the medicinal gardening handbook: a complete guide to growing, harvesting, and using healing herbs

Copyright©2014byDedeCummingsandAlyssaHolmesPhotographs©2014byAbigailGehring,exceptasindicated.

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LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataCummings,Dede.Themedicinalgardeninghandbook:acompleteguidetogrowing,harvesting,andusinghealingherbs/byDedeCummingsandAlyssaHolmes.pagescmIncludesindex.ISBN978-1-62914-195-4(pbk.:alk.paper)1.Medicinalplants.2.Materiamedica,Vegetable.3.Herbs--Therapeuticuse.I.Holmes,Alyssa.II.Title.SB293.C862014615.3’21--dc23

2013047288

ISBN:978-1-62914-195-4eISBN:978-1-62914258-6

BFOREWORD

efore this book, you needed several different reference sources to puttogetheralloftheusefulinformationabouthowtogrowandusemedicinalplants.Fromstartingagarden, toplanting, toweedand insectcontrol, to

harvestingandpreservingtheplants,tomakingsimple,effectivemedicinesfromthem, the authors cover everything you need to get started on a lifetime oflearning and health. And theymake it fun! Their personable approach to thevarioussubjectsjustmakesthereaderwanttoreadmore.

AlyssaandDedehavesynthesizedvaluableinformationabout24veryspecialmedicinalplantsandhaveincludedinstructionsforgrowingorcollectingtheminaclear,simple,straightforwardmanner.Focusingonacoregroupofplants,astheauthorshavedone,helpsgreatly toclarifythemystifyingplethoraofplantsthat can be used as medicine. The concepts of “wonderful weeds” and nativeplantsareimportanttopicsthatIalwaysstressinmyownclasses,gardentoursandwriting.Ifonlyeveryonewouldlearntolookatourplantheritagewiththeseeyes!Someofmyveryfavorite“weeds”arecoveredhere,soit’sgreatthatmorepeoplewilllearnaboutthemthroughthisbook.Thinkofthe“weeds”youhavestruggledtoremovefromyourlawn—dandelion,plantain,redclover,andothers—andyoumightthenrethinkyoureradicationofthem.

Growing organically, without poisons and chemicals, is vital when growingmedicinals.IfwewanttohealourselveswithMotherNature’sbounty,wemustparticipateinhernaturalprocessesratherthanfightthem,attemptingtocontrolthephysicalworld,aswehumanssooftenattempttodo.

AlthoughtheclimateandgardeningconditionswhereIliveinHawaiiareverydifferentfromtheUSmainland(believeitornot,themintsdonotsurvivelong-termhere!),Ihavehadmuchexperiencegrowingmanyoftheplantstheauthorsdescribe when I lived in Northern California from 1971 until 1998. Theirgardeningadvice is soundand ispresented inaneasy-to-understandway.TheimportantthingIhavelearnedaboutgrowingmedicinalherbsisthattheygrowbestwhentheygrowwheretheywanttogrow.Ialwaystellvisitorstomygarden,“the plants don’t need us, but we need the plants.” This basic philosophy isechoed in the pages of this book, and the authors have done a good job ofcommunicating the importance of letting the plants do their own thing. Verylittlefussing,fretting,andfertilizingareneededforthiscategoryofplants!

Appendix1includesasuccinctlistofthepropertiesthatmedicinalplantscan

contain.Alongwith simple definitions and good examples of plants that haveeachproperty, thisquick referencewillhelp all readers to learn the sometimesconfusingtermsandwillenablethemtobetterdesigntheirownuniqueformulasthatwillservetheirspecialneedsexceptionallywell.

Iamconfidentthatreadersofthisbookwillbecomeinspiredtoplantagardenthatcontainsatleastafewmedicinals.Theywillchangeyourlifeforthebetter,inmanywonderfulways.

ByBarbaraFahsofHi‘iaka’sHealingHerbGarden,Kea‘au,HawaiiAuthorofSuperSimpleGuidetoCreatingHawaiianGardensandthe“Healthful

Herbalist”newspapercolumn;teacherofworkshops,includingtheHomeHerbalistCertificationSeries.

Kea‘au,Hawaii,November2013

CONTENTS

ForewordbyByBarbaraFahs

IntroductionWhygrowmedicinalherbsinyourbackyardHistoryofHerbalMedicine

PlantsusedasmedicinethroughouttheagesMeetThePlants

GettingtoKnowYourHerbalAllies

The12CultivatedHerbsThe12WildHerbs

CultivatingtheMedicinalGardenDesign,location,choosingtheherbstogrow,planting,andmaintenanceImplementing theMedicinalHerbGarden

Testing,SoilTypes,andAmendingYourSoilPlantingYourGarden

UrbanMedicinalGardeningGrowinginsmallspaces,containers,windowsills,andonrooftopsFromHarvesttoStorage

Whentoharvest,howtoharvest,dryingmethods,andstorageHarvesting

DryingStorage

SimpleHerbalMedicines&HomeRemediesHow tomake teas (infusionsanddecoctions), syrups, tinctures, powders (capsules, pills andpoultices), oils,salves,dreampillows,andbathsConclusion

AppendicesAppendix1

PropertiesandActionsofHerbs

Appendix2

AdditionalHerbalRemedies

Appendix3

FreezingFreshHerbs

Appendix4

Dosages

Appendix5

CollectingHerbsintheWild

Appendix6

CookingwithHerbsRecipes

Appendix7

TheHealingPowerofMushrooms

AFewEdibleandMedicinalMushroomProfiles

ResourcesCompanies/OrganizationsandBooks

AbouttheAuthorsPhotoCreditsIndex

PINTRODUCTION

eople have used plants as medicine since the beginning of time. Everyculturearoundtheworldhasorhas lostarelationshiptotheplantsoftheregion, whether wild or cultivated. These healing plants have served our

specieswell.Therewasonceatime,inthenottoodistantpast,whenmostpeoplehadsomeknowledgeofplantstohealthemselves,andineveryvillageapersonofmoreexpertiseontreatingseriousconditions.

Todaywearefocusedonsomanydifferentthingsinourbusylives,andmostofushavecometodependonsystemsofmedicinethatareoutsideofourselves.We have forgotten how to take care of ourselves, prevent illness, and treatcommon ailments when they arise.Wemay be fearful when something is offbalance,inturnrunningtothenearesthospitalorpharmacy.Wehaveforgottenhow to grow andprepare the simplest ofmedicines to treat colds, flus, fevers,andheadaches,promote sleep, and soon.Wecanget thisknowledgeback forvibrantwell-being.Wecangrowasmallnumberofherbs,takeasmallamountoftimeinourlives,andhavesecurityinknowingthatwecanheal.

Letusbeempoweredtotakeatleastsomeofourhealthintoourownhands;itis we who know our bodies from the inside out! Growing a small number ofmedicinalherbsisawonderfulplacetostart.Bydoingthis,westarttorememberourconnectionwith theseallies, this support system that lieswithin theearth,andourownoptimalhealth.

Growingherbsiseasy,andsuperfun!Herbsarewonderful“weeds”that,whenputintotherightenvironment,willgrowbigandstrongandfull.Theywanttospread,takeover,andmultiply,whichisgreat,whentheyareplantedwherewewantthem!Thetaskbecomespruning, thinning,pulling,andharvesting.Onceherbsare establishedandgrowing inyouryard, there ismoreabundanceeachyear, rarely aworry of shortage.They are flexible andhardy tomany growingconditions, oftentimes even extreme or harsh weather. The key is to chooseplantsthataregenerallysuitedtoyourarea,andtheoneswehavechosenforthisbookareverycommonandeasytogrowinmostareas.Perennialherbsforthemostpartare the focus in thisbook,as theywillproliferate formanyyears, sothatestablishingyourgardenisaone-timeendeavor.

Herbsareeffectivemedicine,notonlyforus,butforthegarden.Theyserveaspestcontrol,andtheyhealtheearthwhereitmayhavebeenstrippedorpolluted.Incorporating them into our lives enriches us by soothing or stimulating the

sensesandhelpingusfeelbetterwhensick.

Thisbookwillteachyoustepbystephowtopreparethesoil,planttheherbs,andmaintain the garden in your backyard.Wewill also talk about alternativeways to grow herbs if you do not have a yard, as well as the abundant wildmedicinalplantsinfields,forests,andevenurbanareas.

*

Wehave chosen twenty-four herbs to cover indetail, twelve for growing, andtwelveforwildcrafting—theproperties,benefits,uses,andgrowingmethodsofeach one, preparing you with information to better know them, and in turnmakemedicinefromthem.Therearesomanymorethanthesetwenty-four,butlearningaboutthesewillgiveyouasolidfoundationfromwhichtoexpandyourknowledgeifyouchoose.

Beyondthegrowing,thereistheharvesting,processing,andmakingofsimplemedicines for you and your family. Bringing the herbs inside and filling yourhomewiththeherbs’beautyandaromaisamazingandhealinginitself.

Thenwecreate!Createremedies forcommonailments, teas, salves,extracts,pillows,oils,powders, liniments,andbaths.Eachyearyouwill formmoreandmore of a rhythmwith this process—from the backyard into the kitchen andhomepharmacy.Youwill become your ownhealer formany things you oncereliedonothersfor.

Herearethetwelveherbsrecommendedforthestart-upmedicinalgarden.

AstragalusCalendulaChamomileComfrey

EchinaceaElder

Garlic

LemonbalmMint

MotherwortSageValerian In the followingpages youwill find profiles for each of the twelve

herbsandbasicgardenlayoutsandplans.

MHISTORYOFHERBALMEDICINE

edicine has been around since prehistoric times, when medicine waspracticed using plants (herbalism). The word “drug” literally means“DriedPlant.”

AccordingtoJaredDiamond,authorofGuns,Germs,andSteel,“formostofour historywe supported ourselves by hunting and gathering:we huntedwildanimalsandforagedforwildplants.”

Early humans combined herbs along with animal parts, and even mineralsubstancesinaritualisticway.Thestrongeyeoftheshamansiswelldocumentedthroughout history, imbuing herbalism and healing with a spiritual and evensupernaturalmeans.TheEgyptiansnamed the first physician, Imhotep (2667–2648BC),andtherewasevenamanualprintedonpapyrus(awasteplant-basedpaper)tohelpintreatments.

A bit later, inMesopotamia, there was a diagnosticmanual written to helpsupportthepracticeofdiagnosis,andevenofferprescriptions.

InIndia,theancienthealingsystemofAyurvedahasbeenpracticedformorethan5,000years—itiscalledtheMotherofallMedicinebysome.Thepracticeof

Ayurvedawascreatedaroundthe“completeknowledgefor long life,”andusesherbs, food, and yoga, as its primary tools for holistic health for everyone,adapted foreachperson’s individualconstitution—physically, emotionally, andspiritually.

TraditionalChinesemedicine also dates back around 5,000 years, and is anextremelyholisticsystemofhealing,usingherbsasaprimarytool.

Lateron,theGreeksdevelopedschoolsofmedicinefromaround700BC,and

the Hippocratic Corpus was created, including the famous Hippocratic oath,whichisstillusedtodayinmedicine.IntheMuslimArabworld,therewerealsofamousmedicalpractitioners,Avicinnabeingthemostnoted,havingpennedtheCanonofMedicine.

Herbshave beenused since the earliest timeof record, andbeyond, as theyhavealwaysbeenherewithusontheearth,servingasalliesforsurvival.Theuseof plants formedicine has shaped who we are as humans.Modern allopathicmedicine has greatly benefited by plant constituents and alkaloids, found andisolated to create strong, life-saving medicine. The flip side of this system ofhealing,whichisgoingontoday,isthatwehavelosttouchwiththerichhistoryand benefits of using the whole plant. “The primary benefit is being able todeveloparelationshipwiththatherb,”saysJenBredesen,herbalistandteacherattheCaliforniaSchoolofHerbalStudies.

Evennovicegardenerscanconcoctsimplehomeremediesliketeasandsalves,aswillbedemonstratedinthisbook.

AncientEgyptianmedicalinstrumentsdepictedinaPtolemaicperiodinscriptiononthetempleatKomOmbo.

Somebasicherbs thatareused incookingandgardening include:calendula,cilantro, lemon balm, peppermint, rosemary, mullein, thyme, lavender,chamomile—along with garden “allies” to help repel insects. Our book willexplore theseandotherdomesticatedherbsalongwithwildvarieties touse forhealingandmaintaininghealthinordertopossiblyavoidtheaidofantibiotics,ormodernmedicine’s panaceas that sometimes disrupt the equilibriumof the

body.

G

MEETTHEPLANTSGettingtoKnowYourHerbalAllies

Longbeforewehadelectronicdatabasesorcomprehensivescientifictomesfilledwithinformationaboutherbs,humansknewandunderstoodthehealingpowerof plants. I am convinced that this knowing came from an intrinsic sense ofrelationship with the plants, not simply a trial-and-error process as we oftenpostulate.

—RosemaryGladstar,TheFamilyHerbal;AGuidetolivingLifewithEnergy,Health,andVitality

ettingtoknowplantsisarewardingprocess.Itisalsoneverending.Plantsareas complexashumans, adapting to theenvironment theyareput in,struggling,thriving,producing,andgiving.

Plantsgiveussomuchinthewayofhealthandbeauty.Theyofferaplethoraof gifts from the earth and lessons to learn. They are filledwithminerals andvitamins, and each one comes with its own unique profile of properties andactions, which help heal our every ailment, lift us up when we’re down, andsootheoursenses.

Herbsareourallies,andonceyoureyesareopentotheirworldandyoustarttousethemforyourfoodandmedicine,lifewillbecomeallthebetter.Itfeelssogoodtotakeyourhealthintoyourownhandswhenappropriate(rememberthatserioushealthconsiderationsneedprofessionalguidance).Thereissomuchwecandowithherbs tohelpprevent serious illness, andsomanywaysherbscanhelpustofeelenlivened,healthy,andwhole.

Onthepagesthatfollowareprofilesoftwenty-fourplantswehavechosen.Wehave chosen twelve plants that are commonly and easily cultivated in yourbackyard,windowsill,deck,or rooftop,and twelve thatarecommonmedicinalweeds.

The listofusefulmedicinalherbs in thisworld is endless, toomany foranybooktocover,sowethoughtwewouldfocusinwithamagnifyingglassonsomethatwethinkarefabulous,andsomeofourpersonalfavorites!

The twenty-four plants in this section are incorporated into many of therecipes in the simple home remedies section (see page 95), along with otherherbsandingredients.

The12CultivatedHerbsNote: Every herb is wild somewhere and can seem “wild” if it spreads from

gardentofieldandforest.Thereisafinelinehere.

•Astragalus•Calendula•Chamomile•Comfrey•Echinacea•Elder•Garlic•Lemonbalm•Motherwort•Peppermint•Sage•Valerian

The12WildHerbsNote:Ofcourseyoucancultivatetheseinyourgardenifyouwantto,ifyouarenotfindingthemwild.

•Burdock•Coltsfoot•Dandelion•Mullein•Nettle•Plantain•RedClover•RedRaspberry•Self-heal•St.John’swort•Yarrow•YellowDock

THE12CULTIVATEDHERBS

AstragalusCalendulaChamomileComfreyEchinacea

ElderGarlic

Lemonbalm25Motherwort

Peppermint29Sage

Valerian

Astragalus

Astragalusmembranaceus

Partsused:Root

Properties/Actions:Adaptogenic,immunomodulating,cardiotonic,antitumor,diuretic,hypotensive,anti-inflammatory.

Benefits:Strengthensthebodyasageneralimmunetonic,especiallyiftakenoverlongperiodsoftime.Balancestheenergyofallorgans,increasesenergy,supportsdigestion.

Astragalusisverybeneficialforanyindividualssufferingfromwastingorexhaustingdiseases.

Suggesteduses:Tincture,decoction,capsules.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Perennial.Growswellinfullsunorpartialshade.Prefersdry,sandysoil.Startfromdividedroot,orseed.

Ifstartingfromseed,freezetheseedsfor21days,thenscarifythemwithfinesandpaper.Startindoorsinlatewinter,aftersoakingtheseedsforadayortwo.Transplantintothegardeninspringafterdangeroffrost.

Protectwellwithmulchofleavesorstraworhayforthewinter.

Cautions:Maybecontraindicatedwithmedicinesthatsuppresstheimmunesystem.

InChinesemedicalterms,astragalusbuildsuptheprotectivechi.Imaginethatthereisaprotectiveshieldaroundyourbody,justbelowthesurfaceoftheskin,thatkeepsoutcoldandotherexternalinfluences.Itvitalizesthenon-specificimmunedefensesandwardsoffinfections.Thisistheprotectivechi,andastragalusisthepremierherbinChineseherbalismtostrengthenit.

—PaulBergner

Calendula

Calendulaofficinalis

Partsused:Flowers.

Properties/Actions:Emollient,antiviral,anti-inflammatory,antiseptic,demulcent.

Benefits:Helpstohealcutsandscrapes,rashes,easesabdominalcrampsandconstipation.

Suggesteduses:Tincture,infusion,herbaloil,salve.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Annual.Easytostartfromseeddirectlyinthegarden,andwilltendtoselfseedforfollowingyears,actingasaperennial.

Cautions:Maybecontraindicatedduringpregnancyduetoaborteficientproperties.

Chamomile

Matricariarecutita

Partsused:Flowers.

Properties/Actions:Antiseptic,anti-inflammatory.

