Herbs for Common Ailments: How to Make and Use Herbal Remedies for Home Health Care. A Storey BASICS® Title by Rosemary Gladstar | eBook

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CHAPTER 1

Understanding Herbs

I was at a large conference a few years ago participating in a panel of "experts" on herbal medicine. Each person on the panel had been involved in herbal studies for more than two decades and was quite well known and knowledgeable about the subject. It was a long workshop, with discussions on different aspects of herbal medicine. I think we all felt fairly good about the perspectives we were sharing and the overviews we had given, but when it came time for questions and answers, the very first question came from a woman sitting in the front row. She stated quite simply, "I came here hoping to gain some clarity about how to use herbs for myself and my family, and now I'm more confused than ever." This book is written for her.

Choosing Herbal Medicine

With all the possible options offered by health care today, making a wise choice can be challenging. What is the most responsible thing to do? Each situation is different and warrants a different approach. In one instance antibiotics and a hospital visit may be a wise choice; in another situation herbal remedies and home treatments may be the most responsible approach to take. So how do you decide?

Basically, if your grandmother would have treated the problem at home, you probably can too. This is a sweeping statement, I know, and there are many exceptions to it. Though herbalism can be, and is, effectively used for complex health situations, even life-threatening situations at times, it is best as a home health care system.

Most illnesses and imbalances respond to nourishment, rest, and gentle natural treatments. If your body does not respond in an appropriate manner or does not respond quickly enough for the situation, then consider consulting a medical practitioner, ideally one who is interested in and knowledgeable about holistic treatments. Keep in mind that unless health care practitioners are educated about herbs, they will not be able to give you good advice on the use of herbs, and most practitioners will instruct you not to use them simply because they aren't familiar with most herbs' effects.

When to Use Herbs

Each situation requiring medical attention is different, and each of us as individuals responds differently to treatment. But here are some guidelines for recognizing when herbal treatments can be a better choice than allopathic medical treatments:

As preventive medicine. Herbs are inimitable for building and strengthening the body's natural immunity and defense mechanisms. They nourish the deep inner ecology of our systems on a cellular level. Herbs are also powerful adaptogens, increasing the body's ability to adapt to the ever-changing environment and stressors of life. Having evolved with herbs for thousands of years, our bodies have an innate familiarity with them, recognize them on the deepest levels, and efficiently utilize them.

For most nonemergency medical situations. Everyday problems such as bruises, swellings, sprains, cuts, wounds, colds, fevers, and mild (first degree) burns respond well to herbal healing. Herbs can also be an effective, "on the spot" first aid treatment for emergency situations in which medical help is unavailable or on its way.

As therapeutic agents. If you choose to undergo more radical forms of treatment for serious illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune disorders, herbs serve as excellent secondary therapeutic agents, supporting and replenishing the body's life energy. Herbs and allopathic medicine work compatibly in these critical situations and can be used to complement and enhance the effects of one another.

Complementing Allopathic Health Care

Herbalism and allopathic medicine often seem at odds with one another. But they are, in fact, complementary and work together quite compatibly. Whereas allopathic drugs actively kill bacteria and viruses, herbal medicines build and restore the system. Allopathic medication generally has a specific agenda; herbs, through a complex biochemical process, take the whole person into consideration and replenish the body at a cellular level. When taken correctly, herbs do not upset the body's innate sense of harmony, so there are few or no side effects. Using herbal therapies to complement pharmaceuticals often helps eliminate or lessen the side effects of drug therapies.

Though some of the strongest herbs should not be used in combination with allopathic drugs, most herbs do not interfere with the actions of pharmaceuticals and can safely be used to augment allopathic treatments. (None of those "strong" herbs are called for in this book.) There is a growing body of information about drug/herb interactions, but it's important to note that most of this research is in its infant stage. People react differently to both herbal medicine and pharmaceutical medicine. Because of this, whenever you're considering using herbal medicine but you're also taking a pharmaceutical, you should consult with a holistic health care professional, who knows and understands herbal medicine, to determine if herbs are recommended in your situation.

Getting Perspective on Herb Safety

Herbs are among the safest medications available on earth. This does not mean that there are not toxic plants or herbal remedies that can cause side effects or harmful reactions in the body. But herbalism as a system of healing has been practiced for several thousand years. The herbs we use today have been used for centuries by people around the world.

Herbs that have toxic side effects have been noted and well documented; wisely, most of these herbs are not available for sale in this country. Occasionally an herb will stimulate an idiosyncratic reaction in an individual. This doesn't make the herb toxic, just a poor choice for that particular individual. Strawberries, a perfectly delicious fruit, are sweet nectar to some and a noxious substance to others. Wheat, another perfectly benign food, is an allergen to a large number of people and can cause dire consequences in a few.

