Examples of WishGarden Herbs' tonics are Daily Immune for Kids, Deep Stress for adults, Wise Changes for women. Our label will say whether an herbal remedy is a tonic. We recommend taking WishGarden Herbs tonic remedies 1 to 3 times a day over a period of several weeks. We sell larger sized bottles of tonics (as well as all our remedies) to make it easier to take them over a longer period. Please call us to order 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz and 32 oz bottles. For more specific dosing information, please read the product label and consult a qualified herbal practitioner regarding your specific health concern.
Taking SYMPTOM RELIEVERS: Many of WishGarden Herbs' remedies are designed to relieve symptoms of common health complaints. Examples of symptom relievers are Allergy Relief, Cold Symptoms, and Digestive Ease. We recommend taking these products according to the directions on the label. However, they are designed to also be taken in a double dose to improve symptom relief as follows: Double Dosing - take one dose and wait ten to 15 minutes. If your symptoms are not relieved, take another dose. Wait another 10 to 15 minutes. You may repeat this dosing for a total of 3 times within a 30-45 minute period to aid symptom relief. We recommend that you then wait several hours before repeating another dosage.
Taking ACUTE REMEDIES (or structure-function remedies) : WishGarden Herbs is well-known for formulating powerful therapeutic remedies to address acute health concerns. We recommend taking acute remedies according to the directions on the product. Following are general guidelines that should not supersede directions on the product label.
In addressing an acute illness or health concern, dosing depends on the severity of the situation. It is important to quickly get an adequate level of herbal medicine into the blood stream to "get on top of" the situation and begin to "kick out" the virus or other infection. Examples of acute remedies include Sinus Infection, Mastitis Remedy, KickAss Immune Activator. WishGarden recommends taking a dose frequently in the first 24 to 48 hours - from every hour to every 2 hours depending on severity of illness. This can be backed off to 4 or 5 times a day by the 2nd or 3rd day. Depending on severity of health concern, dosing should be maintained at 2 to 3 times a day for the next 3 or 4 days to prevent a return of the illness.
Please consult a qualified herbal health practitioner if you have any questions or concerns about a specific health concern and PLEASE consult a qualified health practitioner before giving adult remedies to children under the age of 12.
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Herbal extracts are a wonderfully healing method of taking care of common ailments and health concerns. How one takes herbal remedies depends on the type of remedy indicated and the specific ailment or health concern. There are three general types of herbal extracts offered by WishGarden Herbs.
The first is a tonic. A tonic is designed to gently support healing and health over a longer term process. It is designed to help nourish and balance bodily systems such as the endocrine system or nervous system. A tonic is best taken daily over many weeks.
The second is an acute (or structure-function) extract. An acute extract is designed to help speed healing of specific acute conditions over a shorter term, such as Earache-Be-Gone or Serious Cough.
The third is a symptom reliever. A symptom reliever is designed to address the symptoms of an ailment or health concern, and less specifically the ailment itself, although we do formulate symptom relievers to help in healing the ailment.
Please note that herbal remedies are medicines and should be used carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult a qualified professional herbal practitioner before taking an herbal remedy. We highly recommend that you begin to familiarize and educate yourself on the use of herbs through the many wonderful books on the topic. Please consult your local library, independent bookseller, or Amazon for books on herbs and herbal remedies.
General Guidelines: Please take WishGarden Herbal remedies according to the suggested use directions on the label. Please note that most WishGarden dosages are dropperfuls, not "drops", except for infants and young children. If you are unsure of your sensitivity, please begin with a small dose and consult a qualified professional herbal practitioner in your community. For children and infants, please see our article, Dosages for Children in this Library. WishGarden Herbs remedies are well-known for being tasty and easy to take, but taste sensitivities vary. Dosages can be taken directly under the tongue or placed in a small amount of water or juice, depending on preference. Please do not exceed the recommended dosages on the label, except for double dosing for symptom relief, unless instructed to by a qualified professional practitioner.
