What is the best book on medicinal herbs?

[Dennis Leahy]

I'd like to get a really good book on medicinal herbs. I will listen to guidance on the issue of scope or focus, but it seems like I would want "herbs of North America" rather than "herbs of the world", so that I might be able to grow or forage most of them. Oh sure, I take turmeric and won't be growing or foraging that - so there will be exceptions - but I'd like to know what herbs are somewhat local to me and what they do.

Bonus points if the book helps to identify the living plant. Extra bonus points if hints are given for ideal growing conditions and/or how to grow the plant.

Double bonus points if the book tells what part of the plant and exactly how to prepare it. For example, "dry the roots, crush, and make into tea or crush to powder and ingest in capsules." (that kind of thing) rather that being an encyclopedia of what herb alleviates what symptom or cures what disease.

If you feel that it is necessary, please recommend 2 books instead:
one on growing/identifying/foraging North American herbs
and
one on herbal medicine

Thanks in advance!

Dennis

[Dennis Leahy]

are you familiar with any of these books:

The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook: A Home Manual - James Green

Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and Not So Wild) Places - Steve Brill

The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants: A Practical Reference Guide to over 550 Key Herbs and Their Medicinal Uses - Andrew Chevallier

Thanks,

Dennis

[DreamsInDigital]

I think also if you can find older books, like even about 100 or so years old or re-prints of the old ones. That is good as well. And, just because the herbs are from another country, if you have an compatible climate you can grow them also.

Rosemary is one you can never have enough of, so is Meadow Sweet (awesome anti-inflammatory that doesn't upset the stomach. Also, the only tolerable pain medication for those with Fibromyalgia) Wild Oregano is another really good one for all sorts of things, Chamomile, blue berry leaf, raspberry leaf ( plus bonus on the fruits being yummy and healthy also!)

[spiritwind]

One of my all time favorites is "Advanced Treatise in Herbology" by Edward E Shook. I have used many of the recipes in this book with great success. He also explains (maybe a little too much for some) the chemistry behind how/why they work. There are many others but this is the one I pull off the shelf first.

[Russ1959]

Hi Dennis,

I would definitely recommend James Wong's book "Grow Your Own Drugs" as a great source for growing your own natural remedies.

kind regards

Russ

[eileenrose]

I used Edgar Cayce's books which usually include some herbal remedies (plus other diet advice)....just look them up on AMazon and see if you like them (as he is a Westerner). I use Michael Tierra 'way of herbs' book as well. It has eastern and western herbs.

Shook "Advanced..." is a fun book (though probably more advanced than people realize). The elementary book he put out might be easier to begin with. But both excellent.

I use to take herbal classes and those are the best, as learning one herb at a time is the usual way to go.
I am still learning myself.

I find that once you got the principles of preparation down, for yourself (each tradition uses a different methodology), you can come up with your own remedies.
Which is the Chinese Medicine way and the way I go now, myself. As I rather do the formalation myself....unless it is complicated. Then I just recommend finding a local herbalist/chinese practioner to put the formula together for you (or point it out in pill form). Master this art form takes too long (if you are trying to healing yourself)....four years at accupuncture school.

Not easy at all (if you take on too much).

----
ps: Note: Personally, I havn't found just one book, or any several books, on herbs that satisfies me (is very applicable/versatile).

[Bo Atkinson]

I'm persuaded by the book below. It has nice write ups and w/1500 pics....

The Herb Society of America
New Encyclopedia of Herbs
& There Uses

My way has been taking the plunge without ideal coaching, but i'm still fairly fit.

I'm cutting down food intakes and am finally eating a lot of stinging nettle! It is just now beginning to bud up. I used to joke it puts fire in my belly, as a seasoning. But recently i half heard, half intuited that it's mineral blend is especially favorable for psychic strengths (& fitness). To say nothing of garden-bonding plus freshness for molecular, structural qualities. Taste is similar to spinach or whatnot, although i prepare my food hurriedly and am also trying to reduce my eating of trucked in foods, (for obvious reasons there, no?). Not at all adverse to the notion of subsisting on prana, if that transpires.
:cool:

[eileenrose]

I'm persuaded by the book below. It has nice write ups and w/1500 pics....

The Herb Society of America
New Encyclopedia of Herbs
& There Uses

My way has been taking the plunge without ideal coaching, but i'm still fairly fit.

I'm cutting down food intakes and am finally eating a lot of stinging nettle! It is just now beginning to bud up. I used to joke it puts fire in my belly, as a seasoning. But recently i half heard, half intuited that it's mineral blend is especially favorable for psychic strengths (& fitness). To say nothing of garden-bonding plus freshness for molecular, structural qualities. Taste is similar to spinach or whatnot, although i prepare my food hurriedly and am also trying to reduce my eating of trucked in foods, (for obvious reasons there, no?). Not at all adverse to the notion of subsisting on prana, if that transpires.
:cool:

For example, I don't muscle test (intuitively) this herb for you, Wavydome, (stinging nettles...one of my more favorites). Spinach...yes. Sometimes it is food we need (and not so much specific herbal remedies...though those helps). Just saying....if you were interested. As it helps with allergy season, those might be the affects that you are enjoying.

