Herbal Bytes: Welcome

Herbs have been the main source of medicine throughout human history. That herbs are still widely used today is an indication that herbs are a growing and on-going part of modern, high-tech medicine. Researchers today examine historical uses of plants to find new drugs for cancer, AIDS, and even the common cold.

In the United States, herb products are regulated as foods rather than drugs, unless a product has been approved as a nonprescription (over-the-counter) or prescription drug. Most herb products are now designated as dietary supplements.

Many Americans are now taking greater responsibility for their own health and are consequently seeking alternatives to conventional medicine such as prevention through attention to diet, exercise, and the use of dietary supplements and herbs. Millions of consumers, frustrated with the cost of medical care and the not-so-wonderful side effects of wonder drugs, are turning to these health-care alternatives.

In Western countries, contemporary herbal medicine is based on European phytomedicine. Derived from plants or plant parts, phytomedicines are not isolated chemicals but preparations from an entire plant or from its root, leaf, flower, or fruit.

Herbal Weight Loss

Herbs can promote weight loss in a variety of ways. The action of certain herbs "trick" the brain into thinking the stomach is full, while others function thermogenically (speed up your metabolism to burn fat). Thermogenic herbs like green tea, nettle, and dandelion are safe as, or safer, than prescription and over the counter weight loss drugs. Some herbs act as diuretics, relieving water retention problems and associated weight gain.

Your health is very important. Herbal remedies need to be considered with the same precaution as taking any medication. If you are considering herbs for weight loss, research and thoroughly investigate all our earth has to offer right here on Herbal Bytes by visiting The Herbs section. Or, head directly to the Herbal Weight Loss section for our most thoroughly researched and highly recommended herbal weight loss products.

Herbal Smokes

If you smoke, you will be amazed at the taste, smell and potency of herbal smokes. These products not only work, but are 100 percent legal, do not effect drug tests and will leave you extremely satisfied. While herbal smokes may seem a little on the "racy" side, more people use them than you could imagine. Check out the smokes section for more information and product suggestions.

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A True Story...

In Virginia, there is a plant called the Jamestown weed, whereof some having eaten plentifully became fools for several days, one would blow up a feather in the air, another sit naked, like a monkey, grinning at the rest, or fondly kiss and paw his companions... --Cotton Mather, 1720

The amusing story of the men who ate the hallucinogenic herb Jamestown weed, or jimsonweed, is often told as an example of what not to do: don't eat plants you're not familiar with. These unwise fellows recovered after eleven days, but they were lucky, for they had feasted on Datura stramonium, a psychoactive member of the nightshade family. Jimsonweed and other related plants contain a narcotic which has been used in many cultures as a poison, a medicine (chiefly as a pain-killer and wound healer), and as a ceremonial hallucinogenic: an aid to worship, or to obtaining prophetic dreams or messages. And yes, it can kill you, if you eat enough of it.