Taking TONICS: Tonics should be taken over a longer term. 4 -6 weeks is the usual recommended period for tonics. Examples of WishGarden Herbs' tonics are Daily Immune for Kids, Deep Stress for adults, Wise Changes for women. Our label will say whether an herbal remedy is a tonic. We recommend taking WishGarden Herbs tonic remedies 1 to 3 times a day over a period of several weeks. We sell larger sized bottles of tonics (as well as all our remedies) to make it easier to take them over a longer period. Please call us to order 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz and 32 oz bottles. For more specific dosing information, please read the product label and consult a qualified herbal practitioner regarding your specific health concern.
Taking SYMPTOM RELIEVERS: Many of WishGarden Herbs' remedies are designed to relieve symptoms of common health complaints. Examples of symptom relievers are Allergy Relief, Cold Symptoms, and Digestive Ease. We recommend taking these products according to the directions on the label. However, they are designed to also be taken in a double dose to improve symptom relief as follows: Double Dosing - take one dose and wait ten to 15 minutes. If your symptoms are not relieved, take another dose. Wait another 10 to 15 minutes. You may repeat this dosing for a total of 3 times within a 30-45 minute period to aid symptom relief. We recommend that you then wait several hours before repeating another dosage.
Taking ACUTE REMEDIES (or structure-function remedies) : WishGarden Herbs is well-known for formulating powerful therapeutic remedies to address acute health concerns. We recommend taking acute remedies according to the directions on the product. Following are general guidelines that should not supersede directions on the product label.
In addressing an acute illness or health concern, dosing depends on the severity of the situation. It is important to quickly get an adequate level of herbal medicine into the blood stream to "get on top of" the situation and begin to "kick out" the virus or other infection. Examples of acute remedies include Sinus Infection, Mastitis Remedy, KickAss Immune Activator. WishGarden recommends taking a dose frequently in the first 24 to 48 hours - from every hour to every 2 hours depending on severity of illness. This can be backed off to 4 or 5 times a day by the 2nd or 3rd day. Depending on severity of health concern, dosing should be maintained at 2 to 3 times a day for the next 3 or 4 days to prevent a return of the illness.
Please consult a qualified herbal health practitioner if you have any questions or concerns about a specific health concern and PLEASE consult a qualified health practitioner before giving adult remedies to children under the age of 12
Dosages for Children
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WishGarden's extracts for children are made with glycerine and are therefore sweeter and easier to take. Most children like them and take them easily. Children's glycerites can be given directly, or for stronger tasting formulas or sensitive palates, can be placed in a small cup of juice or tea.
Children are more sensitive to herbs and medicines in general. Suggested dosages are included on each bottle of WishGarden Children's remedies and supersede any guidelines in this essay.
Extra care should be taken to use the gentlest herbs possible when working with children, as they are sensitive and generally respond quickly. Only a few drops, no more than 10, of the most benign herbs are appropriate for infants. WishGarden Herbs' Children's Line has been specially formulated for gentleness by a master herablist with 25 years experience.
WishGarden strongly recommends consulting a qualified practitioner before giving herbal formulas designed for adults to children.
TONICS
ACUTE ILLNESS
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WishGarden's extracts for children are made with glycerine and are therefore sweeter and easier to take. Most children like them and take them easily. Children's glycerites can be given directly, or for stronger tasting formulas or sensitive palates, can be placed in a small cup of juice or tea.
Children are more sensitive to herbs and medicines in general. Suggested dosages are included on each bottle of WishGarden Children's remedies and supersede any guidelines in this essay.
Extra care should be taken to use the gentlest herbs possible when working with children, as they are sensitive and generally respond quickly. Only a few drops, no more than 10, of the most benign herbs are appropriate for infants. WishGarden Herbs' Children's Line has been specially formulated for gentleness by a master herablist with 25 years experience.
WishGarden strongly recommends consulting a qualified practitioner before giving herbal formulas designed for adults to children.
TONICS
ACUTE ILLNESS
Earaches are common in young children due to their developing physiology. The eustachian tube that provides drainage to the middle ear is very small in diameter and is more horizontal in orientation in children until about the age of seven, often impeding adequate drainage. Mucous producing foods often contribute to blocking this passage, and some have suggested that when a child is teething, the stress leaves a child's body more prone to infection.