Benefits:Canbeusedtoaidinreducinginflammation,stress,andinsomnia;helpswithdigestiveproblemsbygentlystimulatingbileproduction.Soothingandcleansingasacompress/washforwoundsandrashes,andeyeproblems.

Suggesteduses:Infusion,tincture,glycerite.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Annual.Startfromseedindoorsorinagreenhouseinearlyspring,transplantoutsideafterdangeroffrost.Canbesusceptibletofungiandinsectsinthegarden,morethanotherherbs,sointerplantingisbest.Thereisaspecifictoolforefficientlyharvestingtheflowersofchamomile,calledachamomilerake(seesources).

Cautions:Peoplewhohaveragweedallergiesmayhavethesamereactiontochamomile.

Comfrey

Symphytumofficinale

Partsused:Leaves,roots.

Properties/Actions:Tonic,demulcent,expectorant,vulnerary,astringent.

Benefits:Rapidlypromoteshealingofwounds,sprains,bruises,burns,brokenbones,sores,andulcers.Hasincredibleresultsbecauseitincreasescellproliferation,bothinternallyandexternally.

Suggesteduses:Infusion(leaf),decoction(root),herbaloil,salve,poultice,powder.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Perennial.Startfromcuttings,ordividedroots.Willtakeeasily,andspreadthroughoutthegardenalot,ifnotkeptcontained.Ifneeded,keepcontainedbyplantinginacontainer,orweedingitoutfromunwantedlocations.

Cautions:Comfreyhasbeenusedinternallyforthousandsofyearsbutjustrecentlyhasbecomecontroversialduetoastudyconcerningcertainpyrilizidinealkaloidsthatitcontainsthatcancauseliverdysfunction.Thisstudywasdonebyfeedingtherootstorats,whothendevelopedtumors.Thishasnevertranslateddirectlytohumans,and,aboveground,thisplantdoesnotcontainhighlevelsofthisalkaloid.

Thehealingofwoundscanbesorapidwiththeuseofcomfreytopically,thatitisimportanttomakesurethewoundisverycleanbeforeapplyingcomfrey,sothatitdoesnotlockinanykindofunfriendlybacteria,causingatrappedinfection.

EchinaceaEchinaceapurpureaandangustifolia

Partsused:Roots,flowers,andleaves.

Properties/Actions:Antimicrobial,anti-inflammatory,antiviral,antibacterial,antifungal.

Benefits:Easescoldsandflus,fevers,lymphaticcongestion,excessivecoldnesss,dizziness,mentalconfusion,boils,skineruptions,sores,infections,viruses.

Allinflammatoryconditionscanbetreatedwithechinacea.

Importanttotakeinfrequentsmalldosesforidealeffectiveness.

Suggesteduses:Infusion,decoction,tincture.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Perennial.Startfromseed,orrootdivision.Echinaceawillgrowwellinmostconditions,withtheexceptionsofverydryorverysoggysoil.

Cautions:Manyherbalistsbelievethatechinacealosesitseffectsiftakenlongterm—morethan3–4weeksatatime.Maybewisetotakeabreakafterthattimeperiod,forabout2weeks,andthenstartbackupifneedbe.

Elder

Sambucusnigra

Partsused:Flowersandberries.

Properties/Actions:Diaphoretic,alterative,stimulant,antirheumatic,antiviral.

Benefits:Easescolds,flus,fevers,acne,burns,rashes,wrinkles.

Suggesteduses:Syrup(berries),infusion(flowers),herbaloil(flowers),salve(flowers).

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Perennial.Dividedroots.Prefersmoist,well-drained,fertilesoil.

Cautions:Onlytheblackelderberry(nigra)issafetouse.Theredvarietyistoxic.

Garlic

Alliumsativum

Partsused:Cloves.

Properties/Actions:Antibacterial,antifungal,antiparasitic,carminative,anticoagulant,antispasmodic,diaphoretic,hypotensive,cholagogue.

Benefits:Stimulatesdigestionandcardiovascularcirculation.Easescoldsandflus,hypertension,arthriticpain,candida.

Suggesteduses:Tincture,powder(capsules),andmostcommonly,asfood!Cookedorraw.SeetherecipeforSpicyImmunityVinegarTinctureintheSimpleHomeRemediessection!

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Annual.Plantinfall,lateOctoberorearlyNovember.Likesrich,well-drainedsoil,neutralpH.

Toplant:Separatetheclovesfromabulbofgarlicfromthelastyear.Eachclovewillgrowitsownbulbfornextyear!Makesuretheclovesyouareplantingarenicelyformedandingoodcondition,andarecoveredcompletelywithatleastalayerofskin.Plantabout4inchesdowninthesoil,6inchesapart.Mulchwellforthewinter.Inthespringafterthedangeroffrosthaspassed,clearawaythemulch,andtheyounggarlicshootswillbegintopokethrough.ThegarlicwillbereadytoharvestaroundlateJuly,oncetheabovegroundpartshaveturnedatleast3/4yellow/brown.

Pull fromtheground,cleanoffexcesssoil,andhangtodry(cure) inawell-ventilated,shady,coolplacesuchasabarn,shed,mudroom,orbasement.

Freshgarlicisgreattoeatanduseaswellascuredgarlic.Onceitiscured,itwilllasttheyearifstoredinacooldryplace.Youcancutoffthestalksonceit’scured.

Cautions:Contraindicatedforthosewhosufferfrominsomnia,dehydration,impendingsurgery,oracuteinflammation.

Garlic,awell-knownculinaryherb,isthoughttohaveoriginatedinthehighplainsofwestcentralAsiaandhasbeenusedmedicinallyforsomefivethousandyears.Thisisthemostpowerfulherbforthetreatmentofantibiotic-resistantdisease.Nootherherbcomesclosetothemultiplesystemactionsofgarlic,itsantibioticactivity,anditsimmune-potentiatingpower.

—StephenHarrodBuhner,HerbalAntibiotics;NaturalAlternativesforTreatingDrug-ResistantBacteria

LemonBalm

Melissaofficinalis

Partsused:Leaves.

Properties/Actions:Diaphoretic,calmative,stomachic,carminative,antispasmodic,emmenagogue,nervine,sedative,antiviral,antidepressant.

Benefits:Easesdigestiveproblems,nervousness,insomnia,depression,migraines,stress,hypertension,herpessymplexandzoster,restlessness,palpitations,fevers.

Verygoodforchildren,mildandpleasanttasting.Generallycalmsandsoothes.

Suggesteduses:Infusion,salve.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Perennial.Growsandspreadsprolifically.Itwillpopupinrandomplacesaroundthegarden!Divideroots,orstartfromseedindoorsinlatewinterorearlyspring.Transplantintogardenafterdangeroffrost.

Canusuallyyieldmanyharveststhroughoutthesummerintothefall.

Bestusedfresh.

Cautions:Contraindicatedwithhypothyroidism.

WhenIwasthreeyearsold,Igotonechickenpockonmycheek.Mymombroughtmetothedoctortocheckinandseeifthiswouldbeenoughtogivemeimmunityforlife.Theanswerwasunsureatthattime,butInevergotchickenpoxagaininchildhood,sowethoughtthecoastwasclear.

Justaroundthetimeofmytwenty-seventhbirthday,Iwasexposedtochickenpoxthroughoneofmynieces, and about twoweeks later I started to have a few itchy spots onmy scalp. I did not suspectchickenpox(herpeszoster)onebit,butwonderedwhatitcouldbe,thinkingdryskin,bugbites,maybelice?!Afewmoredayswentby,andIwokeuponemorningabsolutelycovered,fromheadtotoeinpox!Notonlywasthesightofmyselfincrediblystartling,butIitchedinpain—notanitchyoucanscratch—andIwassickwithfever.

Gettingchickenpoxasanadultisawful—itlastslongerandismoreintensethaninchildhood.ButIhavetosay,lemonbalmreallydoeshelphere.Idrankalotoflemonbalminfusionoverthecourseoftheillness,andithelpedshortenthelengthandeasethesymptoms.Lemonbalmissuchanicemedicineforchildren,andluckilymostpeoplegetchickenpoxwhentheyareyoung.

Whenitwasallsaidanddoneandthepoxweregone,Iwasgratefultohavetheimmunityfinally,andfelt stronger for it.But then Iknew thatnowIcouldget shingles (sameherpeszostervirus thatonlypeoplewho’vehadpoxcanget).Sureenough,afewyearslater,whenIwasabouteightmonthspregnantwithmy first child, I got shingles! Itmanifested on a nerve pathway right on the bottom ofmy bigpregnantbellyandwaspainfuland troubling indeed.Again, lemonbalmcame tomyaid.The severepainonlylastedafewdays,andtherewasnotransmissiontothebaby.Allwasfineintheend.Andnosignofthisvirussince!

—Alyssa

Motherwort

Leonuruscardiaca

Partsused:Leaves,stems,flower(inbudstage).

Properties/Actions:Emmenagogue,antispasmodic,nervine,diuretic,carminative,femaletonic.

Benefits:Strengthenstheheart(emotionallyandphysically),beneficialfornervepain,highbloodpressure,nervouspalpitation,disturbedsleep,generalpainrelief,emotionalturbulence,hysteria,convulsions.

Canbegreatlybeneficialforlaborpains,afterbirthpains,andrestorationofspiritandbodyafterthebirthofababy.

Suggesteduses:Tincture,infusion.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Perennial.Foundwildalongstreambeds.Veryforgivingandflexibleinmostgrowingandsoilconditions.Willself-seedprolificallyiftheseedisallowedtomatureandspread.Startfromseedafterfreezingthemforseveralmonthsorplantseedsinthegroundinthefall,sothewinterseasonnaturallystratifies(freezes)them.Alsocanbestartedbyrootdivision.

Cautions:Avoidduringpregnancy.Somesayithasaddictingqualitieswhenusedlongtermfordepression/anxiety/stress.Besttotakebreaksnowandthen,iftakingitregularly.

Peppermint

Menthapiperita

Partsused:Leaves.

Properties/Actions:Antispasmodic,carminative,diaphoretic,analgesic(externally),stimulant,disinfectant,choleretic,cholagogue.

Benefits:Easesgeneralindigestion,flatulence,colic,irritablebowelsyndrome,nausea,vomiting,coldandflu,stingsandbites,itchyskin.

Suggesteduses:Infusion,essentialoil(fortopicalusessuchasbites,stings,itchyskin).

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Perennial.Spreadseasily.prefersmoist,richsoil.Startfromseedorrootdivision.

Besttokeepinacontainerorcontainedgardenbedtopreventitfromtakingoveryourwholegarden.

Cautions:Contraindicatedinhighquantitiesduringpregnancyduetoemmenagogueeffect.

AroundthirtyyearsagoImetawomanwhowasborninGermanyinthelate1800s.Shewasinherherbgarden in Western Massachusetts, and I was a “back-to-the-lander” (child born in the 1960s) andinterestedingrowingmyownherbs.Irmawasaroundninety-fiveyearsoldthen,andstillgoingstrong.Shehadbrightblue eyes andwhitehairheld in abunat thenapeofherneck. Shehadoneof thoseclassicfloweredapronsonasshebentoverherwheelbarrowtalkingtoherselfinGerman.SinceGermanwasmyminorasacomp-litmajor,Iofcourseapproachedherandaskedherwhatshewasgrowing.Webegananiceconversation,whichevolvedintoadiscussionongrowingherbsandthehealthbenefits.

IrmatoldmethatifIwantedtolivetoninety-five,“justuseherbsanddrinktea.”Shewasverydirectaboutthat,butofcourseshewasoutthereexercisingeverydaywithherwheelbarrow,weeding,walkingaround,eveninhernineties.Well,sheislonggone,andIstillrememberherwordsofwisdom,andnowIgrowmyownherbshereinsouthernVermont.Iswearbyusingpeppermintasasoothingteatoaiddigestion,andIgrowlavendertouseasanaromaticandtherapeuticfloweressenceforthebath.

Igrowandbuyandforageforotherherbs, likeginger,butmyfavoriteherbtoaiddigestion(asanexpertspokeswomanondigestivedisease,itispartofmyresearchformybooks)ispeppermint.Ithelpsforallkindsofdigestivedistress,suchasirritablebowelsyndrome,diverticultis,andheartburn,itevenhelpsmewhenIhaveaheadache.Igrowmyownpeppermintandmakeateafromtheleaves.Ilettheteasteepforalongtime(Iuseoneofthoseteaballs),andIsweetenitwithhoney.Insummer,Iusethefresh-grownmintleavesinblackorgreenicedtea(Imakea“suntea”)toflavoritandmaketheglasslookpretty.(Ialsousemintleavesinmyhomemademojitos!)Thistimeofyear,IhavetakenmyleavesinsideandIhangthemupsidedowntodrysoIcanhavethefragrantherbsmellinthemiddleofwinter.

—Dede

Sage

Salviaofficinalis

Partsused:Leaves,wholeabovegroundplantwhenflowersareinbuddingstage.

Properties/Actions:Diuretic,astringent,carminative,antibacterial.

Benefits:Reduceshotflashes/excessiveperspiration,diarrhea,gas,burping,sorethroats,cleansingandhealingforgumulcerations.

Canhelpwithreductionofbreastmilk,whichcanbebeneficialwhileweaning.

Suggesteduses:Infusion,tincture,salve,poultice.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Perennial.Startfromrootdivisions,seed,orcutting.Iffromseed,startindoorsinlatewinterandtransplantintothegardeninspring.

Cautions:Contraindicatedduringpregnancyandbreastfeeding,duetoabortifacienteffectandreducedmilkflow.

SmudgesandSmudgingBurningherbsisasacredpracticeusedforpurificationandprayerinmostAmericanIndiantraditions.Sageisaverycommonherbusedforsmudging(burning).Sageisapurifier,itcleansesanarea,sweepingawaynegativity.Thispractice isoftenused ina sacredcircle setting, likeabirthcircle,or topurifyaspacewheretheremaybenegativeenergyorspirits.

Youcanjustburnsmallpiecesofdriedsageinaflameproofvessel,oryoucanmakeasmudgestick.To make a smudge stick, take several stalks of fresh sage, and bind them together lengthwise bywrappingstring—hemppreferred—aroundthemspiralingdownthewholethingtocreatea“wand.”Letsitinawarmdryplaceforseveraldaystocureanddry.Lightthetipofitwhenreadytosmudge,anditshould smokenicely.Whendone smudging, remember tomake sure to tamp it out, so there are noembersremaining,andstoreitinafireproofcontainer.

Valerian

Valerianaofficinalis

Partsused:Root.

Properties/Actions:Sedative,relaxingnervine,anticonvulsant,antispasmodic,hypotensive,hypnotic,anodyne,carminative.

Benefits:Easesrestlessness,insomnia,hysteria,anxiety,hyperactivity,cramps,backaches,emotionalstress.

Usedeffectivelyforsleeplessnessassociatedwithpain.

Suggesteduses:Tincture,capsules.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Perennial.Plantfromrootdivisions,orstartfromseedindoorsorinthegreenhouse,latewinterorearlyspring,transplantintothegardenafterdangeroffrost.Whentakingorgivingrootdivisionsforyoursorafriend’sgarden,takefromtheouteredges—therootsformacrownundergroundandareleastdisturbedwiththiskindofdivision.

Fullsuntopartialshadeisideal,andanytypeofrelativelywell-drainedsoilwilldo.

Cautions:Mayincreasesleepingtime,orleaveagroggyfeelinginthemorningifthedoseistoohigh,oriftakenlateinthenightversusbeforegoingtobed.

THE12WILDHERBS

BurdockColtsfootDandelionMulleinNettle

PlantainRedClover

RedRaspberrySelf-heal

St.John’sWortYarrow

YellowDock

Burdock

Arctiumlappa

Partsused:Root.

Properties/Actions:Alterative,antibacterial,antifungal,anti-inflammatory,diuretic,mildlaxative,diaphoretic,nutritive,choleretic.

Benefits:Helpstohealskineruptionssuchasacne,psoriasis,eczema,boils,carbuncles,andsties.Easessciaticaandgout,femalehormonalinbalance,mastitis.

Burdockisfilledwithanabundanceofminerals,especiallyiron.Avaluablebloodpurifier,removestoxicwastesfromthebody,andpromoteskidneyfunction.

Greatincombinationwithdandelionforanyskindiseases.

SuggestedUses:Decoction,tincture,oreateninsoups.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Biennial.Growsinfieldsandforestedges,roadsides,andopenwoodlands.Thrivesinpoorsoil.Harvestsecond-yearrootsformedicine,andfirst-yearrootsforfood.

Cautions:Theseedclusters—calledburrs—clingtoyourclothingandhair!

Coltsfoot

Tussilagofarfara

Partsused:Leavesandflowers.

Properties/Actions:Antitussive,expectorant,demulcent,anti-inflammatory,astringent,antispasmodic.

Benefits:Traditionalherbusedforcoughsandirritatingrespiratoryissuesincludingchronicemphysemaandsilicosis.

Canhelpimmenselytorecoverafterdamagefromsmoking.

Suggesteduses:Infusion,tincture.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Foundwildcommonlyalongroadsides,pathways,andtheedgesofforestandfield.Leaflookslikeacolt’sfoot!Smallyellowdandelion-likeflowersinthespring.Harvestleavesanytime,butthey’rebestinfallwhenfullymature.

Cautions:Shouldnotbeusedlongerthan6consecutiveweeksperyear,duetosomealkaloidsthatmaycauselivertoxicity.Contraindicatedwhilepregnantornursing.

Dandelion

Taraxacumofficinale

Partsused:Wholeplant,leaves,flowers,roots.

