Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!news-stl.cp.verio.net!news.verio.net!newshub.northeast.verio.net!newsfeed1.swip.net!swipnet!newsfeed1.funet.fi!nntp.inet.fi!inet.fi!newsfeeds.saunalahti.fi!news.sci.fi!not-for-mail From: hetta@saunalahti.fi (Henriette Kress) Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs,alt.answers,news.answers Subject: Medicinal herbFAQ (v.1.37b) Part 5/7 Followup-To: alt.folklore.herbs Date: Fri, 29 Oct 1999 09:36:21 GMT Organization: Yrtit ja yrttiterapiaa Lines: 1445 Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU Expires: Tue, 30 Nov 1999 23:59:01 GMT Message-ID: <38286a36.17772808@uutiset.saunalahti.fi> Reply-To: hetta@saunalahti.fi NNTP-Posting-Host: mmdliv.hdyn.saunalahti.fi Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Summary: What you have always wanted to know (and ask on a newsgroup)(more often than once a month) about medicinal herbs X-Newsreader: Forte Agent 1.5/16.451 Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu alt.folklore.herbs:64827 alt.answers:45231 news.answers:169913 Archive-name: medicinal-herbs/part5 Posting-Frequency: monthly (on or about 20th) Last-modified: 1999/03/27 Version: 1.37b URL: http://metalab.unc.edu/herbmed/mediherb.html Available by ftp: metalab.unc.edu or sunsite.sut.ac.jp /pub/academic/medicine/alternative-healthcare/herbal-medicine/faqs/ ========== 2.2 Herbs for specific things, cont'd ========== 2.2.13 Herbs for constipation ----- Barbara Heller - BHpurple@aol.com WHAT IS CONSTIPATION Constipation, the "difficult, incomplete, or infrequent evacuation of dry hardened feces from the bowels" (The American Heritage Dictionary) can be an occasional, acute, or chronic problem. It can be caused by many factors including lack of fluids, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, emotional state, or as a side-effect of specific medications. Be aware of the constipating effect of other drugs or supplements you may be taking, like iron tablets,opiates, antidepressants, and antihistamines. Constipation is almost always a nuisance; it can also be a sign of a more serious condition. Chronic constipation should be evaluated in conjunction with a healthcare professional. NATURAL REMEDIES TO TREAT CONSTIPATION Laxatives, even herbal laxatives, should be used with caution. Other natural remedies should be tried first. The gentlest remedies for constipation include increased movement and exercise, certain yoga postures, increase of fluid intake, and dietary changes including increased fiber and fruit. Acidophilus liquid or powder relieves chronic constipation (says herbalist Susun Weed in her Wise Woman Ways for the Menopausal Years). And prune juice may be the most effective and gentlest remedy for constipation. Dr. James Duke, a scientist who worked for the USDA, recommended in his typical iconoclastic fashion, that Dan Rather ask the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) if he considered prune juice a safe and effective laxative. "If he answered no, I suggested that Rather request that Dr. Kessler (the commissioner) drink some and experience the results for himself. If he answered yes, I suggested that Rather ask why FDA labeling regulations prohibit prune juice marketers from stating that prune juice is a safe, effective, gentle laxative." "...(It) is probably the cheapest, least unpleasant laxative now available." (The Green Pharmacy, p140) Apple-pear juice is also highly recommended; and stewed fruits like prunes, figs, or dates especially when mixed in licorice tea makes a tasty laxative snack SOME OTHER OPTIONS Not a usual topic of discussion, at least here in middle-class America, is the position in which one attempts a bowel movement. Squatting can really help alleviate mild constipation - but may be awkward on traditional toilets. Some families find that using a small footstool to raise and open the legs helps to facilitate an easier evacuation. Massaging the abdomen with essential oils with laxative properties (in a carrier oil base) like chamomile, marjoram, or peppermint can also be helpful. HERBAL LAXATIVES There are three classes of herbal laxatives - bulk, mild (but not bulk) and purgative. Whichever category you use, remember that it takes time for laxatives to work. The bulk herbs may need 12 to 24 hours to encourage a bowel movement, and irritating herbs somewhat less time, perhaps 6 to 12 hours. So be patient, and do not take another dose prematurely. BULK LAXATIVES Bulk laxatives are the gentlest for occasional constipation. Flaxseed (also known as linseed), psyllium, and fenugreek are three well-known herbal bulk laxatives. In The Family Herbal, the authors recommend flaxseed as a "laxative without side effects". You can take one tablespoon of whole seeds two to three times a day, followed by two cups of liquid. To help bulk laxatives do their job properly, one must drink a lot of water, otherwise gastrointestinal obstructions can occur. Psyllium, another bulk laxative, is more well-known to most consumers as the main ingredient in Metamucil. A combination of psyllium seeds and a large glass of water can help lubricate the bowels and ease the passage of dry stools. In addition, this seed may also help cut cholesterol. It is quite popular in Germany to take 3 to 10 tablespoons a day for chronic constipation. The seeds swell; they also need plenty of water to motivate their transit through the digestive tract. Caution - asthmatics shouldn't take this herb; if you generally have allergies, take only with caution. ("There have been several reports of allergic reactions to psyllium, including a few serious asthma attacks from inhaled seed dust." - reported by James Duke in The Green Pharmacy) MILD (NOT BULK) HERBAL LAXATIVES Dandelion root is a mild laxative often recommended by practicing herbalists. Susun Weed says it is especially helpful for bed-ridden elders and others with chronic constipation. "The root in tea will have little effect on constipation due to nervousness, diet, fevers, and such occasional causes, but acts reliably when it is chronic, related to age, long-tern illness, or general intestinal blahs; a teaspoon of the root boiled in water three or four times a day." Use dandelion leaves in salad, or 1-2 teaspoons of dandelion vinegar or 10 - 20 drops of tincture taken with meals. Chickweed as a laxative is controversial but not seemingly harmful. It would seem from the debate surrounding it that the worse that can happen while using chickweed for constipation is - more of the same. Varro Tyler heavily disparages its medicinal use "...there is no indication (in the "extensive scientific literature devoted to chickweed") that any of the plant's constituents possess pronounced therapeutic value; ... most writings concern various methods of controlling this pesky weed." This is in sharp comparison to how Susun Weed sings this herb/weeds virtues: "Those with digestive system problems crave plates of chickweed salad, for mineral-rich bulk and soothing, cooling energies to nourish their weak stomachs and bowels. Chickweed eases and helps those with yeast overgrowth, constipation, hard stools, hemorrhoids,stomach ulcers, intestinal ulcers, colitis, internal inflammation, stomach cancer, and those healing after treatment for appendicitis, peritonitis, or the like." (Healing Wise, p 121). Both Susun Weed and Deb Soule also recommend yellow dock root tincture as a remedy for constipation. CONSTIPATION AS A MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOM In Wise Women's Ways for the Menopausal Years, herbalist Susun Weed explains that "Menopausal constipation and indigestion are generally due to the slowing of the gastrointestinal tract (estrogen is a gastrointestinal stimulant) and heavy demands on the liver." Again yellow dock root, as vinegar or tincture, and dandelion are highly recommended. "Menopausal women will want to avoid the use of bran as a laxative in deference to building strong bones." Instead try prunes, figs, or rhubarb with maple syrup. Daily doses of 1 teaspoonful vinegar or 5 - 10 drops tincture of yellow dock eliminate constipation, indigestion, and gas. "Yellow dock is especially recommended for the woman who finds her early menopausal menses getting heavier." PURGATIVE OR CATHARTIC LAXATIVES Purgative laxatives is the category most utilized; and purgative herbs are used in healthfood store formulations and in many commercial