PREGNANCY-BIRTH Messages for September, 1998: Non-medical baby-moving techniques

Non-medical baby-moving techniques

From: Suzanne (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 21 Sep 1998 01:28:05 -0400

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At 03:18 AM 9/20/98 -0500, Dr. Ind wrote: >What is in Blessed thistle? Which plant / plants? Or am I demonstrating
>my horicultural ignorance here by not knowing that blessed thistle is a
>plant?

Blessed thistle is Cnicus benedictus. It is a weed, and used to be called "Our Lady's Milk Thistle." Various parts of the plant are used. From the book "Prescription for Nurtritional Healing" -- "Chemical & Nutrient Content: Cincin; essential oils. Actions & Uses: Increases appetite and stomach secretions. Heals the liver. Alleviates inflammation, improves circulation, purifies the blood, and strengthens the heart. May act as brain food. Good for female disorders. Also aids milk flow in the nursing mother."

>Referring to my last post. Why doesn't anyone study these? So many
>medicines have come from plants. If these herbs are of genuine benefit,
>then we should study them properly so they can be introduced into
>'conventional' medicine.

I agree with you, but cannot answer as to why studies are not done (and maybe they are and I just don't know it). Maybe there's not enough money in it, because these things can be grown at home (if someone wanted to do that, then make the infusions, teas, tinctures, etc)?

>Suzanne, I'm not anti-alternative medicine. In fact, a chinese
>herbalist cured my eczema when numerous conventioanl physicians
>couldn't. But it is important that we study them properly. Not only to
>descriminate between which methods actually work and which ones don't,
>but also to determine side-effects, dosage, and teratogenicity.

I agree that herbs should be studied according to what is considered proper in today's medical society. However, the benefits of herbs have been known for centuries, and records from many ancient cultures show them being used extensively to cure almost every known illness. As you said, medicines originally came from taking plant substances and purifying them, then learning how to synthesize them. Many herbalists believe, however, that in the herbal form, nature provides other components for balance, thus lowering the chance of negative side-effects. These components are less potent but act as buffers, synergists, or counterbalances.

Herbs should not be used indiscriminately, even though they are less likely than conventional medications to cause adverse effects. It is always wise to consult with someone who is aware of the potential negative effects of herbs, and can guide your dosing amounts. Unfortunately, this is not usually a doctor, unless they have had training in non-Westernized medicine (which is still rare, but slowly becoming less so).

Anyone giving advice on herbal dosages should know the potential side effects of the herbs, and also should know what interactions may occur with any conventional medications that may also be taken. Since my reading on Blessed Thistle showed neither, I made no mention of side effects or cautions. It is rare for me to even mention a dosage over the Internet; I usually direct towards sources where they can find the info for themselves. I'm sitting here now thinking "Now, what made this time different?" And I guess because it IS such an okay sort of herb :) But I will restrain myself better in the future :)

>I would love to do a proper study on this. I can think of a number of
>good midwives and doctors who would also be keen. I'm also sure that
>the industry would fund it.

Which industry? The pharmaceutical? As I said, I would like to see more studies done, too. I would also like my government to re-regulate the herbal industry (they currently classify herbs as foods), because as it stands now one cannot be sure exactly what strength herb is contained in any specific product. I rely on those brands that midwives and herbalist friends have known and worked with for years.

>I think you need to host a chat on this. But please wait until I have
>worked out how they work!

Hmmm, I'm not sure I'm ready for that! I'm still fairly new at this, too, and rely heavily on books and other midwives and herbalists.

Now I'm off to find the question you posted on the Women's Health Forum :)

**************************************************** Suzanne S. Powell, ICCE, CD Childbirth Educator & Doula; Student midwife

-- Women's Heatlh Forum advisor @ OBGYN.net

Ringmaster of The Christian Birth Webring http://www.mindspring.com/~suzannep/CBW.html

Partum Me! Educational & Support Services Peachtree City, Ga. Visit my WWW site at http://partumme.hypermart.net/partumme.htm ****************************************************

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