Properties/Actions:Diuretic,stomachic,cholagogue,choleretic,alterative,tonic.

Benefits:Beneficialforliverproblems,urinarytractinfections,skineruptions,highbloodpressure,arthritis,gout,irregularbloodsugarlevels,skindiseases,women’simbalances,indigestion(duetobitterquality).

Helpfulwithweightlossandwaterretentionduetohighdiureticeffect.

Whenrootisroasted,makesanicecoffeesubstitutebeverage.

Suggesteduses:Infusion,decoction,tincture,capsule,wine.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Biennial.Theyspreadprolificallyasseedsarescatteredbythewind.Dandelionsareoneofthemostcommon“weeds.”Theyareincrediblytenacious,evenwhensprayedmanytimeswithchemicals,theyoftensurvive.Willgrowinthesmallestcracksinsidewalks,andinthepoorestsoil.Theybloominthedayandcloseatnight.

Theyoungleavesarebestforeating.Theflowersandleaves,rightatthetimeofblooming,aregreatforteaortincture,andthesecond-yearrootshavemorepotencytobetincturedordecocted.

Cautions:Contraindicatedinbileductobstructionandacutegallbladderinflammation.

I, doctor dandelion, affect ze liver most profoundly, encouraging its juices, strengthening andnourishing its ability tohelp you live. I help you functionbetter, eh? Imake you strong, and sureofyourself.You leave it todoctordandelion. I improve yourbreasts, and your stomach, and even yourguts,eh?Igetridofstuffinzeway,nomatterwhat:anykindofblockage,resistance,doubt.Andifyouneed,Iputyoutosleep.Forthehardjobs,yougetburdocktoworkwithme,eh?Weallhaveagoodtime,chere!

—SusunWeed,HealingWise

Mullein

Verbascumthapsus

Partsused:Leaf,flower,root.

Properties/Actions:Expectorant,demulcent,anodyne,vulnerary,antitussive,alterative,astringent.

Benefits:Easeshoarseness,coughs,bronchitis,whoopingcough,asthma,hayfever.

Colic,constipation,facialneuralgia,andurinarytractinfections.

Externally,theflowersinfusedintooilareusedforearaches/infections—oftenalongwithgarlicand/orthyme.

Suggesteduses:Infusion,tincture,herbaloil(flowers).

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Biennial.Mulleiniswhatwecalla“pioneer”plant,meaningitwillbeoneofthefirstplantstogrowinadisturbedarea,whetherfromfireorlogging,etc.Itgrowswellinpoorsoil,butpreferssunnyspots.

Cautions:Noneavailableatthistime.

OdetoNettleItwould be difficult to do, because I have such deep love for somany herbs, but, if I had to pick afavoritethatIholddearesttomyheart...itwouldbenettle.

Nettlehasbeensuchafaithfulandsteadfastdailyherbalallyformeforabouttenyears.Ifeelthatwehavemergedandbecomeone,thatwhenIdrinknettleinfusion,itisbondingwithmyveryblood,andevery cell ofmy body. I sometimes feel like Popeyewhen I drinkmy infusion, strong and robust. Iincorporateitintomostallofmyblends,butmostlyIlovetodrinkitstraight,andstrong.Iusuallybrewupaquartandletitstandovernight,excitedtounveilmydeepgreendrinkinthemorning.Itfeelssonourishingandhydrating—similartoanelectrolytedrinksuchasfreshcoconutwater.

Nettlehasbeenespeciallybeneficialformeduringmytwopregnancies.Idrankitalmosteveryday,sometimes alternatingwith red raspberry leaf, and a fewothers, but for themost part nettlewasmydrink of choice. I felt that it helped me with all aspects and symptoms of pregnancy making for ahealthy,enjoyabletimeinmylife.IalsobelievethatitdeliveredvitaminKtomyinfants,whichtheysoneedforproperbloodclottinginthebeginningweeksoflife.

I feela foundationofhealthandstrength inmybody,whichIattribute in largepart to theregularconsumptionofnettle.Irarelydrinkplainwater—itdoesnotfeelashydrating!

WhenmyhusbandandIfoundthelandwewantedtobuyandbuildourhomeon,alongwithsomeotherfamilymembers,wehadtonameournewroad.IreallytriedtoconvinceeveryonethatNettleHillwas theway togo!Alas, imagesand feelingsof stinginessarose foreveryone,andweendedupgoingwithHarvestHill.

Tome,whenIcomeacrossnettleinthewild,orasaweedthatsnuckintomygarden,it’sexciting!Lively!Itrepresentsdeepradianthealth.

—Alyssa

Nettle

Urticaurens

Partsused:Leaves,sometimesroots.

Properties/Actions:Tonic,astringent,diuretic,hemostatic,galactagogue,nutritive,expectorant.

Benefits:Nettlesareatonicthatwillbenefitthewholebodytakenoverlongperiodsoftime.Nettlesarefilledwithminerals,vitamins,andchlorophyll.Especiallyidealintreatinganemia.Drinkinginfusionofnettleisusefulforasthma,urinarycomplaints,kidneystones,andoverallkidneyhealth;helpfulforcystitis,diarrhea,hemorrhoids,andchronicarthriticandrheumaticproblems.

Topically,powderednettlescanbeputdirectlyontoableedingwoundtostopbleeding.Abriefapplicationoffreshleavesbrusheddirectlyontoanarthriticareawillprovidesomereliefthroughreleaseofhistamine(seecautionsbelow).

Nettlesnourishthescalptopromotehairhealthandgrowth.

Suggesteduses:Infusion,tincture,powderdirectlyonwounds,infusedintoapplecidervinegarashairtonic,eateninsoups,breads,orsalads.Oncetheyaredriedorcooked,thestingisgone.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Nettlesarefoundinthewild,usuallyinfarmfieldswheremanurehasbeen,orontheforestedges.Thebesttimetocollecttheleavesiswhentheyarefreshspringshoots,aroundApriltoMay.Theyoungertheyarethemorefilledwithvitalnutrients,andthelesslikelytosting.Wearingglovestoharvestisrecommendedunlessyouhavearthritichandsand/orlikethefeelingofthelightstingingsensation.Likesnitrogenrichsoil,wetterconditions,andsuntomostlyshade.

Cautions:Thesting!Thoughnotharmful,itlingersquiteawhileandcanbereallyuncomfortableforsomepeople,andmaycauseamildtosevererash.Therashcanbetreatedbyrubbingplantainleavesoryellowdockleavesdirectlyontotheeffectedarea,whichareusuallyfoundgrowingrightnearby.

Plantain

Plantagospecies

Partsused:Leaves.

Properties/Actions:Diuretic,antiseptic,astringent,aperient,alterative,anti-inflammatory,mucilaginous.

Benefits:Takeninternally,itsdemulcentactionhelpstohealurinarytractandrespiratoryinfections.Alsousedinternallyforhepatitisanddysentery.

Topically,helpsstopbleedingandpromotehealingofwounds.Effectivefirstaidasafreshpoulticeforstings,bites,cuts,andscrapes.Itwillalsodrawoutsplinters.

Suggesteduses:Infusion,tincture,poulticewithfreshmasticatedleavesordrypowder.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Perennial.Growsinanysoil.Willthriveinsunorshade.Thereareover200varieties!

Averycommon“weed”inlawnsandgardensandcracksinconcrete.

Plantainwas/isoftencalled“WhiteMan’sFootPrint”byNativeAmericans,becauseitcamefromEurope,andquicklyspreadeverywhere,allacrossthecountry.

RedClover

Trifoliumpratense

Partsused:Flowers.

Properties/Actions:Alterative,antispasmodic,expectorant,sedative,antitumor.

Benefits:Easesskincomplaints,coughs,colds,andanycongestion.

Redcloverisindicatedfordebilitatedindividuals,salivaryglandcongestion,andalongwithheatandmassagecanclearastiffneckassociatedwithswollennodes.

Redcloverisusedforthetreatmentofcancer—usuallycombinedinaformulawithotherherbs.Seekprofessionalguidancehere.

Suggesteduse:Infusion,tincture.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Perennial.Oftenfoundinfields/pastures.Prefersrich,fertile,well-drainedsoil.Flowersthroughoutthesummer.Funtoharvest!

Cautions:Contraindicatedinpregnancyandforindividualsusingblood-thinningdrugs.Redcloverisabloodthinner,soitcanpotentiatetheeffectofotherblood-thinningsubstances.

RedRaspberry

Rubusidaeus

Partsused:Leaf.

Properties/Actions:Astringent,uterinetonic,mildalterative,hemostatic.

Benefits:Takethroughoutpregnancytotoneandstrengthentheuterus,helpwithdelivery,givesomeironandenergy,andhelppreventpostpartumhemorrhage.

Effectiveformenstrualirregularityandcramps,andalsoreducesfevers.

Highinminerals.

Suggesteduses:Infusion,tincture.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Perennial.Growsinpoorsoil,inmanyconditionsincludingsunandshade.Tryandgetyoungleaveswhenharvesting.

Cautions:Prickly!Weargloveswhenharvesting.

Self-heal

Prunellavulgaris

Partsused:Leavesandflowers.

Properties/Actions:Astringent,Anti-inflammatory,antipyretic,mildantiseptic,diuretic,detoxifier,hemostatic,vulnerary.

Benefits:Healingtocuts,wounds,andskininflammations,boils.Isusedtoimpedebleeding,andforsorethroatsandmouthulcers.Usefullymphaticherbtohelprelievefibrocysticbreasttissue.

Suggesteduses:Infusion,tincture,salve,gargle(usingtheinfusion),poultice.Greatinsalads.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Perennial.Growsinpastures,alongroadsides,andinwastelands.Willoftenpopupasa“weed”inyourgarden.Likesplentyofsun,butflexiblewithsoiltype.

Cautions:Noneatthistime,verymildherb.

St.John’sWort

Hypericumperforatum

Partsused:Flowers,stem,leaves.

Properties/Actions:Anti-inflammatory,antidepressant,sedative,astringent,antiviral,nervine,antibacterial.

Benefits:Facilitatesthebodyreceivingsunlight,easesnervousexhaustion,nervepain,depression,anxiety,feelingsofbeingdisconnectedwiththeworld,shingles,hemorrhoids,ulcers,muscularpain,diaperrash,andcradlecap.

Suggesteduses:Tincture,infusion,capsule,herbaloil,salve.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Perennial.BloomsfromJunetoAugust.Commonlyfoundindrygravellysoils,inpastures,andinmostlysunnylocations.

Cautions:Contraindicatedinpregnancy.Mayincreasephotosensitivityinfair-skinnedpeople.

St.John’sworthaslongbeenvaluedasapotentmedicinalherbandhasaveryrichfolklorictradition.FromthetimeoftheancientGreeksdownthroughtheMiddleAges,theherbwasconsideredimbuedwithmagical powers andwasused towardoff evil andprotect against illness.Dioscorides, themostfamousherbalistoftheancientGreeks,mentionstheuseofSt.John’sWortforsciaticaandothernerveproblems. Sodomanyof the other ancientGreekhealers:Theophratus recommended it for externalwoundsandcuts;Plinyrecommendedtakingitinwineforpoisonousreptiles;anditwasincludedinthemateriamedicaofGalenandParacelsus.Inpre-ChristianreligiouspracticesinEngland,St.John’swortwasusedinmanyoftheceremoniesandrituals.BringingtheflowersintothehouseonMidsummer’sEvewouldprotectagainst theevileye;andsleepingwithasprigof theplantunderonespillowonSt.John’sEvewould ensure a visionof the Saint andhis blessing. Some claim that the red spots on theleavesofSt.John’swortappearedatthebeheadingofSaintJohnandpeoplestillconsiderthebestdaytopicktheherbisJune24,theFeastofSt.John.Theword“WORT”isanancientAnglo-SaxonwordforHERB;theherbwasnamedtheherbofSt.John.

—fromRosemaryGladstar’sHome-StudyCourse—TheScienceandArtofHerbalism

Yarrow

Achilleamillefolium

Partsused:Flowers,leaves,stems.

Properties/Actions:Diaphoretic,anti-inflammatory,antipyretic,antispasmodic,stomachic,astringent,carminative,hemostatic.

Benefits:Beneficialforcolds,flus,fevers,bleeding,hemorrhoids,suppressedmenses,andhypertension.

Yarrowisverywell-knownforusein“sweatingout”afever.Greatinaninfusioncombinedwithelderblossoms,lemonbalm,andpeppermintattheonsetofacoldorflu,tokeepitmovingthroughyou,inordertospeedhealing.

Veryeffectiveinstoppingbleedingwhenthepowderisdirectlyapplied.Longassociatedasfirstaidforthebattlefield,andthusnamedafterthewarriorAchilles.

Suggesteduses:Infusion,tincture,powder.

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Growswildinfieldsandforestedgesallsummerlong.Harvestwhenflowersareintheirprime—thebeginningofthebloomingperiod.Likesfullsun,anddrierconditions.

Cautions:Cancauseprofusesweating,andcanraiseafevertoomuchifconsumedinhighquantities.

YellowDock

Rumexcrispus

Partsused:Root.

Properties/Actions:Nutritive,alterative,mildlaxative,bloodtonic,cholagogue.

Benefits:Beneficialforanemia,skindiseasesincludingeczema,psoriasis,acne,herpes,livercongestion,gallbladderdisorders,andgastrointestinaldiseases.

SuggestedUses:Tincture,decoction,syrup

Growing,harvesting,andwildcraftingtipsandspecifics:Perennial.Growsalongroadsides,inwetterareas,oftengrowingalongsideburdockanddandelion.Doeswellinsunorshade.

Cautions:Noneatthistime.

T

CULTIVATING THE MEDICINALGARDEN

herearesomanyreasonstoplantanherbgardenorincorporateherbsintoavegetablegarden. Inaddition to thehealthbenefits,herbsserveasgreatcompanions for vegetables—their strong scent wards off pests—and they

arebeautifulgrowinginthegardenorcutforflowerarrangements.This book’s methods and cultivation techniques are most applicable to a

temperateclimate,whichisdefinedashavingfourdistinguishableseasonswithwinterscoldenoughtoforcethegroundtofreeze(below32degreesFahrenheitand 10 degreesCelsius). Themap provided below shows the various zones inNorthAmerica.

Thereare somanyways tocustomize thegrowingofherbs foryourspecificsituation—whether it be a small garden right outside the kitchen door withmostlyedibles,alargeherb/veggiegardeninyourbackyard,orpottedherbsonyourdeckorin/onthewindowsill.

Inthissection,wewilldiscussdesigns,locations,soiltypes,drainage,fertilizer,mulch,weeds,plantingroots,seeds,cuttings,preparingthegroundforplanting,tools,timeofyearforplanting,andchoosingherbstoplantthatsuityourneeds.

Fortheurbangardener,orforthoseofyouwhodonothaveapieceofgroundtodevote toherbs,wewill provide informationonhow togrowherbs inpotsorplanters,eitherinsideorout.

Therearemanywaystoarrangeyourgardensdependingonwhatyourgoalsare.Startbythinkingaboutwhatplantsyou’dliketogrowandutilizeforwhatpurposes.

ChoosingtheherbstogrowThefirststep is tochoose theherbs toplant thatwillbeyourhealingallies foreitheraseason,orforyearstocome.

Thinkaboutwhatailsyou,inwhatwaysyouneedorwanttofeelbetter,whatillnessesareprevalentinyourfamily,andwhatherbsyouwouldliketohaveonhandforcooking,forfirstaid,foraromatherapy.Whichherbsfromthelistof12andbeyondcalltoyou,intrigueyou,orseemlikefuntogrow.

Brainstorm, dream, sketch, and think about the medicines or body careproductsyou’dliketobeabletoreachforinyourcabinetintimesofneed.

Whenthinkingaboutplantingthegarden,thefirststepistoconsiderannuals,biennials,andperennials.Perennialsareherbs thatwillkeepcomingbackyearafteryearifproperlyprotectedthroughthewinterandarehardytotheplaceyoulive.These plantswill spread.Biennialswill produce every two years.Annualswillgrowforoneyearonly,sothereismoreroomforexperimentationhere.Letstakealookattheplantsinourlistof12:

Astragalus PerennialCalendula AnnualChamomile AnnualComfrey PerennialEchinacea PerennialElder PerennialGarlic AnnualLemonbalm PerennialMotherwort PerennialPeppermint PerennialSage PerennialValerian Perennial

Asyoucanseemostoftheseareperennials.Hereareafewmoreexamplesofherbsthatareannualsthatyoucantryoutyeartoyearuntilyoufindtheonesyou love to grow and use: rosemary, oats, parsley, basil and tulsi (holy) basil,oregano. All annuals may self-seed themselves, naturally giving you more ofthemthefollowingyearandthereforeactinglikeperennials,butthiscannotbe

countedon.Therearealsoallthewildwonderfulmedicinalweedsthatgrowallaroundus

inourlawnsandforestedgesandfields.Thereisasectionofthisbookdevotedtothese,butkeepinmindthatthereisalwaystheoptionofincorporatingthemintoyourgarden.Iftherearewildplantsthatyouloveandarenoteasilyfoundaroundwhereyoulive,orifyouareinamoreurbanarea,itmaybeagoodidea!

Ashortlistofsomeoptionshere:St.John’swort,yellowdock,redraspberry,mullein,mushrooms,redclover,dandelion,yarrow,nettle.