over-the-counter laxatives. This group includes aloe, buckthorn, cascara sagrada, rhubarb, and senna. All the herbs in this category contain anthraquinones, strong and irritating chemical compounds that force the bowels to evacuate. They should be used only as a last resort. Pregnant or nursing mothers should not use these irritants, nor should people with gastrointestinal problems including ulcers, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and hemorrhoids. Avoid the prolonged use of purgative laxatives. The continual use can cause lazy bowel syndrome. When this negative cycle develops the result is a sluggish digestive system unable to evacuate without the use of more laxatives. Studies also show that chronic over-use of constipation relieving drugs can lead to disturbances of the bodies electrolyte equilibrium. In turn this can result in potassium deficiency and a concomitant problem for those who are taking heart medications. ("In Germany, the law requires that the labels on all anthraquinone preparations must bear the warning that possible potassium deficiency can intensify the effect of chemical heart drugs -cardiac glycosides"; The Family Herbal, p.188) The gentlest of this class of cathartic laxative herbs is cascara sagrada, known as "sacred bark" from a native American tree (Rhamnus purshiana). Michael Castleman says cascara sagrada is the "World's most popular laxative". Many herbalists claim that in addition to its laxative quality it also tones the intestinal tract and colon. It can be purchased in over- the-counter preparations or taken as a tincture (1/2 teaspoon at bed). Although a decoction (tea) is sometimes recommended, it is very bitter. It should never be used for more than 2 weeks, and a reputable source is important because unless the cascara is prepared correctly it can have negative side-effects. (Fresh bark cannot be used; the bark needs to be dried and stored for at least a year). Dr. Weil, the well-known physician/author and lecturer, says "If you must use an irritant laxative, try rhubarb root (Rheum officinale). It is one of the safest and least violent, but it should be reserved for occasional use only. You can get preparations of rhubarb root in health food stores. (Natural Health, Natural Medicine, p 274) Senna (Cassia acutifolia) is a bit stronger and also quite popular. It, too, is a main ingredient of many over-the-counter laxatives. Kathi Keville states that it is the most often purchased laxative herb in North America. And my perusal of over-the-counter laxatives supports this. In fact, the company that manufactures Ex-Lax recently updated its formula. Senna has replaced the key ingredient, the chemical phenolphthalein, which proved to have carcinogenic tendencies. Again, taste is a reason that herbalists might not recommend this remedy in its natural state. "The taste of senna is nauseating... herbalists generally discourage using the plant material and instead recommend over-the- counter products containing it." Some herbalists recommend blends that pair the strongly bitter herbs with others that are better tasting and more easily tolerated. Kathi Kevilles approach is to combine the irritant herbs with tasty ones like peppermint, ginger, and fennel, that also relax the intestines and prevent cramping. A commercial example of such a mixture is the blend Smooth Move sold by Traditional Medicinals. The main ingredient is senna, combined with licorice, and cinnamon, ginger, orange peel, fennel and coriander seed. Another herb in this category, aloe, is even more problematic. Its popularity has recently increased and it is a wonderful herb to use externally for skin care. But because of its use, its name is becoming more known, and some people assume that because it is safe for one purpose, that it is ok to try for another reason. But this is not so! A recent magazine article suggested drinking aloe vera juice on a daily basis. But many western herbalists do not recommend aloe as a laxative because it is too strong, although it has a history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. Michael Castleman in his popular book The Healing Herbs, has a headline under aloe, "Never a laxative". He says it is the "most drastic" of the cathartics and that it is least recommended "because it often causes severe intestinal cramps and diarrhea." AYURVEDIC HERB MIXTURE Dr. Andrew Weil suggests using Triphala, an herbal mixture from the Ayurvedic tradition. He says this mixture of three herbs is a "superior bowel regulator rather than a laxative,...take it regularly, it's benefits accumulate the longeryou stay on it." Available in health food-stores in capsule form, follow the directions on the label. RECIPES FOR RELIEVING CONSTIPATION, compiled from some popular herbal guides Constipation tea/tincture (Deb Soule, The Roots of Healing, p92) Dandelion root 2 parts Yellow dock root 1 part Angelica root 2 parts Burdock root 1 part Ginger root 1 part Licorice root 1/2 part Place 7 to 8 tablespoons of herbs in 1 quart of water and simmer, covered for 30 minutes. Drink warm as needed. As a tincture, take 25-50 drops as needed. For chronic constipation, take 3x a week for 1 to 3 weeks. Laxative Tea (Michael Moore, Herb Formulas for Clinic and Home) 3 parts Psyllium seed 3 parts Licorice root 2 parts Rhubarb root (Rheum officinale) 2 parts Senna pods, crushed 2 parts Angelica root Drink as a simple tea/infusion in the evening. Herbal Laxative Syrup - for adults (Kathi Keville, Herbs for Health and Healing, p 84) 1 teaspoon honey (or barley syrup or some other natural liquid sweetener) 2 teaspoons cascara sagrada bark tincture 1 teaspoon licorice root tincture 1/2 teaspoon tincture of fennel, ginger, or peppermint Warm honey enough to make it liquid. Combine it with the remaining ingredients and stir well. Take 1 teaspoon. CHILDREN'S CONSTIPATION - Keville suggests tea (recipe below); elderberry jam; catnip enema; ground psyllium seed in juice; and slippery elm gruel. For children's constipation, Susun Weed suggests violet flower syrup. Slippery Elm gruel - for children (Kathi Keville, Herbs for Health and Healing, p 221) 1 tablespoon slippery elm powder 3/4 cup water 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional) Combine powder and water in saucepan and heat until warm, stirring the mixture to prevent clumping. Add optional lemon juice for flavor. Can also sweeten the gruel with child's favorite herbal or fruit based sweetener. Child can drink entire amount (for every 50 lbs of body weight). Drink before it cools - as gruel cools down, it thickens and the thicker it gets, the more likely your child will push it away. Constipation Tea - for children (Kathi Keville, Herbs for Health and Healing, p.220) 1 cup boiling water 1/2 teaspoon licorice root 1/4 teaspoon ginger root (or fennel seeds) 1/4 cup apple juice (optional) 1/4 cup prune juice (optional) Steep first 3 ingredients; strain; add juices. Recommended - 50 lb child, 1/4 cup every 2 hours "until a change for the better becomes apparent". ========== 2.3 Processing herbs ========== 2.3.1 Distilling oil ----- This info is copyright by the Australasian College of Herbal Studies, Aromatherapy Certificate Home Study Course. Posted with permission. >I would really be interested in finding out how to make essential oils. From Dorene Petersen : The most important production method for Essential oils is distillation. The basic principle of distillation is the same but it is carried out in different ways depending on the botanical material and the condition of the material. Three types of distillation are used: 1. Water 2. Water and steam 3. Direct steam Distillation is basically, producing steam. The steam is passed through the herbal material. The steam carries the Essential oil from the plant in suspension which means the droplets of Essential oils are not dissolved in the steam but remain separate as droplets of oil. When the steam is cooled it reverts to the liquid state which is water and in most cases the oil floats on the surface of the water. The oil is then separated from the water by dripping or pouring. 