FORMAT DESCRIPTION:
Please pay strict
attention to the explanations and contra-indications. All plants are toxic
if abused. Always get the opinion of an experienced practictioner before
using any herb listed with a red asterix *
LATIN NAME:
These plants are not appropriate in pregnancy, either because of their
effect on the uterus, their effects on the hypothalamus/pituitary axis,
their toxic potential, or any rational attitude about herbs in pregnancy.
Several plants, such as Podophyllum, will cause birth defects.
LATIN NAME:
This is the primary listing, and reflects a combination of current botanical
usage, older pharmaceutical Latin names, and common usage. Leptandra is
called Veronicastrum in current botany, but the first name still is widely
used by herbalists and that is how it is listed here. Many plants are listed
simply by genus (such as Arnica) because so many species in North America
are the equivalent of the official one. Others are carefully specified
by species because of distinctly different aspects between them. Tarragon
and Sagebrush are both Artemisias but....!!! Some plants are so singular,
like Anemopsis, that only one name is used to define them.
OTHER NAMES:
These are other Latin names and common names still in use, and are completely
indexed in the back.
PARTS USED:
These are listed in UPPER CASE. The herb is presumed to be used
dry. All fresh plant uses are specified. An Infusion or Decoction is always
presumed to be from a dry botanical.
PREFERENCES:
Under each plant part the method of use in the descending order of their
value. Herbs are better used as an infusion are listed first. Fresh tinctures
are listed ahead of dry tinctures most of the time (if both forms are appropriate
for the herb) although they may not always be available in commerce. Best
preferences also tilt towards those methods of using herbs that makes the
greatest use of the least amount of plant mass. When you have picked or
grown your herbs, you quickly learn how to get the most from the least.
Some botanicals are only available in commerce, and there are many sources
for extraction principles: older Pharmacopeas, Formularies and Dispensatories.
DOSAGE:
These are all given for ADULTS; give kids simple stuff. Be conservative
with older folks, the chronically ill, and nursing mothers. Always honor
the basic premise of using herbal medicines; they work best on acute self-limiting
problems and subacute or sub-clinical disease. Please pay attention to
all warnings, contra-indications and observations.
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