HerbgardendesignsOnceyouhaveagoodideawhatplantsyouwillbegrowingandhavechosenasite for your garden, designing the garden is in order. Before turning ground,makingbeds,andaddingcompostandotheramendments,designingonpaperisagoodidea.Thinkaboutwhatshapeyouwant,whatsize,whethertodoraisedbeds or not, etc.Here are somedrawings of design options to get the creativethinkinggoing.

Herb gardens can be very simply designed or very intricate. Think of yourgardenasanemptypalettewhereyoucanmixandmatchcolorsandmoodsandreflections to yourown individualneeds anddesires.Anotherway to considerthelayoutofyourgardenistoimagineyourselfsculptingtheearth.Youareanearthsculptor!

Hereareacoupleofuniquepossibilitiestogetthecreativejuicesflowing.

Moongarden

Amoongarden is agardenbed shaped likea crescentmoon,witha coupleofwalkways for access. Themoon garden could include plants that are used forwomen’s moon cycles and/or plants that display whitish leaves and whiteflowers. Enjoying amoon garden is easy: one canwalk through the garden atnightandtakeintheview,especiallyifthemoonisout.AccordingtheFarmer’sAlmanac the age-old practice of performing farm chores by the moon stemsfromthesimplebeliefthatthemoongovernsmoisture.PlinytheElder,thefirst-century Roman naturalist, stated in his Natural History that the moon“replenishes theearth;whensheapproaches it, she fills allbodies,while,whensherecedes,sheemptiesthem.”

Amandalagarden

Amandalagardenisaseriesofgardenbedssetupinacircularfashion.Inoneexample,thebedsarearrangedsplayingoutfromthemiddleofacircle.Plantsofspecific colors are in certain places, with specific plants blooming at certaintimes.Traditionally inthesmallbackyardherbgarden,theperennialsformthestructure or “skeleton” of the garden and the annuals fill in around them.Annualsareplantedeachyear,andsotherearetimeswhereareasarebare,eitherbeforeplantingorafterharvesting.Thisgeneraldesignkeepsthegardenfeelingfull,evenwhentherearenoannualsgrowing.Perennialsgrowbiggereachyear,soleavingplentyofroomaroundthemforspreadingisimportant.

ImplementingtheMedicinalHerbGarden

ToolsyouwillneedWhetheryouarediggingintosoddedgroundorplantinginpreparedsoil,therearesomebasictoolsyouwillneedtohaveonhand.

•Gardenspadeshovel—Chooseaspadethatissharpandsturdyenoughtodigthroughsodandturnsoilforplanting.Ifyouwereusingatractor,youwouldplow the ground first, before tilling it for planting. The shovel is used to“plow”byhand.Youandyourshovelturnoverlargeclumpsofground,anditcanbequiteaworkout!

•Gardenor“rock”rake—Thisisaheavydutysteel,short-tinedrakeforrakingrocks,clumpsofweeds,grass,sod,orbramblesoutofyourarea.Alsousedforsmoothing out the garden beds to ready them for planting, after they areprepared.

• Hoe—A hoe is used for hilling up soil and weeding. It comes in handyespeciallyinthebeginningforbuildinggardenbeds.Onceanareaisdugup,allthesodtakenawayifneedbe,andclosetorockfree,youcangoaroundandcreatebedswiththehoebyhillingsoilawayfromwhereyouwantpathways,andontotheareasthatwillbeforplanting.Thereareafewdifferentstylesofhoes: thestirruphoe,which isessentiallyametal“stirrup”ontheendof thewoodenhandle,isgreatforgettingunderneaththerootsofweedsandpullingthem up, without moving too much soil around. This type is better forweedingthanhillinggenerally.Thentherearedifferentsizesofthetraditionaltypehoe.Alargetraditionalhoeworksbestforhelpingtomakegardenbeds.There are also crook-neckhoes, anolder type that serves the samepurpose.Finally, therearehandhoes,whicharegreat forweedingandfurrowing. It’snicetohaveacoupledifferentsizesandtypesaround.

• Gloves—Glovesareespecially important ifyouarepreparinganareawheretherearebramblesorpoison ivy,or the like.Thereareendlessvarietiesandsizesofgardengloves,leatherbeingthemostdurable,butnotalwaysthemostcomfortable. Another reason to wear gloves is to protect your hands fromgettingdryand/orcrackedfromworkingwiththesoil.

•Spade—Asmallgardenspadeishelpfulfordiggingholestoplantseedlings,ortodig/cutperennialsoutofthegroundbyseparatingthemtoplantinanotherplaceorgiveaway.

• Clippers, large and small—Clippers are used to cut plants back (prune),and/orharvest.Whenclearinganarea,theremaybeplants—namelybrambles

—thatyouneedtocutbackbeforediggingtherootsfromtheground.Therearelong-handledclippersforgettingthelargerandhardertoreachplants,andshort-handledonesforsmaller,moreaccessibleplants.

•RototillerTM—ARototillerisamachinethatyouwalkbehindandpushthattillsthegroundforyou!It’susedtomakenon-raisedbeds.Ifusedmanytimesinthesamespot,arototillermaycreateabedpan:ahardeningdownof thesoil right underneath the soil that is tilled, thusmaking it hard for roots togrowdeep.

Preparinganareaforplanting

RaisedBeds

Raisedbedsaregardenbedsthatareraisedabovethesurroundingground.Thereare a few reasons they arenice: they are easier to access forweeding,pruning,andharvestingandtheyallowbetterdrainagetopreventtheareafrombecomingwaterlogged. They can also be very attractive, especially if you build them upwithstonesorwood.

Raisedbedscanbeverysimpleandnewlydugeachyear.Thesearethekindthat are built up withmaterials such as stones or wood, which create amorepermanentstructureofabed.Notonlydotheylookgood,theyalsofunctiontoholdinthesoil,thuspreventingerosion.

With a bed that does not have a border of stone or wood, it’s usually onlyslightlyraised,soyou’llneedtobenddowntothegroundtoweed,useahoe,ordigwithashovel.Ifthebedisreallyhigh,andsurroundedbystoneorwood,youcansitontheedge,orbendoverslightlytoweed,anddotheworkthatneedstobedone—usuallywithasmallgardenspadeorhandhoe.

When building raised beds of any type, if you have nice topsoil already onyourlocationyoucanjustdigitanduseit.Alternatively,youmayneedtohavesome delivered. If you’re building the bed up high, build the frame, and thenshovelorpourthesoilrightin,alongwithotherdesiredmaterialssuchasleavestofluffitupandcomposttoincreasefertility.

Raisedbedscanbeverybeautifulanddefinedorjustsmallmoundedareas.

InstructionsformakingraisedbedsIfyouarestartingoutwithalawnorfield,you’llneedtoremovethesodand/orgrassandweeds.Takeyour long-handledshovel,andstartdigging!Asyouareturningclumpsandshakingasmuchsoiloutaspossible,removingthesodandweeds, thismaterialcanthenbecollectedandcomposted.Keepawheelbarrownearbytocollectthecompostablematerial.

Now that you have cleared and dug a little, and it’s starting to look like apotentialgarden, it’s timeto“sculpt”thegarden.Whereveryouwantabedforplanting,digalongtheedgesofthatarea,andtransferthesoilfromaroundtheedgesintothemiddle,thusstartingtodistinguishthebedsfromthepathways.

Abedfilledwithplantsshouldbenowiderthan5feetmaximum,sothatyoucanreachthemiddlefrombothsidesforplanting,weeding,harvesting,etc.

Onceyouhavemadeyourbed(simpleraisedbed,notbuiltupwithaborder),and have ample pathways around it, it is the time to add soil amendments ifneeded (see later in this section). Whatever recipe you choose, mix it inthoroughly.It’salsoagoodideatomulchthepathwayswithstraw,leaves,thicklylaidhay,orwoodchips,topreventweedsfromcreepingintothegardenbeds.

Tomakeraisedbedswithstonesaroundthem,collectstonesofwhateversizeandshapeyouhaveorcanfindcloseby.Perhapstherearestonesyoucancollectfromanearbyriver,orbytheoceantoremindyouoftripsyouhavetaken.

Ifyouhavenostones,buyingthemfromastoneretailerorstoneworkerisanoption.Build a stonewall thatwill enclose thebed, ashighasdesired, and fillwithsoilandamendments.Youcanalsobuildthebedupfirstandthenbuildthewallaroundit,butmostlikelyyouwillstillneedtofill it inattheendtotopitoff.

Ifyouaresetonplans forbuildingawoodenraisedbed,youcan followthesimpleinstructionshere.

Non-raisedbedsNon-raisedbedsaredefinedasareas thataredugdownwithpathwaysaroundthem.Justdigdownintothegroundandaddsoilamendments!Thesebedstendtobea littlemoreeasily compacted, and it’s important tobe sure that there isplentyoftopsoilsothatyouarenotplantingintosubsoil—whichisverydenseand since it is voidofnutrients, notmuch likes to grow in it.You can alwaysbuildupthesebedsjustbyaddingmaterialssuchasleavesorstrawandcompost,whichwillget incorporated into thesoilon the flatgroundandwilleventuallydecomposeandcreatemorefluffysoilinthebedseachyear.

Getboards(neverpressure-treatedbecausethechemicalsusedtopreservethewoodwillleechintoyoursoiland therefore into your plants via the roots), ideally cedar or locust because they will last a long timewithoutrotting.Makeaboxwhereyourbedwillbe!Nobottomortop—justthesides—andnailorscrewtheboardstogetherandfillinwithsoilandamendments.

Deep-dugbedmethod(or“doubledigging”)Thedeep-dugbedmethodistodigaverydeepgardenbedjustonceandneverwalkonitorputanyweightonitagain.Deep-dugbedsallowyoutogrowuptofour timesmore plants in a space,whichmakes it extremely useful if you areworkingwithasmallspacetogrowin.

Theotherreasonforthismethodisthattherootsoftheplantswillgrowdowndeeper, andwhile taking up less space sideways, the plantswill be bigger andmaybehappier—anddepending onwhich plants youuse, theywill havemoreroomtospreadout.

Thismethodismoreoftenusedforgrowingvegetablesthanjustherbs,butwehave included instructions here because many of you will be growing bothvegetablesandherbsalongsideeachother.

InstructionstoDigtheDeepBed

Digaspade’sdepth(gardenshovelwith longhandle)andputsoilasideonthegroundrightnexttothebed.Nowdigdownanotherspade’sdepthtoloosenthesoilbeneath.Addalargeamountofmanure—twoscoopspersquarefoot—thenputthesoilyousetasidebackontop.Keepgoinglikethisuntilyouhavethebedthesizeandshapeyouwant.Plant intoit,andnevertreadonit.This isaone-timejob;youwillneverhavetodigthebedagain,soessentially,itthenbecomesano-tillbedovertime.Withthismethod,youcanplantyourvegetablesorherbsclosertogether.Thereisnospacetoosmalltogrowherbsandvegetablesin!

No-tillmethodNo-tillmeansnoturningofthesoil.Indifferentregionsandclimates,thiscanbedoneindifferentways.Someplantsdowellwiththismethod,somenotsomuch.

In temperate climates, things break down more slowly, because winterinterrupts the process of decay each year. Using a sheet mulching techniqueworkswelltomimicnature,creatingahumuslayeronthetopofthegroundthatis welcoming to new plant starts, and seeds. The key is to create fluffy beds,withoutdiggingdownandturning.

Sheetmulchingstartsbylayingsomethingonyourgardenbedthatwillkillthegrass and weeds that are there. Newspapers, cardboard, or even old rugs orblankets (make sure they are nontoxic) will work well. Collecting cardboardand/ornewspaperstakestime,butusuallyyoucangetquiteafewforfreefromgrocerystores,gasstations,etc.—placesthatareneedingtogetridofthemandarehappyforyoutotakethemaway.Topreparethemforthegarden,makesureto takeoff all tape and labels and theglossyparts from thenewspapers.Breakdowntheboxestomakethemflat.

Next, cover the area by overlapping materials so that no grass is peekingthrough. Now comes a layer of mulch. Leaves in the fall are a really goodmulching option. They decompose rapidly,making for light, fluffy soil withinoneseason.Straworhaytakesalittlelongertodecomposeandisusuallymoreexpensive.Ifyoudon’thaveyourownleavesinyouryardtorakeupandapply,collectthemfromaroundtown!Peopleleavetheminleafbagsforpickupattheendoftheirdriveways,andthesearefreeforthetaking.

•Mulchhaysometimesisfree,especiallyifpartiallyrotted,andfarmersmaybelookingtogiveitaway.

•Strawisnicetoaddfluff,andcanbepurchasedatfarmstoresornurseries.• Grass clippings are okay, but will get slimy quickly if left not mixed in

thoroughlywithotherdriermaterials,somakesuretodothis.• Manure, composted manure, and your own food scrap compost are

ingredients to be incorporated into your sheet mulching operation. Again,thesearematerialsyoueitherhaveonhandorneedtoobtain.Tryfororganic.

Onceyouhaveallyourmaterials,start layeringthemoveryourbaselayerofcardboardorthelike.Ideallymakeeachlayerasthickaspossible,andalternatebetween dry and wetmaterials. An example: cardboard,manure, leaves, grassclippings,leaves,manure,straw.

Totest ifyour layersofmulchhavebrokendown,reachdownthroughwithyourhandandfeelwhat’sdownthere.Ifit’ssoil-like,andiftherearewormsinit,youcanplant!

Ifyouareusingthistechniqueandplantingperennials(echinacea,astragalus,etc.), youwillonlygo through thisprocessonce, to setup thegarden initially.Eachyear after, youwill justmulchwith variousmaterials—all theoneswe’vementionedexceptcardboard—inordertokeeptheplantsfertilizedandhealthyandtokeepweedsdownaroundthem.

For annuals (such as chamomile, garlic, calendula, etc.), the beds will beclearedoutbypullinguptheplantsandcompostingthemorchoppingthemupandleavingtheminthebed,andnewmulchaddedtorebuildthebedseachyear.Youwillcomeupwithyourownmulchingrecipes!

Most likely youwill have beds comprised of a combination of annuals andperennial, inwhichcasethebulkof thework isdone inthefirstyear,andyoucontinue tomaintain each year, planting annuals between the perennials, andmulchingallaround.

Testing,SoilTypes,andAmendingYourSoil

There are a number of soil testing “kits” on the market that will show youwhether your soil is deficient in nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, or traceelements.Youcanalsocontactyourstateextensionservicefortesting.Thoughherbs will thrive in nearly any soil, it can be valuable to learn what your soileither is lacking or has toomuch of, especially if you are planting vegetablesalongwithyourherbs.Youwilllearnwhatmineralsandothernutrientsexistinwhatquantities, and fromtherebeable todecipherwhat (if any)amendmentscanbeaddedtohelpplantsgrowbetter.

Oftenevenmoreimportantthanknowingtheexactnutrientsinthesoilistheconsistency—whether it’s sandy, loamy, or clay-like. The goal is to get a nicefluffy loam—somewhere between sand and clay—that is filled with life and

nutrients.Themainwayto improvetheconsistencyofanysoilandtocreatealivingenvironmentistobealwaysaddinghumus.Humusiseverythingthatsoilshouldbe,anditismadebyaddinganythingtothesoilthatwasorisalive.Thesematerialsaretheoneswe’vetalkedaboutintheno-tillmethodsectionaswellasthelistofamendmentsbelow,andarealwaysthingswemulchwithregardlessofwhetherwehavetilledthegardenornot.Anythingweputonthetopofthesoilwillbe incorporatedbythewormsandother livingthings.Humusisreally thebasis of good soil, and therefore a good garden.Without it, thingswould notgrowwithouttheuseofchemicals.

Eachplanthasauniquesetofconditionsinwhichitwillthrivebest.Ourjob,whenplantingagarden,istofindawaytomakethemostplantsthehappiestbycreating soil that is aneutralpH,not too acidic, andnot too alkaline.Luckily,herbsareprettyflexiblewithsoiltype(seetheMeetthePlantssectionfordetailsonidealgrowingconditionsforeachplant).

Somesoilamendmentsandwhattheydoare:

•Bonemeal:concentratedminerals•Bloodmeal:veryconcentratedformofnitrogen•Fishemulsion:addsnitrogenandminerals•Compostormanure:addsnitrogen,preventsexcessalkalinity•Lime(crushedlimestone):remediesexcessacidity•Peat(peatmoss):aeratesthesoil•Seaweed:addsmineralsandnitrogen

PlantingYourGardenThis section includes general modes of planting herbs. For details on specificplantsseetheMeetthePlantssection.

FromseedDirectseedingherbsrightintothesoilworksbetterforsomeplantsthanothers.Starts (seeds thathave sproutedandarebeginning togrow)aremore likely totaketothegardenbedandthrivethanstraightseeds,whicharevulnerabletoanherborinsectgobblingthemup,ortheconditionsnotbeingidealbecauseoftheunpredictability of theweather or animals runningover the beds andmessingthemup.Therearesomeinstancesthoughwhendirectseedingisthebest,orcanatleastworkmoderatelywell—especiallyforfast-growingannualslikecalendulaorbasil.

Sometimesmindfullyplacingtheseedsabout6inchesapartiscalledfor,andothertimesjustscatteringthemaboutisfine—especiallyifyouwantathickbedofsomething,likemintorlemonbalm.

Seeds can be started inside your home in flats or pots or in a greenhouse.Manyherbseedsneedtobeestablishedfarbeforethegrowingseasonoutsideisappropriate and the danger of frost is over. Each particular herb will havedirectionsonthepacketastohowitneedstobestarted,andoftenothertipsonidealgrowingconditions.

