Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do herbs really work? A: Yes ... if it is the right herb, for the right reason, in the right dose, over the right amount of time. Many people take herbs solely based on a news story or article. Others hear a pitch from herbal network marketing companies. The local drug stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies have shelves full of popular herbs. Even the corner convenience store is in on the act ... selling sugar loaded "herbal" drinks and teas. Before taking any herb you must research, study, and compare all the available and trustworthy documentation that you can find. If you use the wrong herb, for the wrong reason, in the wrong dose, over the wrong amount of time ... you will not get the health promoting results that you desire and you may even cause bodily harm. There are many, many things to consider before starting on any herb: quality, potency, cost, traditional use, clinical studies, dose, preparation (capsules, tinctures, teas, etc), contraindications (with over the counter and prescribed medicines, allergies, pregnancy, etc), side effects, safety, therapeutic application, scientific names (so you know are getting the right herb), and many other serious considerations. Q: What evidence is there that herbs really do work? A: First of all ... we have the confidence in God's Word that herbs were created for medicinal purposes (this is the best proof of all that herbs really work): "And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine." (Ezekiel 47:12) "For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover." (Isaiah 38:21) "Then Isaiah said, 'Bring a lump of pressed figs.' So they brought it and applied it to his infected skin, and he recovered." (2 Kings 20:7) "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart." (Psalms 104:14-15) "But the olive tree said to them, 'Should I stop giving my oil that honors both God and man, and rule over the trees?'" (Judges 9:9) "Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?" (Jeremiah 8:22) "Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate." (Proverbs 24:13) "And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him." (Luke 10:34) "Don't continue drinking only water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses." (1 Timothy 5:23) "In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." (Revelation 22:2) Some may say that Ezekiel 47:12 and Revelation 22:2 are prophetic or symbolic descriptions of herbal medicine. While these two verses may pertain to a future time or place ... there is no doubt that herbs and other natural substances are Biblically recommended for injury and illness and were used by God's people in therapeutic ways (figs, grapes, wine, honey, olive oil, balm of Gilead, bread (honey, wheat, barley), etc). We also have the Biblical record of the natural health care laws that were given to and used by Moses (Leviticus). In addition, according to Jewish tradition, Solomon, Ezra, and Nehemiah were very well versed in the virtues of herbs and the qualities of roots. Solomon is considered as having taught how to cure diseases by natural means, and tradition ascribes to him "the Sepher Refuoth," or book of healing diseases. Secondly, we have the value of successful herbal use in historical/traditional records. Time and history are great teachers. If an herb has been used over the centuries (especially for the same health condition) it is wise to pay attention. Although anecdotal (personal reports or observations) are not as reliable as controlled scientific studies ... anecdotal evidence that is consistent over time in many different parts of the world for the same health condition(s) has value and should not be ignored. Thirdly, when historical and traditional (anecdotal) herb use is confirmed by modern clinical studies ... the anti-herbal critics must finally admit defeat. We see this happening today. More and more clinical studies are confirming the medicinal value of certain herbs. When God says He made the herbs to serve man as medicine and the historical anecdotal "story" is confirmed by science ... it is wise to pay close attention. CNHNet recommends and uses only herbs that have a historical record of medicinal benefit and are confirmed by scientific research for that same use and benefit. Q: What is complimentary health care? A: Complimentary health care involves personal health and healing measures taken along side licensed medical care. For example, some people under the care of a licensed physician also take herbs with their prescribed medicines or are also under the care of a massage therapist or herbologist. This mixing of traditional and/or natural health care methods compliments the care given under modern medical science. CNHNet recommends that, under the supervision of a trained professional, you combine your health care resources to take advantage of the benefits of modern medicine with the beauty and effectiveness of God's herbs and other natural health care options. The best complimentary health care options emphasize the importance of preventive care and the value of our own internal God given healing abilities (faith, attitude, immune system, and other internal mechanisms). Complimentary