Using Herbs Simply Safely

Title:
Using Herbs Simply & Safely
Word Count:
1518

Summary:
Are herbs ˆdilute forms of drugs˜ - and therefore dangerous? Or are they ˆnatural˜ - and there

Keywords:
herb,susun,susan,weed,simple,tonic,poison,stimulant,sedate

Article Body:
To prevent problems when selling or using herbs:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Be certain you have the correct plant.
Use simples.
Understand that different preparations of the same herb can work differently.

Use nourishing, tonifying, stimulating, and potentially poisonous herbs wisely.

BE CERTAIN YOU HAVE THE CORRECT PLANT
One of the easiest ways to get into trouble with an herb is to use the ˆwrong˜ one. How could
Protect yourself and your customers with these simple steps:


Buy herbs only from reputable suppliers.

Only buy herbs that are labeled with their botanical name. Botanical names are specifi

If you grow the herbs you sell, be meticulous about keeping different plants separate
USE SIMPLES

A simple is one herb. For optimum safety, I prepare, buy, sell, teach about and use herbal sim
The more herbs there are in a formula, the more likelihood there is of unwanted side-effects.
Different people have different reactions to substances, whether drugs, foods, or herbs. When
Side effects from herbs are less common than side effects from drugs and usually less severe.

If you are allergic to any foods or medicines, it is especially important to consult resources

UNDERSTAND THAT DIFFERENT PREPARATIONS OF THE SAME HERB CAN WORK DIFFERENTLY
The safety of any herbal remedy is dependent on the way it is prepared and used.


Tinctures and extracts contain the alkaloids, or poisonous, part



Dried herbs made into teas or infusions contain the nourishing aspects of the p



Dried herbs in capsules are generally the least effective way to use herbs. The



Infused herbal oils are available as is, or thickened into ointments. They are




Herbal vinegars are not only decorative but mineral-rich as well. A good medium



Herbal glycerins are available for those who prefer to avoid alcohol but are us

USE NOURISHING, TONIFYING, STIMULATING, & POTENTIALLY POISONOUS HERBS WISELY

Herbs comprise a group of several thousand plants with widely varying actions. Some are nouris
Nourishing herbs are the safest of all herbs; side effects are rare. Nourishing

Examples of nourishing herbs are: alfalfa, amaranth, astragalus, calendula flowers, chi

Tonifying herbs act slowly in the body and have a cumulative, rather than immedi

Side effects occasionally occur with tonics, but are usually quite short-term. Many older herb

Examples of tonifying herbs are: barberry bark, burdock root/seeds, chaste tree, crone(

Sedating and stimulating herbs cause a variety of rapid reactions, some of which

Herbs that tonify and nourish while sedating/stimulating are some of my favorite herbs. I use

Strongly sedating/stimulating herbs include: angelica, black pepper, blessed thistle root, cay

Potentially poisonous herbs are intense, potent medicines that are taken in tiny

Examples of potentially poisonous herbs are: belladonna, blood-root, celandine, chaparr
In addition, consider these thoughts on using herbs safely:


Respect the power of plants to change the body and spirit in dramatic ways.