Some seeds need special treatment, like scarification, or being frozen for alength of time. And some herbs are nearly impossible to start from seed, socuttingsordividedrootsarebettermethods.

Fromstarts(youngplants)Startsareplantsthatarealreadyestablishedinsmallpotsofsoilandarereadyfor

plantingdirectlyintoyourgardenwhentheconditionsareright.You can either get the starts going from seed at home in a window or

greenhouse,orgetthematthefarmer’smarketorfromanursery.Makesuretospacetheplantsproperly,atleastsixinchesapart,oftenmore,toensureplentyofroom for growth over the season—and for perennials, over many seasons tocome.

Many of the more common herbs are easy to find as starts, but some arehardertosourcedependingonwhereyoulive(seesources).

FromcuttingsSome herbs you can take cuttings from, others you can’t. The way to take acuttingistocutoffanicehealthypieceoftheplantyouwouldliketopropagate.Thekeyistosprouttheendyou’vecutinwater.Ifitsproutswell,youcanthenplant it, and hope that the roots take off. (See the prior section onMeet thePlantsforspecificplantsthatgrowwellfromcuttings.)

FromdividedrootsInthefallorthespring,whenyouareharvestingroots,youcantakesomeandmovethemaround,tospreadthemandmakenewgardenpatches!Thiscanbefun—youcanhaveperennialswapswithfriends.Thisonlyworkswithperennialherbs, and you onlywant to take roots and divide them for planting after theplanthasbeenestablishedforatleastthreeyears.

Digdownandgetsomeroots,whiletryingnottodisturbtherestoftheplant.Breakitapart,shakeoffthesoil(ornot),andkeepmoistuntilyouarereadytoplantitagain.

Planting fromdivided roots is themost commonand easyway todealwithperennial herbs. Seek out people in and around your community who havegardens,anditmightturnouttobeeasytogetalltheplantsyouwanttogrowforfree!Especiallywithherbslikecomfreyormintthatspreadlikecrazy,peopleareoftenlookingtopasssomealong.

WeedingWhat a rewarding task it is to free our herbal friends from the confines ofunwantedimposters.A“weed”issimplyamisplacedplant.Oftentheweedsaremedicinal plants, and sowhen going along clearing them away from the onesyouplanted,youmaykeepthemformedicine,orjustreturnthemtotheearthorcompostpile.

Ifwearecultivatingsomething it is important thatwegive it space togrow.Theeasiesttimetopulltheweedsiswhentheyareyounganddelicateandhavenot yet established strong roots or gone to seed.The roots of someweeds arehard to obtain, and sodiggingdown all theway to get all of themout canbedifficult, and sometimes not worth it. We can always go back and try again.Havingareasmoredenselyplantedwithplantswewantandalsomulchingaretwowaystopreventrampantweeds.Themorebaresoilweprovide,themoretheweedswillcomeinandmakeittheirhome.Whocanblamethem?

InsectcontrolHerbgardensdon’thavemanypests!Andvegetablegardens thathavea lotofherbs incorporated into them don’t have as many pests as straight vegetablegardens.

Herbsthemselvesareinsectrepellents,sothissectionisprettyshort!Themainthingtokeepinmindtopreventunwantedplant-eatingbugsinanygardenisthehealthofthegardenandeachindividualplant.Thehealthierthegarden,thelesslikely insects will attack. So feeding your garden soil the nutrients it needs tothriveandproduce(mostlywithcompost),andkeepingitweedfreeandwateredwhennecessary, are themain things to do tomanage pests. Planting differentkindsofplantsinthesamearea—mimickingnatureinthisway—willalsohelptowardoffpestsnaturally.

If there are only a fewpests in your garden, youdon’t need todo anythingaggressive.Usingachemicalpestdeterrentdisrupts thedelicatebalanceof life,often creating a dependency on the chemical. Even homemade sprays likecayennepepperordilutedsoapywatercanbepotentiallydamaging,andusuallyunnecessary.

Garlic, yarrow, calendula, and all varieties of marigold, valerian, thyme,wormwood,rosemary,andsageareallstandbys.Theyaregreattohavehereandtherethroughoutanygardentokeepitprotectedfrommanypests,andtohelpvegetablesgrowbiggerandstrongerinmanycases!

WateringWatering depends on weather. Sometimes your garden can go a whole yearwithoutyouneedingtogiveitwater.Herbsareresilient,andcanlivethroughalotofadversity.

Ingeneral,waterthegardenifyou’vehadalongdrystretch—afewweeks.Ifyourgardenisonthetopofahill,oronaslope,itwilldryoutfaster,andifit’sdowninavalley,orontheflatground,itwillholdwaterinthesoillonger.

You can water from a hose, a watering can, or a bucket. Be a little moredelicatewith themore delicate plants and young stages of growth.A strongerstreamofwaterthatisharshmaydamageayoungplant,sojustbeaware.

Ideallythewateryouuseonyourgardenisnice,cleanwaterfromaspringordeepwell.But,ifyouonlyhavetownorcitywater,that’swhatyou’lluse.

Remember, most herbs are hard to kill, but all herbs will love any extra

attentionyougivethem,andwillthriveaccordingly.

MulchingThink of the forest for amoment . . . the rich,moist, soft layer of leaves anddecayingmaterialmakesuptheamazingsoilthatsomanyplantsarethrivingin.Thisenvironmentisnature’smulchsystem,andistheexampleweshouldfollowforourgardens.Mulchinthegardenkeepsweedsfromgrowing,keepsthesoilfromeroding, bringswarmth to the roots forperennials, and ensures rich soilthat is beingbuilt upbywhatever you choose toputon thegroundasmulch.Baresoilgetsstrippedofmineralswhenitrains;mulchedsoilisprotected.

Materialsthatcanbeusedasmulchvarydependingontheresourcesthatareavailabletoyouinyourlocation.Oftenyoucanfindwhatyouneedrightonyourland,butsometimesyoumayhavetopickupmulchfromaneighbororastoreorhaveloadsdroppedatyourhome.

Good mulching materials include leaves, straw, hay, wood chips, compost,spent grain from breweries, pine needles, manure, cardboard, and non-glossynewspapersorpaperbags.

Each material will break down at a different speed and provide differentnutrientstoyoursoil.

PuttingthegardentobedforwinterAhhh,theendofthegrowingseasonishere!Afterharvestingflowersandleavesofyourherbsthroughoutthespringandsummer,andhavingdugsomerootsinthefall,itistimetotuckyourperennialherbsinforalongwinterslumber.

Around lateOctober or earlyNovember, it is time to cut back the leftoverstems and stalks of perennials. Doing this promotes the downward flow ofenergy into the roots of the plants and into the ground for hibernationthroughoutthecoldwintermonths.

Usingclippers,clipdownthedyingplants,chopthemup,andputthemintothecompost.It’sniceatthistimetotakeoutanylastweedsfromaroundthebaseof theplants.Put some compostedmanureon, aswell as somemulch such asleavesorstraworhay,buildingupthegardenbed6–12inches.Thiswillensureyourplantsaresnugandwillbewarmforthecoldmonthstocome.

In the spring you will pull some of the mulch away and discover that thecomposthasmixedwiththeoldsoilfromthespringrainsandthefrostingandthawingthathasgoneon,andnewgrowthwillbewelcome.

Falltime,aroundthesametimethatyouareputtingtheplantstobed,isalsothetimetoplantsomeroots(seetheprevioussection:FromDividedRoots)andbulbs,suchasgarlic(seetheprofileongarlicintheMeetthePlantssection).

The following table shows some examples of companion plants, which areplantsthatactasnaturaleffectivepesticidesand/orfertilizersforeachother.Thislist isbynomeansexclusive,and ineachgardentherecanbedifferentresults.Overall,medicinalandculinaryherbsareinherentlypest-deterrent.

Formore in-depth informationon companionplanting, checkout thebookCarrotsLoveTomatoes:SecretsofCompanionPlanting forSuccessfulGardeningbyLouiseRiotte.

Vegetableplantsandtheircompanionplants

Asparagus: tomatoes,parsley,basil

Beans: carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, and manyherbs

Beet: onionsCabbagefamily(cabbage,broccoli,kale):

dill, thyme, sage, onions, rosemary,lavender,mint

Carrot: onions, rosemary, sage, tomatoes, chives,lettuce

Celery: leeks,cabbageCorn: beans,squashEggplant: beans,calendulaLeek: onions,calendula,carrots,celeryOnion: lemonbalm,marjoram,mint

Potato: nettle, horseradish, beans, corn, cabbage,mint

Radish: herbsingeneral,peas,cucumbersSpinach: strawberriesSquash: calendula,corn,nasturtium

Tomato: basil, thyme, onion, calendula, chives,carrot

Turnip: peas

T

URBANMEDICINALGARDENING

Thenatureofaweedisopportunistic,andwe,ashumans,havecreatedenormousholesofopportunityfortheseplantstofill.Theyhaveadaptedtobeatourside,waitingforthosefavorabletimestocovertheexposedsoilsthatwecontinuallycreate.Withever-changinggeneticsofform,function,andtransmutation,weedshaveevolvedtowithstandthepunishmentsthathumansunleashuponthem.

—TimothyLeeScott,InvasivePlantMedicine

herearesomanynooksandcranniesinthevasturbanareasoftheworldthatcansupport life—life intheformofmedicinalplants!Howeversmallyour space, ifyouhave thedesire togrowsomeherbs,youcan.Aswe’ve

saidearlier,herbslovetogrow,andoftenwilldofinewith,orevenprefer,poorsoilandgrowingconditions.Thisincludescontainersonawindowsill,orpotsonthedeckofyourcityapartmentthatgetsminimallightandisexposedtopoorairquality. Herbs will flourish in containers, and small garden beds betweenconcrete.

Justthinkabouttimesyouhavewalkedthecitystreets,glancingdownatthecracksinthesidewalk,thesmallpieceofearthwedgedinalongthestreetandthesidewalk,orthetinyfrontlawnsorabandonedcontainerswithalittlesoilleftinthem from the year before. What do you see growing in all of these places?Herbs.Theyaretheplantsthattaketheopportunitytofillthespaces,thecracks.

Somebelieve that herbs growwhere they’re neededmost, that they seem to“randomly”popupwheretheirmedicineisneeded—toeitherhealtheearth,orthepeopleinthatarea.Takethedandelionforinstance; itreallyiseverywhere,and itnourishesourblood,andcleansesour liver, if eatenor takenasa teaortincture.Wouldn’teveryonebenefitfromacknowledgingthisamazingmedicine,anditsincrediblediligencetogrow,ratherthantreatingitasaweed?

Thedefinitionofaweedisaplantthatisinthewrongplaceatthewrongtime.Whilethat’strue—weedsexist—ifwetakeacloser lookattheseweeds,wefindthattheyareuseful.Itisimportanttotakenotethatwhatwethinkofascommonweedsmayactuallybethemedicineweneedinourlives.Especially inthecity,wherenotmanyplantsabound,it’simportanttotakenoteofthisdynamic.

Whenyoustartopeningyoureyestotheherbsthatareeverywhere—eveninthe most concrete places—it becomes a fun awakening, almost like meetingfriendsforthefirsttimethatwererightinfrontofyouyourwholelifewithouthaving noticed them. They are friends from the earth, coming through ourbarriers, showing us that they will not be stopped; that they have powerfulmedicineforus,andwanttobeseen,smelled,andtasted.

Now,when thinking about growing in small spaces in the city, think aboutthatdandeliongrowingfromthetiniestcrackintheconcrete,andallofasuddenyou’llrealizehowmuchspaceyouactuallyhave(orcancreate),tocultivatetheherbsyouwantinandaroundyourhome.Theywillfillyoursenseswithdelight,andbeveryusefulinyourmedicinecabinetallyear!

InterviewCourtneyWilderisaVermonterturnedurbanlandscapegardener.Shehasbeenimmersedintheworldof urban gardening for the past ten years. Courtney grew up withMedicinalGardening’s co-authorAlyssaHolmesandeagerlyspoketousfromherhomeofficeinBrooklyn,NewYork.

AH:Tellusaboutyourselfandhowyougotintofarming,orlandscaping,orgrowingherbs?

CW: GrowingupinruralVermontIwasalwayssurroundedbythebeautyandthemagicofplants.MyparentsareavidgardenersandIhavesomeother really talented plant ladies that have been in my life sincechildhoodwhohave inspiredmegreatly.WhenImovedtoNewYorkCity to go to film school, somuch of my work was nature inspired.Eventually, when I became disillusioned by the film scene, I startedgardeningfull time.NowIaminthiswildnichewhereIamaprivategardener for the very, very wealthy here in Manhattan. I work formyself and I also am part of the garden care team for the landscapedesignfirmPlantSpecialists.

AH: Great.Can you tell our readerswho are interested inDIYmedicinalgardening the different ways and techniques for growing plants inurbanareas,orinpots,oronrooftops?

CW: I try to incorporate herbs and edibles intomy ornamental plantingschemes asmuch as possible because there are somany that are notonlybeneficialbutalsobeautifulandaromatic.It’samazinghowhappyit makes people! They don’t even use them necessarily but I thinkthere’ssomethinginherentwithallofusand[ourrelationshipto]herbs.Wefeelgoodwhenwehaveherbsnearus;it’ssoothingevenforthosewhoarethemostoutoftouchwithnature.

Becausespaceisoftenanissue,eveninthemostlavishofcityhomes,I always go small. I use the miniature versions of things like cherrytomatoes,fairytaleeggplants,babylettuces.WithherbsandmedicinalplantsI’malwayslookingforthingsthatareinterestingaswellasuseful,likebronzefennel,lemongrass,QueenofSiambasil.Igetthesmallest-size pots I can, 4 inches ideally, and plant them thickly so that theyimmediatelylookbeautifulandfullwithoutneedingtonsofsoildepth.Iavoidherbsthatgotoseedquicklylikecilantroanddill(eventhoughIlovethem!).Whenpeopleaskforanherbgardenspecifically,butdon’tknow what they want, I always start with Simon & Garfunkel’s

“ScarboroughFair”(parsley,sage,rosemary,andthyme),addbasil,andworkfromthere.

AH: Thatissuchagreatplaceforpeopletostartfrom!Therearesomanyherbswetalkaboutinthisbookthatcanalsofitintothebeginning-to-plantlist(suchascalendula,mint,chamomile,andcomfrey).Whyisitimportanttogrowplantsinthecity?

CW:Well,personallyIwouldlosemymindwithoutthem—plants,whethermedicinalornot,teachusaboutlife,death,theseasons.Theyarealwaysresonatingwithusonsucha lowfrequencywemaynotrealize it,butthey are telling us things. They are telling us about the weather, theenvironment,theairsurroundingus.Andtheyaresofteningallofourwearyeyesinthiscrazyconcreteworld.

AH:Sinceyouworkprimarilywithcontainersandinsmallspaces,whatkindofpottingsoildoyouuse?

CW:Sometimeswithrooftopstherearestrictweightrestrictionstoconsiderand a really lightweight soil called “Metro Mix” is in order. Usuallythough, Iuse abrandcalledFafard—it’sorganicand reallygoodwithwater retention. Especially when dealing with edibles I only fertilizewith a liquid compost or fish emulsion. (Unfortunately, not manypeoplecompostinthecity.)

AH:Anyothertipsforourreaderswhomaybejuststartingout?CW: It’sfunny,myfirstthoughtwas“justplantwhatyoulove!”andthenI

was like wait, that oftentimes is a disaster. You need to know yourspace.Youneed toknowhowmuchsunyougetandhowexposedorwindy the area is. Then, plantwhat you love selecting start-up plantsthatcandealwiththoseconditions.Thatbeingsaid,alwaysexperiment,andalwaysbuythatweirdplantyou’veneverheardofandseewhat itcando.

AH:Justcurious,whoareyourclients?CW:Celebrities,heiresses,WallStreetpeople...Alandscapegardenisareal

luxurytohavehereinthecity.AH: Agreed, folks of all income and abilities can benefit from herbal

gardening,whetheryouhiresomeoneordoityourself.Whataresomeofyourtricksofthetrade?

CW:Dead-head!Constantly!Youmustdeadheadyourherbsandannualstokeep them beautiful. And if something is looking a little rough

midseason,don’tbeafraidtocutitbackandletitre-sproutfresh.Also,I’ve learned to not be so sentimental. If a plant just isn’t working orperformingthewayyouwant,sometimesyouneedtotossit.Neverbeafraid, even if it’s on someone else’s dime, to say, “Hey, let’s trysomethingelse.”

AH:Yes,thebeautyofgrowingherbsforuseisthatwhenyoudead-headtoimprove productivity and visual appearance, you can use the cuttingsmedicinally. In landscaping terms, “dead-heading” and “cutting back”are for aesthetic purposes; in medicinal gardening it’s called“harvesting!”Canyouelaborateonsomestoriesaboutyourwork?

CW: Well, inhonoroftheherbs,IwillsaythatIworkedwithaveryfussymoviestarwhofanciesherselfachefandwhoaskedforaveryspecific,organicallysourcedherbandvegetablegarden.Notoncedidtheherbsget used! I would go week after week and keep the garden lush andperfectbutneverdidInoticesomuchofapinchofparsleymissing.SoofteninmyjobIthinkIcatertothedreamyideasofgardensinsteadoftheuseof them.But forme,whenIwinterizedher terrace, Icut italldown and took the biggest bale of fresh herbs home. It was the bestThanksgivingdinnerweeverhad.

