Kava Forte

[invisiblejungle]

I see similarities in the situation you describe between Naturopathic Physicians and Naturpathic Doctors with what is happening in Western Herbalism at present. 
Modern western herbal medicine has identified and raided traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs - and prescribes them out of context, dismissing their traditional systems.

Withania (Ashwagandha) has been 'borrowed' from Ayurvedic medicine - it is fascinating because it simultaneously Tonifies AND Sedates
Siberian Ginseng (eleutherococcus) was extensively studied by the Russians for decades before the West 'discovered' it..
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is borrowed from Chinese medicine - and produces amazing results regulating liver function and adaptation to stress. 
If we're going to add anything to our water supply, let it be those three herbs - they'd just do so many people so much good!  
Some people would want to include Rhodiola rosea and Panax ginseng (Korean Ginseng) too.
But for mine they are far too strong and far too stimulating for general use.
(The very last thing I want to take is  a product that keeps me lying awake in bed, staring up at the ceiling all night! )

Naturopaths are concerned that the next step is that BigParma will synthesize the actives from herbs and manufacture and market them as drugs - effectively removing them from the Naturopath's dispensary altogether.
We are already seeing moves in this direction with some German products like Remotiv, Legalon, Keenmind, GincoSan etc - although they are still herbal in origin, they are purified and adjusted and standardized almost beyond recognition. 
That said, these products produce reliable clinical results - which makes both patients and practitioners happy.

Like you, invisiblejungle, I'm a huge fan of Kerry Bone - we are lucky that he regularly hosts teleconferences in Australia each year.
You cannot go wrong with the 2nd edition of his book (or ebook) 'Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy'.

These are interesting times in which we live.
Much of what's old has been re-appropriated and made new again!
R

I like how you say that modern western herbal medicine has "raided" traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs. It's a funny way of putting it, but I definitely agree.

The situation in Germany is quite unique. They've sort of created a new branch of herbalism with "modern phytomedicine," and it's interesting how many herbal products are only available there with a doctor's prescription. I do understand the cautiousness with which more traditional-minded herbalists view the standardized phytomedicines that are used for symptomatic relief, but I think they can play a valuable role.

I do have Kerry Bone's excellent book! Some of my other favorite western herbalists are David Hoffmann, Matthew Wood, and David Winston.