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| The Safety of Herbs
Do not try to diagnose ailments-this is best left to trained medical professionals Herb usage should not be a substitute for a doctor's care-using herbs to help maintain wellness is fine, using them as your sole source of medical care is not Always consult a reliable reference book before using any herb Be aware of contra-indications and possible side effects. If you don't check your reference material for contra-indications/side effects, you could end up in a life-threatening situation Never give an herb to someone else to use unless you are completely aware of any and all medical conditions they may have. Doing so could lead to disaster. Again, consult reliable reference material and check for possible side effects/contra-indications Do not use herbs while taking prescription medications without consulting a physician, pharmacist or medically trained herbalist first. Some herbs interact badly with synthetic medications More is NOT better-increasing suggested dosages may cause toxicity Purchase your herbs from a knowledgeable, reliable source to avoid potential mishaps DO NOT WILDCRAFT!!!-Herbal identification is very difficult and is best left up to those with a background in botany. Many harmful plants can easily be mistaken for safe ones. It only takes one case of mistaken identity to kill you! Don't take any chances, grow your own herbs or buy them from a good source. Check for recommended usage durations-some herbs may build up to toxic levels if used too long, while others work best if used with an on and off approach. When in doubt, leave it out! If you are unsure about using an herb in a formula, don't. You probably don't need it anyway Work with a limited number of herbs-Familiarize yourself with 15-20 herbs. Get to know their properties, actions, contra-indications, etc. Research them completely, make them a part of your life and they will become old friends. Once you can comfortably utilize those 15-20 herbs without continually referring to your reference books, add 5-10 more herbs to your healing routine Don't go around telling people you're an herbalist. If you have not been formally and thoroughly trained in all aspects of herbalism, then you are not an herbalist. Calling yourself one if it isn't true is a dangerous practice. Don't do it! If you do you will be in a position to harm yourself and others Don't become over confident-always check your reference material, even after you feel you are proficient. Don't be afraid to ask questions-If you find yourself in a situation of doubt, find someone reliable to voice your concerns to |
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| Chemical constituents of herbs:
Mucilage-a gummy substance extracted from plants Phenols-A group of chemical constituents found in plants which are analgesic and anti-inflammatory in nature Tannins-a yellowish to brown substance produced by plants which is astringent in nature Coumarins-a group of organic compounds which are best known for thier blood thnning capabilities and their ability to be mechanically synthesized Anthraquinones-a group of organic chemicals with an irritant, laxative effect Flavonoids-a group of organic chemicals with a wide range of action, including increasing circulation, antispasmodic actions and strengthening action upon capillary walls Anthocyanins- organic chemicals responsible for plant pigmentation in the blue-red range Glucosilinates-a substance found exclusively in the mustard family which has an irritant effect upon the skin Volatile Oils-the essential oils of a plant found with in any fragrance bearing species Saponin-a plant glucoside which produces a soapy solution when agitated with water Cardiac Glycosides-a group of organic chemicals which have a stong action upon the heart Cyanogenic Glycosides-a group of organic chemicals which are toxic, but have a helpful effect upon the heart when used in small doses Bitters-a varied group of organic compounds which stimulate bile and saliva Alkaloids-a group of nitrogen bearing organic compounds which have varied effects upon the body, ranging from hallucinogens to fatal poisons Minerals-organic compounds found within plants which are essential to the body's health Alcohols-organic compounds responsible for the formation of volatile oils, fatty acids, waxes and sterols |