By Jonathan Evans
Herbal Information Specialist for the Herbarium
This month’s column will include a few notes on some topics that have surfaced again. But first, let me say I am glad so many readers are enjoying my latest columns on vitamins. Thanks for the feedback! Episode 3 will be coming soon.
Below are some of the questions that have come up in recent weeks at the Herbarium:
Kratom
Quite a few people have called us about Kratom. Just for general information, we do not carry kratom for a variety of reasons, which I will not get into today. If you are looking for this herb for use in opiate withdrawal or detoxing, we have a complete protocol including the use of CBD oil to help with that issue, that does not involve Kratom.
If you are looking for it because it has some psychoactive components, look somewhere else, thanks.
Medical marijuana sales
For some reason, the Herbarium is listed in some search engines as being a medicinal marijuana outlet. We are not, and are not going to get into the recreational marijuana sales either. If you are looking for medicinal marijuana in Chicopee, there is a newly opened dispensary in town.
Valerian and Valium
One piece of misguided information that seems to recycle at a regular rate is that valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is the source of the drug Valium.
It is not.
Valerian is a calmative. It is used for anxiety, nervousness, irritability, and sleep. It helps with cramps and spasms. You can grow it. Valium is a prescription drug, a synthetic, if you will. The only thing that valium and valerian have in common are the first three letters of their respective names. Why this information is still being circulated, and worse, repeated by people who should know better is beyond me.
Frankincense and cancer
The use of Frankincense resin or essential oil as a cancer fighter is just plain incorrect. I know why this myth is being circulated….. Money.
When this information started circulating, I noticed many sellers online, mostly “Independent Distributors” were charging ridiculous prices, taking unfair advantage of cancer patients who would do anything to help themselves to get better.
Please note, Frankincense essential oil does not contain boswellic
acid. Scientific studies show that it is boswellia extract with a 65 percent boswellic acid content has shown anti-cancer activity. It’s easy enough to look up.
Note: check any source of information about this. If the source has any listing of someone involved with Young Living, doTERRA or Ameo, just disregard it.
Ingesting essential oils
Another question we get frequently at Herbarium is “do you carry ingestible essential oils?”
Despite what the “independent distributors” may say, there are no FDA approved essential oils for ingesting. It is very misleading because essential oils are approved as flavoring agents in manufacturing processes, but not for general use. Again we have a situation where the fact is twisted just enough, but it is not true. To take the stuff that they are selling internally can be injurious to your health. We had a case of a young man who was told lemon essential oil was a good source of vitamin C. He was suffering from a respiratory problem that the doctors could not help and it continued to get worse. It was the lemon oil that was irritating his esophagus and throat, along with his stomach and liver.
The doctor never asked about ingesting oils and why would he?
Please note: Citrus essential oils do not contain vitamin C. This is a proven scientific fact. Look it up.
Purchasing “curcumin”
Finally, there are many companies out there offering to sell “Curcumin” for anti-inflammatory pain relief. This is very misleading. Curcumin is a component found in turmeric, not a separate product. What you need to find is turmeric with a 95 percent curcumin content. Also, using the turmeric you buy at the grocery store is not going to give you the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving action you might expect. The food-grade spice is not measured for its content. You can add it to your smoothies and such, but it will not be as strong as a guaranteed potency product.
As with all things, especially in the alternative health realm, do a little research – then ask a professional. Caveat Emptor!
— Jonathan
Send questions on botanical remedies to: Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans at herbarium258@gmail.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee, MA, 01013. If requesting additional info, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
