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The Truth About Herbs

Herbs are an incredible modality we can go to for various everyday ailments.

They’re natural, gentle, effective, safe, affordable, and accessible. And while bio-individuality is always key, the risks and side effects are nowhere near those of pharmaceuticals. And yet, there are many myths and misunderstandings surrounding their efficacy, safety, and scientific legitimacy.

And these myths may be keeping you from implementing herbs! Our herbal remedies have helped so many, and we want this for you, too! We’ve broken down 3 common herbal myths and provided the TRUTH so that using herbs is something you can do with confidence.

“Herbs take longer to work.”

If you have selected the *right* herbal remedy, you should see acute symptoms (like a headache) abate within 10 - 15 minutes. And more complex symptoms (like a cold) resolve in a day or two. It's about the same as, and sometimes *faster than* using allopathy. Some studies show elderberry can resolve cold and flu symptoms up to 4 days *faster* than prescriptions. The more familiar we become with herbs and understand what each can help with, the better and faster they’ll work.

A great example of a remedy that helps with upset tummies, coughs, and inflammation is our Feel Better Fast. Unlike conventional medicines that suppress symptoms and fight against the body, our herbal tincture gently works with it to ease symptoms and allow the body to work through the illness naturally.

We do want to make note again, this is with the *right* remedy. Not all remedies are for all people or all situations. Make sure it’s a right fit for you - and not just what you’re trying to fix.

“Herbs are dangerous and harmful.”

Many herbs are safe for most people and can be taken freely. You don't have to worry about taking exactly 10 mg and be afraid you'll "overdose" if you accidentally get 11 (or 30!). For the most part, it won't matter if you take 5 drops or 10 drops of a tincture, or drink 1 cup or 3 cups of tea. This is true because herbs have mild (but very beneficial) actions and a balance of constituents. Herbs can act in multiple, even opposing, ways because of it! This means it provides your body with what it needs at that time.

We formulated our multivitamin, Nourish Me Naturally, with herbs that have natural levels of the vitamins and minerals your body needs. This creates a source of nourishment that your body can fully absorb and use! You can even take it on an empty stomach.

Bottom line:

Although there are SOME herbs that can be dangerous if over or misused, nutritive, adaptogenic, and tonic herbs are very safe. And at Earthley, we always choose to use what is the most safe for you and your family.

“Herbal medicine is not supported by science and research.”

Search “herbal medicine” on PubMed, and you’ll get over 12,000 peer-reviewed results. It is a natural and evidence-based practice! Many active ingredients in drugs and medicines are also plant-derived!

You may be wondering why there’s less research on herbal medicine. It’s important to know that research is often funded by the industries it benefits. With herbal medicine not acting as a large player in the pharmaceutical industry, it’s not as funded in research. But the research that has been done is strong and affirms the efficacy of herbal medicine. Here is a great study demonstrating the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of external and internal turmeric on a variety of skin conditions.

Here is another great study on motherwort, which helps to modulate inflammation and help in pain relief. That’s one reason why we chose to add it in our Anti-Inflammatory tincture. This herbal extract helps to calm the body, reduce inflammation, and provide immune support. It can even help improve your mood!

For more reading on things the mainstream has wrong about natural health, check out this blog:

10 Things the mainstream has wrong about natural health

More reading on some of our favorite herbs!

Good Night Lotion - Take your family’s health into your own hands and enjoy the benefits of magnesium immediately, in an easy-to-use lotion — 100 mg magnesium per teaspoon! Choose original (with lavender essential oil) or sensitive (no essential oil).

Feel Better Fast - Feel Better Fast is an herbal tincture created to knock out coughs, sniffles, and upset tummies in no time. Rather than cover up your symptoms with OTC meds that have side-effects, nourish yourself with vitamins and minerals to help your body actually heal itself quicker! Safe for ages 6 months +, it’s alcohol-free and tastes great with no added sugar or sweeteners!

Elderberry Elixir - Elderberry is one of the most recognized herbal remedies – for good reason. It’s a potent cold and flu fighter, a strong immune modulator, rich in vitamin C, and has tons of antioxidant properties. It’s great to take daily to support your health because it won’t boost your immune system into overdrive — it’s an immune modulator (balancer). Instead, it supports your body by giving it what’s needed to help keep you healthy! Our kids (safe for ages 6 months+) is alcohol-free and tastes great with no added sugar or sweeteners!

All-Purpose Salve - All-Purpose Salve Stick is the perfect remedy for minor scrapes, cuts, rashes, burns, and more. Safe for all ages, this multi-purpose salve stick is a must-have for any natural-minded family.

Cough-B-Gone - Cough-B-Gone is an herbal tincture created to help relieve colds, coughs, and congestion. Rather than use synthetic, chemical-tasting cough syrups, nourish your body and support the respiratory system with the natural power of herbs. Our kids (safe for ages 6 months+) is alcohol-free and tastes great with no added sugar or sweeteners!

Nourish Me Naturally - Our herbal multivitamin for everyone is the organic way to help your body get the nutrients it needs. Formulated to provide your body with safe and effective levels of vitamins and minerals it can properly absorb, made from actual, whole herbs (not isolates or synthetics). Don’t guess about the nutrition you need; use what the earth provided!

Anti-Inflammatory - We have created this Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Extract for the common inflammation that can flare up from low immunity or an illness. This herbal extract helps to calm the body, reduce inflammation, and provide immune support. It can even help improve your mood!