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Acupuncture stimulates the flow of energy and blood, but cannot “give” anything
to your body. If deficient organ systems are contributing to your
health problems, acupuncture in and of itself may not be enough.
Herbal medicine can have a direct impact on your metabolic system,
your endocrine system, your immune system and other systems which
may be malfunctioning and contributing to a pathologic state. Herbal
medicine can nourish, support, increase and enhance your organ systems.
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Herbal medicine
is the oldest form of health care known to mankind. Herbs have been
used by all cultures throughout history. They were an integral part
of the development of modern civilization. Primitive man observed
and appreciated the great diversity of plants available to him. The
plants provided food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. Much of the
medicinal use of plants seems to have been developed through observations
of wild animals, and by trial and error. As time went on, each tribe
added the medicinal power of local herbs to its knowledge base. They
methodically collected information on herbs and developed well-defined
herbal pharmacopoeias. Well into the 20th century much of the pharmacopoeia
of scientific medicine was derived from the herbal lore of native
peoples. Many drugs commonly used today are of herbal origin. Forty
percent of pharmaceuticals are synthetic versions of herbs. Indeed,
about twenty five percent of the prescription drugs dispensed in
the United States contain at least one active ingredient derived
from plant material. Some are made from plant extracts; others are
synthesized to mimic a natural plant compound. While herbs can often
be used with no or fewer side effects than prescription drugs, they
are not harmless and must be taken appropriately as prescribed by
a licensed herbalist.
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