What is on Jared's Herbal Mind?

My first blog for mass consumption....hmmm, how to begin?  I want to talk about Acai berries.  Oh, and the dangers of over the counter drugs for kids, and while I am at it, I really want to explain why women lose hair, and how you can lower cholesterol in just 10 days without drugs.  Too broad?  Probably. I guess there are actually a lot more things on my highly attention deficient mind.  Way too much to blog about in one post. Suffice it to say, I really just want to get some opinions out there, and more than anything, give a lot of information that my readers can use to make themselves feel and look better.  And it is always on my herbal mind to do it naturally. 

My passion is simple; teach people to live better by avoiding the many pitfalls of modern medicine and utilizing all of the amazing "technology" that God himself put on this earth before he "invented" the scientists to prove it all works.  I will try to do all of this with a lot of humor and unique insight that comes with being a lifelong health food store employee, and also a now somewhat seasoned natural supplement developer.

Those of you with a like mind will most likely appreciate a lot of what I have to say.  Those that are more immersed in the medical way of doing things might just plain get offended.  I hope that those in the middle will realize that there are amazing alternatives available if you figure out where to look.

Now on to the meat of blog number 1.

Our children are dying!!!  I bet that got your attention.  Too dramatic, maybe, decide for yourself. The following is clipped from a post on msnbc.com.

NEW YORK - At least 10 infant deaths in Arizona in 2006 were linked to over-the-counter cough and cold remedies — underscoring the danger of giving the medications to children younger than 2, researchers report. 

The investigators found that of 21 infants who died unexpectedly and had autopsy data available, 10 had evidence that they been given cough or cold medication shortly before they died.

Here is startling evidence that many drugs sold for kids are not safe.  In fact, the FDA has recently made many statements that these drugs have no evidence that they are safe at all for anyone under the age of 12.  As a follow up to this story that first broke August 6th 2008, labeling is now being changed for these types of remedies due to closed door meetings with drug manufacturers and FDA officials. 

WASHINGTON - When drug makers made a surprise announcement this week that they no longer recommend cough and cold remedies for youngsters under 4, they didn't let on that it was the government's idea.

And why age 4 rather than the age 6 that pediatricians' wanted?

Because the Food and Drug Administration suggested that, too.

FDA officials proposed the cutoff earlier this year in private discussions with the industry, government and industry officials confirmed Friday. The companies agreed, and this week announced they were "voluntarily" changing their advice to parents.

The maneuvering is an example of how government health officials and the industries they regulate seek to come to an accommodation behind the scenes on tricky issues. In this case, there is scant evidence that the widely used over-the-counter medicines really do work in children. Emergency-room data shows that they sicken some 7,000 kids a year, mostly because of overdoses.

But is there enough being done?  Of course not.  There is way too much money involved here.  Imagine the millions lost if parents nationwide stop giving these drugs to their 3-4 year olds.  So what if 7,000 kids a year end up in the hospital because of there medications.  Money and greed prevail again. 

The question is really this, why do we give these drugs to our kids in the first place?  It isn't because they cure anything, it is usually because it makes us, as parents, feel better.  If we can stop the cough, unplug the nose, and help them sleep then it helps us to sleep.  But is it worth it?  When pediatricians say that they aren't recommending these for children under six and that there is literally ZERO evidence that they are safe for anyone in any dose under the age of 12.

Conspiracy?  Greed?  The Love of Money?  YEP, you got it.  Just please remember, there are alternatives that don't hurt.  And when it comes to trust, trust in yourself, not in the drug companies and certainly not in the FDA.

Thank you for viewing my blog and please come back often.  I am determined to blog twice a week.  Feel free to link to me and subscribe if you have interest.

Until next time, this has been a trip into my herbal mind.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26058827/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27124072/   

Comments

[Kimberlee St. Clair]

Hi!

I think this is a fantastic idea. I'm so excited that you are finally getting an opportunity to share your amazing knowledge with the world!

[Joan Koplin]

AMEN!Amen to making educated health decisions for our children and first looking to alternative/herbal remedies to help our kids. Amen to not blindly following the FDA and their greed directed decision making. Amen to keeping our children healthy through supplements, diet, and a healthy lifestyle. AMEN TO SELF DIRECTED PARENTING and teaching our children how to take care of themselves, not just how to drug themselves.

[Lynell]

Jared I love it! I am excited that you are doing this. I know that I have a lot to learn. I have a question. What do you think about flu shots?

[How's that for a teaser]

Now, I have to follow your blog at least until you talk about women's hair loss!

[Vehar]

Well done sir, timely and poignant information we can always use, look forward to more entries.

[Tricia]

Hi Jared,

Lynell suggested this site, and because I've been actively looking in to a more natural way of living, I'll definitely be following your blog. I belong to a Yahoo group called LDS Natural Moms, and if you don't mind, I'll post your blog address there, as I think this is exactly in line with what they advocate, too. I'm sure several of the women will be interested in this site.

Thanks!