Common symptoms of earaches in very young children include crying, pulling at the ear, nuzzling the head on one side repeatedly, a reddened cheek or ear, tilting the head to one side while fussing, and fever. Symptoms are usually accompanied by cold symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, runny eyes and general fussiness. Ear infection symptoms can also become present at the end of colds as a child seems to be getting better.
Relieving actions can include using a vaporizer and propping the child's head up with pillows that encourage drainage. Sometimes a gentle source of heat such as a warm heating pad or hot water bottle to lie the head and ear on, can be soothing. Many practitioners recommend limiting foods that could encourage mucous production, such as dairy products and wheat while an ear infection is present and for some time afterwards.
Herbal ear oil: WishGarden's herbal Mullein Ear Oil is best used at the first indication of symptoms or in conjunction with internal EarAche-Be-Gone extract. The oil can be gently warmed (make very sure it is not hot! by testing on your inner wrist). While a child lies on their tummy, head to one side with ear facing up, place drops in the ear slowly. Gently tug on the ear lobe between drops to allow air to escape. When the ear has several drops of oil inside, plug the ear with a small piece of cotton ball and leave in overnight or for 12 hours. We recommend treating both ears, even if only one has symptoms. Remove cotton in the morning and allow the ear to drain.
If your child does not respond to treatment, is in severe pain or shows no signs of improvement after two consecutive nights of treatment, please seek further medical attention. Some parents have found acupuncture and/or chiropractic to be effective treatments for prolonged or recurrent earaches.
Alcohol in Tinctures and Pregnancy
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Concern over alcohol consumption often leads pregnant women to question taking herbal tinctures that contain alcohol.
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As with all medical issues, seeking the advice of a qualified alternative medical practitioner is highly recommended.Concern over alcohol consumption often leads pregnant women to question taking herbal tinctures that contain alcohol.
This concern has led us at WishGarden to research in greater detail the alcohol exposure of tinctures and well-being during pregnancy.
WishGarden routinely limits the amount of alcohol in our remedies for pregnant women, while still producing an effective herbal medicine. We use some alcohol, (usually 10%) to begin the extractive process and then add glycerine and water to complete the medicinal extraction. However some WishGarden remedies used by pregnant women still contain about 50% alcohol, such as Herbal Iron.
In taking this remedy, one might take as much as 2/3 of a dropperful 3 times daily. At this rate women have indicated that their hematocrit (a routine test to indicate the iron content of blood) has improved by 3-8 points in one week.
Taking this tincture daily, one would consume a 1 ounce bottle in about 2 weeks. This would mean that a pregnant woman is consuming approximately 0.5 or one half of an ounce of alcohol over a 2 week period. This translates to one quarter of an ounce per week. To figure daily dose, .25 divided by 7 days is .035 of an ounce of alcohol per day.
Some studies claim that drinking one ounce of alcohol per day may affect birth weight or increase the risk of miscarriage. And general medical opinion holds that there is no proven minimum safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Studies concerning fetal alcohol syndrome focus primarily on chronic abusers of alcohol. For these women, fetal alcohol syndrome is among the top 3 causes of birth defects as well as low birth weight, spontaneous abortion, and other abnormalities.
Given the risks to a developing fetus, it is wise to be very cautious about alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Every pregnant woman must decide for herself whether the health benefit of the herbal remedy she is considering is outweighed by the limited exposure to alcohol in the remedy.
WishGarden strongly recommends choosing one of our remedies made specifically for pregnant and nursing women whenever possible. These contain, on average, between 10% and 20% alcohol and are formulated specifically for pregnant and nursing women.
When health issues require taking a regular adult tincture (50% alcohol), pregnant women should know that exposure is approximately 0.04 of an ounce of alcohol per approximately 3 dropperfuls of tincture.
Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy
Herbs have become more and more popular as a means to improve health and alleviate symptoms during illnesses. What isn't always commonly known is whether or not herbs are safe during pregnancy.