Some detoxing, like eating dandelion greens from your yard (unsprayed ones), is always handy as well. Wheatgrass....fine.
Anyway...hope that helps. It isn't just herbs that help (especially if you are guessing), but foods/juicing can do wonders (if what you need is specific nutrition).

Notes:
If it is an underlying adrenal deficiency (what I am getting), then accupunture is best (and maybe kudzu...a root...though don't know why...I see that for you as here it is used for sugar suppression/addiction...and is cooling...have to look up what else).

See. ...too complicated for just beginners....and no one really gets into herbs anymore.

To many 'easier?' or not pursued by FDA options (that is me...and friends...who have gotten out of the field to avoid these bozos).....

In general, people have a tendency to take the easy out (.hence the restriction of herbal products is underway in the USA, Europe right now....has been for 50 odd some years....as we didn't fight enough to keep these options available....my feeling anyway). Otherwise I'd be employed right now (doing this).
----

re: large books on herbs (just a note)
And I don't enjoy these types of herbal books. The only encylopedia's of herbs that makes any sense are the Chinese ones (which don't make sense unless you get trained in china). I am just saying...I can't recommend these huge books on herbs....not enough value for the buck (and often inaccurate...about how each herb works/etc.....maybe the people who can write books like this well won't.....or just they don't exist.....right now...in the West.)

[eileenrose]

I'd like to get a really good book on medicinal herbs. I will listen to guidance on the issue of scope or focus, but it seems like I would want "herbs of North America" rather than "herbs of the world", so that I might be able to grow or forage most of them. Oh sure, I take turmeric and won't be growing or foraging that - so there will be exceptions - but I'd like to know what herbs are somewhat local to me and what they do.

Bonus points if the book helps to identify the living plant. Extra bonus points if hints are given for ideal growing conditions and/or how to grow the plant.

Double bonus points if the book tells what part of the plant and exactly how to prepare it. For example, "dry the roots, crush, and make into tea or crush to powder and ingest in capsules." (that kind of thing) rather that being an encyclopedia of what herb alleviates what symptom or cures what disease.

If you feel that it is necessary, please recommend 2 books instead:
one on growing/identifying/foraging North American herbs
and
one on herbal medicine

Thanks in advance!

Dennis

On foraging, once in a while we have classes on foraging here in Santa Cruz. I'd go with one of those (a class, verses a book....tried the book way...but too hard to identify the plants from pictures...or so I found).

But honestly, only one women made any sense (I took three different masters classes in the 1990's)....and it was the Native American one (of course).

Just saying, we be are way too undereducated here (us westerners).

Based on her (native women) information (so accurate it was painful), I realized that no western class was getting it right.

Either they didn't know what they were doing, making it up as they went, or thought, like you do, that you can just point at a plant, pull it and eat or use it safely.

Needless to say, we did a lot of throwing up (as for some reason the America led classes loved to have people eat the local herbs. They would then say, if someone got ill from doing that, 'was our fault' or 'everyone's throws up, it's good for you', nonsense) in the American led classes (it was a little funny....and yes, I liked these classes too...or I should say I liked the teacher's popularity.....).

So I stopped taking American women/man classes and just took either Chinese or Native American (aryvedia ok to) classes after that.
No nonsense and makes sense (and is credible and won't make you ill).
But I am sure you will discover this on your own...it is a steep learning curve.

[mosquito]

Despite its' age, Culpeper's is still outstanding in this field, and even if it fails to provide everything you're looking for, I'd still say that it's inconceivable your home should be without it !

Good luck

[Marianne]

Hey Dennis,

'The Herb Book' by John Lust - has info on 500+ herbs (materia medica) with line drawings, preparation and dosage info. Gives botanical classifications, how to store, prepare and use herbs. Available in paperback. Probably the best value and all around easy to reference book. One of the books on my 'must buy' list when I was an herbal apprentice. You can tuck it into your backpack. If I could only have one (!) this would be the one.

But I must tell you about David Hoffmann's giant tome, 'Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine' in case you want to dive into this subject deeper. I bought it as soon as it came out (I studied with him and knew he was working on this) and so it was only available in hard cover at $60.00. I think it's available in paperback now so would be cheaper. It's a huge book. He goes in depth into the phytochemistry of plants, talks about contraindications and safety, and gives info on formulations/preparations. He talks about using herbs by body systems (respiratory, digestive, nervous systems, etc.) which is helpful in trying to decide which herb(s) to use. Plus a complete materia medica (list of herbs with botanical name and common names, with information on parts used, constituents, actions, indications, safety considerations, and preparations/doseage).

The one by James Green, I know I have it and it's great, it gives in depth info on preparing herbal medicine. Also tells you how to make your own vinegar, which impressed the heck out of me! And if it speaks to you, it would give enough info on herbs to be very useful. I couldn't find it on my bookshelves this morning so I could look through again for the specific requirements you asked about. Hmm, maybe I lent it to someone. You could go to Amazon and look it up, look at the reviews of others to get an idea whether you'd like it.

