12 herbs that experts couldn't live without - includes list of experts on the panel - The Herbalist

Vegetarian Times, Sept, 1997 by Penny King

Over the last year and a half, I interviewed 15 of the world's most highly respected botanical experts. My mission was to find out what herbs these experts would take along to a remote spot where they were planning to stay for at least two years. The herbalists who contributed to this article (see Who's Who, p. 102) were interviewed individually, some in exotic locales such as the Peruvian Amazon and the Wilson Botanical Gardens in southern Costa Rica. Surprisingly, they generally agreed on the types of herbal medicinals to include in an essential herbals kit and their top choices could be used by any of us in any environment, from forest retreat to urban enclave.

However before we begin this adventure, let's be sure we're talking the same language. What's an herb? There are as many definitions as there are vines in die rain forest. But we like best the definition provided by James A. Duke, Ph.D., author of The Green Pharmacy (Rodale Press, 1997). "An herb is simply a medicinal plant. It can be woody or nonwoody from a cold climate or a tropical one. It can be wild or tame food, a weed, a culinary spice or whatever. It doesn't have to be green. Plenty of barks, roots and mushrooms are medicinal."

The six types of remedies the herbalists chose to have on hand are: liver protectants; adaptogens (substances that increase resistance to stress); digestive aids; analgesics (for pain relief); tonics (herbs that exert a strengthening effect on the body); and antimicrobial herbs. Within these categories, 12 herbs were far and away the favorites.

ECHINACEA

The most popular herb by far, named by virtually all the experts, was echinacea (Echinacea spp.), an immunity-stimulant and adaptogenic (which means it increases the body's resistance to stress and balances body systems) herb with powerful, anti-viral activity. Its antiviral properties work two ways -- by boosting production of the body's own antiviral fighter, interferon, and by stimulating the thymus gland to defend against viruses. Immunity-enhancing herbs also boost die activity of infection-fighting white blood cells.

Why take immunity boosters in your safari kit? The herbalists know from bitter experience that traveling in remote locales far from municipal water and sewage systems can be quite a challenge. Organisms (bacteria, viruses and fungi) in the food and water that are innocuous to people routinely exposed to diem can deal a knockout blow to those whose immune systems have never been exposed before. Count on echinacea for protection against influenza viruses ("the flu") too. Antiviral herbs such as echinacea significantly reduce symptoms but work best taken when you feel a bug coming on or know you've been exposed. During an active infection, take echinacea three times a day as a tea. Steep 1 gram (g.) to 2 g. of the dried root in boiling water; use 1 teaspoon to 1 1/2 teaspoons or 4 milliliters (ml.) to 6 ml. of tincture; or opt for a 250 mg. capsule to 500 mg.

GARLIC

The second most popular herb was, believe it or not, garlic (Allium sativum). Garlic has potent antimicrobial, antiseptic and antifungal properties, which is why it was used to treat infected wounds and amebic dysentary during World War I, according to Duke. Garlic is also effective against common yeast (Candida albicans) infections. Pureed garlic doves can be applied on a cotton ball or clean cloth directly to a wound, three times a day, to speed healing and inhibit infection. Taken internally, garlic is also an effective anticlotting remedy, useful for preventing heart attacks and controlling high blood pressure. Several of our experts told us that they always travel with a fresh bulb of garlic in their luggage (vampires beware!).

GINGER

The third most popular herb was ginger (Zingiber officinale), an antinausea and motion-sickness remedy. In fact, Chinese sailors chewed ginger for sea sickness thousands of years ago. Modern studies comparing the effectiveness of ginger to Dramamine, the standard motion-sickness drug, show that ginger is at least as effective. Taking one half teaspoon of powdered ginger shortly before sailing, flying or driving can reduce motion sickness symptoms (vertigo, nausea and vomiting) by 70 percent (The Lancet 1982, i, 655-7). Two capsules of ginger 30 minutes before departure, and every four hours while traveling, prevents motion sickness, says Varro Tyler, Ph.D., professor emeritus of pharmacognosy (natural product pharmacy) at Purdue University, in Lafayette, Ind., one of our herbal experts. The German Commission E, the special agency of the German government responsible for reviewing the safety and effectiveness of herbal products, recommends mug a teaspoon of ginger for indigestion, mild stomachaches and loss of appetite. Ginger not only soothes the sensitive lining of the gastrointestinal tract but aids digestion by increasing peristalsis (wave-like motion of the tract), which moves food through the digestive system.

SAW PALMETTO

Saw Palmento (Serenoa repens) was the fourth most often named herb. Best known as a treatment for men's benign prostatic disease (BPH), European studies demonstrate that, a daily dose of 1 or 2 gm. of saw palmetto seeds daily substantially eases BPH symptoms. Why was this herb singled out by our experts? Probably, because most of them are distinguised gentlemen. In other words -- if you're female -- you can leave home without it.