Though this sounds redundant, the phrase is an attempt to capture the essence of what herb medicine is all about – pure organic plants without contamination and re-structuring. With all the genetic manipulation by corporate food giants, no current pure botanic material exists, anymore. But, as much as possible, it is to everyone’s benefit that we protect our interests before we reap the unknown consequences of changing the genetic structure of what we put in our bodies. Before it’s too late, we must commit to this quest. Unadulterated herbs and herbal formula extracts do still exist in protected environments. Agricultural scientists are ascertaining the world over that hybrid contamination is on the increase. Scientist have determined that all, so called, 100% organic farms in the U.S. have at least 2%+ contamination from mutant products thus affecting the original impact of herb medicine. It is extremely important to source traditional herbs and traditional Chinese herbs from protected pollinated farms, free from genetically modified organism (GMO) seed.

Currently, experiments in India and Japan are being conducted with the emphasis on increasing the medicinal properties of the herbs. The key to herb medicine potency is in wide dispute. The GMO camp believes you can improve specific alkaloids in the overall herb composite. The anti-GMO herb camp holds that when you change the property ratio then you, in effect, change the medicinal value which stems from the original structure. The argument that a specific alkaloid is responsible for the medicinal impact versus the whole or synergistic effect of the herb is an ongoing disagreement that needs to be watched carefully.       

Besides the changes to the original plant structure, GM herbs are philosophically opposed to the premises of natural, alternative medicine. These ethical concerns deserve respect and careful consideration before admitting these foods into the gene pool. Input from the herb medicine & research community needs to be acquired before making these changes. Decisions by big corporate business are absent, by nature, conscience in this regard. Though many execs may intend well, it would be to their benefit to attract unbiased feedback as to whether to choose GM procedures in their development. What are the consequences versus the profit?

Most Master Herbalists, specializing in Chinese Medicine, focus on food as a therapy. Here are some points to consider about the food nutrient (incl. herbal herbs) industry:

• In the U.S. alone, between 1997 and 1999, gene-modified (GM) ingredients suddenly appeared in 2/3rds of all processed foods.”
• Be sure to choose organic soy milk. Most soybeans in America are genetically modified. Unrefined (organic) soybeans are not genetically modified.
• If the supporters of GMO are so clever then why do we still have nutrient deficiency in our food products?
• That carrot has about 57% less magnesium and 16% less calcium in it than the ones our parents ate, a banana 87% less folic acid, and spinach 59% less vitamin C!
• Whereas there is an increase in vitamin and mineral supplement sales to cover the our food nutrient deficiency, more city/county public works departments are transporting by the multiple truck loads, the remaining tablets to sanitation dumps. The only real working source of nutrition comes from food that our body absorbs or supplements based on whole food sources.

Genetically modified foods can have decidedly unhealthy effects. One solid conclusion found that:

1. More than half of the offspring of rats fed on transgenically modified soya died in the first three weeks of life, six times as many as those born to mothers with normal diets. Six times as many were also severely underweight.
2. Mothers who include GM foods in their diet during pregnancy may unwittingly endanger their unborn babies. A statement by the corporate GM giant, Monsanto, exposed that rats fed a diet containing GM corn had reduced sized kidneys and increased blood cell counts compared to those that ingested a natural strain, signifying likely damage to their immunity systems.

 

The nutrient value of food has fallen drastically while the price is skyrocketing:

Minerals & Vitamins in mg/100g		1985	1996	Reduced value expressed in %
Broccoli	Calcium Folic acid Magnesium	103 47 26	33 23 22	- 68 % - 51 % - 15 %
Beans	Calcium Folic acid Magnesium Vitamin B6	56 39 26 140	34 34 22 55	- 39 % - 13 % - 15 % - 61 %
Potatoes	Calcium Magnesium	14 27	4 18	- 71 % - 33 %
Carrots	Calcium Magnesium	37 21	31 9	- 16 % - 57 %
Spinach	Calcium Vitamin C	62 51	19 21	- 69 % - 59 %
Apples	Vitamin C	5	1	- 80 %
Bananas	Calcium Folic acid Magnesium VitaminB6 Potassium	8 23 31 330 420	7 3 27 27 327	- 13 % - 87 % - 13 % - 92 % - 22%
Strawberries	Calcium Vitamin C	21 60	18 13	- 14 % - 78 %

        Source: 1996 Geigy Pharmaceuticals, Foodstuffs laboratory, Karlsruhe / Obertal Sanatorium.

