Plant medicines function in ways that are really very different from pharmaceutical drugs. Herbs work by nourishing and supporting the body, and working with the body in the ways it chooses to heal itself. For example, yarrow, which has long been used as a hot tea for the treatment of fever, does its work by first raising the heat, then dispersing it by sweating. Although the end result is a lowered temperature, the positive effects of fever are retained, allowing the body to utilize the higher temperature to mobilize white blood cells. Herbs like echinacea stimulate immune function and tie up toxins in the blood stream that may well be part of the reason infection has occurred to begin with. Side effects, while common with pharmaceuticals, are not expected when using plant medicines. In fact, many times, the various constituents of herbs work to compliment one another so that toxic effects do not occur. Of course, there are differing classes of herbs, and some herbs can be problematic in some instances. Licorice root, for example, may cause fluid retention in susceptible individuals. This is not a problem with the herb, rather it is a problem of correct prescribing . When herbs cause undesirable symptoms, it is generally either the wrong herb for that individual or the wrong dose.
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