Biologically Based Practices of CAM

Wow, where do I even start with this broad topic? (How about by explaining it?) Biologically Based Practices include the use of substances that are derived from nature. Mostly these are botanical, or from plant sources, but some treatments come from animal parts. Some examples of animal sourced treatments include fish-derived omega 3 oils, oyster-shell calcium (one of the least bioavailable forms of this mineral, BTW), honey and bee pollen, and shark cartilage. Additionally, many traditional indigenous healers around the globe use plant and animal (and mineral) parts both directly and energetically in healing treatments and ceremonies.

Which one(s) will work for you and your situation? That's a rather impossible question to answer; i.e., it really does depend on whose book you use to gather your information. Many sources differ in their suggestions, despite the fact that most have done their homework and offer the most allegedly accurate of findings. There is good (meaning, accurate and thorough) information available on the Web, but you will have to navigate around quite a bit of inaccuracy to find it. We'll have some hints and tips for researching health on the internet in a later post.

There is no panacea. There is no Magic Pill or Bullet. All remedies, no matter how 'natural' and effective, can't do the identical job for everyone. Considering that we consist of trillions of cells, it makes sense that we would differ in our responses to the same stimulus.

Even products deemed 'natural' leave much to be desired, for they are often compiled or concocted in the laboratory. Few supplements on today's shelves are completely natural; they couldn't be since Nature didn't grow a capsule or tablet. These substances have their place; don't get me wrong. But after working in this business for so many years (40+ for Dave--before Whitney was even born [just kidding]), it has come to my attention that few substances in supplemental form began anywhere but a lab.

Biologically based therapies, such as herbs, are not strictly regulated in the United States or Canada. Potential variations in potency and concentration of the therapeutic substance in a remedy can occur anywhere from the farm or habitat through the production to even transport and time on the shelf. For this reason, it is important to look for guaranteed potency products and buy from a knowledgeable, reliable merchant with good turn-over of product.

Look for substances that have been extracted from raw, organic foods, for example. Another example of a natural and effective product may be found in the form of a tincture or liquid extract - derived from an organic source of course.

Bottom line here is that there is no substance - regardless of how natural or allegedly powerful it may be - that works equally well and is suitable for everyone. Such a creature does not exist. Or, if it does, it has eluded me for over 40 years.

One final, but critical, consideration for using biologically based therapies: If you are pregnant or have altered liver or kidney function, only use these products under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider. Same goes for use in children and the elderly, or those with chronic conditions such as glaucoma, heart disease, diabetes, and any other condition requiring frequent monitoring and treatment. Know that these products MAY interact with other herbals or pharmaceuticals, so consult a pharmacist if you take any medications or other herbals before adding a new remedy. ~Dave (and Whitney)