FAQ on Herbs

What are herbs?

• Herbs are plants used to make medicines or flavorings; they contain substances that are valued for their healing, savory or aromatic qualities.
• In many parts of the world, herbs are recognized for their healing properties and have been used as medicines for many diseases.

What is so special about herbs?

• Herbs contain some very beneficial natural chemical compounds that have been used for healing through centuries. There is a long and interesting history of using herbs to manage ailments.

Why herbs and why is it different from modern drug?

• Modern pharmaceutical drugs are derived from herbs and many are artificially manufactured to mimic the active properties of herbs.
• However, herbs are a more "natural" way of treatment and are known to have much fewer (if any) side effects as compared to modern day drugs.

Why take herbal supplements?

• In today's world, our everyday diet is often not balanced and hence we are not getting all the nutrients that the body needs for a very healthy body.
• Herbs can aid a person's health by supplementing one's diet to ensure better health and well being. For example, Milk Thistle has traditionally been hailed as a "liver tonic" that helps to cleanse the liver and to keep the body healthy among the many wonders that it does.
• Herbs also have healing properties which can cure or help in the healing process of the body and mind. For example, Valerian is a herb commonly used to treat insomnia and anxiety. It helps soothes the body's system so that it may calm down and rest better.

How much do I need to take and for how long?

• Herbs with strong stimulant or sedative may work almost immediately and you'll notice the difference very soon. However, most herbs will need time to get into your system, so you'll have to be patient.
• The duration and the dosage for herbs might vary from person to person and from one situation to another. It is always wise to consult your pharmacist, GP or herbalist when in doubt.
• If you are taking herbs as a supplement and do not have an existing ailment, it is generally safe to follow the instructions on the label or check with herbalist or pharmacist.

Can I take all my herbs at the same time?

• Some herbs work better together ie they complement each other for a similar problem. However if you are taking different herbs for different ailments it is best to separate them out by at least ½ hour. Again as a rule of the thumb, when in doubt consult your pharmacist, herbalist or GP.

Can I take my herbs at the same time with other pharmaceutical drugs/medications?

• If you are taking any other strong or long term medications always check with your pharmacist, herbalist or GP for interactions. Some weight loss herbs have properties that are in conflict with hypertension medications for instance.
• However InnoHerb is generally safe to be taken with most medication but as usual, if in doubt- follow the golden rule and check with your pharmacist, herbalist or GP for interactions.

Are herbs really safe?

• Herbs are natural remedies and tonics that are safe to use when they are in their purest form and are not tainted by drugs. They have few if any side effect and death by herbal overdose is non-existent.
• However, in certain situations herbs need to be used with caution especially when you are taking some other medications- always check with your healthcare professional or herbalist for any interactions.
• Also, some people may be allergic to certain herbs or one of its constituents as how some people will react with certain food, always use herbal remedies discriminately by
• Consulting your pharmacist, herbalist or GP
• Reading the labels carefully
• Buying from established company, preferably with patented and proven technology
• Never exceed the recommended dosage unless advised to by your pharmacist, herbalist or GP
• InnoHerb contains standardized extract of herbs in PhytoGranules, a patented technology, from France which assures you efficacy and safety at a specified dose. For more information on phytogranules call InnoHerb's consumer infoline 1 800 388 018.

What is the best form to take, tablets, tea, extract or the new InnoHerb PyhtoGranules capsules?
Here are some of the Pros and Cons of the various form and how InnoHerb is different:

	Pros:	Cons:
Tablets	Easy to carry Save preparation Provide an exact regulated dose and enables the body to extract acid, alkaline & water soluble properties	Can be difficult to swallow Unpleasant smell and taste of some herbs are not masked
Teas	Usually give results more quickly Potency can be easily adjusted	Most medicinal teas do have an unpleasant taste Only the herbs water soluble properties are extracted
Extracts	Provide a concentrated form of the herb, give results more quickly May be more cost effective as generally, a little goes a long way.	Most are alcohol-based and would therefore be inappropriate for diabetics, children, prescription drug users, as well as recovering alcoholics. You can however, find some extracts in a non-alcoholic base.
InnoHerb difference:	Standardised extracts that provides regulated dosage that ensures efficacy and safety. Each pellet is individually coated with semi-permeable membrane, so there is no unpleasant taste or smell and provides gastro protection for those with a sensitive stomach. Multiparticular form that provides optimal availability Easy to carry and consume.

FAQ on InnoHerb

What is Innoherb's Unique Selling Point, what makes it special?
The technology used in coating the pellets inside of the capsule, InnoHerb Phytogranules:

• Phyto = Plant, Granules = pellets
• Patented technology
• Multiparticulate -made up of many micropellets, small beads containing active herbal compunds
• Special coating for each plant extract
• Contains top quality standardised dried extracts

How does the Phytogranules patented technology benefit me?

• Assures Efficacy and Safety
• Semi-permeable membrane · Improves stability · Taste/smell masked · Gastro protection
• Multiparticular form · Control release of actives · Optimal availability - better absorption
• Standardized dried extract : · Control of the dosage per capsule

Is this Phytogranules patented, where did the technology originate from?
It is a patented technology, licensed from Ethypharm in France.

What can the 3 herbs do?

1. Valerian
   The plant was held in such esteem in mediaeval times as a remedy, that it received the name of All Heal, which is still given it in some parts of the world. Valerian was used by the ancient Greeks to treat digestive problems such as flatulence and nausea. These uses-as a diuretic, topical pain reliever and treatment for intestinal and menstrual cramps-predominated throughout the Middle Ages and up into the sixteenth century.
   
   Traditionally used in treating a wide range of stress conditions such as :
   • insomnia
   • irritability
   • depression
   • fear
   • anxiety
   • nervous
   • exhaustion
   Valerian not only eases the trouble of falling asleep but also improves the quality of sleep during the night.
   
   
2. Hawthorn
   Dioscorides, a Greek Herbalist, used Hawthorn in the first century A.D. It went out fashion as a medicine until the 19th century, when an Irish physician included them in a secret remedy for heart disease. Years later, the medicine was found to be made from hawthorn berries, which are still prescribed in folk medicine for a variety of heart-related problems.
   
   Traditionally considered as a "cardiotonic" herb, the flowers and berries of the hawthorn plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat :
   • irregular heartbeat,
   • high blood pressure,
   • chest pain,
   • hardening of the arteries,
   • and congestive heart failure
   
   
3. Milk Thistle
   Milk Thistle has been used in Europe as a remedy for liver problems for thousands of years. Its use was recorded in the first century (AD 23-79), noting that the plant was excellent for protecting the liver. Early Christian tradition dedicated milk thistle to Mary, calling it Marian thistle. In the 19th century the Eclectics used the herb for varicose veins, menstrual difficulty, and congestion in the liver, spleen and kidneys.
   
   It has also been used since the Roman times as a liver tonic, it is used traditionally to :
   
   • Protects liver cells from solvent damage (alcohol & carbon tetrachloride)
   • Protects liver cells from liver poisoning
   • Stimulates production of new liver cells
   • Helps skin conditions related to poor liver function
   • Fights pollutants and inhibits free-radical damage.