1. Water distillation is used when the plant material has been dried and will not be damaged by boiling. It is also used for powdered materials such as powdered almond, and flowers, such as orange and rose, that need to float freely as they tend to lump together when just steam is passed through them. The material comes into direct contact with the boiling water and much care needs to be taken that the water does not boil away and cause the plant material to burn. Another example of an oil prepared by this method is turpentine gum. Turpentine gum is collected from a species of Pine (Pinus palustris) and the gum, wood chips and pine needles are placed in the distilling chamber with rain water. This mixture is heated until the plant and oil are condensed in the condensing chamber. Turpentine oil is not affected by very excessive heat. 2. The second method of distillation is water and steam. This is used for either fresh or dried plant material that would be damaged by boiling. The plant material is supported on a perforated grid. The water level is below the grid and low pressure, wet steam passes through the plant material. The most important aspect of this method is that the steam is never really hot and always at low pressure. Cinnamon and clove oils are prepared by this method. 3. Direct steam distillation is similar to the second method but the steam is hotter and passed through the plant material at a higher pressure. This method is used for fresh plant material that has a high boiling point such as seeds, roots and wood. It is also used for fresh plant material such as peppermint and spearmint. The crop is cut and placed in a metal distilling tank on a truck. It is then taken to the distilling tank on the truck. Steam is forced through the fresh herbs and the oil droplets are carried by the steam through a vapor pipe at the top of the tank onto a cool condensing chamber. Cold Pressing or Expression: This method is mainly used to prepare citrus oils such as orange, lemon and tangerine. One method involves puncturing the oil glands by rolling the fruit over sharp projections that actually pierce the oil glands. The fruit is then pressed which removes the oil from the glands. It is then washed off with a fine spray of water. The juice is extracted by another tube. The oil is then separated from the water by rotating it at a very high speed. Another method involves separating the peel from the fruits and then cold pressing them. The Essential oil is collected along with small amounts of juice, which is separated. Enfleurage: This is an old method which was used in the production of perfumes and pomade extracts for perfumery. Flower petals such as rose or jasmine are layered onto warm oils, cold fat or wax. This process is repeated each day until the base is saturated with the Essential oil. The resulting waxes or pastes contain up to 1 percent of Essential oil. The Essential oil is then extracted from the wax with a volatile liquid such as ethyl alcohol. In the final step the ethyl alcohol is evaporated at low temperatures and reduced pressure so that the pure Essential oil remains as a fairly thick liquid. Cold enfleurage has the advantage that even the most delicate components of the flower oils are preserved. The disadvantages are that it is not very effective and it is very expensive. Flower oils prepared with this method do not contain terpene-hydrocarbons, which indicates that these compounds are not present as such in the flower, but form during distillation. Solvent Extraction This is the most widely used modern method to prepare oils from flowers. The petals are mixed into a volatile solvent such as petroleum, ether or benzene, until the Essential oil is completely dissolved in the solvent. The solution is then filtered and the solvent is evaporated at reduced pressure. The result of solvent extraction is a concrete. The solvent is removed from the concrete by vacuum pressure without the use of heat to avoid any harmful effect to the oil. The concentrated essence that results is called an absolute. Absolutes are highly concentrated flower products without the natural waxes. The main advantage of extraction over distillation is that uniform temperatures are maintained throughout the process. High temperatures during the distillation process can produce altered chemical composition of the oil which alters the natural odor. However, this method is expensive compared to distillation, and chemicals or solvents used in the process may still be present after evaporation. I know this is kind of lengthy but it is not a quick topic. Hope this helps. Dorene Petersen Australasian College of Herbal Studies 1(800)48-STUDY ----- From Rusty Taylor (rustytay@orca.esd114.wednet.edu): Quoting 'Herbal Preparations and Natural Therapies' by Debra St. Claire: 'Glycerin will extract the following - sugars, enzymes (dilute), glucosides, bitter compounds, saponins (dilute), and tannins. Absolute alcohol will extract the following - alkaloids (some), glycosides, volatile oils, waxes, resins, fats, some tannins, balsam, sugars, and vitamins.' I am very much still a student, but it seems to me that you would use the solvent that will give you the healing properties that you need out of the plant. And for those that don't like the alcohol taste, or bite, the tincture can be mixed in hot water and left for a few minutes to evaporate most of the alcohol off. It has worked well for me, and my children. ========== 2.3.2 Pointer to the How-to of Tinctures ----- Go get the latest edition of Michael Moore's Materia Medica from his WWW site: http://chili.rt66.com/hrbmoore/HOMEPAGE (also see 6.1 below). If you wish to use anonymous FTP go to metalab.unc.edu or to sunsite.sut.ac.jp and cd to /pub/academic/medicine/alternative-healthcare/herbal-medicine/SWSBM/ Go for the manuals. ----- A question on the herblist in November 97: >Hi All, when it says on a bottle of tincture that the herb to menstruum ratio is (say) 1:5, is this by weight? volume? and then if it is (say) 60% alcohol, 40% water, does this mean that the 5 in the ratio is made up of 60% alcohol and 40% water? >Also, how do you personally decide how much dried herb to put in that canning jar before you add the vodka? I've recently been thinking that I have probably been putting too much dried herb in, since in most jars it doesn't have an easy time sloshing around. My reply: A specification of 1:5 60% is most probably for dried herb. Weight the herb - let's say it's 100 g. The menstruum is by volume; metric is easier (for me)(1 g water = 1 ml), so to get 5 parts of menstruum you add 500 ml (= 1/2 liter) 60 % alcohol to the 100 g of herb. With dried herb you can either macerate or percolate. Maceration is the normal 'put herb in a jar, pour menstruum over, put lid on, leave 2-4 weeks, shake every day or two'. Percolation is faster, and actually quite easy, but the description of it is lengthy... You'll want a reliable materia medica to get ratios and percentages for different herbs - a good one is available on Michael Moore's website at http://chili.rt66.com/hrbmoore/HOMEPAGE (go for the Manuals, go for the Materia Medica). Fresh herbs are usually done at a ratio of 1:2 and 95 % alcohol - unless you use the 'simplers' -approach, which is to jam as much shredded herb as you can fit into a jar, top it up with alcohol to cover, close the lid, wait a day, and top it up again. Fresh herb is usually macerated. The simplers approach doesn't give you very consistent quality from batch to batch, so most more professional herbalists stick to given ratios and menstruum strengths. ========== 2.3.3 Herbal Oils ----- From Dorene Petersen : I have made quite a lot of infused oils and the following is from the Aromatherapy Certificate Correspondence Course offered by the Australasian College of Herbal Studies. It's not that technical but hope its helpful: HOW TO PREPARE YOUR OWN INFUSED OILS AT HOME There is nothing more satisfying than gathering a basket of fresh jasmine, honeysuckle or rose blossoms on a warm summers day and then preparing your own infused oil. There are three methods for preparing an infused herbal oil. You can use fresh or dried herbs. Flowers are best fresh, although the perfume of some flowers intensifies with drying such as gardenia, daphne and boronia. If using fresh, double the quantity as all recipes given are for dried herbs. If using fresh herbs for any of these methods leave the herbs to wilt for six hours to reduce their water content which will spoil the final product. WATERBATH METHOD 15 gm (1/2 oz) dried or if fresh use 30 gm (1 oz) herb (this is the total amount so if you are using a blend make sure you do not have more than this) 1 cup of oil Measure the herbs and oil and mix the oil to the herbs in a stainless steel bowl. Heat over water bath (a saucepan 1/4 filled with water) also known as a double boiler, which should be simmering. Make sure the bowl is not sitting on the bottom of the pot but is floating in the water. Keep the lid on the oil. Stir occasionally and simmer for 30 minutes. Watch the oil does not get too hot. It should not smoke or bubble. It can burn easily and will develop an acrid smell if it overheats, which is very difficult to disguise. Strain through four layers of butter muslin or some other very fine non-metal strainer. Strain twice if necessary as it is important to get all herbs out of the oil to prevent the herbal oil from going rancid or moldy. Essential oils can be added at this stage for perfume and added therapeutic benefits. SOLAR METHOD Use the same quantities of herbs and oil as for the waterbath method or approximately 3 tablespoons of finely cut herbs to 300ml (10 oz) of oil. The quantity of herb can be increased to produce a stronger oil. Put the herbs in a jar with a tight fitting lid and pour over the oil. Make sure the herbs are completely covered with oil. Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or white wine to help break down the plant material. Leave the jar to sit in the sun all day and in a warm cupboard at night for two weeks. Strain through four layers of muslin. This process can be repeated two to three times to give a stronger oil. The final product should be strong enough to leave an aroma when massaged on the skin. Always test infused oils on the skin. Don't rely on just your nose. CROCKPOT METHOD Use the same quantities of herbs and oil as for Waterbath method. Place the herbs and oil in a crockpot and leave on a low heat for two hours. Follow the recipe above for straining. TO PRESERVE OILS This is only necessary if you are preparing large quantities that you intend to store. 1. Add 1/4 tsp. simple tincture of Benzoin to 1 cup vegetable oil. Tincture of Benzoin is prepared from the gum of an Indonesian tree, Styrax Benzoin. Make sure it is simple tincture of Benzoin. Compound tincture of Benzoin, also known as Friars Balsam, is not suitable. 2. Add 500 I.U. of natural mixed Tocopherols or Vitamin E to 1 cup of vegetable oil. Dorene Petersen ========== 2.3.4 Balms and liniments ----- > >Hi,I just wonder if anyone has any info about how to make your own balms and liniments. From: Shannon Brophy : To make a liniment: First infuse the plant in oil. Do this by baking at low heat (120-170 degrees) in a glass pan with herb and oil together, stir occasionally. Then strain with cheesecloth and a funnel to separate plant material from the oil. Squeeze out the cheesecloth. Then grate beeswax and add to hot oil, maybe heating again over a double boiler on the stove. Pour the viscous green stuff into jars and allow to cool. Can keep in the fridge for a longer shelf life. Also, adding vitamin E oil to the mixture helps preserve it. Shannon Brophy, Midwife visit the Roots & Wings Website at http://www.yoga.com ----- From: Andy & Sharon : One of the most popular liniments for muscle-, head- and backache is Tigerbalm. Tradition will have it that the Mongolian Horsemen from Genghis Khan, roaming the plains of central Europe, had a very effective ointment against saddle and back ache. Part of this ointment came from the Siberian Birch Tree. A mixture was made out of lard, camphor and birch tree oil. For ages this ointment was in use and got quite famous. At the end of the last century many products were replaced by synthetic components. The useful part of the birch oil (methyl salicylate) and the camphor oil (the crystals) were available in synthetic form. This made the ointment cheap and within reach for everyone. A Chinese merchant composed a mixture of methyl salicylate, camphor crystals and petroleum jelly, which he called Tigerbalm. It became famous throughout the Orient and parts of Europe under this name. How to make it: First you have to blend the oils. You can use the mix pure or add it to petroleum jelly (vaseline) later on to make a balm. Tigerbalm Oil - Natural - Recipe 1 Wintergreen oil 45 ml Camphor oil 15 ml Eucalyptus oil 7 ml Lavender oil 5 ml Peppermint oil 8 ml Almond oil 20 ml Tigerbalm Oil - Natural - Recipe 2 Peppermint oil 25 ml Camphor oil 15 ml Wintergreen oil 20 ml Lavender oil 15 ml Eucalyptus oil 15 ml Jojoba oil 10 ml Tigerbalm Oil - Partly natural Methyl salicylate 25 ml Menthol crystals 5 g Camphor crystals 10 g Eucalyptus oil 10 ml Lavender oil 5 g Paraffin oil 45 ml Tigerbalm To make tigerbalm take 100 gram petroleum jelly (vaseline) (acid-free) and melt this by placing, for instance, a glass with vaseline in a pan of hot water. The vaseline will melt quickly. Once melted place the glass in a pan of cold water, and as soon as the vaseline hardens again on the side of the glass, add 20 ml of your Tigerbalm oil mix. Stir until cool. If you prefer the balm to have a colour, add a drop of chlorophyll. Apply a little bit to the forehead for headaches, or use it for muscle pains and insect bites. ----- >I find tiger balm/vaseline, to be too greasy for me. I created a simple rub for my lower back pain (due to herniated disk) that provides some relief. It consists of essential oil of Wintergreen and oil of St. John's Wort, added to a base of Aloe Vera gel. >The Aloe Vera gel is non-greasy and absorbs completely (to the touch). This mixture also feels like it absorbs completely, and no staining of my clothes as of yet. >Can I make the above "Tigerbalm", but use the aloe vera gel? As well, my herb book indicated that oil of wintergreen is good for pain and inflammation. Could you also post what the other herbs are targeted for? From: email.naturesway@ukonline.co.uk to above: I cannot see any reason why you should not use your gel; the vaseline is used to hold the oils together. Here are some ways the oils react with your skin; as you can see lavender detoxifies, while eucalyptus vitalizes, peppermint refreshes etc. Essential oils and how they affect your skin 1. GREASY SKIN Sage : relaxes, improves blood circulation Peppermint: refreshes, cools Valerian : calms Clove : disinfects Camphor : Disinfects, sedating Cypress : Refreshing, relaxing 2. UNCLEAN SKIN Cajeput : Improves perspiration Rosemary : Improves blood circulation Valerian : Calming Camphor : Disinfects, sedates 3. THICK, PALE AND WEAK SKIN Oregano : Widens the blood vessels Melissa : Refreshes, tonic Geranium : Refreshing Linden blossom : Soothing 4. INFECTED SKIN Juniper : Disinfects Lavender : Healing Cajeput : Improves perspiration Fir : Refreshes, regulates 5. SENSITIVE, THIN, QUICKLY IRRITATED SKIN Cypress : Relaxes, refreshes Pine : Balances, refreshes Melissa : Against cramps Chamomile : Sedating Therebinth : Softening 6. TIRED SKIN Lavender : Detoxifying Eucalyptus : Vitalizing Cajeput : Improves perspiration Verbena : Calming Lemongrass : Improves blood circulation 7. BODY CARE (GENERAL) Oregano : Strengthening Thyme : Disinfecting Mint : Tonic Geranium : Refreshing ========== 2.4 Pointers to related documents ----- I appreciate updates on below WWW / ftp addresses. Drop me a note if you notice changes: hetta@saunalahti.fi. Thanks. ========== 2.4.1 Tinnitus FAQ pointer ----- The tinnitus FAQ is found at http://www.cccd.edu/faq/tinnitus.html. ========== 2.4.2 Plants by Mail FAQ pointer ----- Here you'll find lots and lots of catalogs to get living plants, and some seeds, too: http://pbmfaq.dvol.com ========== 2.4.3 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome WWW page pointer ----- Take a look at the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Home Page at http://www.netaxs.com/~iris/cts and specifically, at http://www.netaxs.com/~iris/cts/compfort.html ========== 2.4.4 Hint for Kombucha posters ----- Please subscribe to the Kombucha list (see 8.4). Do not post on alt.folklore.herbs about Kombucha. You could go visit the Kombucha Homepage, which should answer anyone's questions about the subject: http://www.sease.com/kombucha ========== 2.4.5 Hint for Essiac posters ----- You can find a wealth of info on Essiac at this web location: http://essiac-info.org/ ========== 2.4.6 Thinking of growing herbs for sale? ----- Visit this site first: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/ It's the Gateway to the NewCrop Resource Online Program at the Indiana Center for New Crops and Plant Products