Boosting our immune systems, metabolic and vascular efficiency with suitable mineral and vitamin supplements compensates for some of these effects, acts preventatively, and assists us in countering deficiencies. However have you ever seen how wasted our elderly become when sustained on ENSURE in a nursing facility? The ignorance can only be rationalized and accepted for how long?   Reliance on healthy, nutrient rich foods and herbs are the essential foundation for sustaining life.

The bottom-line is this. Greed has, unconsciously and consciously, crept into the way we develop our food supply. At any time the food supply is administered in an remote manner there is increased probability for abuse. Though this development is not everywhere, it is extensive enough now that balance in the industry is fargone. This condition, may be, beyond the ability of mankind to retrieve it unless radical changes are implemented.  

Mark Hammer, C.M.H., Master Herbalist, Longevity Mountain

1. India working on GM herbs, says Greenpeace, Joe C Mathew / Business Standard New Delhi (November 05, 2008)
2. “50 Harmful Effects of Genetically Modified Foods” By Nathan Batalion

Most of the menopause products are created based on 3 strategiess:

• a single supplement/herb wonder
• a combination of past researched supplements/herbs with an addition of the latest fad herb
• in most cases a newbie manufacturer/distributer copies another company’s product that is selling well

The result is that it is difficult for the consumer to determine what works. So how do you know what works?

Anybody can produce testimonials but long term repeatable, sustainable results are very challenging to produce. The research on the research demonstrates that women are not getting the truthful facts but rather a marketing spin to get you buy their product or one where they share in the proceeds. In most cases, the manufacturer may truely believe they have a formula that will work based on misinformation on a herb’s benefits.

The right herbs for menopause will primarily 1) raise the body’s energy, 2) nourish the blood, 3) cool the body and 4) normalize the body’s thermostat. And indirectly, because the underlying imbalance is corrected, the menopause symptoms will begin to dissapate within 2 hours.  

Most discoveries about herbs have come from Chinese herbal medicine but revealed to the American public in an incomplete manner. The American manufacturers share the info about an herb as a solution for everyone who has a particular symptom. Nevermind, all the body of Chinese medicine and theory that understands that there are different body types or constitutions that may accompany those symptoms. Menopause is a hot body type condition requiring specific emphasis on cooling the liver. 

Chinese herbs which have proven to be effective for hundreds of years on millions of patients. Chinese master herbalists comprehend, on a beginning level, how extensive Chinese medicine is and that through thousands of years of practice, further research is not necessary. Its essential to apply the right formula to the right constitution and symptoms, not just the symptoms. In addition, in order to discern this  relationship between body constitution and herb formulation, it is essential to choose the most knowledgeable practitioner.

A Practicing Master Herbalist Knows More About Herbs Than Any Other Profession?

A seasoned master herbalist (10 years+) who works with herbs every day is the best source for herb medicine. The time element is critical to allow the practitioner to get the kinks out and test his/her knowledge. What is taught in our traditional Chinese herbs and herb medicine schools is only a beginning knowledge and needs to be tested. Optimally, post-graduates should continue to extensive apprenticeship prior to being ready to remedy ailments with patients. Medical doctors rely on their Physician’s Desk Reference for information on herbs which is truely a beginning base source. A one herb or multiple herb formula is not going to work for all. They may work for a quarter of the population or people who have a similar constitution but not everyone. For instance, the Chinese herb, Black Cohosh, has been exposed as unsuitable for menopause. Its used for fevers.Notwithstanding, American supplement makers have discovered a method to take advantage of the half truths provided to everyone and so the tale carries on. Never mind that its short term benefits decay in 2-3 weeks.A proven improvement with other homeostatic herbs would be to ingest bupleurum.

In summary, the best choice of herbs for menopause will take into consideration the woman’s constitution or body type when constructing a formula. Additionally, herbs that have a long established record for hundreds to thousands of years must be perceived with greater preference over herbs with a minimal account. I encourage everyone to seek a seasoned source in herbal medicine.