Overcoming my herbal hang-up

New Life Journal, May, 2008 by Maggie Cramer

I recently had a phone conversation with my best friend that was very moving but also comical at the same time. We were talking about my past year living in Asheville and all of the great things that have happened to me as a result, of which being a part of New Life Journal is one, of course! She said she was near tears because she was so happy that I had taken such a proactive approach to my physical and emotional health--through regular acupuncture treatments, herbs and lifestyle changes--and she could really see the results. I appreciated her verbal applause about my "proactivity," but I had to laugh, because when it came to initially participating in my new herbal regimen, my behavior could hardly be described as eager.

Let me paint a picture for you. Imagine me, a full-blown adult, receiving a you-can-do-it-pep-talk and pats on the back from my boyfriend while I plug my nose and reluctantly put back sips of my medicinal tea like I'm drinking alcoholic shots. The quick sips are followed by tantrums of "Oh my gosh! How gross!" and overly heightened gag reflexes and resulting sound effects. The tantrums and whines didn't subside for at least a month, during which I took the formula twice a day. Not exactly the actions of a person approaching their health issues courageously. I have since reformed my childish ways, though, and can now complete the whole process at my desk here at work, without a lot of hollering or horrible sounds that offend my co-workers.

But, I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't just a little curious about what exactly is in the formula I've grown so accustomed to taking and that's helping so much. That curiosity sparked the features in this issue, as I know it isn't just me who might be confused. I hope this issue helps you get the answers to your herbal questions, from what exactly is in Chinese herbal formulas (page 10) to what are the current herbal trends (page 8) and are herbs safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding (page 14).

You'll also find a great deal more information about herbs and herbal healing this issue. To see how herbs can help you handle workplace stress, be sure to check out Herbal Healing on page 18. For tips on growing culinary herbs in your own garden, take a look at Digging In on page 20. Learn that herbs and spices are the secrets to cultural cuisine in Soul Kitchen on page 48, and find out how you can even incorporate herbs into your craft projects in this month's Hands On, page 40.

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Also, be sure to check out the Green Home Resource, where this month you'll find the first installment in our Solar Series in the Healthy Home Q and A department. What a great way to welcome the spring sun! And, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for New Life Journal's new website, which will be live before summer's arrival.

What's the one herb or herbal formula you can't live without?

Tell us at submissions@newlifejournal.com.

Maggie Cramer, managing editor