at Purdue University; it has lots of information about different plants. Next go for Richters' FAQ pages: http://www.richters.com/QandA.html Then go get the 'herb-growing.faq' at metalab (see 7.1 below). ========== 2.4.7 Saw Palmetto and Prostate Problems: Newsgroup/FAQ pointer ----- Try news:alt.support.prostate.prostatitis, where they also have an excellent FAQ posted periodically. ========== 2.4.8 Natural High FAQ pointer ----- Go get it by ftp from the alt.drugs archive at hyperreal.com /drugs/faqs/ - and take the other interesting stuff as well while you're there. ========== 2.4.9 Natural vision FAQ pointer ----- This interesting document can be found here: http://www.cia.com.au/vic/faq.html ========== 2.4.10 Smoking herbs document pointer ----- THE document on herbal smokes, which also tells you how to stop smoking, is Howie Brounstein's Herbal Smoking Mixtures -booklet. You'll find it here:: http://www.teleport.com/~howieb/howie.html It's about 47 kB. ========== 2.4.11 Pointer to herbal-medical glossary ----- I got email 'yes but what does MAO inhibitor and adrenergenics and cholinergics mean?' ... so here's a pointer to Michael Moore's medicinese - English dictionary: http://chili.rt66.com/hrbmoore/ManualsMM/MedHerbGloss2.txt you get there from Michael Moore's Clinical Herb Manuals page: http://chili.rt66.com/hrbmoore/ManualsMM/MansMM.html ========== 2.4.12 Menopausal discomforts ----- A very good place to start is the alt.support.menopause unofficial web site, found here: http://members.tripod.com/~tishy_asm/asm.html Also see the entry on wild yam cream, here: ch.2.1.13.1 ========== 2.5 Other topics that are frequently discussed ========== 2.5.1 Melatonin ----- from Paul Bergner (bergner@concentric.net), Editor, Medical Herbalism (http://medherb.com): I'm not surprised that melatonin is gone in Canada, and I predict that it will go the way of DHEA here in the U.S. -- meaning that it will be a prescription-only controlled item, treated like opiates. I've just researched and written a lengthy article about melatonin, and frankly I am shocked that natural healers would use this substance casually like a sleeping pill. Melatonin is a powerful hormone that affects the entire metabolic cycle, not just the sleep- wake cycle. We rail against hormone-replacement therapy with estrogen- progresterone, and then casually offer patients enough melatonin to raise blood levels 10-20 times their normal levels. This is bound to be a Devil's bargain, and it is only a matter of time till regulatory agencies throughout the world discover this and rightfully take measures to protect the public. For instance: melatonin production by the pineal gland appears to be an important part of the aging clock. The pineal glands of young mice, transplanted to old mice, make the old mice "younger" and they live about 1/3 longer. On the other hand, the pineal glands of older mice, transplanted into younger mice, immediately makes them "older" and they live about 1/3 shorter lives. So what happens when some guy named Joe in Iowa takes ten mg of melatonin (about twenty times what you need to achieve normal blood level peaks) to sleep most nights for three years (this is actually happening all over the place today) and then can't get the melatonin? Will his pineal have lost its ability to produce the same levels as previously? Most hormones have a negative feedback loop of one sort or another -- would levels that high reduce endogenous production over time? Will poor Joe then age ten years over the next few months? I think melatonin has a proper place in natural medicine, in the treatment or palliation of cancer, used for brief periods for jet lag, and possible for the elderly, and may be a few more uses. But IMO over-the-counter status is inviting health disaster. ========== 3 General Info ========== 3.1 Introduction to side effects, safety and toxicity of medicinal herbs ----- by Jonathan Treasure (jonno@teleport.com) This introduction concerns WESTERN medical herbs and their clinical use. Some herbal agents are common to different traditions but the indications and methods of use may vary between e.g. TCM, Ayurvedic and Western practices. The purpose of these notes is to provide a general understanding of the actions of herbal medicines, and hence a background for understanding questions of safety and toxicity - NOT to provide a list of problematic herbs. A brief bibliography gives sources of reliable information on the safety of herbal medicine and further reading. ----- Conventional medicine considers that if a drug is to be effective, it will inevitably have side effects. The medical establishment considers herbal medicines as drugs, and as such, they must either have side effects - or ergo be ineffective. Paradoxically tens of thousands of people every year turn to herbal medicine because they regard plant remedies as being free from undesirable side effects. Herbal medicines are considered to be generally safe AND effective agents. Although there is a spectrum of viewpoints in western herbal medicine, most herbalists reject the view that plant medicines are naturally occurring analogues of the pharmaceuticals used in orthodox clinical medicine i.e. drugs. This is ultimately a rejection of the dominant paradigm of orthodox clinical science. It is necessary to outline the elements of the alternative paradigm shared by most herbalists, before questions of toxicity and safety can be discussed in context of clinical herbal therapeutics, rather than of orthodox medical science ========== 3.1.1 Medicinal plant actions cannot be reduced to the effects of their isolated 'active constituents' ----- There ARE a few plants that are almost "drug like" and whose action approaches that of pharmaceuticals. Digitalis is the classic example. Herbalists use these plants in near allopathic treatment strategies if at all, and in some countries e.g. UK, their availability is restricted by law. The number of herbs in this category is relatively few. The vast majority of medicinal herbs contain dozens of different compounds, often of great complexity, mucilages, tannins, polysaccharides etc. that buffer, modulate and modify the effects of any "active principles". Study after study has shown that effects produced by extracts of whole plants cannot be mimicked by administering isolated purified constituents of the plant. (It is ironic this proposition even has to be asserted given that biological sciences have for some time used a systems theory model in which the whole being greater than the sum of the parts is axiomatic - this simply reflects the inherent conservatism of the medical establishment. However for most herbalists the view of the whole being greater than the parts is derived from vitalism, not systems theory!) ========== 3.1.2 Medicinal herbs act 'multi-systemically' ----- Pharmaceutical drugs are designed to elicit very specific reactions. Their associated "side effects" are undesired actions, usually traded as a "risk" against the "benefit" of the primary effect. Herbs tend to have several broad actions on a number of whole physiological systems at the same time. These actions are usually oriented in the same general therapeutic direction, and are usually complementary or synergistic, often non-specific, and very rarely adverse. Herb actions cannot be adequately described using the vocabulary of "drug" action terms, e.g. diuretic etc. - they are too complex. The clearest example of this is the coining of the term "adaptogenic " used to describe the multiple non-specific effects of herbs such as Ginseng. ========== 3.1.3 Herbs act on the healing processes in the body ----- A pharmaceutical drug addresses symptoms caused by specific disease mechanisms as understood by scientific pathology. Herbal medicines are directed towards aiding the body's own healing processes. These approaches are diametrically opposed. Herbal medicines act gently, usually attempting to "nudge" or "support" systems and processes that have become deficient or help remove excesses that have become preponderant. Symptom relief is only a component of herbal therapeutic strategy. This is a crucial difference. For example, serum arthritic conditions are conventionally treated with steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. These have widespread and disturbing side effects, which at sustained high doses become intolerable and potentially dangerous if not