WishGarden Herbs specially formulates its remedies to avoid herbs that are known to cause problems during pregnancy. However, please consult a qualified practitioner before taking any herbs during pregnancy.
Gestation is a wonderful time in a woman's life as there is much power and life-force in the changes that take place. The first trimester is the most critical time in regards to changes in the environment, surfacing emotions, new foods introduced into the diet, and many common herbs that may cause stresses on the developing embryo. This is not the time to start a purifying fast, make radical dietary changes or take cleansing or detoxifying herbs. This is a time of building and strengthening. Nourishment for the mother and the new one are the keys to a healthy pregnancy.
Everything that is ingested will pass through the placenta. This will include potential food allergens, drugs, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and simple routine x-rays from your dentist. Those mentioned are called teratogens. Teratogens are substances that are known to cause birth defects, infertility, miscarriage, low birth weight and impair mental development. The list also includes antacids, aspirin, antihistamines, herbal diuretics, laxatives, steroid precursors, hair dyes, excessive vitamin consumption, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, industrial pollutants, and contact with cat feces. There are also risks associated with amniocentesis, electronic fetal monitoring and many herbs.
Emmenagogues are a class of herbs that help promote menstrual flow and may cause spotting or even miscarriage during pregnancy. There are at least 50 commonly known emmenagogue herbs. Many are also considered oxytocic. Oxytocin is a short-acting hormone naturally produced by a pregnancy woman's body that produces uterine contractions at the appropriate time. During pregnancy, any herbs (or other medications) that are not totally necessary, should be avoided unless they provide nutritional support.
Use discretion when buying and using herbs during pregnancy. Consult a qualified practitioner. If you must take herbs for a health condition, use formulas designed for pregnancy. Exercise moderation in all things. Thoughts and feelings are important. Make it a priority to create time and space for yourself to relax, dream and connect with your baby.
The following is a list of common herbs that are not safe during pregnancy because of their stimulating, irritating, or cathartic action. This is not a complete list. Please consult a qualified practitioner before taking herbs during pregnancy.
Diuretics: Buchu Leaf, Horsetail, Juniper Berries, Cubeb berries
Laxatives: Flaxseed, Senns, Aloe, Castor Oil, Rhubarb root, Barberry, Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada
Steroid Precursors: Ginseng, Licorice, Hops, Sage, Agave, Dong Quai, Angelica
Emmenagogues: Osha, Lemon balm, Birthwort, Rue, Tansy, Pennyroyal, Motherwort
Oxytocic: Blue Cohosh, False Unicorn, Black Cohosh, Glodenseal, Blue flag, Black Walnut, Wormwood, Bethroot, Periwinkle, Mistletoe, Cottonroot Bark
Colds versus Flus
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Colds and Flus are both respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses.
Flu symptoms usually come on very quickly, within hours, and consist of fever, body aches, chills, headaches, extreme tiredness and sometimes a dry cough. Chest pain and unproductive coughs are often part of the flu. Flus are usually longer lasting, more severe and can keep you in bed for a week to two weeks.
Cold symptoms come on more gradually, are usually less severe. Cold symptoms usually consist of a combination of stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, congestion, mild tiredness and coughs that are productive. Fevers are more rare and body aches are more rare.
Complications: Complications of colds include sinus infections and ear infections and occasionally bronchitis. Complications of flus include bronchitis or pneumonia and can be life threatening.
Source: info taken from WebMD.com and www.flufacts.com
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Colds and Flus are both respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses.
Flu symptoms usually come on very quickly, within hours, and consist of fever, body aches, chills, headaches, extreme tiredness and sometimes a dry cough. Chest pain and unproductive coughs are often part of the flu. Flus are usually longer lasting, more severe and can keep you in bed for a week to two weeks.
Cold symptoms come on more gradually, are usually less severe. Cold symptoms usually consist of a combination of stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, congestion, mild tiredness and coughs that are productive. Fevers are more rare and body aches are more rare.
Complications: Complications of colds include sinus infections and ear infections and occasionally bronchitis. Complications of flus include bronchitis or pneumonia and can be life threatening.
Source: info taken from WebMD.com and www.flufacts.com
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