There are many reports surfacing these days about the toxicity of herbs. Even perfectly benign substances such as chamomile and peppermint are finding themselves on the "black list." I think the reason for this is not that more people are using herbs, as is often suggested, but that people are using herbs in ways that allow greater and more concentrated dosages. In the past, herbs were most often taken as teas and syrups, in baths and salves, and in tinctures and extracts. But herbal capsules, which allow people to swallow greater amounts, and standardized preparations, which are far beyond the normal concentrations found in nature, have not been available until recently.

Any herb, even the safest and most researched of herbs, can affect different people differently. Though it is a rare occurrence, a negative reaction to herbs is often reported in the news and soon makes national headlines, creating a certain alarm among plant users. Were drug reactions reported with the same fervor, we'd have a national headline on aspirin every day. However rare these reactions to herbs may be, it is always wise to practice caution when using an herb for the first time, especially when administering to children.

With millennia of experience behind the use of medicinal herbs, their safety is assured. Follow the appropriate dosages outlined in this book, use only those herbs that have a record of safety, and respond quickly by discontinuing an herb if you suspect that it is causing a negative response.

CHAPTER 2

The Art of Making Herbal Remedies

It took years to develop the recipes and formulas in this book, and it is with pleasure that I pass them along to you. When I first began working with herbs in the late 1960s, what little explanation there was on how to prepare herbs was difficult to find. Often the steps were complicated, and sometimes the herbs mentioned were not even available. Through a creative process of trial and error, learning from the old masters and their books, and sharing with and learning from friends, the instructions for these preparations began to take shape. Included in this chapter is the information I wish I had when I first began to study herbs.

Buying and Storing Herbs

It is important to insist on high-quality, ideally organically grown herbs. Though these herbs may cost a few cents more, they are far better for our medicines and, ultimately, our planet. Have on hand at all times at least 2 ounces of the herbs you plan to use. And don't use herbs either from this country or elsewhere that are endangered or at risk in the wild. It is critical when using herbs today that each person takes responsibility for where the herbs are coming from and who is growing and harvesting them. To learn more about endangered herbs, contact the United Plant Savers (see Resources).

Purchasing Herbs

How do you tell if a dried herb is of good quality? It should look, taste, and smell almost exactly as it does when fresh, and it should be effective. Dried herbs should have vibrant color, and though they may not necessarily smell "good," they should smell strong. They should also have a distinctive, fresh flavor. Again, they may not taste "good"; judge their taste by potency rather than flavor. If you find one of your herbal remedies is not effective, look to the quality of the herbs you used in making it.

I have traveled widely, and I am astounded by the differences in the quality of herbs in different parts of the world. In the early days of herbalism in the United States, the quality of our herbs was very poor, but over the last three decades, there has been such an emphasis on using high-quality herbs that we now lead the world in quality standards.

We are hoping to have the same influence worldwide on the preservation of medicinal plant populations. If we wish to preserve this system of healing for our children, protecting medicinal plant species becomes imperative. You are supporting not only your own health but the health of the planet when you buy organic and sustainably harvested herbs.

Growing Your Own Medicinal Herbs

The best way to assure you're getting quality herbs is to grow your own. Many of the plants that you use for medicine can be grown as part of your vegetable and flower garden. Incorporate them into your landscape and use them as they grow and thrive. Most herbs are exceptionally easy to grow. For complete instructions, read Tammi Hartung's excellent book Homegrown Herbs (Storey Publishing, 2011).

Many of the at-risk medicinal plants have specific habitats and limited range, which is one reason why they are threatened. They can be challenging but extremely rewarding to grow. An excellent guide to growing such at-risk herbs is Richo Cech's book Growing At-Risk Medicinal Herbs: Cultivation, Conservation, and Ecology (Horizon Herbs, 2002).

Storing Herbs

Herbs retain their properties best if stored in airtight glass jars, away from direct light, in a cool area. For convenience, you can store them in many other containers — boxes, tins, plastic bags — but most conscientious herbalists find durable glass bottles the best for storage.

Each herb has its own shelf life, and following a set rule could mean you would throw out perfectly fine peppermint while using poor-quality chickweed. As previously described, you can quickly determine whether a particular herb has retained its quality: Does it smell strong? Is its color vivid? Does it taste fresh? If so, despite what the books say about shelf life, it is probably still good. The final test is always effectiveness: does it work?

The Kitchen "Lab"

A kitchen, with all of its marvelous tools, will supply you with most of the utensils you need for preparing herbal products. One of the few rules that most herbalists agree on is never to use aluminum pots and pans for preparing herbs. Despite its popularity, aluminum is a proven toxic substance that is easily released by heat. Instead, use glass, stainless steel, ceramic, cast iron, or enamel cooking equipment.

