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PAGE 10 â€" WATERLOO CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY, iE 26, 1985 For what‘s ailing you ‘ Canada in dark ages, says Waterloo herbalist Catherine Miehm ' Chronicle staff It‘s no longer folklore, it‘s a science. Herbology is just one of the many branches of holistic medicine that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It‘s not new. People have been utilizing the medicinal properties of herbs since the days of the Mesopotamian empire. Trudy Bricker has been a practicâ€" ing herbalist for the last year. In that time, her Waterio© office has been swamped with ingquiiries. > *‘*People come to me when they‘ve got nowhere left to turn," she said. ‘"‘They realize their bodies are rejecting chemicals and their docâ€" tors can‘t help them." For every ailment, there is probaâ€" bly a herbal remedy, according to Bricker. And the herbs are a lot easier on the system than a synthetâ€" ic drug. ‘"‘Herbs enhance the body‘s natuâ€" ral healing process," she said. ‘‘Your body is organic â€" it‘s not a chemical machine. Unfortunately, even medicines made with herbs today use only the strongest part of the plant and leave their soothing part behind. I could give you a tea with the same medical components (as a chemical medicine) but it would be much more benign."‘ The most common ailments treatâ€" ed by Bricker are allergies, miâ€" graine headaches and stomach problems. Bricker believes the reason she sees so many allergyâ€"sufferers is because the current treatment just doesn‘t provide sufficient relief. *‘To treat allergies now you get a shot of the stuff you‘re allergic to as a way of trying to kick the immune system into working," she said. ‘‘*But the reason you‘re suffering is because the system is depleted. 1 can use herbs to strengthen the immune system." Bricker has found that most of the migraine headaches she treats are a direct result of a food allergy that has gone undetected. As soon as the patient starts avoiding the irritating food, the headaches start to disapâ€" For stomach ailments, Bricker recommends avoiding acidic foods and soothing the probeim with mint tea, fennel or dill. Bricker became interested in herâ€" bology almost 15 years ago when she suddenly developed allergies. "I took chemicals to try to overcome them and I ended up in intensive care in a coma,‘" she said. ‘‘When I came through I vowed that Specializing in SUNDECKS & FENCING We use only pressure treated lumber 300 Phillip St. P.O. 916 For a FREE estimate call For all your renovation Waterloo, Ontario 746â€"3 722 renovations 1 would go back to a totally natural way of living and started immediâ€" ately to detoxify my system." She went on to take her master‘s of herbology degree from the Centre of Herbal Studies in Albuquerque. Adjacent to her office is an apothecary where Bricker stores herbs that come to her from around the world. Although many herbal remedies can be found in health food stores, Bricker believes medicines made by a trained herbalist will be safer and more effective. ‘‘You can buy the herbs but you have to know what to do with them," she said. "Just because they‘re natural doesn‘t mean they can‘t be dangerous. 1 have all the formulas here. The trick is in the mixing." The biggest problem facing Bricker and other herbalists now, is not a wary public but recognition from the government and the mediâ€" cal community. ‘"‘We‘re struggling to come into the foreground," she said. ‘"But we‘re hindered because we can‘t diagnose. I might know darn well what‘s wrong but I‘m not permitted to tell the patient. They have to rely on doctors. All 1 can do is tell them what 1 suspect." Bricker would like to continue her study of herbology but said the opportunity doesn‘t exist on this continent. Compared to the United States, recognition of herbalists in Canada is progressing slowly. ‘"In the United States herbalists work handâ€"inâ€"hand with the medical community," Bricker said. "Caliâ€" fornia and New York especially are very big holistic centres. We‘re in the dark ages by comparison." ‘‘I‘ve gone as far as I can go in North America," she said. "If 1 want to obtain my doctorate in herbology I‘ll have to go to Europe." Although she might not have the opportunity for any more formal education, she has been given the chance to spend some time in Scotland working with Dr. Jan DeVries, an internationally known naturopath and herbalist. ‘"He‘s got a clinic that‘s out of this world," she said. "I‘ve got a standâ€" ing invitation to join him. I consider that quite an honor." The idea of a clinic appeals to Bricker. If public interest in herbal medicine continues to increase, sne would like to establish ‘her own clinic, preferably in the Waterloo area. . Ladies‘ Better Quality Spring and Summer ENCORE BOUTIQUE (New and nearly new condonmtohg SHOP AND SAVE! (New and nearly new consignment shop) 14 Church St. (near Queen) Kitchener 744â€"5611 Designer Fashions sold at a fraction of the original price FASHIONS WANTED! for consignment sale Mon.â€"Sat. 10 a.m.â€"5:30 p.m.; Fri. 6 p.m. Trudy Bricker stores herbs in the apothecary adjacent to her office. Catherine Mishm photo Stronach to talk about Entrepreneurship Frank Stronach, chairman and chief execâ€" utive officer of Magna International, will be the guest speaker at a luncheon program focusing on the topic of Entrepreneurship at Waterloo Inn Tuesday, July 2. The noonâ€"hour program is sponsored by Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and Waterâ€" loo Business Development Committee. Stronach formed a tool and die company in 1957 and through enterprising business manâ€" oevres has turned it into Magna International with sales of approximately $500 million last year. _ Tickets are $15 each or $105 for a corporate table of eight and are available from Waterloo Chamber, 886â€"2440. Tidâ€"biz New manager for Spirits restaurant The Seagram Museum has appointed Miâ€" chel Long to manage Spirits restaurant, featuring international cuisine. In addition to the day to day operation of the restaurant, Long will supervise all areas of food and beverage service at the museum facility. Long‘s 15 years of experience includes positions with the Chateau Frontenac, the Hotel Bonaventure and the Queen Elizabeth Hote]) in Quebec, as well as the Windsor Arms Group in Ontario. In accepting the position, the new manager emphasized, ‘‘Whether it be lunch for a tour group, dinner for two, or very special banquet, visitors to The Seagram Museum can expect superb food, fine beverâ€" ages and outstanding service." 1380 Victoria North, Kitchener â€" 744â€"15§656 OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SUNDAYS Marshaill Hall, 10 a.m.â€"4 p.m. General Admission: 25¢ per person Free Parking â€" Food & Beverages available GARAGE SALE Limited space available. Booth rental $10 BINGEMAN PARK Giant Indoor Buying, selling, trading â€" looking for a bargain?