Blog

Headlines about herbs and the immune system often describe lab or animal work. Here is how to read them and what to bring to a herbal consultation in Freshwater.

A news story announcing that a herb affects immune activity can read like an instruction to go and buy it. Patients sometimes bring these articles to their acupuncture appointments at the Freshwater clinic, and they are a good starting point for a conversation, as long as the research is read carefully.

What the research often describes

Behind many headlines sits one of the following:

• an experiment on cells in a laboratory dish
• a study in animals
• a specific extract tested at a specific concentration

Findings like these are a long way from telling a person what to take, in what form or whether it would stop them from getting sick. They describe a narrow question under controlled conditions, not a plan for your health.

Using articles as a source of questions

Treat a research report as something that prompts questions rather than a shopping list. When you meet Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, to discuss herbal medicine, the conversation will centre on your own health history, the medicines you already take and why you are seeking care. A broad promise about the immune system is far too vague to build a safe, individual plan around.

Points to raise in the consultation

• What prompted your interest, and what you hope a herbal approach might help with
• Any recent illnesses, tests or diagnoses
• Every medicine and supplement, including those bought online

Keeping any plan easy to follow

If a herbal prescription is agreed, make sure it comes with a clear product name, written directions and a date for review. Keep the instructions with the original container and let Christine know if your GP adjusts another medicine. Should you notice a new symptom and wonder whether the herbs are involved, call for advice rather than changing the dose yourself.

Northern Beaches readers who have spotted an intriguing herbal headline are welcome to bring the article along to the Freshwater clinic and look at it together with Christine.