Good luck!

PS: I agree that going on plant walks is the best way to learn about herbs and become familiar enough to use them safely. I studied for years, but it wasn't until I took an apprenticeship and spent the spring/summer/fall outdoors with the plants that I really learned about them.

[Bo Atkinson]

I think it is great to support books.... I never liked sitting still and reading extensively though. That is why the encyclopedic book fits us well, here-- Yes regarding life right here, perhaps not for others. My herbal need is just to make sure what was what. Preferring to get outside to work hands on instead... Not the 9-5 treadmill work, rather i build all kinds of stuff and study things in life. Make almost zero money nowadays, having invested my energy towards hands on living. Dealing with circumstances as these do arise.

More power to all who learn from multiple cultures, learn the arts of healing, etc... I had some fills of those things in the past, or as much as was available, in time and in place. Nothing much to brag about. But here we are, each in specific sets of circumstances.

In gratitude for life.


PS-- Muscle testing seems cool, not sure that really works for me, or dowsing, but great for those who benefit. A testing form i latched on to is what surrounds one's place. What plants grow well on our few acres, naturalized for almost 42 years, today. Nettle is here and i like powerful things. For each, may they find there own and prosper.... It is true though, i should spend more time gathering the numerous edibles and am hoping to do it more. If building projects will allow time for that. It helps one realize just how slavery arose ;-)

PS2- A thing about whole-istic preparation technique: grow it and naturalize it around you. Commerce can be cool, but my life has focussed on self naturalizing.

PS3- we need a thread to inspire people to live on the land, despite hands and knee work... For those of us with endless dreams of building better scenarios ;-)

[Dennis Leahy]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! I will read every word of your replies and check them all out!

Dennis

[13th Warrior]

I need to check my book shelf to verify...

I believe this is the book i obtained some 20 years ago; it's undoubtedly been updated and has a new book jacket.

Well illustrated and without too much information overload.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Complete-Book-Herbs-Practical/dp/0140238026

[9eagle9]

Old book published around the turn of the century, sometimes hard to find...but will contain information that have been discarded over the last hundred years because some of the ingredients are rather repellent.

Jethro Klosses "Back to Eden".

Before Cayce's time (i think) but rather reminds one of him even though he didn't channel this information.

You would need a companion herb book because he's not always clear on dosing as that was given knowledge at the time.

Interesting too as the author has a decided prejudice about things like Dairy products, that people think is a more modern discovery in regards to food allergies.

Euell Gibbons is nearly forgotten about these days and better remembered for his Grape Nuts commericials , has a lot of good practical and easy books on what is referred to as forgotten herbs.

[Marianne]

I'm persuaded by the book below. It has nice write ups and w/1500 pics....

The Herb Society of America
New Encyclopedia of Herbs
& There Uses

My way has been taking the plunge without ideal coaching, but i'm still fairly fit.

I'm cutting down food intakes and am finally eating a lot of stinging nettle! It is just now beginning to bud up. I used to joke it puts fire in my belly, as a seasoning. But recently i half heard, half intuited that it's mineral blend is especially favorable for psychic strengths (& fitness). To say nothing of garden-bonding plus freshness for molecular, structural qualities. Taste is similar to spinach or whatnot, although i prepare my food hurriedly and am also trying to reduce my eating of trucked in foods, (for obvious reasons there, no?). Not at all adverse to the notion of subsisting on prana, if that transpires.
:cool:

I agree about stinging nettle!! It's the one plant I'd have if I could choose only one. David Hoffmann says, 'if you don't know what's wrong with someone, give 'em nettles.'

And i think also that the plants impart their energy imprints when we ingest them.

Besides stinging nettle, the wild ones most dear to me are elderflower and elderberry, goldenrod, meadowsweet, St. Johnswort, wild bee balm (the lavender flowered one), comfrey, dandelion, violet, red clover, and burdock ... to name a few!

Sorry Dennis to go off topic, here's your thread back ... :focus:

[SilentFeathers]

This is one of the best books I have in my collection (or read), excellent for those who live in the Eastern US.

The Cherokee Herbal: Native Plant Medicine from the Four Directions

A practical guide to the medicinal uses of over 450 plants and herbs as applied in the traditional practices of the Cherokee. • Details the uses of over 450 plants for the treatment of over 120 ailments. • Written by the coauthor of Medicine of the Cherokee (40,000 copies sold). • Explains the healing elements of the Four Directions and the plants associated with them. • Includes traditional teaching tales as told to the author by Cherokee Elders. In this rare collection of the acquired herbal knowledge of Cherokee Elders, author J. T. Garrett presents the healing properties and medicinal applications of over 450 North American plants.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=jt+garrett+herb+book&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1029&bih=622&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=7863668911189462561&sa=X&ei=jce_T9OKFIei8QS3_6mVCw&ved=0CG4Q8wIwAg

[Arrowwind]

Culpepper's is worth having and a .01 cent for a used copy you cant beat the price. Personally I dont think you can have too many herbal books. Each provides its own insights and uses of plants that are overlooked by others.


http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_10?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=culpeppers+complete+herbal&sprefix=culpeppers%2Cstripbooks%2C368

[modwiz]

Despite its' age, Culpeper's is still outstanding in this field, and even if it fails to provide everything you're looking for, I'd still say that it's inconceivable your home should be without it !

