The Herbology & Optimal Nutrition Education & Research Institute

The HO.N.E.R.I supports scientific, evidence-based natural health practices.
Any information derived from sources linked to, outside of the HONERI website
which contains Homeopathic and Acupuncture information is
not endorsed or supported by the HONERI, due to lack of credible,
scientific evidence to support claims made.

Just because herbs and dietary supplements are natural substances doesn't mean that they can be used indiscriminately. Herbs and supplements can be strong medicine. Before trying any herbal remedy or dietary/nutritional supplement, be sure that you know what it does, how it is used, and any possible side effects or drug interactions.

A Herbologist should monitor the use of any medicinal herb or dietary supplement, making sure it does not conflict with medications already prescribed, and will not worsen conditions already known. Also, the sensitivity or allergic reaction can best be handled by a Herbologist or aptly trained medical doctor who practices integrative medicine. You may email the HONERI for FREE information with respect to the safe and efficacious use of these supplements.

As a general rule, new medical problems may occur from ingesting herbal remedies or dietary supplements, but the potential for an allergic or toxic reaction is always there. In addition, about 1% of all plants are poisonous. Therefore, it not recommended that people gather their own herbs unless they are skilled Botanists/Herbologists. Pregnant women should take these substances only under the direction of a knowledgeable practitioner or midwife. Some herbs are contraindicated in certain diseases and/or conditions. Parents should check with a qualified practitioner before giving herbs to children.

The information provided is for educational purposes only. Used as a reference; not as a means of diagnosis and/or treatment, it can act as a guide, but only with the cooperation and advise of trained professionals. It is not within the scope of any collection of information to perform the medical duties of the health care profession.

Think of the body as a test tube in a chemistry lab. Anything that is put into that test tube, or taken out, will cause a reaction. If the reaction is desirable, fine.... But if it is not desirable, it should be changed with the help of medical advise. Even water causes a change in body chemistry.

Some people think that herbal tea is good, simply because it is a natural product. This is not only foolish, but dangerous. Every herbal tea should be weighed against possible complications, side effects, etc., before taking on a daily basis. Everyone knows that a great many modern day medications originated from herbs. Even aspirin was originally discovered from willow tea. The herbs in herbal teas should be known and checked against any medication, whether by prescription or over-the-counter, for compatibility and/or side effects.

Research
Conditions

Research
Supplements

Research
Herbals

This strategy was developed by WHO Headquarters and Regional Office staff
working in essential drugs and medicines policy, in consultation with other WHO programme staff and with key development partners. It was then finalized in consultation with representatives from Member States, the wider UN family, nongovernmental and other international organizations, WHO Collaborating Centres for Traditional Medicine and WHO Expert Committees.

W.H.O GUIDELINES ON GOOD AGRICULTURAL AND COLLECTION PRACTICES FOR MEDICINAL PLANTS

An informative policy document on the growing and harvesting of medicinal plants and herbs for local and export trade. If you are a herb farmer, or wanting to start a herb farm, research this document to find out how these guidelines affect you.

This is a great background document to access information on regulatory trends and practices, as well as the South African government's plans and visions for African Traditional Medicine.

A collaborative research database of Southern African medicinal and poisonous plants, donated by Noristan Laboratories to the Univarsity of Cape Town's Pharmacology Department in public trust, and further expanded by the Medical Research Council of South Africa, the Univarsity of the Western Cape and promoted by S.A Health Info.

A project of the Zwazulu/Natal Department of Agriculture. Learn about techniques and propogation of South African medicinal plants. This is simply the best scientific guide available today.

HEALTH NOTES - An in-depth guide to the evidence-based practical use of nutrients and herbs in restoring health