Botanical Medicine
"The wonderful strength of phytotherapy lies in the nurturing, toning, and gentle plants." -David Hoffman
Medicinal Herb Safety
Click here to learn more about
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Medication Interactions, Cautionary Plants, and other Risk Factors of using herbal remedies.
-Plants Are Medicine-
Plant medicine is an ancient, complex tradition that has its roots in many diverse perspectives of how plants affect the human organism. Many cultures acknowledge the subtle, energetic effects that the plants around them provide. This generational wisdom is still respected and used worldwide for many common ailments.
Modern science has revealed many of the active plant compounds that are responsible for the therapeutic effects that many wise women (and men) have known for generations throughout human history.
Although it is not necessary to understand the scientific inner-workings of plant compounds to effectively use herbal medicine, it does help to understand some of the ways plants effect the body to better define the best way to use an herbal plant for specific uses.
Common Plant Elements
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Vitamins
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Trace Minerals (Magnesium, zinc, iron, etc)
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Amino Acids (Protein building blocks)
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Enzymes (Breaks down nutrients into usable forms)
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Aromatic components, (volatile oils, essential oils)
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Tannins (common astringent substance)
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Flavanoids (pigment components with many beneficial properties)
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Terpenes (resinous biological building blocks with many actions and functions)
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Plus many more incredible plant components that make healthy lives possible!
Plant Categories & Actions
Nutritives
Adaptogens
Digestives
Tonics
Detoxifiers
Immune Boosters
Hormonal Harmonizers
Relaxants
Expectorants
Astringents
Emollients
Bitters
Nervines
Demulcents
Diuretics
Stimulants
Gentle Strength
Experimenting with medicinal herbs can bring about many wonderful healing effects when they are used in the right way. Certain plants are able to harmonize body systems, nourish the blood & organs, & assist in cellular regeneration.
Although herbs are only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to a holistic lifestyle to achieve wellness & balance, integrating supportive, regenerative herbs into the diet on a regular basis can often help to prevent illness and heal from many common ailments.
Nutritive type herbal plants often benefit nerve conductivity, the relaxation of muscle tissue and can have an overall de-stressing effect. They provide essential nutrients and promote optimal function of body systems.
Many commonly used herbs and spices have potent anti-oxidants, increase digestibility of foods and can help calm inflammation and irritation of the digestive system.
Medicinal herbs need not to be exotic or expensive to be effective. Gentle, nourishing plants that accumulate their healing potential over time should be treasured. Their ability to balance body systems by nourishing the cells, organs, tissues, and glands, contribute to greater health, increase vitality, and resistance to illness.
Ways to use Medicinal Plants
Herbal Infusions/Teas/ Decoctions (water extracts of medicinal components)
Syrups
Vinegar Extracts
Alcohol Tincture
Capsules
Hydrosols
Creams & Lotions
Eating and Enjoying
Syrups
Medicinal Honey
Wine Infusion
Fermentation
Soaks & Herbal Baths
Salves, Balms, Liniments, & Poultices
Finding Wellbeing
Other ideas for keeping well include...
Drink water consistently
Get adaquate amounts of sleep
Take time for relaxation
Reduce sugar intake
Consume less caffeine
Eat less meat
Practice meditation or deep breathing exercises
Decrease packaged food intake
Decrease inflammatory food intake
Increase phytonutrients
Increase Omega 3 fatty acid intake
Practice yoga, qi gong, or tai chi
Get massages regularly, or some other form of therapeutic bodywork such as shiatsu, acupressure, reiki, reflexology, etc.
Herbal Safety
If you are planning on using herbal medicines for
Child, in Pregnancy, for any Serious Health Condition, or if you take any Medications
Please click here for more information regarding the safety and usage of medicinal plants.