Good luck

The planetary affiliations, given by Culpeper, are a treasure trove of information when you understand the application of energy to a condition as well as the chemical composition. Ones' insight allows for unique synergies of bio-chemical/energetic remedies that can produce astounding results.

[eileenrose]

I'm persuaded by the book below. It has nice write ups and w/1500 pics....

The Herb Society of America
New Encyclopedia of Herbs
& There Uses

My way has been taking the plunge without ideal coaching, but i'm still fairly fit.

I'm cutting down food intakes and am finally eating a lot of stinging nettle! It is just now beginning to bud up. I used to joke it puts fire in my belly, as a seasoning. But recently i half heard, half intuited that it's mineral blend is especially favorable for psychic strengths (& fitness). To say nothing of garden-bonding plus freshness for molecular, structural qualities. Taste is similar to spinach or whatnot, although i prepare my food hurriedly and am also trying to reduce my eating of trucked in foods, (for obvious reasons there, no?). Not at all adverse to the notion of subsisting on prana, if that transpires.
:cool:

I agree about stinging nettle!! It's the one plant I'd have if I could choose only one. David Hoffmann says, 'if you don't know what's wrong with someone, give 'em nettles.'

And i think also that the plants impart their energy imprints when we ingest them.

Besides stinging nettle, the wild ones most dear to me are elderflower and elderberry, goldenrod, meadowsweet, St. Johnswort, wild bee balm (the lavender flowered one), comfrey, dandelion, violet, red clover, and burdock ... to name a few!

Sorry Dennis to go off topic, here's your thread back ... :focus:

Off the top of my head (ps: using herbs like they are food isn't wise....it is foolish....as someone was comparing the two as equal. You can eat tons of spinach and all you get are flecks between your teeth, but you over eat an herb and you can aggravate all kinds of yang/yin deficiencies. Apples....oranges....)

Elderberry flowers - one part of a three part formula for cold and flu.
Goldenrod: - urinary track infection
Meadow sweet - 1 part of formula for headaches
St. Johnswort - depression (though have never muscle tested this to be sure...just read it)
Comfrey - pretty safe, I use topically...1 part of formula for external wounds (Ed's Salve)
Dandelion - pretty safe to eat leaves, detox liver
Red clover - I've seen used in purifying solutions (once for cancer?...I think
)...used with burdock/yellow dock...but never used myself (hasn't come up)

I see cold flu treatment, liver detox, salve for external wounds, anti-fungal treatment (goldenrod).

....just saying...I see medical treatments...not food. Just want to make that clear (not to just randomly eat these plants....perhaps only Dandelion leaves are safe for that anytime).

[eileenrose]

re: "I agree about stinging nettle!! It's the one plant I'd have if I could choose only one. David Hoffmann says, 'if you don't know what's wrong with someone, give 'em nettles.' "

I might agree with this, if we had zero access to all other herbs and David was showing people how to concentrate the spirit energy of that particular plant (called "spirit medicine") so it did help with various conditions.

On his word alone? Nah. sorry, I met a lot of these herbal writers. So far I have yet to meet one I totally agree with. They get some parts right, but tend to ignore what doesn't suit them (American herbal writers). Just saying....don't oversimplify herbs.

[jorr lundstrom]

We ( Maria and I) eat a lot of Nettles, they are delicious. We also

fertilize the other plants with nettles soaked in water for a week.

We have this year started growing a lot of Jiaogulan (Gynostemma

pentaphyllum) A chinese plant with a lot of different saponins. Good

for tea, sallad or just eating raw. Herbs is a fascinating world. LOL


All is well


Jorr

[panopticon]

G'day Dennis,

I posted in one of Hughe's Permaculture threads (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?44107-Being-a-permaculture-farmer.&p=476323&viewfull=1#post476323) a link to some databases you might be interested in.

In particular the 'Plants For A Future (http://www.pfaf.org)' (pfaf) may be of use to you.

The section of pfaf about medicinal plants is here:
http://www.pfaf.org/user/MedicinalUses.aspx

I know it's not a book but you can always copy the information you want or download the entire database (http://www.pfaf.org/user/cmspage.aspx?pageid=126) for a fee.
I hope this is of use to you and others.
Kind Regards, :yo:
Panopticon

Addendum:
The above database reports about the medicinal properties of 'Gynostemma pentaphyllum (http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Gynostemma+pentaphyllum)':

The whole plant is a tonic herb that improves the circulation, stimulates liver function, strengthens the immune and nervous systems, and reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels[238]. It also has sedative effects, relieving spasms and lowering the blood pressure[238]. It is used internally in the treatment of nervous tension and exhaustion, peptic ulcer, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer[238]. It was rated among the ten most important tonic herbs at a conference on traditional medicines in Beijing in 1991[238].