Here are some items I've found especially useful:

* Cheesecloth or fine muslin for straining herbs

* A large, double-meshed stainless steel strainer

* Stainless steel pots with tight-fitting lids

* A grater reserved for grating beeswax

* Canning jars of various sizes for storing herbs and making tinctures

* Measuring cups (though, heaven forbid, I hardly use them)

* A coffee grinder for grinding herbs (Don't use your herb grinder for coffee; you'll forever have the flavor of herbs in your coffee and the scent of coffee in your herbs.)

How to Determine Measurements

While many people are converting to the metric system, I've reverted to the simpler's method of measuring. Many herbalists choose to use this system because it is extremely simple and very versatile. Throughout this book you'll see measurements referred to as "parts": 3 parts chamomile, 2 parts oats, 1 part lemon balm. The use of the word "part" allows the measurement of any one ingredient to be determined in relation to the measurement of the other ingredients. The "part" can be interpreted to mean a cup, an ounce, a pound, a tablespoon, or what-have-you — as long as you use that unit consistently throughout the recipe. If you were using tablespoons in the recipe above, you would measure out 3 tablespoons of chamomile, 2 tablespoons of oats, and 1 tablespoon of lemon balm. If you were using ounces as your unit of measurement, you'd use 3 ounces of chamomile, 2 ounces of oats, and 1 ounce of lemon balm. See how easy it is?

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas remain my favorite way of using herbs medicinally. The mere act of making tea and drinking it involves you in the healing process and, I suspect, awakens an innate sense of healing in you. Though medicinal teas are generally not as potent or as active as tinctures and other concentrated herbal remedies, they are the most effective medicines for chronic, long-term imbalances. And all you really need to make them is a quart jar with a tight-fitting lid, your selected herbs, and water.

Herbal teas can be drunk hot, at room temperature, or iced. They can be made into ice cubes with fresh fruit and flowers and used to flavor festive holiday punches. They're delicious blended with fruit juice and frozen as pops for children.

Once brewed, an herbal tea can sit at room temperature for quite some time, but after several hours or when left out overnight, it will eventually go "flat," get tiny bubbles in it, and begin to sour. Stored in the refrigerator, an herbal tea will keep for 3 to 4 days.

I seldom direct people to make medicinal teas by the cupful. It is impractical and time consuming. Instead, make a quart of tea each morning or in the evening. Use 4 to 6 tablespoons of herb per quart of water. The herb-to-water ratio varies depending on the quality of herbs, on whether the herbs are fresh or dried (use twice as much fresh herb in a recipe), and on how strong you wish the tea to be. There are two basic methods for making tea, and two variations I've included just for fun.

Infusions

Infusions are made from the more delicate parts of the plant, including the leaves and flowers. Place the herb in a quart jar (or any container with a tight-fitting lid), and pour boiling water over the herb. Cover, and let steep (infuse) for 30 to 45 minutes. A longer steeping time will make a stronger tea. Strain, reheat if needed, and your tea is ready to drink. For medicinal purposes it is always recommended to drink your herbal tea (or any liquid, for that matter) warm or at room temperature.

Decoctions

Decoctions are made from the more tenacious parts of the plant, such as the roots and bark. It's a little harder to extract the constituents from these parts, so a slow simmer (or an overnight infusion) is often required. Place the herb in a small saucepan and cover with cold water. Heat slowly, and simmer with the lid on for 20 to 45 minutes. Again, the longer you simmer the herbs, the stronger the tea will be. Strain and drink.

Solar and Lunar Infusions

Have you ever considered using the light of the moon or the sun to extract the healing properties of herbs? It's one of my favorite methods for making herbal tea. Sometimes, after I've prepared a tea on my kitchen stove, I'll place it in the moonlight or sunlight to pick up some of the rays of these giant luminaries. We are children of the sky as well as the earth; using the energies of the stars, moon, and sun in our healing work adds a special touch.

Solar tea is made by placing the herbs and water in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place directly in the hot sunlight for several hours.

Lunar tea is made by placing the herbs and water in an open container (unless there are lots of night-flying bugs around!) and positioning it directly in the path of the moonlight. Lunar tea is subtle and magical; it is whispered that fairies love to drink it.

Syrups

Syrups are the yummiest of all herbal preparations, and children often prefer their medicine in this form. They are delicious, concentrated extracts of the herbs cooked into a sweet medicine with the addition of honey and/or fruit juice. Vegetable glycerin may be substituted for honey; it is an excellent medium for the herbs and is very nutritious.

(Continues…)

Excerpted from "Herbs For Common Ailments"
by .
Copyright © 2014 Rosemary Gladstar.
Excerpted by permission of Storey Publishing.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

Herbs for Common Ailments: How to Make and Use Herbal Remedies for Home Health Care. A Storey BASICS® Title

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