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Home » Health Articles » Synergy The Remedy In The Herbal Supplement

Synergy - The Remedy In The Herbal Supplement

Synergy refers to the idea that the sum of the parts adds up to more (or less, in some cases) than the whole. This idea is an important one for herbalism where it is essential to combine different herbs thoughtfully and carefully in order to maximize the benefit a patient will receive. When you combine different herbs, the result can be a great deal more powerful (and sometimes different) than any of the herbs taken individually or separately. A well constructed formula will therefore be harmonized so that your body will not respond negatively to individual herbs but instead be able to fully accept the desired actions.

Furthermore, synergy is enhanced when absorption and bioavailability of an herb is increased in a body. It should also be noted that while herbs can work very effectively in combination due to their synergistic effects, alone they can be far less effective and sometimes produce opposite actions. For example, Ginger has an anti-ulcerogenic action which is considered to be the work of a zingerberene compound within it. This compound was isolated and tested to measure its results. It was found that the whole ginger extract was sixty six times more effective than the zingerberene compound.

The synergy of herbal remedies can actually be quantified because less of a herb is required to achieve the same effect when it is enhanced by the action of other appropriate herbs. For example, when 60 mg of Valerian is combined with 40 mg of Hops the results are the same as if the patient had been given 400 mg of Valeriana on its own. This can be an important example as Valerian can cause stomache pain to many people in large doses, therefore the lower the dose of Valerian with the same result would be optimum in herbology.

Negative synergy can apply to herbal combinations. For example, the combination of Echinacea and Andrographis enhances the immune system and is very beneficial in acute infections, however, Echinacea and Astrogalis / Huang Qi in combination can only be used in chronic conditions requiring immune stimulation and will exacerbate an acute condition. This is why where herbal preparations are concerned it is wise to consult with an experienced and qualified herbalist rather than self prescribing.

Each herb enhances the ability or action of the other ones. If you combine Echinacea and angustifolia root you will achieve an immune enhancing result greater than taking Echinacea on its own. If you take Echinacea Purporea on its own you will receive an immune enhancing result. However, if you add the two types of Echinacea together you will obtain at least three times that effect, not twice the effect. Putting them together gives a greater benefit than the two of them separately would give. This is the essence of synergy.

Another example of how the action of herbs alters in combination is that of codonopsis (Dang Shen) and Astragalus (Huan Qi). Both of these herbs behave similarly to Ginseng and will raise your energy and tonify your Qi. However, when they are combined their main action is to increase immunity and increasing energy or tonifying Qi is secondary.

Synergistic results are also obtained when you give someone senna in conjunction with ginger. Senna will not only create a strong laxative effect, it can also cause griping stomach pains. To avoid this negative side effect of the herb, you can add ginger to the mix. By doing this, you will still obtain the laxative benefits but you will no longer have the cramping.

Synergy also lowers the cost of herbal medicine because 'assisting herbs' reduce the amount of expensive herbs required to achieve the same result. For example, Ginseng is an expensive herb but if you add 'assisting herbs' to create a much longer lasting formula that will also increase energy and tonify Qi you will be able to get excellent results, for the same or even lower cost.

Phytomedicine or herbalism relies heavily on synergy to create natural medicines that promote healing in the best possible way for the patient. The synergistic benefits of herbal combinations can be quantified and used but cannot be fully explained. That said, there is an enormous amount of evidence that synergy enhances the performance of herbs in the right combinations and is an important aspect of natural healing.

Yet the market is still full of single herb products. I believe this is due to the fact that companies rely on selling you herbs that you have heard of, not on making a forumla that is best suited for the ailment or condition. I continuously write on this subject, and the reason I learned Eastern and Western Herbology. I use the best herbs for the job in a carfully developed, and most importantly synergenic formula. There are times that Echinacea is not the right herb for the job, there is a suitable lower cost substitute for Goldenseal in many cases, etc. Feel free to learn more at Dimmakherbs.com

And here is another random article you might be interested in...

How to Reduce Stress and Boost your Productivity

Hi!

Did you know that 60-90% of all doctor visits are for stress-related illnesses?

Stress is costly in terms of our health, relationships and performance. When you're affected by too much stress your body wears down and you get sick. I find that highly disorganised people seem to be more susceptible to sickness as they are always under extreme pressure, running from one disaster to another.

Gary's Story

Gary has a business, employing 7 staff. When he contacted me he was at a point where the stress from his business was so bad, that he would constantly wake up 3 or 4 times a night worried about everything ...his cash flow, staff, lack of clients and the affect all this was having on his personal well-being and family life.

By working through exactly what the key issues were, the common denominator was his lack of personal organisation. He didn't use a diary, had no way of planning and kept everything 'in his head'. Often his staff were idle because he hadn't spent time training them. Being a perfectionist he felt it was easier to do things himself.

Gary didn't exercise and was overweight. He was constantly tired and uptight causing him to be moody and also very negative . His family and his staff would avoid him. He was spiralling downhill quickly but luckily he realised before it was too late, that it was time to get help otherwise he could lose his business, his family and even his life!

Step by step and week by week Gary has got a grip on the stress by using simple ways to reduce the pressure in his life and you can do this too.

7 Practical Tips to Reduce Stress

1. Get Organised

Learn how to manage yourself and your time. This includes how to plan and prioritise. You can do it the slow way by reading books or attending seminars or you can accelerate your results by getting coached.

2. Exercise Regularly

Exercise at least three times a week. Try swimming, running or walking. Your body needs regular activity.

3. Eat Healthily

Feed yourself healthy food and drink 6-8 glasses of water a day and you'll have heaps more energy.

4.Learn to say 'No'

Become more discerning about what activities you are prepared to do or participate in. If you're already overloaded, let people know.

5.Delegate or Outsource

Do what you do best and get rid of the rest. This applies to work and home.

6. Avoid Procrastination

Stop worrying about what may or may not happen if you make a decision, just take action.

The Final Word

I bet you probably knew all this, didn't you? Well my question is, if you are continually stressed what actions do you take on a regular basis to change your situation? If you've got a grip on the stress in your life, ...that's great, if not changes need to be made otherwise too much stress can dramatically impact on all areas of your life.

Have a great week

Lorraine Pirihi