[Houman]

School of Natural Healing
John R. Christopher

http://www.amazon.com/School-Natural-Healing-John-Christopher/dp/1879436019

[tenacity1]

all of the ones the folks suggested and Prescription for Nutritional Healing..the thing I like about this book is it tells you what herbs not to take with certain conditions such as not taking LIcorice root is you have High Blood pressure.. Started with Back to Eden and some of the old ones, Culpeppers is excellent.

[Bo Atkinson]

eileenrose,

I acknowledge your caution with herb taking. I got off of coffee, long ago, using that same attitude. As jorr observes, his part of the world traditionally eats nettle. My own approach to nettle was unique. I happened to find my land, first through an excursion, then through a sudden offer of work, by chance, then working near it, then ultimately buying it....(beginning 1971). The soils here happen to be very desirable, to nettle.

http://harmoniouspalette.com/StingingNettle.jpg
There exists lore, which suggests the surroundings we settle in and develop favorably, can be or become our best ingredients, for our own living. Even that the 'weeds' which 'find' us are just what we need, (somehow).

I agree with you, so as not to push people into this as a standard diet. My suggestion would rather be, for people to develop their own path, in total. I like to share favorites. To hear about other peoples favorites and share mine. My experience with this plant has been long term and currently accelerated.

Someone on Avalon here, recommended the LisaHarrison-DannionBrinkley.mp3. (I loved that interview, a southern country boy enlightenment story of sorts).... Dannion happened to mention that high magnesium-calcium supplementation was very important for his new-found physic abilities and exertions. Though he did not mention nettle...

Here was my intuitional input, projecting nettle's well known attributes. Besides my own knowing that spring-time nettle structural qualities add further desirable features, plus my personal relationship with my garden domain.

I'm sharing one aspect of my approach to holistic living.

Thanks for sharing your perspectives eileenrose,
~wav

[eileenrose]

eileenrose,

I acknowledge your caution with herb taking....

I agree with you, so as not to push people into this as a standard diet.

....
~wav

only part I can agree with

[eileenrose]

self deleted post

[eileenrose]

self deleted post

[jorr lundstrom]

eileenrose,

I acknowledge your caution with herb taking. I got off of coffee, long ago, using that same attitude. As jorr observes, his part of the world traditionally eats nettle. My own approach to nettle was unique. I happened to find my land, first through an excursion, then through a sudden offer of work, by chance, then working near it, then ultimately buying it....(beginning 1971). The soils here happen to be very desirable, to nettle.

http://harmoniouspalette.com/StingingNettle.jpg
There exists lore, which suggests the surroundings we settle in and develop favorably, can be or become our best ingredients, for our own living. Even that the 'weeds' which 'find' us are just what we need, (somehow).

I agree with you, so as not to push people into this as a standard diet. My suggestion would rather be, for people to develop their own path, in total. I like to share favorites. To hear about other peoples favorites and share mine. My experience with this plant has been long term and currently accelerated.

Someone on Avalon here, recommended the LisaHarrison-DannionBrinkley.mp3. (I loved that interview, a southern country boy enlightenment story of sorts).... Dannion happened to mention that high magnesium-calcium supplementation was very important for his new-found physic abilities and exertions. Though he did not mention nettle...

Here was my intuitional input, projecting nettle's well known attributes. Besides my own knowing that spring-time nettle structural qualities add further desirable features, plus my personal relationship with my garden domain.

I'm sharing one aspect of my approach to holistic living.

Thanks for sharing your perspectives eileenrose,
~wav


Nettles only grows in rich soils. So congratulations to your land

if nettles grows there. Its said that Milarepa, the great Tibetan

sage lived on nettles and water for years. He became all green,

but so wot. LOL


All is well


Jorr

[Lifebringer]

"BACK TO EDEN" by Dr. Jethro Kloss who was ran out of the country by the AMA back in 1930's because most of the cures for cancer and other ailments were in the home already on a shelf or in the backyard in dandelion roots and other other natural herbal remedies. He and his family are continuing the selling of the book, which is known worldwide, but here...in this here country...they don't want us to know...because they don't really care about us.

We must seize out health, and now they are outlawing the same natural herbs just so they and they alone, can control the "arresting pharma drugs" but not cure. There's NO billions made, in the CURE.
Suffering of the patient doesn't matter to corporate pharma, just how many are attached to their organ killing man-made lab rat drugs.

I recommend you give it a view, its plain english and common sense.

[Arrowwind]

We ( Maria and I) eat a lot of Nettles, they are delicious. We also

fertilize the other plants with nettles soaked in water for a week.

We have this year started growing a lot of Jiaogulan (Gynostemma

pentaphyllum) A chinese plant with a lot of different saponins. Good

for tea, sallad or just eating raw. Herbs is a fascinating world. LOL


All is well


Jorr

I agree ellenrose. I had a friend a while back who was severely ill. She was from Poland. She had major abdominal pain that they could never diagose. She landed in the hopsital on morphine about 3 times and racked up bills over 100,000, and with no insurance. Her mother in Poland told her to drink Nettle tea, lots of it, and to drink her urine. She has been find every since and but her diet also included the elimination of breads

Nettles grow wild around here but none on my land so I've wanted to get some

Jorr- do you know about growing nettles? Ive been told that they spread by the root and can take over. Is that true? How do you harvest them? Dry them?
I drink nettle tea (already in a tea bag) and I wondered if the prickles went away after drying.

