Barbara L. Heller M.S.W. - 10 Essential Herbs for Lifelong Health

Barbara Heller, M.S.W.

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Edited by Nancy Ringer
Cover illustrations by Laura Tedeschi
Cover design by Carol J. Jessop (Black Trout Design) and Nancy Ringer
Text illustrations by Laura Tedeschi, except (top) by
Alison Kolesar
Text production by Leslie Noyes

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Throughout the ages, plants have served a multitude of uses for human survival. Ethnobotany, the study of plant lore and agricultural customs, has provided us with rich evidence of the ways different cultures have traditionally used plants to feed and nourish, house and clothe, inform and educate, and treat and heal bodies and spirits.

These days, people increasingly are using natural remedies for health and healing. Polls show that more than 30 percent of the U.S. population has recently used one of the many alternative therapies, which include herbal medicine, chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage. In fact, North American consumers spend more than $3.2 billion a year on herbal remedies, and that number continues to increase. Many people are turning away from synthetic medications, both over-the-counter and prescription. They want to use more natural substances and scientific research supports claims of the reliability, safety, and effectiveness of many herbal treatments (when they are used properly, of course).

The Proof

As another sign of the changing times, the large and somewhat daunting Physicians Desk Reference (PDR) a standard reference book found in most medical offices that describes all available chemical prescription drugshas recently issued both an herbal medicine edition and a family guide to natural remedies.

There are lots of wonderful ways to use herbs. Most herbalists suggest using the fresh- or dried-plant formulations, preferably from herbs grown locally and organically. However, for many of us thats not possible, and its more convenient to purchase commercial preparations. Prepackaged herbal teas and capsules are now found in many supermarkets and pharmacies. Specialty stores carry loose herbs as well as herbal tinctures and infused oils. You can also use store-bought or homemade herbal skin salves, bath salts, and toiletries.

Mmmmm an evening cup of chamomile tea, perhaps after a warm bath, can help you to slow down and ease you to sleep. A cup of peppermint tea can soothe a stomachache, while a mug of warming ginger can lessen nausea. Mild herbal teasprepared as infusions or decoctionscan be both aromatic and soothing, and a tea blend made from a variety of plants can impart many healing qualities. Many herbal teas are noncaffeinated, unlike the common green and black teas, which contain caffeine and tannin and are stimulating. Green and black teas, however, also have health benefits in the areas of reducing cancer risk, supporting the cardiovascular system, and normalizing intestinal flora.

Herbal tea blends are manufactured by many companies; boxes of blended tea bags are readily available. Due to governmental regulations, companies cannot make health claims about their products. But their evocative names, like Tranquil-A-Tea, Mama Bears Echinacea Cold Care, Sleepy-Time, and Hearts Ease, often provide clues to the conditions they are meant to treat.

When making a tea from leaves, flowers, berries, or seeds, youll want to infuse them. These ingredients easily release their essential oils when theyre steeped in hot waterand they easily lose their value when theyre simmered. For simple enjoyment, many people make mild infusions from some of the more pleasant-tasting herbs, such as peppermint and raspberry leaf. For medicinal purposes, however, the tea must be made strongeri.e., steeped longerand it may not always taste pleasant.

1 cup (237 ml) boiling water

1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried herb or 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh herb or a prepackaged tea bag

Bring the water to a boil. Place the herb or tea bag in a mug. Pour the water over the herb; cover. For a mild tea, let steep for about 5 minutes; for a stronger, more potent tea, steep for at least 20 minutes and up to several hourseven overnight. If youve used loose herb, strain before drinking.

A decoction is a tea made from plant roots or bark. Because these plant parts are tougher and more fibrous than leaves and flowers, they must be simmered in boiling water to extract their medicinal qualities.

1 cup (237 ml) water

1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried herb or 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh herb

Combine the water and herb in a pot; cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer for 20 minutes.

You can, of course, make tea in large batches. Keep it refrigerated and reheat in a saucepan in small amounts to be served throughout the day.

Herb Use and Environmental Concerns

As the popular herbalist and author Susun Weed said, Do not sacrifice planetary health for personal health. All of our healthcare decisions have environmental implications; this is especially true when considering herbal remedies. Where were the plants grown and how were they obtained? Are the herbs organically grown? Is the plant endangered?

For many of us, this consideration may seem like a huge burden. Obviously, when we are feverish and feeling as if we are coming down with the flu, we want a helpful remedy right away. We dont want to stop and think about the environmental implications of our decision. Perhaps we can think about these larger concerns as we begin to learn about herbal remedies and start to stock our herbal medicine cabinets.

The overharvesting of wild plants to satisfy the commercial demand for herbal products is of valid concern to many naturalists. For example, stands of wild echinacea and ginseng have been depleted and negative changes are evident in the surrounding ecosystems where large amounts of the herbs have been picked. Some prepared products state the kinds of plants that were used in processing. It is ecologically prudent to purchase organically grown, as opposed to wildcrafted products. It is our responsibility to promote respect for the environment and ethical plant harvesting.