Myths in Herbal Medicine: You Need to Take Herbs For a Long Time to Get Results

by Pam Broekemeier | Jun 16, 2024 | Health, Herbal Remdies, Herbal Safety, Medicinal Weeds, Plants

How long does it take for herbs to work?

There is the common myth that using herbs for medicinal purposes takes a long time to feel or see results. I think one reason for this is because people today are comparing them to allopathic medicine, or “modern” medicine. They expect immediate results.

But the real answer is that it all depends.

I know, not the answer you were hoping for. So it depends on what?

There are a number of factors, or variables, that determine how and when you will feel or see an herb taking effect.

Some of those factors are:

What herb you are using
The outcome you are looking for
Is it an acute or chronic condition
How long has the condition existed
The severity of the condition
The dosage of the herb
How the herb is administered
How diligently the recommendation is followed
Overall health of individual
Diet of individual

Lets check out a few of these factors.

What herb are you using?

Different herbs work in different ways, so depending on the herb will determine how soon you notice the effects from it, if any. There may be an herb that just isn’t meant for you.

Take kava, for example, which can often be felt in 10 to 20 minutes, sometimes even sooner. Bitter herbs, such as dandelion and ginger, which are taken for digestive issues, also take effect within a short time. The reason they are taken before meals.

Astringent herbs, like yarrow and witch hazel, are tonifying, and will take longer for results to appear.

Is it an acute or chronic condition?

In acute situations, such as upper respiratory illness, urinary tract infection, nausea, headache, cramps, the herbs can be effective quickly. Results may be seen the same day the herb is taken and only need to be used for a short time.

In chronic conditions, such as arthritis, allergies, asthma, chronic constipation, etc., an herb can take from a couple weeks to several months to reach full effect. Although many chronic conditions may require taking herbal medicine for a longer period of time, small signs may be apparent when first starting to take the herb.

How the herb is administered

There are a number of ways an herb can be administered. It can be a tincture, tea, capsule, tonic, etc.

Tinctures are well-absorbed and begin working very quickly. But the key word here is begin. Noticeable effects or results can vary greatly. Some herbs that affect the nervous system can produce noticeable effects in a short period of time.

Taking an herb in capsule form will take longer, as the body needs to break down the capsule through digestion.

Tonics usually show results over a period of time.

How long will it take for you?

A lot of things determine how fast an herb will give you an outcome you are happy with. If you get an outcome.

Keep in mind, everyone is different. So what works for one person, may not work for you. Patience is key when working with herbs.

Also, for herbs that take longer to work, you may not even notice it. Acne that was once a problem may slowly disapper. And one day you’ll notice that your acne issue is gone!

The key is research and patience together. This will help you find the herbs meant for you to live a more healthy and fulfilling life.