[Arrowwind]

duplicate post.

[Arrowwind]

[QUOTE=Houman;495552]School of Natural Healing
John R. Christopher

http://www.amazon.com/School-Natural-Healing-John-Christopher/dp/1879436019

.............................

I developed watering eyes last year. If I went outside they just run and run. It was really bad. I've ruined a couple of pastel drawings due to it, fortunaley they repair easily.
I took Dr Christophers EyeBright formula and it cured the condition in just a couple of days.. Silly me, I could have used Eyebright in homeopathic form which I had. I also use his ointments in my massage work, He has a great cayenne pepper rub and a Bone and Tissue Repair ointment.

I dont have Dr Christophers book but I have found much informaiton on the net regarding his applications. Once I sat next to his grand son on an airplane. That was interesting. A very serious young man he was, moving forward with the work

One of my favorite herbs in the garden is Comfrey and I consider it right up there next to nettle. I also make a tea out of it to water my garden with. Its prolific if you split the root. Cutting it stimulates it to grow. There is nothing better for bruises and broken bones. I use it in homeopathic form for broken bone pain and repair in 200c potency. It will take the pain away and reduce the healing time by about 1/3. Taking the tea should reduce healing time but I dont know if it will help with the pain as much.. I dont have the experience. A friend of mine broke his lower leg (closed fracture). He self splinted it and applied comfrey poultice, and drank tea In 4 weeks he was well

[Arrowwind]

"BACK TO EDEN" by Dr. Jethro Kloss who was ran out of the country by the AMA back in 1930's because most of the cures for cancer and other ailments were in the home already on a shelf or in the backyard in dandelion roots and other other natural herbal remedies. He and his family are continuing the selling of the book, which is known worldwide, but here...in this here country...they don't want us to know...because they don't really care about us.

.

I have this one and I like it. Seems Im always finding free copies of it. Its very inexpensive on amazon.

[Arrowwind]

Off the top of my head (ps: using herbs like they are food isn't wise....it is foolish....as someone was comparing the two as equal. You can eat tons of spinach and all you get are flecks between your teeth, but you over eat an herb and you can aggravate all kinds of yang/yin deficiencies. Apples....oranges....)

).


I think some herbs can be eated. They should be used as seasonal food. They can provide building and nourishing qualites. Nettle is one and Lambs quartes another. An occassional meal of Comfrey also. Actually we eat quite a bit of Lambs Quarters, about once a week through the summer. Herbs used as tonics can cross that line somewhat into the food category and dandilion is one as well as burdock. Certainly there are herbs that should be strictly medicine for periods of illness. Herbs that have a lot of iron should be limited for men but women premenapausal can often use them

[Dennis Leahy]

I half-jokingly told another gardener that gardens where I do that this year I vow to quintuple my knowledge of medicinal herbs - and that it won't be difficult.

This year, at our largest community garden site, I proposed that we start a communal herb garden, with both culinary and medicinal herbs. We have an area about 75 feet long, and I proposed making 15 small beds, 5 feet long. Most of the gardeners already have culinary herbs in their own gardens, so the two main emphasis points are community (something to help draw people together, rather than just happen to garden near each other) and exploration of at least a few medicinal herbs.

Having just 15 beds for cultivating (mostly medicinal) herbs is an interesting limitation because I had no concrete idea what the smartest, most useful 15 herbs would be to recommend. Realizing that I don't know 15 medicinal herbs that can be cultivated in our climate was an eye-opener. Knowing that I don't know is a good motivator.

There are a few medicinal herbs that grow naturally in the area within and surrounding the community garden, (nettles, burdock, dandelion, mullein, mint - off the top of my head) and they have been identified and somewhat protected (so they don't just end up on the compost pile as "weeds.")

I also suspect that many herbalists would not cultivate medicinal herbs, preferring to forage wild, indigenous herbs. This little patch of herbs I'm trying to cultivate (along with the other gardeners that are interested) is intended as an introduction and to grow herbs that we would not necessarily be able to find growing wild.

Thanks to everyone for your input! Looks like I'll try to narrow it down to 3 to 5 books now, and afford the others with high recommendations later.



...But I am sure you will discover this on your own...it is a steep learning curve.Yes, I have no delusions that I could become an "herbalist" or "herbal healer" or understand "herbal medicine" simply by reading books. Nor do I plan on becoming a "certified herbalist" or healer - I just want to increase my knowledge. There is an herbalist in my area, and I do plan to attend an "herbal retreat (http://www.givingground.com/page2.html)." (My wife spent a day collecting wild herbs and lichens and pine needles with this woman, and making a batch of a wonderful salve.)

Dennis

[Dennis Leahy]

9eagle9, Lifebringer and Arrowwind have all mentioned Kloss' book Back to Eden, which is the only book mentioned in this thread that I have read. That book was a huge eye-opener for me 30 years ago, and it is time to get another copy and re-read it.

