Herbs have been used as medicine for millennia. Before the early twentieth century, natural methods of curing people were common and since the late twentieth century more and more people have become disillusioned with Western medicine and have been seeking natural ways to cure their ills. in fact many pharmaceuticals use derivatives of, or attempt to recreate in the lab, bioactive ingredients of old folk remedies. For example, aspirin is a derivative of salicylic acid, which as salicin occurs in the flower buds of meadowsweet and in the bark and leaves of several trees, notably the white willow.
I believe that we have everything available on this planet in nature to keep us well and to cure us from disease. We just need to have the knowledge to know what to use, in what dosage and how to prepare it. Herbs often work synergistically ie their compound effect works better with other herbs, rather than sole herbs. Hence, why herbal formulae have been developed. The great thing about each herb is that they all have many benefits including antioxidants and phytonutrients which nourish our bodies.
The nourishing balancing herbal formulae that I currently stock and advise clients to take (and take myself) were formulated in the UK and the formulae have been tried and tested for decades. I often advise people to take multiple herbs together, for example, here are three combinations that may work very well together, but I tailor according to the individual’s requirements:
1.Menopausal symptoms, poor sleep, stressed, exhausted:
Adrenal Formula: Strengthens, supports and rebuilds the adrenal glands, which deal with stress, avoid stimulants while taking where possible, resting and avoiding unnecessary stressful activities. Contains borage flowers and leaves, Mullein leaves, Lobelia, Ginseng, Gou Kola, Hawthorn berries, Parsley root
Nerve rejuvenator; Restores the nervous system and encourages deep rejuvenating sleep. Can help rebuild nervous system after mental or emotional nervous breakdowns. Contains Gotu Kola, Valerian Root, Kava Kava, Iris moss, Lady Slipper Root
Sweet sleep formula; Enables the parasympathetic nervous system to relax and release us from the stress and strain of daily activities. These herbs mildly sedate the nervous system, encourage sweet restful sleep, that leaves one rested yet alert in the morning. Contains Passion flower, valerian root, skullcap, hops, broom, lime blossoms
Menopause formula; Although every woman’s menopause experience is unique, this formula offers a background of nourishment and support. It balances hormones, offers superior nourishment, including natural calcium to help avoid bone loss. It strengthens the kidneys and adrenals, supports the liver and digestive system, relieves hot flushes, eases sore joints and increases energy. Contains alfalfa, chickweed, dandelion root, dong quai, fenugreek, horsetail, motherwort, nettles, red clover blossoms, red raspberry leaves, violet leaves, wild yam root
2.Needing Help With Detoxification; Sluggish, Underactive digestive system, Dehydrated, Frequently Sick, Acidic
Kidney/ bladder Formula; Cleanses, heals and balances urine flow, dissolves sediment, tones and strengthens the entire urinary tract. Kidney problems can also occur from lack of support from other eliminative channels, or because of improper drinking habits. Brings the function to a healthy balanced level. Contains Buchu, Cleavers, Gravel Root, Juniper berries, Marshmallow root, Parsley root, Uva Ursi
Bowel Vitalizer or Rejuvenator Formula; Stimulates bowel elimination through increased liver function, bowel cleansing and rejuvenation are needed by almost every human being on a regular basis. The cleaner the colon, the purer the blood stream and lymph, because the walls of the colon allow the absorption of nutrients into the blood and lymph to be distributed around the body. A clean colon gives an uplift physically, mentally and emotionally. One feels lighter, cleaner and clearer and the brain functions better. It normalizes bowel function, whether the problem is constipation or diarrhea (which is an indication of more advanced constipation). A colon that is coated with toxic mucus lining is not able to draw off the fluid containing the nutrients, so the feces becomes more liquid. Symptoms often find their source in the colon, and many chronic diseases owe their early development to the accumulation of bowel toxins. If the causes of ill health are cleared, the way to healing opens. Nutrients become available to the body, the blood and lymph become cleaner and the burden on the eliminative channels becomes less and one feels so much better, Doesn’t create dependence like laxatives. The ingredients work simultaneously to normalize bowel function, tone colon muscles, restore peristalsis, clean bowel pockets and diverticuli, heal raw or inflamed areas and relax areas of tension; it is an overall formula
Rejuvenator (not to be used for more than six weeks)contains: Cascara Sagrada, Ginger Root, Goldenseal, Slippery elm, Turkey rhubarb, wahoo, Culver’s Root
