Local herbal enthusiast discusses how herbs and plants can help people with certain aliments
By David L. Podos
Q: How long have you been working with herbs?
A: Since 1976
Q: What was it that influenced you or caught your attention that motivated you to find out more about herbs and plants and particularly their medicinal properties?
A: Right after high school I moved in with my sister who had three young children and a very sick husband. At that time my sister was just beginning her journey into natural products and herbs. We did our best to take care of her children and her husband. Of course, taking good care of ourselves was equally as important because if we were sick how could we care for anyone else? Also, at that time the only resource we had was a book written by Jethro Kloss called “Back to Eden.” It was our herbal bible where we learned about herbs and healing properties, so, all of that really motivated me to learn more.
Q: Historically, medicines were compounded from natural sources. For example, aspirin, more precisely salicylic acid which was originally isolated from the willow bark or morphine, which comes from the opium poppy. I don’t think most people are aware of that, do you agree?
A: Oh yes, I agree fully.
Q: Another drug that comes to mind is medicine to treat heart problems. Again, I think that many people would be surprised to know that digitalis is also known as the foxglove plant. The chemical compounds which are removed from the foxglove plant give us heart medications like digoxin. That’s pretty amazing don’t you think?
A: It is pretty amazing. Here is an interesting fact about this plant: deer in the wild will not eat foxglove because it is poisonous. Of course, compounded by professionals it can be used therapeutically as you mentioned.
Q: I am sure you are familiar with TCM, (traditional Chinese medicine), which to this day, still relies heavily on herbs for formulating their medicines. Any thoughts on that?
A: I do have some knowledge of TCM, but want to mention that their compounds of herbs for medicines that they use are oftentimes harder to identify because China grows different herbs and plants than we do. The herbs I use are pretty much indigenous to our area, what grows right here in Upstate New York and many that can be found in your backyard.
Q: Do you feel that the use of more plant-based medicines in conjunction with our current allopathic medical paradigms could provide a more wholistic approach to health care?
A: Absolutely, because what your doctor prescribes is not always the end-all cure. However, if you incorporate extracts of natural herbal products, it can help synergistically to address what ever aliments you have. That said, where I express extreme caution, if you are on any sort of medication protocol from a doctor, you need to do a great deal of research before you add any herbal remedies. You also need to inform your doctor as well on what you are thinking of doing.
Q: I would imagine that suggesting to just do a simple Google search would not be a wise decision. What is your advice when a person becomes their own health advocate and needs to obtain factual information on herbal medicines?
A: You have to go to scholarly abstracts and scholarly journals and see what their research is. I also suggest to look into some of the bigger medical research centers and see what they have to say in regard to adding natural products to medications. There is a plethora of information out there that you can trust, you just have to take the time to look for it.
Q: Do local colleges offer courses about herbs?
A: I am not aware of any colleges that offer such courses but that does not mean they don’t exist. I would suggest that you call around to a few colleges and universities and simply ask. I took a course from a professional herbologist at Utica College, but that was many years ago.
Q: What are your thoughts about the use of herbs as an adjunct to treat illnesses? Is the future bright for this sort of thing?
A: For what I can see, and the people I have talked to, many are looking to a more natural remedy to take care of what they need, but also understanding the need for modern allopathic treatments as well. So, yes, I think the future is very bright. I also believe that with more and more people seeking out these kinds of modalities that our current medical paradigm will start to shift somewhat. Health care providers will realize that these herbs have the potential to heal many illnesses and diseases and will work with patients to incorporate that into their health care plan.