How to Learn About Herbs Safely

Introduction

Herbal medicine is a great thing, especially when it comes to treating chronic illnesses and enhancing your overall state of health. But if you aren't careful, it can be dangerous.

A lot of people think that just because something is natural, that means it will be safe. And yes, there are a lot of herbs that are gentle, such as chamomile and oatstraw. (There are plenty of others).

But, not every herb out there can be used every day. In fact, some herbs, such as poke root, are so potent, they should only be used under the supervision of a qualified professional. When used improperly, these herbs can cause serious complications and side effects.

There are several things you need to learn about in order to use herbs responsibly. What follows are the steps needed to help you use herbs safely.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need

• A really good book about herbal medicine such as A Modern Herbal by Maude Grieves or your herbal book of choice. I actually have several of these that I consult when learning about a new plant.
• A field guide of herbal and medicinal plants
• Samples of the herbs you want to use

Steps

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Step One

Your first step is to do some research. If you have a particular condition you want to treat, read about the condition and the common herbs that are used. If you are just interested in the herbs themselves, read as much as you can about them. This includes the potential side effects.

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Step Two

If you are interested in learning how to identify the plants that you want to use and harvest your own, you will need a really good field guide and/or the advice of a knowledgeable professional to help you. You don't want to make the wrong choices just in case you end up mistaking your herb for something poisonous.

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Step Three

Once you consider which herbs you want to experiment with, do some further research as to the right way to take it. The common way to ingest herbs is through a pill. However, that may not be the optimal way. This varies from herb to herb.

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Step Four

Once you figure out which herb to test and whether or not it's for you, prepare it as instructed in your books. If you need to apply it topically, do a patch test first to make sure you aren't allergic. If you need to take it as a tea, take a few sips and see how you feel. It is important to test the plants in small amounts to gauge your body's reaction.

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Step Five

If you confirm that you aren't allergic and that you haven't experienced any side effects, you can take the herb as directed in your research. You will also want to consult with a qualified professional or a doctor.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose herbal medicine books that have illustrations. This will help you learn how to identify the plants.
• There are some herbal books that are considered classics, such as Back to Eden. However, some of these books are rather old. They are valuable resources, but they shouldn't be your only ones. Choose modern books as well.
• Make sure you consult with a physician, especially if you have a chronic condition.