Vitalizer contains: Mandrake root, ginger root, licorice root, wild yam root, alfalfa
Alkaline formula: Seaweeds contain almost the full range of basic nutrients that are required by the human body. This formula contains a valuable source of trace elements and essential minerals to imbalance chemistry . Formula will help to balance acid/ alkaline, normalize body chemistry, relieve arthritis and rheumatism, and improve nutritional imbalances. Contains Irish moss, Kelp, Iceland Moss, Bladderwrack
3. Digestive Issues, stressed, acid stomach, feeling lethargic
Bowel Vitalizer or Rejuvenator Formula; Stimulates bowel elimination through increased liver function, bowel cleansing and rejuvenation are needed by almost every human being on a regular basis. The cleaner the colon, the purer the blood stream and lymph, because the walls of the colon allow the absorption of nutrients into the blood and lymph to be distributed around the body. A clean colon gives an uplift physically, mentally and emotionally. One feels lighter, cleaner and clearer and the brain functions better. It normalizes bowel function, whether the problem is constipation or diarrhea (which is an indication of more advanced constipation). A colon that is coated with toxic mucus lining is not able to draw off the fluid containing the nutrients, so the feces becomes more liquid. Symptoms often find their source in the colon, and many chronic diseases owe their early development to the accumulation of bowel toxins. If the causes of ill health are cleared, the way to healing opens. Nutrients become available to the body, the blood and lymph become cleaner and the burden on the eliminative channels becomes less and one feels so much better, Doesn’t create dependence like laxatives. The ingredients work simultaneously to normalize bowel function, tone colon muscles, restore peristalsis, clean bowel pockets and diverticuli, heal raw or inflamed areas and relax areas of tension; it is an overall formula
Rejuvenator (not to be used for more than six weeks)contains: Cascara Sagrada, Ginger Root, Goldenseal, Slippery elm, Turkey rhubarb, wahoo, Culver’s Root
Vitalizer contains: Mandrake root, ginger root, licorice root, wild yam root, alfalfa
Nerve Tonic Formula: Rebuilding the nervous system requires intake of nervine herbs, which provide the nutrient for central, autonomic and peripheral nervous systems. Contains Catnip, Gotu Kola, Lady’s Slipper Root, Lobelia, Scullcap, Valerian Root
Stomach Acid/ Alkaline Balancing Formula: Imbalances of body chemistry often begin in the stomach. Whether the stomach is too acid or too alkaline, this formula will provide the wide range of nutrients necessary to normalize the stomach environment. It is also useful wherever the digestion is sensitive because it helps soothe and heal the stomach and ease other herbs into the system.
Contains: Dandelion Root, Slippery Elm Bark, Calamus, meadowsweet, Iris moss, Iceland Moss
Milk Thistle Single Herb Can be Advantageous whenever there is poisoning, chronic skin disease and liver disorders; good for psoriasis, eczema or liver regeneration
4. Thyroid conditions, Menopausal symptoms, Insomnia, Fatigue
Thyroid Balancing Formula; Whether the thyroid is underactive or overactive, the body, mind and emotions become disturbed if this master gland doesn’t receive the nutrients required for balanced activity. Contains Parsley leaves, Kelp, Irish moss, Iceland Moss, Nettles, Bladderwrack, Bugleweed
Menopause formula; Although every woman’s menopause experience is unique, this formula offers a background of nourishment and support. It balances hormones, offers superior nourishment, including natural calcium to help avoid bone loss. It strengthens the kidneys and adrenals, supports the liver and digestive system, relieves hot flushes, eases sore joints and increases energy. Contains alfalfa, chickweed, dandelion root, dong quai, fenugreek, horsetail, motherwort, nettles, red clover blossoms, red raspberry leaves, violet leaves, wild yam root
Sweet sleep formula; Enables the parasympathetic nervous system to relax and release us from the stress and strain of daily activities. These herbs mildly sedate the nervous system, encourage sweet restful sleep, that leaves one rested yet alert in the morning. Contains Passion flower, valerian root, skullcap, hops, broom, lime blossoms
All the herbs are organic, made to Herbs of Grace Formulae and the herbalist is part of the British Herbal medicine Association and the Unified Register of Herbal Practitioners. The herbs work best alongside changes to lifestyle and nutrition. In addition, iridology helps to accurately stablish which organs and systems need the most support, to reduce symptoms. Proceed with caution if pregnant and if taking pharmaceutical drugs, please check with your doctor before taking.
Ally van de Pol is a Certified Healing Diets Coach, Iridologist (in training) and Naturopath (in Training).