Echanecia and Kava Kava

I’ve enclosed an article called Ask The Doctor by a Dr. Peter Gott about herbal healing, where he gave a few examples of herbs that could be dangerous;  Echinacea and Kava . Would you please give your opinion on this?

That article by Dr. Gott is what I find very typical of the allopathic medical establishment’s subtlety defensive attitude when it comes to herbal and natural healing. Let’s face it, natural healing is often interpreted as a threat by those who have been educated in the ‘traditional’ medical establishment schools. Now please let me explain: this is not about blaming the good doctors; there are many who have an open mind about natural healing.

However, I do believe that the herbal healing industry, along with all other natural healing techniques, has become a threat to the giant, multi-billion dollar pharma and medical corporations. Why, you ask, should they care? Perhaps it’s another case of following the “money trail”: herbs can’t be patented. Without a patent the drug companies can’t lay a claim to fame on them and therefore there is no money to be made (for Big Pharma). Besides, herbs heal.

Dr. Gott was right when he stated that the U.S. Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in 1994. This act has kept the FDA from regulating vitamins and herbal products. Where we differ in opinion is that I believe this is a good thing, while Dr. Gott says, “It may not be in the public interest.” Its passage was due to lots of hard work by many concerned citizens (and health freedom groups) wanting the freedom to grow and use their own medicinal herbs, as well as being able to walk into a health store and purchase vitamins and herbs without having to go to a doctor for a prescription.

Dr. Gott states in his column that, “In the view of many experts, this act (DSHEA) may not be in the public interest,” and he gives some examples, according to a review in The Medical Letter- 9-30-02: Kava and Echinacea (The Medical Letter Inc. is a nonprofit organization that publishes appraisals of new drugs and reviews of old drugs. It states that it is  supported by subscriptions and accepts no advertising, grants or donations.). (www.medletter.com )

Kava Kava (Piper methysticum)-  a member of the black pepper family, is native to the S. Pacific Polynesian Islands. It is used to combat stress, calm nerves and anxiety and as  anti-depressant. Again, Dr. Gott is correct in that. Kava is reported to have caused liver problems in a few people who took it on a regular basis. However he failed to mention that the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, The American Herbal Products Association and other groups are constantly monitoring herbs and their potential to cause problems (www.herbal-ahp.org/aris_acid ). In my opinion, when taking any herb, take it in moderation and according to documented research, in other words- read, read, read!

I also think it’s a good idea to use herbs that grow in the area where you live. The Creator provided exactly what we need, right where we live. There’s no need to import.

Echinacea angustifolia- Purple Cone Flower; The good doctor tells us, “The effectiveness of this remedy in preventing colds is unproven and the strength of the plant constituents in the product depends not only on the species and plant part, but also on the season of harvesting.” Well, but of course, Dr. Gott!  As in all of nature, and in any plant, it depends on many variables; soil, water, sun-light, time harvested, plant part, etc. But, no matter what, in my opinion, the plant’s basic phytochemicals are still going to be there. As far as being “unproven” in preventing colds, well it’s my guess that he just hasn’t tried it.

Anyone who has tried Echinacea at the first sign of a cold or the flu, will testify to its effectiveness. That’s why it’s such a big seller and that’s why, in my opinion, there’s a definite push on to dissuade the American public against its healing powers.

Dr. Gott winds up his most informative article stating: “The main problems with dietary supplements are that their potency may vary and their purity is suspect. Physicians should tell their patients that we really don’t know what’s in them.”

Most people I know don’t tell their doctor what herbal supplements they take, because they don’t want the hassle of having him/her get angry. Hopefully there will come a day when this changes. As far as the potency and purity of herbal products goes- grow them yourself and you’ll know what you’re getting and oh yes……………be sure to do lots of research.