health care is not "alternative" health care. Alternative health care replaces modern medical science with traditional and/or natural health care methods. For example, a person replaces all of his prescribed medication for herbs. CNHNet believes that herbs can eventually replace some medicines ... but only under the supervision and guidance of your physician and a trained clinical herbologist. It is unwise, foolish, and dangerous to replace all modern health care procedures and medicines with herbs or other natural health care without the supervision and guidance of a professional health care team. As free individuals we have the God given right to make our own choices regarding our personal health care, goals, needs, and decisions. Some of us have health insurance and some of us don't. Those of you who have health insurance are blessed with the opportunity to compliment your health care with God's wonderful bounty of medicinal herbs. Those of you who do not have health insurance can at least get some comfort and benefit from the lower cost of natural health care until you can obtain and compliment your health care under a health insurance plan. Q: Which complimentary health care options do you recommend? A: The first thing to remember is to choose a complimentary health care option that is not associated with the occult, invisible "energy" methodologies, New Age philosophies, or any other unscientific or anti-Biblical form of health care. One must also research the qualification and education level of each natural health care provider. With that in mind, CNHNet recommends the following natural health care options: Medicinal/Clinical Herbology: It is obvious that, when taken under the care and guidance of a trained herbologist, some herbs are beneficial and effective. Professional herbology is an excellent complimentary health care option especially for chronic health issues or certain conditions that are not satisfactorily responsive to modern medical care. Massage: It is obvious that a professional massage is relaxing and improves circulation. Some forms of massage are excellent for specific structual or muscular related complaints (i.e. trigger point therapy). When combined with herbal therapeutics, massage is an excellent complimentary health care option. Bio-feedback: It is obvious that learning muscular or body function self-control through bio-feedback can be beneficial for certain health conditions. Bio-feedback has been shown to help with headaches, tension, bladder control, and sleep disorders. Forms of non-philosophical stretching and exercise routines: It is obvious that stretching and exercise is good for the mind and the body. One of the most important and inexpensive forms of natural health care is walking for at least 20 minutes a day! CNHNet does not recommend the following natural health care options: Accupuncture/Accupressure: Instead try trigger point or other deep tissue forms of massage therapy. You can get the same benfits of accupuncture with deep tissue massage without the 'energy' force philosophy. Homeopathy: Homoeopathy involves the use of drug preparations that contain only the 'dynamic curative power' or 'energy' without any original medicinal substance. It is obvious that since homeopathic remedies only contain the unseen 'energy' or very minute dosages of a given substance ... they are useless and a waste of money. Reflexology: Get a foot massage instead. Iridology: Iridology is the study of the iris to diagnose disease. While a trained medical doctor can use the eye to diagnose certain medical conditions, iridologists base their health recommendations on an unscientific 'zone' theory. Any 'New Age' or 'occultic' or 'energy' or 'mind altering' or 'spirit guided' forms of therapy: The Bible calls Satan the Prince of the air for a good reason. It is a fact that there is an invisible energy force that surrounds us all. These energy forces are real and they can mimic 'healing'. Satan is a very intelligent being and will use all his available resources and trickery to lure you into a deeper relationship with him through counterfeit healing. Beware of natural health care practitioners that use invisible energy force fields, power, or control as part of their healing philosophy or therapy. Q: How qualified are your Certified Clinical Herbologists (CCH)? A: Our Certified Clinical Herbologists are certified under the strict standards of the Christian Natural Health Network and have all completed the following minimum requirements: Are mature and active members of a Bible believing Christian church (Pastor approval required). Are called to a healing ministry (based on interest, passion, and line of work). Have completed a lay course in Biblical Counseling. Have successfully completed the following college courses: Algebra English Psychology Sociology Chemistry Biology Microbiology (with lab) Anatomy (with lab) Physiology (with lab) Have completed an approved herbology program from an accredited post-secondary herbal health care college. Q: How do Cnhnet Certified Clinical Herbologists maintain their certification? A: To maintain a valid certification, Cnhnet Certified Clinical Herbologists must take a continuing education refresher course every year.