Keeping the Genie in the Box – What are the benefits of using whole plant remedies for Anxiety?

The genie has the magic right? In this blog I discuss why I prefer to use the whole plant (herbs) remedies vs an isolated synthesised chemical (pharma), usually derived from the herb!

This is like pulling apart the radio to see where the music is coming from…

Many years ago I studied what is known as Physiomedicalism, which is an understanding of herbal prescribing that has come down through the European tradition over the last 2000 years (at least). This knowledge was then blended with that of the Indigenous Peoples of America. So, for those who don’t know, we have a very strong European tradition of herbal prescribing which is a little different to Chinese Medicine. In the European tradition we develop the formulas based on the specific need of the individual (rather than by condition), building it up herb by herb by herb.

Generally, European herbalists utilise what are also known as Galenical Preparations, because they have actions over and above the isolated, or ‘active principle’ of the herb. This is using liquid extracts of the whole herb, that combine together with other herbs, into one big bottle of yucky tasting liquid gold.

However, Professor H E Bock makes no distinction between the active principle of a plant and the use of the whole herb when he states…

“Herbal medicine, either using the whole plants or isolated principles, is called phytotherapy. It presents itself as a gift of nature…”

He emphasis’s the scientific application of herbs. Which is ok, as herbal medicine as it’s practiced today is based upon the latest science based evidence, in addition to the empirical use (verifiable by observation & experience) of plant therapy over thousands of years. It’s a blend of knowledge, which is really quite exciting.

And yet, most herbalists would disagree with the above statement as they believe that there are a number of valuable differences between ‘galenical’ preparations and the use of isolated constituents. I know I certainly do!

Nature as powerful wisdom keeper

With a healthy regard for nature, herbalists know that the whole plant contains within it several other constituents that work to buffer the side effects observed when potent plant chemicals are administered in an isolated state. Like with a drug. This is not only understood, but valued.

And this is something that speaks to the wisdom of herbs – they have a brilliantly complicated and potent chemistry that is put together in a way that is supportive and/or protective, when it comes to benefiting from the chemicals that pack the most punch. To see why this matters let’s look at a few examples.

Rauwolfia

Firstly, lets take the example of Rauwolfia Serpentinia. This is a herb that works mainly through the central nervous system to reduce blood pressure via reduction in the heart rate. It also appears to have a balancing action on the emotions, gently tranquilizing the nervous system. In this respect it has been used in India for several centuries, being mentioned in the ancient Hindu texts as far back as 1000 BC.

One of the many people to savor it’s sedative effects was Gandhi, and in its long history of usage in the whole plant state, there have been no reported side effects. According to Dr R Wilkins, previous Director of the Hypertension Clinic at Massachusetts Memorial Hospital “it had a type of sedative action… the patients appear to be relaxed, quiet and tranquil…”, and this effect was noted without any accompanying grogginess or ‘fogginess’ being present.

Viewed by Herbalists as a superior plant in the treatment of Hypertension, the main alkaloid of Rauwolfia, Reserpine, was eventually isolated and used as the basis of a pharmaceutical medication known as ‘Serpasil’. A quick search on the internet shows that this medication is still recommended for the treatment of High Blood Pressure.

In the isolated form however, Reserpine produces unfortunate side effects, such as melancholia and depression, often severe enough to require hospitalization.

Whilst it may be correct that reserpine contributes much toward the therapeutic action of the plant, there are at least 161 alkaloids found in this herb! It is believed that the combined action of all of the alkaloids improve tolerance and reduce risk of sensitive reactions to any one individual alkaloid.

Ephedra (Ma Huang)

Another example would be Ephedra sinica, or Ma Huang, a powerful bronchodilator used safely by the Chinese in the treatment of Asthma for many thousands of years. Working via the parasympathetic nervous system it is able to subdue bronchial spams, that was until the isolated active Ephedrine was made into a pharmaceutical drug, followed by pseudo-ephedrine.

In the whole plant state however, it has a gentle ‘awakening’ activity, and formed part of a tea blend used by Indigenous peoples – known as New Dawn. I often used this tea as a substitute for coffee. Now, sadly, due to the abuse of the pharmaceutical versions, which have a much stronger (and addictive) action – the plant can no longer be used.

Meadowsweet

We don’t lose them all to pharmaceutical companies however. Take Meadowsweet – this beautifully gentle herb contains salicylic acid (or aspirin), however it also contains tannin and mucilage within its chemistry. These compounds are known to be protective and healing to the gut wall. Aloe Vera is example of a plant that is very high in mucilage, which is a slippery slimy kind of compound that places a barrier over the mucous membranes, so-that when you take Meadowsweet as a whole plant preparation, you get the pain relieving benefit of the salicylic acid, without any damage occurring to the gut wall! Win-Win I hear you say – and I would respond with a resounding Most Definitely!

So as you can see…there are numerous constituents found in all plants, which together work synergistically

to offer something more in the way of restoring and regulating bodily functions.

The myriad of plant chemicals contained within any given remedy contribute their own special bit, and then there is the more metaphysical concept of the plant imparting a vibrational influence as well. This is something that will be pondered about and debated by those passionate about healing with natures gifts… either way, the logic of the safety aspect alone should be enough for these remedies to be considered first line in treatment protocols – the way they are Europe.

The wisdom when using plants first…

In Germany for example, St John’s Wort is prescribed by GP’s as a first line of treatment for Depression far more frequently than anti-depressant medications. Why? Because the evidence shows that it works as well as the pharmaceutical medications, without the side-effects or dependency issues. This herb is now considered to have gold standard evidence behind it, however it’s use is still thwarted by it’s interactions with a number of other pharmaceuticals. So the disclaimer here has to be – check the drugs you’re already taking before using this herb (if you’re taking any).

It is important to have new science based knowledge to enhance our traditional understanding of plant therapy, however we also cannot forget the philosophy this system of healing is based upon… for its what separates it from allopathic medicine and the reductionist view point… which is like ‘pulling apart the radio to see where the music is coming from…’

So, I’m not recommending a move back to the past here… however I am suggesting that as we move forward with new understandings we honor and take with us the knowledge gained over thousands of years – as well as trusting the wisdom of the plant!

This is science, wisdom, matter, mind and energy all coming together.

Sadly though (cynicism alert!)… there is not the same money to be made in herbs as there is in pharmaceutical medicine. You can’t patent a herb the way you can patent a drug. As a consequence, there isn’t the same amount of research going into the clinical use of whole plants, as there is going into the clinical use of pharmaceutical medications – which are based on plants! On the up side, this means there are still plants for me to use in my healing dispensary.

If you are looking for an Integrative approach to anxiety, stress or depression then go here to learn more…

#herbs #psychology #dowsing