Dennis

[Sidney]

Hi Dennis, I have this book only about 3 editions ago, they update it every couple years and it is excellent.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS468US468&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=808&bih=410&q=guide+to+natural+cures&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=17859990246442546449&sa=X&ei=sO3AT8OyLsaGsAK4iLXPCQ&ved=0CHUQ8wIwBQ

[jorr lundstrom]

Arrowwind. We dont have to grow Nettles here. Its a pest all over.

Yes they spread by the root, they take over if given the opportunity.

They thrive in shadow, rich soil is prefered.

We cut them using a pair of scissors, bundle them and dry them

hangingin shadow. we dry a lot. LOL Some of the dried we grind

and put in all kinds of food. Never brewed tea on them, Ill try that.

We make soup on fresh nettles and dried nettles. Take care so you

dont have nettles all over. Yes, the prickles disappear almost 100%

when dried. And if you cook them the prickles are no problem.


All is well


Jorr

[Rantaak]

Anything written by Terence McKenna is great!

[Seikou-Kishi]

We ( Maria and I) eat a lot of Nettles, they are delicious. We also

fertilize the other plants with nettles soaked in water for a week.

We have this year started growing a lot of Jiaogulan (Gynostemma

pentaphyllum) A chinese plant with a lot of different saponins. Good

for tea, sallad or just eating raw. Herbs is a fascinating world. LOL


All is well


Jorr

Nettles are full of vitamins and minerals. They're amazing plants. Most people think it's the acid in the sting that causes the pain, but the pain is mostly caused by the serotonin the plants produce. It was also one of the plants of the Anglo-Saxon Nine Herbs Charm. Its high iron content is coupled with a high vitamin c content — the latter being necessary for the body to absorb the former, making it a good food for those with anaemia. In fact, when nettles are macerated or decocted in alcohol, the alcohol turns red at first.

[Arrowwind]

I ]Yes, I have no delusions that I could become an "herbalist" or "herbal healer" or understand "herbal medicine" simply by reading books. Nor do I plan on becoming a "certified herbalist" or healer - I just want to increase my knowledge. There is an herbalist in my area, and I do plan to attend an "herbal retreat (http://www.givingground.com/page2.html)." (My wife spent a day collecting wild herbs and lichens and pine needles with this woman, and making a batch of a wonderful salve.)

Dennis

I dont see any reason why you could not if you put your intention there. The most knowledge that we have about herbs has been passed down from person to person over the ages. Books have been written only more recently. You think Culpepper figured out all that stuff on his own? I think not.
Most herbalists find 20 to 30 herbs and get to know them really well. Generally herbs local to their area or that they can manage to grow. Learn from your predicessors, take a few seminars and just start doing it. It is also worth while in my estimation to develop a foundational education in the nature of disease, its presenting symptoms, etc. Although these days we do have the help of diagnostics from conventional docs, I assure you they are only right a percentage of the time.

These things can be learned and when you look at some of the leading herbalists out there these days they are largely self taught. Learn what you can. Remember, much of what an herb can do was learned though the doctirine of signatures.... looking into the herbs nature through its presenting features in shape, taste, smell, color, texture and then the old herbalist would also dream on it.... it is almost shamanistic in its approach and has been more right than wrong and clearly has been a basis for the selection and application of homeopathy, which was eventually trialed out though provings... the provings often only reinforced the doctrine of signatures assessment of the plant.

these days the community herbalist also has the added assistance of research now being done on herbs in large institutions like MD Anderson and other universities.. and you know what? Largely that research only confirms what the astute herbalist already knows. there is much research to be read on herbs and if you can read German much of it is in that language.

Remember, when working with herbs you are working with a living force that is capable of communication, both receiving and giving. You are stepping into the realms of magic... hence, herbalists were often accused of witchcraft... for you connect with the unseen world where the plant spirit dwells.

[Arrowwind]

[
Nettles are full of vitamins and minerals. They're amazing plants. Most people think it's the acid in the sting that causes the pain, but the pain is mostly caused by the serotonin the plants produce. It was also one of the plants of the Anglo-Saxon Nine Herbs Charm. Its high iron content is coupled with a high vitamin c content — the latter being necessary for the body to absorb the former, making it a good food for those with anaemia. In fact, when nettles are macerated or decocted in alcohol, the alcohol turns red at first.

So here is an indication that Nettles may not be so good for men to take routinely. Men should avoid high iron foods as well as post menapausal women... unless you donate blood. Donating blood can be very good for anyones health if their blood counts are up to par. But for men it prevents the excess build up of iron.

I dont know just how much iron would come out of the plant in a simple tea extraction, does anyone?

[Arrowwind]

I just went to my herbalpedia on nettles and there are many types encompassing 4 different families, so I would have to assume and after looking they do hold different healing potentials. The photos of nettle provided here are of the Urticacea family, yet I have two varities within that family listed. Have to be careful about common names for herbs, especially when talking with folks across the pond. You must be sure you are talking about the same thing.
Urtica Urens is the most commonly used medicinally... but not the only one used.