N

FROMHARVESTTOSTORAGEDon’twaituntilyou’resicktotakeherbs.Thebestwaytocureillnessisnottobecomeill.

—RosemaryGladstar,TheFamilyHerbal

ow that youhave gotten to know someherbs andhave been tending tothem, thenext step is to integrate them fully intoyour life foruse.Thissection includesharvesting, processing, andutilizing theherbs youhave

grown.Dryingandstoringyourherbsformakingintomedicineinthecomingmonths isarewardingpartof theherbal journey—inasense toreapwhatyouhave sown, and to taste and smell the plants around you in your homethroughouttherestoftheyear.

Harvesting

Harvestingdependsonthepartof theplant thatwillbeused,whether flowers,leaves,roots,bark,orstems.Other factors toplanfor inharvestingaretimeofdayandtimeofyear,asthiscanmakeadifferenceintermsoftheherbs’ultimatepotencyandmedicinalvalue.

HarvestingflowersFlowersareintheirprimeforpickingwhentheyarejustatthebeginningofthebloomingprocess—juststartingtoopenwithalltheirvitalityandsweetnessatitspeak.Thispeaktimeofharvestingwillensurethattheplantisputtingmostofitsenergy andmedicinal properties into the flower at the time of harvest. If theflowerisinitsfullestbloomwithsomebrownaroundtheedges,it’snottheidealtime.

Calendula,elderblossom,andechinaceaflowersareafewexamplesfromour“Meet thePlant” list ofherbs thathave flowers to collect.Elder and echinaceahave other parts that can be harvested as well, which we’ll cover in the nextsections.

Afterharvesting,theflowerscannowbedriedorusedfreshrightaway,orputinto a menstruum to be extracted. A menstruum is a solvent to extractcompounds from plant material. The word menstruum originated from themedieval Latin, from “menses,” or “month.” Oil or alcohol, for example, arementruums commonly used for the extraction process (see the Simple HomeRemediessection).

HarvestingleavesandstemsHerbs that have leaves and stems to be harvested are takenwhen the plant isputting itsenergy there.Harvestbefore theplanthasgone to flower,when thebudsarejustabouttoopen.

Someplants—suchasnettle—haveyoungshootsinthespringthatarepackedwithnutrients;others,suchasLemonbalmormint,willgrowintotheseasonforalittlewhilebeforematuringtoharvesttime.

DiggingrootsRootsaredug inthespringor fall (preferably fall).Rootsaredugonlyafteran

herbhasbeenestablishing itself inone spot forat least threeyears (perennialsonly). In the thirdyearorbeyond,harvest someof therootsbygentlydiggingdownandseparatingthemoutfromtheothersthatwillbeleftplanted.Disturbaslittleaspossible,andmakesuretoleaveagoodamountfortheyearstocome!

While diggingup roots for harvest, take some to give awayor transplant toanother part of your garden if desired. This is the easiest way to propagateperennialherbs—byjustseparatingrootsandreplantingthem.

In the fallplantsaresending theirenergybackdown into theearth,andthenutrients and sugars are high in the roots, providing the highest potency forharvesting.Astragalus,echinacea,comfrey,andvalerian,tonameonlyafew,areherbswithvaluable roots toharvest.Once theyareharvested,wash themrightawayand thenchop them.Theycan thenbedriedoutorplaced fresh intoanextractingmedium(menstruum)suchasoiloralcohol for tinctureoroil tobestrained(decanted)inafewweeks,andusedthroughouttheyear(seetheSimpleHomeRemedysection).

TimeofyearGenerally,leavesareharvestedinthespring,andsecondorthirdcuttingstakenthroughout the summer; flowers are cut late spring to early summer, orwhenevertheyareintheirprimetimeofflowering,androotsarecutinthefall,whentheenergyofgrowthisgoingbackdownintotheearth.

TimeofdayHerbsliketobeharvestedinthemorning,justwhenthedewhasdriedofffromthenightbefore,andbeforetheheatofthedaysetsin.Atthistime,theherbsareholdingthemostvibrancy,standingstrongandtall.

ToolsforharvestingAsharpharvestingknife (seeResources)or clippers andabasket are thebasictoolsyouwillneedforharvesting.Glovesmaybenecessary,dependingonyourtolerancelevel,aswildplantsusuallyaretheoneswithmorepricklestodefendthemselves—suchasfromnettles,thistles,andraspberryleaves.

DryingOnceyouhaveharvested, therearea fewmethods fordryingonahomescale,andyou’llwant toproceedwith somegeneral rules inmind,anduse themostcompatibleforyourcurrentsituation.

Dryingmethod#1:ThebunchandhangmethodForthebunchandhangmethod,takestringandtieupbunchesoftheherb—nottoobigor small—andhang inaplacewhereaircirculation isgood,wherenottoomuchdirectlightwillbeshining,andwherepeoplewillnotbumpintothem,oranimalhairwon’tcling.It’simportantforthebunchestonotbetoodenseinthemiddle,causingdryingoftheoutsidepartsandmoldingoftheinside.

Dryingmethod#2:LayingonascreentodryAnotherwaytodryfreshcutherbsistocutuptheherbandlayitonascreenorthin cloth, turningperiodically.Again,minimal direct light is better, as tonotbleach out the properties of the herbs. It’s best for herbs to dry out over thecourseofjustafewdays,andnotbeleftfortoolongbeforebeingpackagedupandstored.They lose theirpotencywhen leftout too long in theairand light.Forinstance,iftheweatherisveryhumidduringthetimeyouaretryingtogetsomethingdry,tryputtingafanonit,andmakedoublesureitisdryallthewaythroughbeforeputtingitintoajarorbag.Sometimesifthereisalittlemoistureclingingtotheherbsyoucantransfertheherbtoapaperbagforacoupleofdayswhere it’s still getting air enough to continue drying the last bit but is a littlemoreprotectedfromthelightandair,thuscuring,andkeepingitspotency.

Storage

Oncetheherbsaretotallydry,butnotoverdried,theyarereadyforshort-/long-termstorage.(Thewayyouwillknowtheyaredryenoughisifthestemsarenotbrittle,yettheyarenot“elastic”either.Properlydriedherbsdon’tturnintodustwhenyougotocrushthem,yettheydonotcontainmoisture.)Glassispreferableoverall; plastic can be used for the short term if necessary. Store with a tightfitting lid, away fromdirect sunlight, andevenbetter, inacabinet incompletedarkness.

Light—any light at all—over time,will deplete thequalityofherbs, but in arelativelyunlitplace,theyshouldbepotentforuptoayear.Rootswilllastmuchlongerthanleavesandflowers,asthepropertiesarelockedinwithmoredensity.

Now that your herbs are harvested, you can create your own body caretreatments and medicine at home. There are endless opportunities andformulationsyoucancreate,whichwewilltalkaboutinthenextsection!

F

SIMPLEHERBALMEDICINES&HOMEREMEDIESWiththecreationofherbaltreatments,arelationshipasoldasthebeginningoftimeishonoredandrenewed.Thisrelationshipwithourgreenfriendsandthehealinggiftstheyoffertousintheformofherbs,flowers,trees,andfragrancesisarelationshipofferingpeace.

—GretaBreedlove,TheHerbalHomeSpaun,creativity,reward,health—afterthehardworkofgrowingandgathering,itistimetoputourherbsintoaction.Thisisouropportunitytobeinour

kitchensspendingtimebetteringourhealth,andcreatingpowerfulanddeliciousmedicinesforourfamily,friends,andselves.

On the following pages, youwill find information, instructions, and recipesthatwilldelightyoursenses,healyourailments,andinspireyoutofurtheryourownexperimentation,creativity,andresearch.

The world is full of methods and recipes for herbal products. Never feellimited.Hereweincludemanyideasforyoutobuildupon.

Herbalinfusion

Herbal infusions can be made a few different ways. Tea bags provideconveniencewhenonthego.Therearevariouskindsofcontraptions—fromteaballstotea-steepingspoons—thatcanbeusedforthisprocess.Togetthemostoutofanherbforpleasureandmedicine,thepreferredmethodisworkingwithlooseherbsandsteeping(whichisamorecommontermforinfusing)foralongperiodoftime;forcertainherbs,overnightisbest.

Infusions areused for the extractionof vitamins,minerals, andvolatile oils,whicharenaturallyoccurringdelicateoilsoftheflowersorleaves.Thepartsoftheherbsusedareusuallytheleavesandflowers,opposedtotherootsorbark,whicharemoresuitabletoadecoction(discussedrightafterinfusions)process.

InstructionsforinfusionFreshHerbInfusion

Takeahandfuloffresh,choppedherbs,andplaceitinaquartjar(orusehalftheamountofherbifyouplanonmakingapintofinfusion).Pourboilingwatertofill to thetop.Coverand letsteepforat least15minutesandupto8hours.Anice added stephere—andwith all infusions—wouldbe toplace the jar in thesun,forsuntea,orunderthemoon,formoontea!

DryHerbInfusion

Ifusingdryherbs,putabouthalf theamount intothe jar,andfollowthesameinstructions.

Thereareherbsthataregreatforinfusingassimples(bydefinitiononeherb),and thecombinationsofherbs togetherareendless.Somearebetter fresh,andsomedried.Youcanmakeinfusionsthatarehighlymedicinal,orthataremorefortasteandpleasure.Andtheycanbebeautiful!

Straining

After your herbs have been infused for the requisite amount of time, you canstraintheleavesorresidueoutoftheliquidbypouringthroughastrainer.Thisprocesscanbemadeevenmoreenjoyablebychoosingorpurchasingastrainerthatinitselfisabeautifulobject.

Using

Ifyouareafanofhavingyourcupofteahotwhenyoudrinkit,youcaneithersteepitforalittlewhile,gettingpartialmedicinalvalue,oryoucanreheatyourinfusionthathasbeensteepingforupto8hours.Youcanalsoaddsweetenerorjuiceatanytime!

Herearesomerecipes toplayaroundwith.Havefunwiththissection—mixand match if you so desire—you’ll start to feel the benefit of drinking theseinfusionseveryday.

VitaminCFlowerPowerBlend

1partrosehips1parthibiscus2partslemonbalm

1partdandelionblossoms

1/2partroses(wholebudsorpetals)

Thisblendwillbeavibrantpink,withaveryniceflavor,andisgreatforwhenyou’reunder theweatheroryour immunity is low.Rosehips andhibiscus arebothloadedwithvitaminC,dandelionflowerswillhelpbuildtheblood,andalsohave many vitamins and nutrients, while the lemon balm is calming to thenervoussystem,androsesaddbeautyandflavor.

SuperGreenVitamin/MineralBlend

2partsnettles2partscomfrey1partraspberryleaf

1partyellowdockroot

1/2partpeppermint(optionalaccordingtopersonaltaste)

This is a blend that should definitely be steeped for as long as possible,especiallybecausethenettlecontainschlorophyllthattakesawhiletocompletelyreleaseallitsgoodness.Thisblendcontainstheentirespectrumofvitaminsandminerals,makingitawonderfulmedicineforthosestrugglingwithlowenergy.Over time, this blendwill build iron levels, helpwithmagnesiumand calciumdeficiencies, and increase overall strength. Adding a little blackstrap molasseswilladdsomenicesweetness,andmoreironrichness.Thepeppermintmaynotbe right for some,and ismostlyadded to thisblend for flavor.Without it, thetasteismoreearthyandrich.

RelaxationBlend

2partschamomile1partcaliforniapoppy

1partpassionflower

1/2partlavender1/2partoattops

This is abeautifulblossomtea topromote relaxationandsleep.Dependingonyour energy level, this may be a blend to drink throughout the day to easeanxiety,oritmaybeperfectfortheendofabusyday,orforthosehavingtroublesleeping,orwhooftenwakeinthenight.

WellnessBlend

2partsastragalus

2partselderblossom

2partsechinaceaflowersand/orleaves1parttulsi(holybasil)1/2partyarrow1/2partrosehips

MakingMeasurements—SimplersMethodTherearemanywaystomeasureherbsandotheringredientsfor the proper formulation of remedies. We choose the Simplers Method—old, folk, simple. It is acombinationofartandscience,withalotofroomforintuitionfromyoutomakeachangehereandthereaccording to your illness, preference, and liking.Thismethodusesparts, rather thanweightsor volume.Thismakesformuchflexibilityandself-directionintermsofhowmuchyouaremaking.Therecipeislaidoutinproportion,buttheamountthatpeoplewanttomakevariesconstantly.Whetheryou’dliketomakeonepintofinfusion,oronequart;four2-oz.jarsofsalve,orsix—theratiosremainthesame,andyoufigureoutthemeasurements.

Wefeelthatthis isthebestwaytodiveinandgetthehangofmakingthesemedicinesfirsthand,from

yourownhand,usingyourownpartsofyourownherbs.

Deeply strengthening to the immune system, this blend is helpful whenstruggling with a cold or flu. It contains vitamin C and many vitamins andminerals that provide a deep immune tonic and stimulating properties. It isslightlydiaphoretic,helpingthebodydealwithfever.Addlemonandhoneyforaddedbenefitsandflavor!

HerbaldecoctionAdecoction is essentially a very strong infusion,made by simmeringherbs inwater, versus steeping. This strong brew can be used to make syrups, or justconsumedstraightaspotentmedicine.

Herbsappropriatefordecoctingarethetougher,woodierpartsoftheplants,likerootsandbark,andsometimesleaves,butrarelydelicateflowers.

InstructionsfordecoctionOnthestovetop,bring3partswaterand2parts freshherbs,or1partdriedherbs toaboil.Cover, and let simmer for 15–30minutes.Removefromheat, let steep foranother fewminutes, strain,anddrink.Or,thisdecoctioncanbemadeintoasyrup.

Decoction,unlikeinfusions,willlastintherefrigeratorforuptoaweek.

SomeHerbsThatAreGreatforDecoctions

BurdockRootDandelionRootAstragalusRootCinnamonBarkMarshmallowRootEchinaceaRootComfreyRootValerianRootElderBerriesHawthornBerriesGingerRootYellowDockRoot

SyrupSyrups are a way tomakemedicine taste great, to prevent spoilage for longerstorage, and to get the addedmedicinal benefits of honey, juices, ormolasses.Theyareusuallythepreferredwaytotakemedicineforchildren.

InstructionsforSyrup

Tomake yummy syrup for kids ages 1 and older, follow the instructions formakingadecoction(seeabove),andthenaddhoney,and/ormolasses,alcohol,orjuiceconcentrate.

The simplest syrup is one part decoction, one part honey. Mix thiscombinationwellandstoreinthefridgeforupto3months.Youcanalwaysaddalittlealcohol—suchasvodka,rum,orbrandy—tohelppreserveitalittlemore.

Fora4-ouncebottle,addonetablespoonofalcohol.

ElderberrySyrup

Followthedirections formakingadecoctionofelderberrieswith1partgingerrootadded,freshordry.

Straintheherbsout,andmeasureanequalparthoney,whilethedecoctionisstillwarm.Mixtogether,pourintoyourbottleofchoice,andstoreinthefridge.

Thisisawonderfulmedicineforthecoldandfluseason,bothforpreventingillness and for relieving acute illness. It will help with viruses of all types,especiallyinthelungs.Thegingeriswarming,andhelpsopenthepassagewaysofthebody.

CoughSyrup

Makeadecoctionwiththefollowing:1partcomfreyroot1partechinacearoot

1partelecampaneroot

1/2partthyme1/2partgingerroot1/4partlicoriceroot

Strainmixtureandaddanequalparthoney,and1/2partblackcherryjuice.Mixwell,letcool,andstoreinthefridge.This formula is ideal for clearing out a wet cough, which tends to want to

lingerinthewintermonths!

Stress&AnxietySupportSyrup

Makeadecoctionwiththefollowing:1parteleuthero

1partastragalus

At the end, add the following herbs to steep in the decoctionmixture, beforestraining:1/2partLemonbalm1/2partoattops

Letsteepforanhour,strain,andaddequalparthoney,mixwell,letcool,bottle,label,andstoreinthefridge.

TinctureTincturesarealcoholextractsofherbs.Manyherbsarewell-suitedtotincturing,

becausetheyhavealcohol-solublecomponents,andsomearenot.Tincturesareveryeasytomake,andareanefficientwaytotakemedicineand

haveitassimilateintoyoursystemquickly.Theyaregreattohavewithyouwhentraveling,whenyoucannotbrewacupoftea.

Alcohol goes into your bloodstream immediately and will carry the herbalbenefitswithit,makingtincturesafast-actingformofherbalmedicine.

Youcaneitherusefreshordriedherbs,andyoucanmakeformulaswithmorethanoneherb,or“simples,”usingonlyoneherb.

Applecidervinegarorvegetableglycerincanalsobeused tomake tinctureswhen alcohol is notdesired for any reason. Someherbs—such asmineral richones—are well suited to vinegar, as the vinegar extracts different componentsthan alcohol. Glycerin is used often for children’s formulas for the followingreasons:(a)ittastesgood,and(b)someparentsdonotwantchildreningestingalcohol,eveninsmallquantities.

TheArtofFormulation

Creatingyourownformulaswilltaketimeandexperience.Thereisalottolearnaboutplantsindividually,andthenhowtheyworkwithotherplantstocreateasynergy,andtherefore,aneffectiveformula.Asyougoalongyourjourneywithherbs, collect asmuch information as possible on each herb you’re getting toknow,andeventuallyyouwillnaturallystartto“see”howtheycanworktogether—oneherbmayhaveavery strongeffect, sometimes toxicon itsown,butyetafteraddingamilder,soothingherb,willhaveanentirelydifferenteffect.

