Disclaimer: This information is shared with the understanding that you accept complete responsibility for your own health and well-being. You have a unique body. The action of every remedy is unique. Health care is full of variables. The result of any treatment suggested herein cannot always be anticipated and never guaranteed. The owner of this list, the mentor, teachers, and webmasters are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any remedies, procedures, or preparations. Consult your inner guidance, knowledgeable friends, and trained healer in addition to the words written here.
Herbology is the knowledge and study of herbs.
Herbs are powerful medicines and a source of vitamins and nutrition. They are available everywhere and are generally cheaper than prescription medicines. They can be used to treat almost any imaginable disease or illness.
Fact: The major pharmaceutical companies derive 75% of all patented prescription drugs from herbs.
Herbs can be taken alone or in combinations and they all contain one or more of the following:
The use of herbs as medicine predates humans as animals are known to seek out and eat specific plants when they are ill.
Are herbs safe?
Generally, they are considered to be safe but remember that they are medicines and should be treated as such. Test things before you buy into the wholesale. Allergic reactions can be fatal.
Learning to work with herbs involves a great deal of study, even if you happen to have a closet full of Plant Allies. Not only must you learn the basics of herbal use and preparation, but also how to identify plants, plant properties, and how they work together before you can use them properly. Herbs can be used as teas, broths, capsules, extracts, compresses, poultices, oils, syrups, ointments, liniments, and baths. They can also be used in aroma-therapy.
Fact: We are totally dependent the plant kingdom for the oxygen we breath.
Herbal medicine has been meeting people's health and nutritional needs for centuries. They are readily available and effective in disease prevention, healing, energy, creativity, work, love, birth, death, regeneration, meditation, and survival.
Harvesting Herbs:
When harvesting plants, look for the Grandmother plant, the plant that looks larger, older, and more vibrant than the rest. Speak to her. Tell her your desire to harvest and why. Traditionally an offering is left...a stone, a strand of hair, a poem or song, in exchange for the plant you take.
Only harvest plants which are not threatened or endangered and make sure that the plants are a safe distance from traffic fumes. Only harvest plants that you are absolutely certain about; do not chance being poisoned.
Do not take all of any one plant from a site, remember the next generation.
Plants have specific rhythms and life cycles. This means that their medicine is stronger or weaker, depending on where it is in its cycle. Lunar calendars should be consulted if you wish to harvest a plant by its cycle.
Leaves, flowers, stems, twigs, and fruits are best gathered between the new and full moons.
Leaves and flowers are strongest when collected on clear, sunny days in the morning after the dew has dried.
Look for leaves and flowers that are vibrant. Avoid bruised, discolored, or insect ridden plants.
Barks are best collected in the early spring when the buds are swelling, but before the leaves unfold. Or, alternately, in the fall as the leaves are dropping.
Prune branches from trees or shrubs, then scrape the bark from these branches with a sharp pocket knife. This way the mother plant is not harmed.
Collect seeds in the autumn.
To dry herbs properly you need a warm area with good air circulation, without direct sunlight. Herbs not dried enough, or too close together will mold. Store the herbs, once dried, in glass jars or brown paper bags with the herb's name and date harvested.
Dried leaves and flowers hold medicinal properties for a year. Roots and tree barks for two years.
Herbal Preparations:
Herbal Teas: the most basic form of using herbs. Used in this way herbs are easily absorbed by the body. The boiling water releases herbal potency and provides a flushing action ideal for removing toxic waste from the body. Teas are mild and the effects subtle.
Infusion: An herb soaked in water and taken when the desired potency is reached.
Decoction: An herb simmered under low heat until desire potency is achieved and taken or applied once cool. Usually using roots, seeds, and barks.
Wash: External application of a cooled tea.
Poultice: a moist paste made from plant material that has been beaten to a pulp and/or soaked in warm water. Applied externally. Often wrapped and covered with a cloth.
Tincture: Alcohol, water, or glycerine are poured over a jar filled with fresh plant matter. Leave an inch of space or so at the top, cover tightly, shake bottle, label and date. Vodka, brandy, or vinegar may be used. Store in dark place for two to six weeks, shaking daily. After allotted time, strain plant matter through a cheese cloth, pour liquid in glass container, cover, and label.
If you are interested in an Herbal Correspondance course, here's a couple of addies:
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