Be Your Own Herbal Expert

[Sage]

Since I identify as a Green Witch, herbs, oils, and earth are my main allies. I love the Wise Woman Way and I am a huge fan of Susun Weed. I know that some members have read from her site, but I thought I would share this 8 part (so far....) series with this community.

Part One (http://susunweed.com.herbshealing.com/weedforum/viewtopic.php?t=371&highlight=own+herbal+expert)
Part Two (http://susunweed.com.herbshealing.com/weedforum/viewtopic.php?t=372&highlight=own+herbal+expert)
Part Three (http://susunweed.com.herbshealing.com/weedforum/viewtopic.php?t=373&highlight=own+herbal+expert)
Part Four (http://susunweed.com.herbshealing.com/weedforum/viewtopic.php?t=5140&highlight=own+herbal+expert)
Part Five (http://susunweed.com.herbshealing.com/weedforum/viewtopic.php?t=6229&highlight=own+herbal+expert)
Part Six (http://susunweed.com.herbshealing.com/weedforum/viewtopic.php?t=8981&highlight=own+herbal+expert)
Part Seven (http://susunweed.com.herbshealing.com/weedforum/viewtopic.php?t=8982&highlight=own+herbal+expert)
Part Eight (http://susunweed.com.herbshealing.com/weedforum/viewtopic.php?t=13785&highlight=own+herbal+expert)

Green Blessings
Sage

[Tasakii]

I've generally found Susan to have a decent amount of common sense and a lifestyle that promotes living close to the earth.

Thanks for the direct links.:santasmil

Tas

[Sage]

You're more then welcome
Sage

[Against The Tide]

Thank you Sage. I am reading with much interest.

[Sage]

You're welcome! I hope you find it beneficial and helpful!

Sage

[forestrangergrrl]

awesome! thanks for the links!

[Willow Rosette]

Wow those are great links, thank you so much. I found http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/comindxa.html that I fell in love with tonight.

[sybba_leigh]

"Apple seeds contain a lethal poison but it takes a quart of them to cause death."

interesting to know!!

[Greybird]

Not just any poison - they contain cyanide.

Fantastic links. Thanks!

[SilverClaw]

I have been to both sites before, but I find re-reading the information is a good thing to do every now and then. :smile:

[bigolalaskan]

I click on the links and get the unknown server error . . .

[kristadb]

The links don't work anymore :(

[Sitalique]

Take herbshealing.com out of the link and it works

[kristadb]

Thanks!

[Evinmeer]

How to Prepare Herbs (http://www.amagickgarden.com/pages/amgpages/amgprepvit.html)




Capsule: This is the most popular way most people take their herbs. Some of the reasons: it's easy, convenient, avoids bitter taste, saves on preparation, and provides an exact regulated dosage to the body.

Decoction: To extract the deeper essences from harder or coarser herbs such as stems, barks, and roots. The herbs are usually simmered uncovered for 10 to 20 minutes until 1/3 of the water has decreased through evaporation, usually one part plant to twenty parts water. Note: for coarser herbs such as Valerian and Burdock, these must be gently simmered in a covered pot to bring out their medicinal properties. Strain before using.

Extracts: Extracts are a highly concentrated alcohol base in liquid form derived from pure herbs. Many people use herbal extracts who are unable to swallow the usual dose. Exact dosages are recommended on individual bottles. This is one of the more convenient ways to take herbs.

Fomentation: A fomentation is an external application of herbs, generally used to treat swellings, pains, cold and flu. To prepare a fomentation, soak a towel or cloth in the desired tea, and apply the towel over the affected area as hot as can be tolerated without burning. Cover the towel with a dry flannel cloth. Repeat as needed.

Infusion: The most common way of preparing herbs. The extraction of the active properties of a substance by steeping or soaking it, usually in water. The usual amount is a teaspoon of leaves, blossoms, or flowers to a cup of boiling water. The water is poured over the herbs, then steeped for 3 to 5 minutes. Strain before using. Honey may be added to taste.

Plaster: A plaster is much like a poultice, but the herbal materials are placed between two pieces of cloth and applied to the affected area. When there is an irritant to the skin, this method will serve to prevent the herb from coming in direct contact with the skin.

Poultice: A poultice is usually used as an antiseptic and to reduce swelling by applying a warm mass of powdered herbs directly to the skin. To prepare, add enough hot water to make a thick paste, then apply directly to the skin. Cover with a hot moist towel and leave on until it cools. Repeat as often as needed.

Salve: A healing or soothing ointment. Use 3 oz. powered herb, 7 oz. cocoa butter or any pure vegetable shortening, l oz. beeswax, (depending on consistency desired, more beeswax may be needed). Blend all three ingredients together in a covered pot on low heat for 1 to 2 hours. When it is cold, it should be firm and ready to use.


NOTE: Use non metal containers.




Herb Sources of Vitamins, Minerals and Trace Minerals




Many herbs are excellent for ingesting the vitamins and minerals bodies need because the body usually digests these easier through plants than fish or animal. Listed below are some herb sources of vitamins, minerals and trace minerals.

VITAMINS
Vitamin A: Alfalfa, Cayenne, Eyebright, Lambs Quarter, Paprika, Red Clover, Violet, Yellow Dock

Vitamin B: Alfalfa, Dulse, Fenugreek, Kelp, Licorice, Saffron

Vitamin C: Bee Pollen, Chickweed, Echinecea, Garlic, Golden Seal, Juniper Berries, Paprika, Peppermint, Rosehips, Sorrel, Violet, Watercress

Vitamin D: Alfalfa, Dandelion, Red Raspberry, Rosehips, Sarsaparilla, Watercress

Vitamin E: Alfalfa, Burdock, Dandelion, Dong Quai, Kelp, Scullcap, Sesame, Slippery Elm, Watercress

Vitamin G: Fo-ti-tieng

Vitamin K: Alfalfa, Gotu Kola, Shepherd's Purse

Niacin: Alfalfa, Fenugreek, Parsley Watercress

Vitamin P: (Rutin, Bioflavenoids) Acerola, Paprika

MINERALS
Calcium: Aloe, Cayenne, Chamomile, Fennel, Marshmallow, Sage, White Oak Bark

Cobalt: Dandelion, Horsetail, Juniper Berries, Lobelia, Parsley, Red Clover, White Oak Bark

Iodine: Bladderwrack, Kelp

Iron: Burdock, Chickweed, Ginseng, Hops, Mullein, Nettles, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sarsaparilla, Scullcap, Yellow Dock

Magnesium: Alfalfa, Catnip, Ginger, Gotu Kola, Red Clover, Rosemary, Valerian, Wood Betony

Potassium: Aloe, Cayenne, Fennel, Golden Seal, Parsley, Rosehips, Slippery Elm, Valerian

Zinc: Burdock, Chamomile, Dandelion, Eyebright, Marshmallow, Sarsaparilla

Trace Minerals: Alfalfa, Burdock, Dandelion, Kelp, Yellow Dock, Parsley, Red Clover, Rosehips, Sage, Sarsaparilla, Valerian




WARNING: The information in this Herbs section is primarily for reference and education. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a physician. We do not recommend self-medication. Gardeners should be aware that any plant substance, whether used as food or medicine, externally or internally, may cause an allergic reaction in some people. Exercise caution and do the necessary research to separate the legitimate from the suspect information about herbal remedies. If in doubt about using a particular herbal product, don’t try it. If you use any information contained on this web page, you do so at your own risk.


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