Inmostformulas,thereareoneormoreherbsthataretheactiveherbs—theones that have themost direct effect on the issue at hand. Then therewill besupportiveherbsadded to those, to roundout the formula, andhelp themoreactiveorstimulatingherbsassimilateintothebodysystems.

Intherecipesthatfollowaresomeexamplesofformulasforspecificpurposes.

InstructionsforTincturing

Fill a jar halfway with dried herbs, or all the way with fresh herbs. Covercompletelywithmenstruum,leavingnoairspaceatthetop.Putalidtightlyonthejar,andletsit,shakingdaily,foranywherefrom2to6weeks(itwon’thurtifitsitslonger).

Themenstruum is the liquid thatwill be doing the extraction (i.e., alcohol,alcohol andwater, vinegar, or glycerin). Ideally, if you can get hold of a 190-proof organic grain or grape alcohol, use it. In this case you add equal partsdistilled, or deep well/clean spring water to it, and that is your menstruum,

whichyouusetocoveryourherbsfortincturing.

•Theotheralcoholoptionisover-the-counterstraight80-proofalcohol.Inthiscase there isnoneed toaddanywater,as this isyourmenstruum.Vodka ismostrecommended,asitdoesnotimpartitsownflavor,inturnkeepingthemedicinemoreherbal tasting.A lotof liquorshave theirownattributes thatwill tend to take over some of the medicinal properties, and override theflavor.

•Withvinegartinctures,useanorganicrawapplecidervinegar.• Withglycerin,useorganicvegetableglycerin.Youcandoacombinationof

thisglycerinwithalcoholandwateraswell,ifdesired.

Once you’ve had your herb or herbs—whether fresh or dry—and yourmenstruum co-mingling in a jar together for 2–6 weeks, it’s time to reap thebenefits!It’stimefordecantingyourmedicine.

Thenextstepistostrainouttheherbsandpourthetinctureintodarkbottlesforstorageanduse(seeResources).Usingafinemeshstrainerwithcheeseclothplacedinit,ontopofafunnel,pouryourmixturethrough,squeezingallliquidfromtheplantmaterial.Thetincturethencanbebottledintosmallerdropper-topbottles(seeResources)asneededforuse.Thesebottlesarebestforbeingabletogettherightdosage(seeAppendix4)TinctureRecipes

Digestion

2partsginger1partdandelionroot

1partchamomile

menstruum

Headache

2partsfeverfew1partrosemary

1partlemonbalm

1/2partlavendermenstruum

HormonalBalance

2partsvitex(chasteberry)1partredraspberryleaf

1partwildyam

1/2partAmericanginsengmenstruum

HighMineralVinegarTincture

2partsnettle1parthorsetail1partredraspberryleaf

1partredclover

1partcleanedandhumanelysourcedbonesand/oreggshells

SpicyImmunityVinegarTincture

1partginger—freshandgrated

1partchilipeppers

1parthorseradish—freshandgrated1partgarlic—fresh,choppedorwhole

1partonions

1/3partAstragalus1/4partfreshparsley1/2parthoney

KidsCalmingGlycerite

1partlemonbalm1partchamomile

1parttulsibasil

1/2partvalerian

PowderedherbsPowdered herbs come in handy for a few different preparations includingcapsules,pillballs,andpoultices.

Youcanmakeyourownherbsintopowdersathomewithagoodqualityherbgrinderoracoffeegrinder.Youcanalso—ofcourse—orderthemfromanherbcompany(seeResources).

Onceyouhavethepowdersyou’dliketoworkwith,theycanbestoredinanairtight container—preferably glass, away from light—for some time, up to 6monthsatthemost,forpotencysake.

InstructionsforcapsulesYou’ll want to buy a hand encapsulater (see Resources). These are great littletoolsthatmakeiteasytomake24capsulesatonetime,insteadofpackingeachemptycapsuleseparately—sotedious!

Youwill also need to purchase empty capsules (seeResources). There are acoupleofdifferenttypesandsizes.Makesuretheencapsulatorsizematchesthecapsulesizeyouareusing.

Followdirectionsforuse,andstartmakingcapsulesforyouandyourfriendsandfamily!Thisisanicewaytotakemedicineonthego(theystorewell),andsomeherbs,well,youjustdon’twanttohavetotaste.(SeeAppendix4fordosagerecommendations.)HerbalCapsuleRecipes

StomachEase

2partsginger1partslipperyelm

1partchamomile

1/2partfennel

BeautifulSkin

1partdandelionroot1partnettle

1partyellowdock

1/2partredclover

ColdCare

2partsechinacearoot2partsastragalus

1partginger

1/2partgoldenseal1/2partmyrrh

Anotherwaytoincorporateherbalpowdersintoyourmedicinechestarepillballs—thesearefun,cantastegreat,andcanbeanicewaytoenticechildrentotake herbs. Basically, you are justmaking dough with the powders and a fewother ingredients, such as honey or nut buttersmixed in. Getting the desiredconsistencyisanart,notascience,soplayaroundhere!Youcanmakethemasbigorsmallasyou’dlike,theycanevenbeasubstantialsnackforsmallandlargechildrenalike.

InstructionsforherbalpillballsThis is pretty free form. Once you have powdered the herbs you’d like toincorporate, just play around with amounts, and other ingredients, until youhavethedesiredconsistencyandflavors.Youreallycannotgowrong.

Someingredientstoincorporateintopillballsbesidestheherbs:nutbuttershoneyghee(clarifiedbutter)dates,andotherdriedfruitscoconutflour,oil,orshreddedmeatsesame,poppy,orflaxseeds

RecipesforHerbalPillBalls

ImmunityBalls

3partsastragalus

1partechinacea

1/2partdandelion1/2partlemonbalm

EnergyBalls

2partsgaurana1partcarob

1partcacao

1/2partmint

SpiceBalls

1partturmeric

1partginger

1/2partcinnamon1/4partcloves

PoulticeA poultice is one of the simplest and quickest ways to administer herbalmedicinetopically.Inasenseyouliterallycangrabitoutofthegroundandputitonyou!Itismostlikelytheoldestformofherbalmedicine.

A poultice is the application of fresh or dried powdered herbs and hot orwarmwater.

PoulticeUses

healwoundssootherashesdrawoutsplintershealbeestingsandbugbitesreduceenlargedglandsbringboilstoaheadeaseacnecoolinflammationhelpjointpaineaseheadachesshrinktumorsandcysts

InstructionsforMakingaPoultice

Measurethedesiredamountofherbalpowder—enoughfortheareathatyouwillbeimmediatelyusingitfor(i.e.,asmallamount)—andmixwithenoughwatertomake a nice paste, not too runny or chunky. The temperature of the poulticewhenappliedwillneedtobehotifyouneedtodrawsomethingtoahead,andonlywarmifyouwantasoothingeffect.

Oncethepaste ismade,youcanapplyitdirectlyontheareainneed,orputthepasteintoamuslincloth(likecheesecloth),thenapplythattotheskin.Thiswaymakeslessmess!

Now, for best results and to retain the heat of the poultice, apply anotherwarm moist cloth over it, and even a layer of plastic wrap. To ensure even

longer-termheatandeffectiveness,placeahotwaterbottleorhotpackoverthewhole thing. Now rest; let the poultice penetrate and heal, unwrap, repeat ifnecessary.

Forquick first-aidsituations, suchasabeesting, it iseffective to justpickafresh herb from the yard, crush it up—even chew it up—and apply itimmediately.Trytoholditonthesting,afterpullingthestingerout,foralittlewhileuntilthepainandswellingsubside.Thisisveryeffectiveforchildrenwhentheyareinthethroesofthepain.Also,morecasualways, likejustputtingclaypasteontopoisonivyandlettingitdryouttodrawthepus,canworkwonders!

PoulticeRecipes

Plantain

Plantain is amazing at immediately bringing down inflammation in a sting orbiteandeasingthepain.Luckilythisplantiseverywherewestep,growinginourlawns,andoftenasawonderfulweed in thegarden.Youcaneither justpickaleaf,chewitupintoapulp,apply,press,andwrap,ormixwithhotwateranduseanyoralloftheprevioustechniquesforapplication.

Plantainisoneofthebestfirst-aidremedies.

Sage

Usesagepowderorthefreshherb,crushed.Addhotwatertomakethedesiredconsistency.A poultice of sage is very astringent, and will draw out splinters, pus, and

generallyhealthearea.

Mustard:

Usemustardpowder.Addhotwatertomakethedesiredconsistency.Mustard is an age-old remedy for sore muscles, sore throat, and enlarged

lymphglands.Follow the instructions above, making sure to put the mustard paste into

calothbeforeapplying,becauseitcanburnorirritatetheskinifputdirectlyonit.

HerbaloilsHerbal oils aremade by a simple process of infusing an herb or herbs into acarrieroil(i.e.,olive,almond,coconut,jojoba).Theycanbehighlymedicinalforfirst-aidsituations,ortheycanbeluxuriousbodyoils.

Herbal oils can then be used tomake a salve, ointment, body butter, or lipbalm; or they can be used as is, and you can choose essential oils to add foraromatherapyandmedicinalvalue.

Herbaloils canbemadewith freshherbs, slightlydriedherbs,or fullydriedherbs.Theratioswillvaryaccordingly.

InstructionsforHerbalOils

Take1partdriedherbto2partsoilofchoice(seecarrieroillistthatfollows).Putintoajar,andletsitinasunnyspotfor2–4weeks,shakingdaily.Ifusingfreshorslightlydriedherbs,fillthejarwiththeherb,andcoverwithoil.

Alwaysmakesurethattheoiliscoveringtheherbs,andfilledallthewaytothetopofwhateverjaryouareusing—thiswillmakeoxidationandmoldonthetopof the oil less likely. If using fresh herbs, there ismore likeliness formold tooccur,astheherbsstillcontainwater.Checkdailyformold,andscrapeoffany,andsmelltomakesurealliswell.Freshherbaloilsaremorepotentthandried.

TIP: One method to lessen the likeliness for mold is to “wilt” the herbsovernight,togetoutsomeofthewater,butstillhavethembemostlyfresh.

After2–4weeks,youroil is ready fordecantation(strainingandbottling,orusing to make another remedy). Simply strain through a mesh strainer withcheeseclothlaidinit,makingsuretheoilcomesthroughclear.This isnowthetime to addessentialoils ifdesired—youcanplay aroundwith the amount, toyourliking.Ingeneral,about15dropsperoneounceofoil.(Seethelistbelowofessentialoils.)StovetopHerbalOilInstructionsInadoubleboiler,heatappropriateamountsofdesiredherbsandoilstogether,andsimmeroverlowheatstirringoccasionallyforaboutanhour.Strain,letcool

completely.This isaquickandconvenientway to infuseanherbaloil,butnotquiteaseffectiveasinfusingovertimeinawarmspotandshakingdaily.

Bottle into dark bottles—amber, blue, green, etc. (see Resources)—label andstore!

SomeCarrierOilsandTheirBenefits

Coconut—emollient,conditioning,protectingOlive—emollient,restorativeJojoba—emollient,antioxidantSweetalmond—emollient,fragrantApricotkernel—emollient,fragrant,usedformassageSesame—emollient,UVprotection,mildlycleansingGrape-seed—emollient,non-allergenic,non-greasy

SomeEssentialOilsandTheirBenefits

Lavender—relaxing,soothingSage—antibacterial,cleansingLemon—upliftingEucalyptus—invigorating,clearspassagewaysRose—amazing for skin rejuvenation, oils contained in roses are similar in

substancetoskinsownoils—makingthemeasilyabsorbedandutilized.Lemongrass—upliftingPeppermint—rejuvenating

HerbalOilRecipes

TraumaOil

equalpartsSt.John’swort,arnica,andcalendulaoliveoil(enoughtocoverherbs)

BeautifulBodyOil

Equalpartscalendula,rose,andchamomile2partsoliveoil

1partsweetalmondoil

1/2partcoconutoil1/2partjojobaoilEssentialoilsoflavender,lemongrass,andsage(about15dropsessentialoiltotal

perounceofherbaloil)SkinHealingOil2partscomfreyleaf1partcalendula1partelderflowers1partplantain

2partsoliveoil

1/2partcoconutoil

Salve,bodybutter,andlipbalmA salve is a medicinal preparation for topical use, prepared by thickening anherbaloil(seetheprevioussectiononherbaloils)withwax,generallybeeswax.

Bodybuttersandlipbalmhavemoreingredients—namelybutters—addedintomakeacreamierconsistency.Sheabutterandcocoabutterareexamples.

Essentialoilsand liquidvitaminscanbeaddedformedicinal,aromatherapy,andpreservationpurposes.

Salvesareuseful insomanysituationsincludingskininfections,scrapesandbruises, diaper rash, eczema, chicken pox, poison ivy, and dry skin. They areapplied to skin that is not open or oozing, and sometimes to awound that isinflamedandindangerofinfection.

Salves,bodybutter,andlipbalmsareeasytostore,carry,anduseastheyareabit lessmessythanastraightherbaloil.Allpreparationshavetheirappropriatetimeandplace.Theyalsomakegreatgifts!

InstructionsforSalve,BodyButter,andLipBalmStartbymeasuringtherightamountsofherbaloilandbeeswax. The general ratio here for salve is 4 parts oil to 1 part wax. If you are also adding butter(s),dependingon the consistencyyouwant, adda little lesswax.Theway to test the consistency is todip aspoonintothemixtureasitismeltingonthestovetop,letitharden,thentryitout.Youcanthenaddmoreoiliftoohard,ormorewaxand/orbutters,iftoosoft.

Beeswax can be challenging to chop and measure—here are some ideas tomakeiteasier!

Ifyouareworkingwithachunkorchunksofwax, justwrap it inclothand

poundwithahammeruntilitisbrokenupintoworkablepieces.Thesmallerthepieces,theeasieritistomeasure.Fortunately,thereisbeeswaxavailableonthemarketnowthatisalreadybrokenintotiny“pearls”thatissoincrediblynicetoworkwith(seeResources).

Next,getadoubleboilergoingonthestove,andaddtheherbaloilandwaxand/orbutters.Letthemmelttogether,andstironcejusttomakesuretheyareverywellmixed.Turntheheatoff,removethetopofthedoubleboilerwithyourmixtureinit,letcooljustabit,andaddessentialoilsorvitaminsatthistime.

Beforethemixtureiscooledenoughtobeginhardeninginthepot,pourintothe containers. Dark containers are ideal for longer-term storage. But anycontainerwithawidemouth(forsalvesandbutters)willdo,andsmallertinsorlipbalmtubesforlipbalm(seeResources).

Letcoolcompletelybeforeputtingonthecovers.Labelandyou’redone!

Recipes for salves, body butters, and lip balmsAntibacterialSalve4partsherbaloilmadewitholiveoilinfusedwith:

1partgoldenseal1partechinacearoot

1partmyrrhgum

Add

1partbeeswax

10dropspurevitaminEoilper1ounceofsalve

ThesynergyofSt.John’swort,arnica,andcalendulaworkingtogetherisclosetomiraculous!Thisoilcan be applied topically when there is injurious trauma (not to be applied to open skin), or to healbruisesrapidly.Itpenetratesdeeply,andoftenprovidesimmediaterelief.

AcoupleofyearsagoIwasgatheringfirewood.Iwasgettingtiredandhadafewmorepiecestosplittobefinishedfortheday.Iwasworkingwithblackbirch,whichcanhavetwistedgrainrequiringalotofforcetosplit.Thisparticularpiecewasabout18incheslongandIhadasplitstartedandthenturneditaquarterturnhopingthatwhenIhititwithallmymightitwouldbreakintofourpieces.IraisedtheaxandwithallthepowerIhad,Ibroughttheaxdownonthewood.Itdidcomeapartwithalotofforceandonepieceshotintomyrightshin.Iwentwhitewithpain.Anotherpieceslidupthehandleoftheaxeand toreoffhalfofmyknuckleon the index fingerofmy righthand.My finger startedbleedingprofuselyfromundertheflapofskin.Ididn’tevennoticethepainofmyfingerbecausemyshinwasthrobbingandswollen.Iwasonthegroundwrithing,unabletostandup.Alyssaheardthecommotionandcametoseewhathadhappened.Sheimmediatelyranbackintoouryurtandgrabbedsometraumaoilandcayennepepper.Shestartedrubbingmyshinwiththeoilandwithin5secondsthepainhadallbutvanishedandIcouldstandup.Icouldn’tbelievehowquicklyitbroughtrelief!Thatgavemeenoughbreathingroomto lookatmyfinger,whichwasstillbleeding.Alyssaputsomecayennepepper inthewoundtostopthebleeding,whichitdid.Fivestitcheslaterandwithregulardosesoftraumaoilitwasasifithadneverhappened.Ihavehadmanyhealingexperienceswithherbsbutthatwasamazing.Icarrytraumaoilwithmeallthetimenowinmyfirst-aidmedicinebag.

—BretHolmes

Soothing,HealingBodyButter4partsherbaloilmadewithsweetalmondoilinfusedwith:

2partscalendula1partcomfrey

1partplantain

Add

1/2partbeeswax

1partcocoabutter

15dropslavenderessentialoilper1ouncebodybutter

SheaVanillaLipBalm

4partsherbaloilmadewithapricotkerneloilinfusedwithcalendulaAdd

1partbeeswax

1–2parts sheabutter—itwill need tobe aharder consistency if going into lipbalmtubesthanitwillifgoingintotins.Testasmallbatchtogetthedesiredconsistency.