lethal. The herbal approach to these conditions uses dietary modification of metabolism; facilitation of elimination via kidneys and hepatic/ biliary routes; stimulation of circulation in the affected regions, moistening of dry synovia, etc. Topical treatments for acute joint pain or systemic anti-inflammatory herbs that help joint pain are used as required, but this is not the thrust of the treatment strategy. Lay persons often make the related mistake of seeking a "natural alternative" to a pharmaceutical they have been prescribed rather than challenging the diagnosis and therapeutic strategy. ========== 3.1.4 Herbs act multi-dimensionally ----- Herbal medicine is a wholistic therapy, it integrates mental, emotional and spiritual levels seamlessly into its understanding of both human function and of the plant remedy, while respecting the planetary and ecological dimensions of natural medicine provided by plants. Although subject to differing interpretations this view is held in one form or another by most herbalists . Life style, mental, emotional and spiritual considerations are part of any naturopathic approach, herbalism included. Flower essences, homeopathic preparations and drop doses of standard herb extracts all demonstrate that herbal agents can produce consistent and powerful effects at subtle levels in ways quite inexplicable by the pharmacokinetic model underlying orthodox pharmacology. Centuries of medicinal plant usage overarch even the Graeco - Roman heritage of medical thought, itself already forgotten by its amnesiac infant technological medicine, extending into magical, esoteric and religious domains of prehistory. The great Asian systems of medicine have continued uninterrupted for thousands of years to today, integrated into profound cosmological and philosophical systems. From any serious study of the application of herbs to healing a perspective emerges that reveals modern doctors to be tragicomically "like educated peasants running around pretending to be chiefs" (Grossinger). ========== 3.1.5 Side effects vs. contraindications ----- Many herbalists would tend toward the radical homeopathic view that the "side effects" of orthodox medicine are in fact iatrogenic developments of the very disease for which the pharmacological intervention was intended. The symptoms simply change, and the real underlying dysfunction is further obscured - or driven further into the interior to manifest in deeper and more intractable ways. Notwithstanding this iatrogenic view of side effects, we have seen that the use of herbs anyway does not generally involve "drug" actions or adverse effects. Of course, if the body processes are nudged in the wrong direction for long enough, then imbalances can worsen rather than improve. Hence the need for informed knowledge of the effects of herbs as well as a clinical training to understand their appropriate medical application. Herbalists learn about the CONTRAINDICATIONS as well as the indications for using a herb. This term is more useful and appropriate than "side effects". CONTRAINDICATIONS are incongruences between the metabolic/systemic predisposition (constitution) of the individual - and the spectrum of multi-systemic actions of a given herb agent or class of agents. Essentially, herbalists use their in depth knowledge to devise a mix'n'match prescription tailored precisely to fit an individuals unique profile. This approach is most sophisticated in the tonic energetics of the Oriental medical traditions, but is empirically applied by most herbalists. Contraindicated remedies can account for apparently idiosyncratic "bad reactions" to a herb. Valerian is a classic example, its powerful autonomic effects can make it "disagree" with stressed adrenergically hyperactive individuals, who paradoxically are often those seeking sedative treatment for insomnia. Anyone experiencing such reactions to a herb for more than a couple of days should stop taking it and seek further advice. However a second and vital aspect of contraindications especially today is the question of DRUG INTERACTIONS. Many people seeking herbal medical treatment are already involved in pharmaceutical therapies. Herbal remedies may act either as agonists or potentiate some drug therapies, and an understanding of conventional drugs is an essential prerequisite for effective herbal therapeutics. In many cases, herbalists would not treat the primary presenting symptom undergoing drug treatment - be it ulcers treated with Zantac or cardiac arrythmia treated with Digoxin - but rather concentrate on supporting other systems and functions stressed by the primary symptom. This allows the body to recover its strength and healing potential so it can then direct these capabilities toward repairing the presenting condition. In other cases, it can be a priority to wean someone off drugs, e.g. steroids, in which case supportive therapy to restore adrenal function is vital. ========== 3.1.6 Safety and toxicity of herbal medicines ----- The definition of *toxic* is a ultimately a matter of viewpoint. Many ordinary foods contain constituents that could be regarded as poisonous, such as the alpha gliadin produced by gluten in wheat oats and rye, the cyanogenic glycosides in many fruit seeds, the thiocyanates of the brassica vegetables, alkaloids of the Solanaceae and lectins of many pulses including soya and red kidney beans. Nonetheless these foods are generally regarded as safe. Similarly, both water and oxygen - can kill in excessive amounts, so quantity is often an important consideration. In practice however, three groups of herbs can be identified from a safety point of view. Firstly there are a handful of herbs that contain near pharmaceutical concentrations of poisonous constituents which should on no account be taken internally by unqualified persons except in homeopathic potencies. Examples are Atropa belladonna, Arnica spp, Aconitum spp, Digitalis spp. In many countries availability of these herbs is limited by law. Regulations vary from country to country and the appropriate regulatory authorities or Herb Organisations can be consulted for details. Wildcrafters should be unshakably confident in their identification of the local variants of these species, and children warned to avoid them. Fortunately this is a numerically tiny category. Secondly, are herbs with powerful actions, often causing nausea or vomiting, (that usually were traditionally prized for this action). They are perfectly safe used under appropriate conditions. Some of these herbs are restricted in some countries but freely available in others. Lobelia and Eonymus spp are examples. There is some inconsistency here, for example Ephedra is restricted, perhaps with justification, in the UK, but is freely available in the US. Finally, there is an idiosyncratic grouping of herbs which have been alleged, with some scientific support, to exhibit specific kinds of toxicity. The best known is the hepatotoxicity of pyrrolizidine-alkaloid-containing plants such as Comfrey (Symphytum). Other examples are Dryopteris (Male Fern), Viscum (Mistletoe) and Corynanthe (Yohimbe). Although much of the evidence is contentious (see below), lay users would be advised to avoid internal consumption of these herbs. The vast majority of medical herbs are safe for consumption, but for those without specialised knowledge, it would be prudent to follow simple but sensible guidelines in self treatment: * Use only herbs recommended in respected herb books, especially in countries like the US where there are few restrictions on availability. * Avoid new or unproven *wonder remedies*. * Do not persist with a remedy if no benefit or result obtains after a moderate period, and if adverse reactions take place, stop the treatment and seek experienced advice. * Do not persist with a treatment that has brought improvement without testing to see if continued further consumption is necessary to maintain improvement. * Do not engage in self treatment for complex conditions without experienced advice. Drug interactions and contraindications must be considered on an individual basis and herbal treatment strategies are often involved and multifaceted. Unfortunately, training and licensing of herbalists is not internationally consistent. In the US the situation is especially complex - no recognised herbal licensing exists. ND's are licensed in a few states, but their herbal training