‘Tis the season to be sick (or How to get better when THMPD strikes)

Today, I sit at my PC, delighted with my rapid recovery from a ‘flu-like virus that took hold just yesterday. Aches in every part of my body, sick tummy and headache have receded. As I reflect on what I'm using to speed the passage of this virus, I think about whether, in a year’s time, I'll be able to access the same herbs I'm using, once the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD) bites come May this year. (Check last week’s Hopsack blog). I've been using Marshmallow, Meadowsweet, Elderberry and Echinacea: Marshmallow and Meadowsweet tea for my sick tummy (both herbs are great for mopping up excess acid), Elderberry, Marshmallow and Echinacea tinctures to tackle the virus. Elderberry is not only a wonderful source of bioflavanoids, but also possesses the ability to bind with and disarm the tiny viral spikes that allow viruses to invade the body's cells. Marshmallow is a softening agent, or demulcent, which helps ease the passage of herbs where there is any inflammation. Echinacea, an immune modulator, helps the immune system adapt to the circumstances, increasing or decreasing the immune response as required. So, will I be able to source these herbs post April next as a member of Joe Public, when THMPD will begin to impact? Well the good news is yes! The bad news is that they may not be readily available in the form you have been used to and prices will almost inevitably increase. You may have to learn to make your own medicines from these herbs, but that's not difficult at all, assuming the raw dried herbs will still be available (Hopsack carry many loose herbs, lots of which are used in the kitchen). You will, on the other hand, be able to grow these herbs yourself, or harvest them from the wild. Not as convenient I realise, but it would be a really good idea to build up a small stock of essential herbs in tincture form (for advice on preparation, refer to previous blogs, or e-mail us) – and they will last, in most cases, for years! The issues with this heavy-handed THMPD regulation are (a) the classification of many herbs as medicinal, rather than foods, thus subjecting them to the rigours of medicinal law, and (b) the cost of obtaining THMP licences for manufacturers who are, in the main, SMEs, and who can't therefore afford these licences. To learn how THMPD is going to impact manufacturers (and therefore you, the consumer), watch the Herbs of Grace videos Part I and Part II. Incidentally, I don't rely entirely on herbs for my health! A good year-round diet containing lots of fresh vegetables in particular and a regular amount of clean, filtered water (ask Hopsackers for advice on the best available filters), reducing the chemical load in terms of household cleaning agents and cosmetics, and protecting myself from the worst effects of radiation, all combine to play an important role in my approach to sustainable health.     Â

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Erica Murray is a Master Medical Herbalist & Iridologist. She practises in Churchtown, Dublin (adjacent to Windy Arbour Luas stop). ericamurrayherbalist@gmail.com. Tel. 086-3384752.

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