The World of Medicinal Herbs

In our little sphere of modernity, the use of medicinal herbs may seem edgy and new, but the truth is that human beings have turned to the world of green for health and nurture from the beginning. The oldest known treatments for the ailments that still plague us today—from headaches to sore feet, from muscle cramps to melancholy—come from the world of plants. In becoming more knowledgeable about medicinal herbs, their powers, and their limitations, we join people who have harvested plant parts and prepared them according to their cultural traditions throughout history. Our advantage, in these days of modern medical science, is that in many cases we have the ability to learn how and why these plants can do what they do for our minds and bodies. That is the purpose of this book: to draw together the ancient and the modern, to recognize the remarkable healing properties of plants both familiar and rare, and to bring modern science to bear on understanding how the plant world interacts with the human.

The Many Ways of Using Herbs

Herbal remedies come in many forms, and each has a strict definition:

Infusion: A tea is prepared by pouring hot water over plant parts and letting it steep for a short time.
Decoction: A longer tea preparation: plant parts simmer in hot water for a longer time.
Syrup: Plant parts are added to a sugar-water or honey-water mixture.
Powder: Dried plant parts are pulverized, traditionally by mortar and pestle.
Tincture: Essential plant components are dissolved in a water and alcohol solution.
Essence: Essential plant fragrance is added to alcohol.
Ointment: Powdered or essential plant parts are added to an oily substance such as olive oil, petroleum jelly, or lard, and often mixed with beeswax.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant parts are applied to skin with moist heat.

Today, with so many herbal preparations available commercially, it’s important to read labels to confirm that the product contains a “standardized extract,” which is the manufacturer’s promise that from batch to batch a measure and control are placed on the levels of active herbal ingredients in the tea, tincture, salve, or other product. Standardization assures proper, consistent, and effective levels. This measure is especially important in capsules and tablets, the method of delivery most often chosen by consumers of commercial herbal medicine today. Mention of specific products, companies, or organizations in this book does not imply that the publisher or the authors endorse them.
For the sake of simplicity, and to match current practices, this broad array of delivery methods has been narrowed down in this book to the five most common: tea, tincture, capsule or tablet, topical application, and in or as food.

To those who wish to bring medicinal herbs into their daily lives, whether as part of a regular health regimen or as an alternative or supplement to modern medical treatments, we say: Read, learn, consider—and good health to you.

The Safe Use of Medicinal Herbs

Consumers of commercial herb preparations would do best to educate themselves about what they are buying and using medicinally. Herbs can be potent. Read labels, pay attention to recommended dosages, and avoid combining herbs on your own. Although in many cases this book identifies several herbs that may address the same health problem, in no way does it imply that a person should use all of them at one time. Many commercially available herbal teas contain blends of herbs to enhance flavor and benefit, but consumers should be cautious about mixing herbs on their own.
It is best to seek the advice of a health-care professional before beginning the use of herbal therapies. Especially if you use prescription drugs, seek advice before turning to herbal remedies, because some combinations of herbs and pharmaceuticals can be dangerous or cause undesirable side effects. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should be especially careful about using herbal remedies, and parents should seek advice before giving herbal remedies to children.