could theoretically be less than that of an unlicensed but experienced herbal practitioner. In the UK, the NIMH accredits herbalists who have trained at approved courses: practitioners are recognised by MNIMH or FNIMH qualifications. ========== 3.1.7 Pregnancy ----- It is axiomatic that pregnancy should be a time of minimal medical intervention, and herbalists in particular regard pregnancy as a "contraindication" to taking herbal medicines. Nutritive "food herbs" such as nettle, and uterine tonics such as raspberry leaf are encouraged, and perhaps gentle treatments against typical symptoms such as constipation or morning sickness are in order. There is NO evidence of teratogenicity in humans arising from herbal remedies, but since such evidence would be hard to come by, erring on the side of caution is regarded as prudent. ========== 3.1.8 Understanding toxicity research - politics and ideology ----- Medical orthodoxy at best does not understand herbal medicine, and at worst, sees it as a threat which it attempts to rubbish, regulate or ridicule. Quackery has a fascinating role in the history of medicine and its institutions, but much of the hostility towards herbal medicine comes from its apparently greater proximity to orthodoxy than say acupuncture or homeopathy. This is the unfortunate political context in which toxicity and safety of herbal medicines are debated. Additionally, both professional herbalists and regulatory authorities exhibit differing degrees of education, organisation and aptitude in different countries. In the United States, the situation is particularly lamentable, with scare mongering stories regularly aired in medical, scientific and popular press, whilst the lack of accredited professional herbalist training means that well intentioned self-appointed spokespersons for herbalism can cause more harm than good, and the quixotic federal regulatory stance on herbs as foodstuffs means that the potential of lay self-iatrogenesis with freely available OTC herbal products is a serious possibility. Toxicity of herbal medicines needs to be seen in context however. As Paul Bergner, Editor of the journal Medical Herbalism and author of several articles on herbal toxicity recently pointed out: *Approximately 8% of all hospital admissions in the U.S. are due to adverse reactions to synthetic drugs. That's a minimum of 2,000,000. At least 100,000 people a year die from them. That's just in the U.S., and that's a conservative estimate. That means at least three times as many people are killed in the U.S. by pharmaceutical drugs as are killed by drunken drivers. Thousands die each year from supposedly "safe" over-the-counter remedies. Deaths or hospitalizations due to herbs are so rare that they're hard to find. The U.S. National Poison Control Centers does not even have a category in their database for adverse reactions to herbs.* Similar figures apply in the United Kingdom, and even hepatoxicity, where perhaps the strongest case against some herbs lies, the statistics are horrendously clear - over 80% of cases of fulminant hepatic failure presenting for liver transplant (or death) over ten years in the UK were due to poisoning by freely available OTC non-prescription NSAID's, such as paracetomol and aspirin. Not one case was due to ingestion of medicinal herbs. For the lay person, analysis of so called "scientific evidence" about toxicity is clearly problematic. Some of the most useful sources of information are to be found in review presentations made by representatives of the herbalist community to regulatory authorities such as the FDA or MCA. Informative reviews of the literature in defence of Comfrey and Mistletoe have been made in this way. Herbalists justifiably point out that scientific studies with isolated compounds, on non human or even non mammalian organisms, or in vitro, with doses tens or even hundreds of times the equivalent medicinal dose, simply have no arguable extrapolation to the clinical situation using whole herb at appropriate medicinal doses. Lack of herbal knowledge by some scientific investigators (let alone journalists or self appointed defenders of the public) leads to often ludicrously misleading results - one of the commonest mistakes being the failure to verify the actual identity of plant material used in their experiments, let alone the detection of contaminants! These points beg the question of what paradigm can be used for research into the safety and efficacy of herbal therapies. That shibboleth of orthodoxy - the double blind placebo controlled clinical trial is open to a range of criticisms from the paradigm employed by herbalists - but that, as they say, is another story. ========== 3.1.9 Further reading ----- HERBAL /MEDICAL CONTRAINDICATIONS: Synergistic and Iatrogenic Potentials when some herbs are used concurrent with Medical Treatment or Medical Health Care by Michael Moore, 1995, on line at http://chili.rt66.com/hrbmoore/HOMEPAGE HERB INFORMATION RESOURCE: The Information Source book of Herbal Medicine: David Hoffmann, Crossing Press 1994. TOXICOLOGY: Brinker F : An Introduction to the Toxicology of Common Botanical Medicines, NCNM 1983 AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants AMA, Chicago 1985 NAPRALERT database at UIC. Example REVIEWS OF PROBLEMATIC HERBS: In Defence of Comfrey: EJHM1.1 1994 11-17 The Case For Mistletoe: EJHM1.1 1994 17-22 EJHM = European Journal of Herbal Medicine (see 4.3.2 below) HISTORY: Planet Medicine - Richard Grossinger, North Atlantic Books 1990 The Magical Staff, Matthew Wood North Atlantic Books, Berkely 1992 GENERAL HERB BOOKS: (as in 4.1 below): J.A. Duke, CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. C. Hobbs, many booklets. D. Hoffmann, The Herbal Handbook. S. Mills, Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbalism. M. Moore, Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. M. Moore, Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West. M. Moore, Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West. R.F. Weiss, Herbal Medicine. ========== 3.2 Wildcrafting Ethics ----- by Howie Brounstein (Howieb@teleport.com) (posted with permission) This are the guidelines I teach to my students. It is copyrighted material that took me years to develop. Please respect this copyright. I ask you not to publish it without permission. Happy Herbing. ========== 3.2.1 Wildcrafting checklist ----- * Do you have the permission or the permits for collecting at the site? * Do you have a positive identification? * Are there better stands nearby? Is the stand big enough? * Are you at the proper elevation? * Is the stand away from roads and trails? * Is the stand healthy? * Is there any chemical contamination? * Is there any natural contamination? * Are you in a fragile environment? * Are there rare, threatened, endangered, or sensitive plants growing nearby at any time of the year? * Is wildlife foraging the stand? * Is the stand growing, shrinking, or staying the same size? * Is the plant an annual or a perennial? * Is tending necessary and what kind? * How much to pick? * Time of day? Time of year? * What effect will your harvest have on the stand? * Do you have the proper emotional state? * Move around during harvesting. * Look around after harvesting. Any holes or cleanup needed? * Are you picking herbs in the proper order for a long trip? * Are you cleaning herbs in the field? Do you have the proper equipment for in-field processing? * Wildcrafting is stewardship c1993hb ========== 3.2.2 How do I find out about endangered plants (in the USA)? ----- Check your local Heritage Program Database, call the Dept. of AG or a local Native plant society chapter to find its address. This will connect you to experts on particular plants and current lists. The endangered species act has many flaws, I personally believe there should be an endangered ecosystems act instead but it's all we've got and better than nothing. Some listed plants are truly rare, once numerous but destroyed by loss of habitat through man or nature. Many listed plants are endemics, located in a specific area. These may be geographically isolated islands of flora as are often found in the intermountain west, or they can be found at the border of major plant systems. Many endemics are found in southern Oregon, where the Northern California system blends with the Pacific Northwest system, with a spattering of Great Basin plants. This