Are herbs used for medicinal purposes safe?

Yes, when used as recommended by a qualified medical herbalist*. Some herbs should be used with caution or not at all when taking certain supplements, prescriptions, OTCs, or if a woman is pregnant or lactating. Some are best avoided by those who are frail or very young. When meeting with Leslie, she'll ask an array of questions and use your answers to determine what's best for you.

How do I take herbs?

Medicinal herbs can be taken in a variety of forms.* They can be used fresh or dry; internally via teas, decoctions and tinctures, externally by direct application as a poultice, a salve or a paint and they can be incorporated into regular everyday foods such as salads, soups and vegetable dishes.

Can food really be my medicine?

Yes, to paraphrase Hippocrates, "Let food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be thy food". This idea has been around since about the 4th century BCE and although it comes from one of the fathers of bio-medicine, it incorporates one of the basic tenets of medical herbalism* which has been around longer still!

Can I grow my own herbs for medicinal purposes?

Absolutely!! As long as you don't live near a busy road and you don't spray your plants, or lawn, with chemicals. Sonja is in charge of growing at Restoration Herbs and both she and Leslie are happy and willing to share growing information.

How do medicinal herbs taste?

This is a hard question to answer! It depends upon the herb, or combination of herbs, how they're used and, perhaps most importantly, personal preference. Just think of someone you know who enjoys the taste of cinnamon and you'll quickly think of someone who prefers licorice; another who likes mint but not ginger.

Is a health food store a good place to buy medicinal herbs?

Possibly, but be aware that there's a risk of interactions, however small, with pharmaceutical drugs, supplements, even other herbs. Some OTC herbal products may not be fresh or may contain insufficient amounts of herb(s) to be effective. It's also important to know if it's the entire herb, or a part (the root, for example) which is most useful medicinally*.

Will I have to take medicinal herbs forever?

Probably not; many people take herbs for days or months. For some chronic conditions people may use herbs for years. Remember, in the vast majority of instances, our bodies have the ability to heal themselves. Think of herbs as providing a "nudge" to the body*. As the body responds and becomes more balanced, there is usually less call for continuing herbal support.

What if I'm not able to travel to the Restoration Herbs office in Franklin, Pa?

Leslie prefers to see clients face to face but if traveling is an issue, and an initial meeting in person an impossibility, there is always telephone or e-mail … and she has been known to make house calls.

I've had some dried herbs for years and years and years. Can I use still use them?

Only in your compost pile and perhaps not even there! Probably they were grown with chemicals and irradiated before they made it to your kitchen! A very general rule of thumb is that medicinal and culinary herbs are best used fresh – that's fresh as in just plucked from the garden or freshly dried. They can keep on average 6 to 12 months if dried and stored correctly. Perhaps it's time to start a herb garden of your own!

*Please read our Disclaimer