Reply #43: wrong -- dosage is not the only difference [View All]

[northernlights]

medicinal herbs contain dozens -- and even hundreds -- of phytochemicals that interact in ways we haven't even begun to explore. They may act synergistically. They may counteract side effects. We haven't even scratched the surface. Instead, the tendency is to isolate the single phytochemical that is in largest quantity and use that chemical alone in pharmas.

Eg, capsaicin -- one or two forms are used in the topicals, which numb the nerves. But chili peppers contain something like 8 versions of capsaicin...and who knows what else. When I used cayenne pepper (along with several herbs known to have anti-herpes properties) on my shingles, it was like wearing a heating pad in my skin. Very different effect from numb. Actually, it felt reeeeelly good, and relieved my tired, aching back.