does not mean these plants are sensitive, just unique. The threatened Penstemon peckii grows only within twenty miles of my house, and nowhere else on earth. It can withstand trampling, wildlife grazing, and disturbance. In fact, now that the forest service has realized that this species thrives with moderate disturbance (partial cuts), it has become a reason to log, i.e. increased health of the population of this plant. Plants become listed due to political boundaries. Gentiana newberryi grows nearby, and is threatened in Oregon. It's northernmost sighting is within a half hours drive. There you can see people play football on it, run horses on it, pick its beautiful flowers only to find they wilt immediately, and then the flowers end up on the ground. Sometimes hundreds of them. Elk graze it heavily. It isn't a sensitive plant, and it's population is healthy and stable in California, but the population happens to cross over to Oregon where there isn't that many stands. Thus it receives the same protection as the truly rare plant. Southern Oregon has many of these kinds of listed plants. There has to be a perceivable threat to the plant population in order for it to be listed. Sometimes the threat is obvious, and sometimes the threat is obscure. What about an introduced plant that has become a pest, or a native out of control in a system out of balance. When the St. John's Wort, Hypericum perforatum, is down to a handful of populations, it will fit the definition of threatened, even though humans intentionally irradicated it!! ========== 3.2.3 What plants shouldn't I pick? ----- Some plants are not damaged easily. Blackberry (Rubus sp.), and Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), are two that are nearly impossible to eliminate, even if you dig their roots. If a piece of root stays in the ground, it will grow back. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), can be cut with a lawnmower and still flourish regularly. Nettles (Urtica dioca), when grown for fiber can have 3-4 aboveground harvest in a growing season. Plants that fit into this category are generally perennials. You can pick them and not threaten their survival. Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plants Endangered plants are species in danger of becoming extinct in the foreseeable future. Threatened plants are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. A species can be threatened or endangered throughout its range, which means if it goes extinct we will lose its hidden secrets forever. Many of these plants only grow in one special area (endemic). The Columbia Gorge on the border of Oregon and Washington hosts many endemic species. Peck's Penstemon, Penstemon peckii, grows only in the Ponderosa Pine Forest in Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. A species can also receive protection for part of its range. Newberry's Gentian, Gentiana newberryi, has stable populations in California, but is listed as threatened in Oregon. Deschutes County is at the end of its range, and there are less of them. Rare plants have small, localized populations. They may not be listed as threatened or endangered if the populations are both stable and numerous. The US. Fish and Wildlife Service determines which plants receive federal protection. Unfortunately, they are very slow in reviewing candidate species. Many have become extinct while waiting to be listed. The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Fish and Wildlife of each state is responsible for determining state protection. We also have the Oregon Natural Heritage Program. This program has its own list of plants that deserve protection, but haven't made it into the clogged federal and state lists. They also have a list of plants to watch and monitor. A copy of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plants and Animals of Oregon is available from: The Oregon Natural Heritage Program 1025 NW 25th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97210 (503)-229-5078 Do not pick these plants. Unfortunately, they are not always easy for an amateur to identify. They are not always showy. There may be large amounts of them in one spot, so that they appear plentiful. There are some good picture books available. All folks who pick plants from the wild should try to familiarize themselves with the local protected plants. When in doubt, don't pick it. Sensitive Plants Some plants are sensitive to disturbance. Please do not pick them even if they aren't protected. The Calypso Orchid, Calypso bulbosa, is a fragile plant that lives partially off leaf mold. Its little root is close to the surface, and easy prey to slugs and others. Minor disturbances can easily dislodge the root from the mold. If someone picks its flower, it can ooze fluid and essentially "bleed" to death. Even disturbing the area around it during flowering could kill it. The law does not protect this plant because it is too numerous. It is our responsibility to help sensitive plants survive. How can you tell if a plant is sensitive? Most plants that are not green (contain no chlorophyll) are "no picks." These weird species are white, brown, red, or purple and just plain eerie. Botanists call them parasites or saprophytes. They are particularly fascinating. These include Broomrape, Orobanche sp., Coral Roots, Corallorhiza sp., and Indian Pipe, Monotropa uniflora. Other "no picks" include the Orchid Family (Orchidaceae) and almost all the Lily Family (Liliaceae). The Orchid Family includes Calypso Orchid, Calypso bulbosa, and the Rein Orchids, Habenaria sp. The Lily Family includes Trillium, Trillium ovatum, and Mariposa Lilies, Calochortus sp. These families are easy to recognize with a little practice. Not every Lily and Orchid is sensitive, but it's a good place to start. Most (but not all) of the unusual or showy plants are no picks. If you are not sure, don't harvest it. Howie B Columbines and Wizardry Herbs Eugene, Or USA ========== 3.2.4 United Plant Savers ----- From Gregg Pond : United Plant Savers - Statement of Purpose These are exciting times for herbalists. The current "herbal renaissance" in American health care is accompanied by an ever growing demand by the American public for herbs an herbal products. While positive on one hand, this situation has endangered a unique new set of problems for the wild plant world and for herbalists who love plants. The pressure on our wild medicinal plant communities is growing yearly. Vast numbers of plants have been and continue to be taken, and indiscriminate wild harvesting has devastated many areas of former abundance. Perhaps even more disturbing, native North American medicinal plants are being exported to meet the demand in other countries, where wild plant populations have already been gravely depleted. United Plant Savers was formed in a spirit of hope, as a group of herbalists committed to protecting and re-planting threatened species and to raising public awareness of the plight of our wild medicinal plants. Our membership reflects the great diversity of American herbalism and includes wildcrafters, seed collectors, manufacturers, growers, botanists, practitioners, medicine-makers, educators, and plant lovers from all walks of life. Our Goals * Identify and compile information on threatened medicinal plants in each state and/or bioregion. * Make this information accessible to herbal organizations, communities and individuals. * Provide resources for obtaining seeds, roots, and plants for replanting and restoration. * Secure land trusts for the preservation of diversity and seed stock for future propagation efforts. * Raise public awareness about the tragedy of over-harvesting and the current plight of native wild herbs. * Identify and disseminate information on the therapeutic alternatives to threatened species. * Encourage more widespread cultivation of endangered medicinal plants and greater use of cultivated plants. * Develop programs for school systems and communities to re-plant threatened plant species back into their native habitats. For more information see this: http://www.plantsavers.org/ or snailmail to: United Plant Savers P.O. Box 420 East Barre, VT 05649 USA ========== End of part 5 of 7 ========== -- hetta@saunalahti.fi Helsinki, Finland http://metalab.unc.edu/herbmed -+- parts of King's dispensatory online -+- Medicinal and Culinary herbFAQs, jpegs, database, neat stuff, archives...