Oh, and by the way, Herbalpedia, an herbal encylopedia on disk I have, far surpases any book I've ever seen on herbs. I have not seen anything so complete

[Bo Atkinson]

I'm pretty sure our nettle is Urtica Dioica, (wife has gone sleep, she's the plant expert here, life long expert, buys all plants). We got ours in 1972 from a biodynamic farm in NY State. I only eat the tops. Winter dried top leaves used sparingly. Seasonal, spring-tonic is great as a thing in itself. I slow, low-temp cook it, with other things. Wife doesn't like my one pot for all at once style of cooking. I just want strong nutrients, less expense, less environmental impact.

This bloom i'm eating more than previous years. It's just starting to bloom. I've never had any iron problems. We humans have many health qualities, susceptibilities, compatibilities, variations, etc. One rule book won't work uniformly for all humans, despite what schools indoctrinate. The seasonality of tonics adds variation. This is far different than buying dried stuff at a store, which is very uniform and generic in quality, possibly pulverized, (including stems?)-- Likely containing lower leaves--- Lower leaves reportedly contain crystals of calcium oxalate (source: Herb Society of America).

I'm keen on exercising backup foods in case of a 'collapse' with outages of every shipped comodity. Nettle is a great fill-in as where winter kale crop is finishing fast and spring greens need more time to grow before eating. Another as yet undiscussed use are the (yellowish) roots of our nettle. A little work to clean, but are i heard are advised for low blood circulation issues, as from poor hydration. Great remedy as teas, for me there, as i've not hydrated enough in past. (Guilty).

I don't particularly like harvesting and weeding-- Nettle is sort of easy, very low maintenance, 2 crops per year in Maine, almost no fertilizing needed, but this is 40 years after starting them on this land. (It used to be a junk yard before us). A friend came by today and wants to take some-- Great, he can weed them out of flower paths, less sting this summer ;-) I try to get systems smooth flowing and prefer heavier work, less knee work. Nettle is good for this.

[eileenrose]

I always thought that Native Americans used nettles to flush their systems in the spring. A 2-3 day treatment, tops.

They used it for what we refer to as 'spring allergies'....but is closer to the Chinese recognition of this category of herbs 'wei qi inhibitor' (not exact....just the way I view it...after taking some accupuncture/chinese herbal classes).

Wei Qi (or Defense Qi) is our outer defense system (I assume...the skin, and organs related to skin....). Think immune system (as some might know...or so I read once....we have three different immune systems....T-cell's being one of them).

.... (or 'wind heat' (again, name for allergic reaction to pollen/grasses etc.)...which means it is a cooling herb....right??? any experts out there?).

[eileenrose]

self deleted post

[Bo Atkinson]

I would just add that our kind of nettle here in Maine, (Urtica Dioica, just checked with my highly trained wife) is different from other types i have seen locally, (of unknown type). Also, i grew up in Rome, Italy, or rather in the countryside nearby Rome. We had a nettle in the wild there which gave me a big red rash as a child-- Rash would last half a day, at least. Rome,Itally has a climate like southern California. I don't recall mention of people using it there. I avoided it with respectful distances, after getting it's sting at perhaps 8 years of age. My last time in Italy was aged 18 with other places in between.

[Arrowwind]

I would just add that our kind of nettle here in Maine, (Urtica Dioica, just checked with my highly trained wife) is different from other types i have seen locally, (of unknown type). Also, i grew up in Rome, Italy, or rather in the countryside nearby Rome. We had a nettle in the wild there which gave me a big red rash as a child-- Rash would last half a day, at least. Rome,Itally has a climate like southern California. I don't recall mention of people using it there. I avoided it with respectful distances, after getting it's sting at perhaps 8 years of age. My last time in Italy was aged 18 with other places in between.

that must be the Roman Nettle, which is listed in Herbalpedia 2006. Urtica Dioca is the most common nettle used for medicinal purposes and Roman nettle is in the same family as your local nettle...

[Bo Atkinson]

The experience, the rash and sting were very different....

As a kid in this world, everything was foreign to me and mom was a bit the hypercondriac (who was the bread winner, too, 'great' job offer in Rome).... Dad was a suppressed veteran who saw way too much of the TPTWs manipulation of facts during the italian Liberation, so called. He saw manipulations as a liaison officer, (US 5th Army). He wanted to be whistleblower journalist, due to his war expereince and he was misdirected into endless, unproductive tasks (God knows what else)... No complaints, life teaches us many things, through unusual life experiences.

I must have developed a stronger system, after all these years. Must be due to self education regarding nutrition and health.

[nomadguy]

One of my favorites -
Herbs Things by JeanneRose (http://www.amazon.com/Herbs-Things-Jeanne-Rose/dp/0399509445)

[Dennis Leahy]

I would just add that our kind of nettle here in Maine, (Urtica Dioica, just checked with my highly trained wife)...

that must be the Roman Nettle, which is listed in Herbalpedia 2006.
(Arrow, your PM inbox is full.)

Dennis