we love your questions!
What is herbal medicine?
What is an herbalist?
How are herbs different from pharmaceuticals?
How can herbs and herbal medicines help me?
How safe are herbs?
How can I know if a particular herb will work for me?
How is the herbal industry regulated?
Do Elephant pharmacists know about Eastern as well as Western medicine? What happens during a free consultation with an Elephant Pharm herbalist?
Do you need an appointment to meet with an Elephant Pharm herbalist?
When are herbalists available for consultations?
Can you fill herbal prescriptions from acupuncturists and other health professionals?
What is herbal medicine?
Until the early 1900s, herbal medicine was the world's primary form of medicine, and for 75% of the world, it still is. While the use of herbs in America has been overshadowed by dependence on modern medications the last 100 years, the increase in traditional medicine practitioners in the U.S. (e.g., acupuncturists, Chinese medicine specialists, naturopathic doctors) has created a renewed interest in herbal remedies.
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What is an herbalist?
Herbalists are people who dedicate their lives to working with medicinal plants. While herbalists are quite varied in their approaches, the common love and respect for life, especially the relationship between plants and humans, unites them.
How are herbs different from pharmaceuticals?
Most pharmaceutical drugs are single chemical entities that are highly refined and purified and are often synthesized. In 1987 about 85% of modern drugs were originally derived from plants. Currently, only about 15% of drugs are derived from plants. In contrast, herbal medicines are prepared from living or dried plants and contain hundreds to thousands of interrelated compounds.
How can herbs and herbal medicines help me?
Herbs can offer you a wide range of safe and effective therapeutic agents that you can use as an integral part of your own health care program. They can be used in three essential ways:
1) to prevent disease
2) to treat disease
3) to maximize one's health potential.
Herbs are also used for the symptomatic relief of minor ailments.
How safe are herbs?
It depends on the herbs. Most herbs sold as dietary supplements are very safe. When used appropriately, the majority of herbs used by practitioners have no adverse side effects. A review of the traditional and scientific literature worldwide demonstrates that serious side effects from the use of herbal medicines are rare.
How can I know if a particular herb will work for me?
Medicine is an art, not just a science. No one can predict which herb will work best for every individual in all situations. This can only come with educated self-experimentation and experience or by seeking the assistance of those who are knowledgeable in clinical herbal medicine. The simpler the condition, the easier it is to find a solution. The more complicated the condition, the greater the need there is to seek expert advice.
How is the herbal industry regulated?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) primarily regulates the marketing and advertising of products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) primarily regulates the manufacture and labeling of herbal products and has legal authority over assuring that products are manufactured correctly and are truthfully labeled with respect to ingredients and claims. There are also a number of trade associations that require member companies to adhere to specific codes of ethics and conduct their own testing programs.
Do Elephant pharmacists know about Eastern as well as Western medicine?
Our pharmacists are always available to answer your questions about interactions not just between medications, but also between any supplements and herbs you might be taking. And since our herbal pharmacy is right across the aisle, it's easy for them (or you!) to consult with our herbalists about supplements that might complement your prescription. Always make sure that both your pharmacist and herbalist know all the remedies you're taking to make sure you're doing the best thing for your body.
What happens during a free 15-minute consultation with an Elephant Pharm herbalist?
We meet in a private consultation room and ask questions about the customer's primary health concern. While we do not make official diagnoses, we do offer ideas and education to help the customer make healthy choices about herbs and supplements. We also are happy to make referrals to acupuncturists, naturopathic doctors, or other practitioners who can help the customer in a more in-depth way.
Do you need an appointment to meet with an Elephant Pharm herbalist?
Nope. Our free 15-minute consultations are provided on a first come, first served basis. Just stop by your local Elephant, put your name on the sign-up sheet near our herb department and chances are someone will be able to meet with you quite promptly.
When are herbalists available for consultations?
Consultation hours and practitioner schedules vary depending on the store. Please check with your local Elephant to find out when the particular specialist you're interested in will be on site.
Can you fill herbal prescriptions from acupuncturists and other health professionals?
Yes. You can either bring your prescription into the store or have your practitioner fax it to us. Check with your local Elephant for details.