15dropsofvanillaessentialoilper1ounceoflipbalm

LinimentAn herbal liniment is used as a disinfectant for wounds, or as a rub for soremuscles.Itismadeexactlylikeatincture,exceptthemenstruumiseitherwitchhazelorrubbingalcohol.Theratioofherbtoliquidisthesame,andthetimeittakes tomacerate is the same. (See the Tincture section.) Liniments are quitepowerful and are for external use only. They can have miraculous cleansingabilities with stubborn, festering wounds, while also aiding in the healingprocess! They are often used in massage for muscle aches, pain, andinflammation, especially inAsia.Onemoreuse is forheadaches—youcan rubthemonthetemples,orwhereverithurtsonthehead,andoftenthiswillextractsome,ifnotall,ofthepain.

Make sure towash hands after use, avoid eyes, and keep out of reach fromchildren.

Kloss’sLinimentRecipe

ThisisafamousrecipefromDr.JethroKloss(BacktoEden)1ounceechinaceapowder1ouncegoldensealpowder

1ouncemyrrhpowder

1/4ouncecayennepowder

1pintrubbingalcohol

Kloss liniment iseffectiveagainstwoundsandsore inflamedmuscles. It’sanincrediblemedicinetohaveonhandforfirstaid.

HerbalbathsAnherbalbathcanoftenbe just theanswerweare looking for tocalmnervesand relieve stress. Our skin, being the body’s largest organ, will drink in thecontentsofwhatweputintothebath.Thereissomuchopportunityforhealinginthewater,whetherhot,tepid,orcold.Candlescanhelprelievestress,too.

In thebath,we can easepoison ivy; soothe sore, overusedmuscles; detoxifyour systems; heal scratched and bug-bitten skin; and re-center ourselves toemergeanew.

InstructionsforanHerbalBath

Method1:Inalargesouppotonthestoveheat1or2gallonsofwatertoaboil.Add3largehandfulsofherbs,driedorfresh.Removefromheat,cover,andletmixturesteep foranywhere from10minutes toanhour.Strainoutherbs,andaddthisteatoyourbathwater.

Method2:Fillasachet—amuslinbagwithatie—withherbs,andtieittothefaucet,asyourunthehotwaterforthebath.Thewaterwillrunthroughit,andmake tea as it goes. Or, you can just add the bag of herbs directly into thebathtub.Withthismethod,youcanthenusethe“teabag”tomassageyourbodywith.

Bybathing,youaredrinkingtheherbalinfusionthroughyourskin.Thehotterthewater,themoreopenyourporeswillbe,thereforethemoreyouwilldrinkin.Coolerwaterismoretoningandstrengtheningtothebody,andcanbeusedtobringdownfeversslightly,andtotoneandstrengthentheskinandorgans.

RecipesforHerbalBaths

Relaxation

1cupofsalts(i.e.,sea,epsom,pink,etc.)1cupofbakingsoda1cupchamomile1cuplavender1cuphops

20dropslavenderessentialoil

ColdandFlu

1cupequalpartsepsomandseasalt1cupbakingsoda1cupyarrow1cupelderflowers1cupchamomile

30dropseucalyptusessentialoil

LavenderOatmealforItchySkin

2cupsgrounddryrolledoats1cupsaltsofchoice

30dropslavenderessentialoil

Benefitsofsaltsandbakingsoda

• Epsomsalts—soothe soremuscles andaddmagnesium through the skin tohelpwithlegcramps,dryskin,andgeneralmagnesiumdeficiency•Deadseasalts—fullofmineralsandtraceminerals

•Seasalt—skinsoothing,fullofminerals• Baking soda—soothing, softening effect, great for skin and muscles,

neutralizeschlorineSachetsandDreampillowsSachetsanddreampillowsare thesame thing,eachhaving itsownpurpose.Asachet can be used to put in drawers of clothing to keep bugs out andmakeclothes smell nice or can be hung in your car instead of the smelly cardboardtreesfromtheconveniencestore!Theymakenicegifts,andwhentheherbslosepotencyafterawhile,theycanbeopenedupandnewherbsadded.

A dream pillow is used to enhance dreaming and relaxation. It is a finecompaniontotaketobed,ensuringcomfortandsleepybliss.

Instructions for sachet and dream pillowMethod forSachet

Simply takea squarepieceofcloth that is thin,andabout1 foot.Layona flatsurface, and place 1 or 2 cups of nice smelling dried herbs of choice into themiddle.Scoopupalltheedges,wrappingtheherbsinthemiddle,andtieastringorribbonaroundittight.Voila—simpleasthat!It’snicetousebeautifulmaterialandstring—becreative.

MethodforDreamPillow

Here is where a little sewing comes in to play. Choose material that is thinenoughsothatyoucansmelltheherbsthroughit,ofcourse.Sew—eitherbyhandormachine—apillowintheshapeofyourchoice.Whenitisnearlyfullysewn,fill up with herbs, and sew up the hole. There is the option of adding otheringredientstothepillowtoaddtextureand/ordensity;suchas:buckwheathulls,rice,ordrybeans.

RecipeforSachet

2partslavender2partsroses

1partlemonbalmorlemongrass

1/2partmint

RecipeforDreamPillow

2partsmugwort1partlavender1partchamomile

1parthops

Formorerecipes, ideas,andsuggestions—specificallyrelatedtoimmunehealthanddiseasesofthegut,seeAppendix2.

Go forth into theunlimitedworldofmedicinemaking,where sciencemeetsmagic,andweinfuseourselveswiththeplantsandbecomeonewiththisancientcraft!

W

CONCLUSION

Neverdoubtthatasmallgroupofthoughtful,committedcitizenscanchangetheworld;indeed,itistheonlythingthateverhas.

—MargaretMead

ehumanswantconnection.Itisvitalforustofeellovedandcaredfor,nourished and healthy, and when we are feeling these things, we feelconnected; connected with our bodies, other people, the environment

thatsurroundsus,andtheearth.Beingconnectedwithourwell-being,withwhatmakesusfeelhealthyandwhole,isimportantforalong,fulfilledlife.

Gettingtoknowandbeabletousesomemedicinalplantsisaverydirectandrewardingwaytoexperienceconnection.Theyveryquicklyconnectuswiththeearth fromwhere they come, as well as connecting us to the rich history andtraditionsoftheiruses.Andveryimportantly,theyconnectuswithourbodies—byworkingwithoursystemstotreat,balance,tonify,andnourish.

Itcanbesoexcitingtoignitetheflameofinnerandouterhealthandradiance!Tocreateorcontinueaconnectionwiththeearthandourhealthinthisway—with the herbs.Herbs truly are our allies in this life, especially in this time oftoxicityinourwater,food,andair.Asawholepeople,wearecravingoptimumhealth,simplicity,connection.

Plantingagardenofwhatevertype,whetherbigorsmall,getsusintouchwiththeelements, theearth.Gettingout in the sunshineand in the rain, in itself ishealing.Growingsomeherbs,bringingthemintoyourhome,processingthem,and transforming them into medicine or body care is a simple practice thatimproves your overall sense of well-being, and can instill confidence in yourabilitytohealandhelpothers.

Wehope thisbookhasgivenyou tools tobe agrowerofplants, ahealerofwounds. . .anherbalist.Wehopethatitkindlesadeeperconnectionwiththisancientpractice,andthatyouandyourfamilyandfriendscanbenefitfromtheplantsthemselvesinyourgarden,andthewonderfulmedicinesyouhaveinyourhome.

APPENDIX1

PropertiesandActionsofHerbsIncludedherearedescriptionsofsomeofthemanypropertiesand actions of herbs, with examples of specificherbstofollow.Abortifacient: Can cause expulsion of the fetus, and if not, can cause other

damagetofetus.Bluecohosh,mugwort,pennyroyal.Adaptogen: Helps our body adapt to and deal with stress in all areas—body,

mind,spirit.Helpskeepbalanceandconserveenergy.Astragalus,ashwaganda,ginseng,eleuthero.Alterative:Bloodpurifiers,cleansers,builders,tonics.Helpsthebodydealwith

toxicsubstances,andtoassimilatenutrients.Burdock,comfrey,nettle,plantain.Analgesic:Relievespain.Chamomile,skullcap,valerian.Anodyne:Relievespain(seeAnalgesic).Antiarthritic: Relieves inflammation and joint pain. Protects joints from

degeneration.Turmeric,juniper,blackcohosh.Antibacterial:Inhibitsthegrowthof,ordestroysbacteriaandviruses.Echinacea,elecampane,garlic,goldenseal.Anticatarrhal:Decreasesmucousproduction.Elder,mullein,sage.Antipyretic:Coolingtoreduceorpreventfever.Boneset,basil,chickweed.Antidepressant:Relievesdepression,supportsthenervoussystem.Lemonbalm,oattops,St.John’swort.Antiemetic:Preventsvomiting.Chamomile,ginger,peppermint.Antifungal:Inhibitsordestroysgrowthoffungi.

Garlic,teatree,yarrow.Anti-inflammatory:Reducesinflammation.Cayenne,chamomile,turmeric,yarrow.Antilithic:Preventskidneystones.Cornsilk,gravelroot,hydrangea.Antimicrobial:Reducesmicrobialgrowth,sameasantibacterial.Antioxidant:Preventsdamagefromfreeradicals.Astragalus,ginger,sage,turmeric.Antiparasitic:killsparasites.Nottobeusedinexcess.Clove,elecampane,wormwood,garlic.Antiseptic:Cleansingtotheskintopicallytopreventmicrobesandinfection.Calendula,sage,plantain,yarrow.Antispasmodic:reducesmusclespasm,relaxesmuscles.Chamomile,crampbark,kava,valerian.Antitussive:Relievescoughing.Elecampane,coltsfoot,poppy,thyme.Antitumor:Suppressesgrowthoftumors.Astragalus,burdock,echinacea,garlic,redclover.Antiviral:Supportstheimmunesystemandsuppressesthegrowthofviruses.Elder,lemonbalm,garlic,echinacea,osha.Aphrodisiac:Tonesreproductiveorgans,and/orstimulatessexualdesire.Astragalus,ginseng,damiana,burdock.Astringent:Constrictingoftissues,usedtobindswellings,bleeding,andmucous

membranes.Mullein,redraspberry,sage,yarrow.Bitter:Stimulatesdigestion,byincreasingproductionofbile.Burdock,dandelion,motherwort,yarrow.Bronchodilator:Relaxesbronchialmuscles,tocreateeasierbreathing.Chamomile,elecampane,peppermint,thyme.Calmative:Calmingtothenervoussystem.Chamomile,hops,lavender,valerian.Carminative:Relievesgasandgriping.Fennel,ginger,peppermint.Cholagogue: Promotes bile flow from the gall bladder. These herbs also have

laxativeproperties.Burdock,dandelion,goldenseal.Choleretic: Stimulatesbileproduction in the liver. (SeeBitter andCholagogue

herbs).Demulcent:Soothesandhealsmucousmembranes.Marshmallow,comfrey,slipperyelm,burdock,fenugreek.Diaphoretic:Inducessweating.Elder,peppermint,yarrow.Diuretic:increasesandstimulatesurination.Burdock,dandelion,elder,nettle,parsley.Emmenagogue:Stimulatessuppressedmenstruation.Bluecohosh,pennyroyal,yarrow.Emetic:Inducesvomiting.Bloodroot,ipecac,lobelia.Emollient:Protects,soothesandsoftenstheskin.Oilsofalmond,apricot,sesame,andolive.Comfreyroot,slipperyelm,chickweed.Expectorant:Expelsmucous.Comfrey,elecampane,coltsfoot,mullein,horehound.Galactagogue:Increasesmilkflow.Blessedthistle,fennel,dandelion,alfalfa,oattops.Hearttonic:Supportsandstrengthensnaturalfunctionsoftheheart.Hawthorne,motherwort.Hemostatic:Stopsbleeding.Cayenne,mullein,goldenseal,yellowdock.Hepatoprotective:Supportsnormalliverfunction.Burdock,dandelion,turmeric.Hypotensive:Lowersbloodpressure.Garlic,ginger,hawthorne,motherwort.Immunomodulator: Assists the body’s defense system, by strengthening the

immunesystem.Astragalus,echinacea,garlic,St.John’swort.Laxative:Promotesbowelmovements.Dandelion,yellowdock.Lymphagogue:Helpslymphsystemtocleanseandstrengthen.Burdock,calendula,mullein,redclover.Nervine:Calmsthenerves.Chamomile,motherwort,valerian.Nutritive:Nourishesandstrengthenstheentiresystem.Burdock,dandelion,nettle,plantain.

Sedative:Strongrelaxingsupporttothenervoussystem.Valerian,chamomile,catnip,skullcap.Stimulant:Increasesenergy.Echinacea,ginseng,dandelion,elecampane,sage.Stomachic:SeeBitterandTonic.Tonic:Generalpromotionof functionsof the entirebody,or specific systems.

Boostsenergyonadeeplevel.Nettle,dandelion,burdock,ginseng,skullcap.Vulnerary:Encouragesthehealingofwoundsandirritatedtissues.Aloe,comfrey,calendula.

APPENDIX2

AdditionalHerbalRemediesHere,weare includingusefulherbsandremedies foroverall immunesupport,specificallytotreatdiseasesofthegut.Ninetypercentofourimmunesystemliesinourgut,anddiseasesofthisoriginareverycommonnow,andontherise.

Herbal medicines for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) combine anti-inflammatory herbs, demulcents, astringents, immune-enhancing herbs, andadaptogens. See Living with Crohn’s & Colitis by Jessica Black and DedeCummingsformoreinformationonherbalremediesanddigestivewellness.

Anti-inflammatoryherbsGarlicisalsoausefulsupplementespeciallyifthereisconcernthatthereisyeast,bacterial, or parasitic overgrowth.Garlic is anti-inflammatory, blood thinning,antimicrobial,andanticancer.Garlicsupplementsneedtobetakenwiththeodorto get the best effect. Don’t bother buying an odor-less garlic supplement,becauseyoulosehalfofwhatmakesgarlicsopowerful.Ifyourstomach,familymembers,andco-workerscanhandleit,thebestwaytotakegarlicistoeatgarliccloves.Onewaytodothisisbymakingasmalldrink.

GarlicDrinkRecipe

1clovegarlic,mincedsmall½glassfilteredwaterpuremaplesyrup,totastejuiceofhalfalemon

Mixtogetheranddrinkoneofthesedrinkstwotimesdaily.Tryjusteatinggarlic,asitisbeingstudiedmoreandmoreforitshealtheffects

and its reduction in colorectal cancer risk in inflammatory bowel diseasesufferers.Ifyouwanttotakegarlicincapsuleform,theproperdosageshouldbeat least 900 mg daily. Some supplements can be found having high allicincontent,whichisthemainconstituentingarlic.Thesehighallicinsupplementsare different than taking garlic supplements, therefore the mg dosage daily ismuchsmaller.

Ginger can also be used alone especially for gastrointestinal irritation and

inflammation. Ginger tea is helpful in settling the stomach and can also behelpfultoalleviatenausea.Drink3cupsofthisteadaily.

Turmeric, or curcumin, can be used as a spice in foods or can be taken intherapeuticdoses either through tincture formor capsule form.Curcuminhassignificant anti-inflammatory properties and very high antioxidant capabilitymaking it a superb nutrient to use in any gastrointestinal condition,inflammation-relatedcondition,andtousepreventativelytowardoffcancerandchronicillness.

One of themost effective forms of curcumin is to take it in a tincturewithginger.Dr.Black’sclinicusesatincturecalledthe“anti-inflammatorytincture,”whichisusedforanythingfrominflammatoryboweldiseasetoarthritistoacuteinjuriestochronicidiopathicinflammatorydiseases.Thistincturegetsextremelypositive results in almost all patients who begin taking it regularly. Theproportion should be about 50/50 curcumin to ginger as they are both anti-inflammatory and the ginger helps with the absorption of curcumin. Becausecurcumin is poorly absorbed, it should be complexed either with ginger orbromelainforoptimalabsorptionandoptimaleffects.

In people who have ulcerative colitis, previous studies have shown thatcurcuminsupplements,whencomparedwithaplacebo,reducedthenumberofrelapsesbyabout50percent.ArecentarticleinCurrentPharmaceuticalDesignalsonotes that in the treatmentof inflammatoryboweldisease,curcumin“anditsunrivalledsafetyprofilesuggestthatithasbrightprospects.”

Turmeric complexed with ginger in liquid tincture form should be used asfollows:2dropperfuls3–4timesperday.Toomuchcurcumincancausestomachupsetsodon’tusemuchmorethanthislisteddosage.Incapsuleform,curcumincomplexed with either ginger or bromelain can be taken at 500 mg of thecurcumin2–3timesdaily.Ifyoucan’tfindacapsuleofcurcuminandgingerorcurcumin and bromelain, you can always buy curcumin and ginger capsulesseparatelyandtakethemtogethertohelpwithcurcuminabsorptionandreducegastrointestinalirritation.

YuccaisaplantnativetoMexicoandSouthwesternUnitedStates.Yuccahasbeen known in folk medicine as a treatment for arthritis and inflammatoryailments.NativeAmericantribesandnativepeoplesofMexicohaveproclaimedmanyusesofyuccathathavedatedbackhundredsofyears.Yuccaiscomprisedofmanyphytochemicalsthatmakeitspecialtouseformanyconditions.Someofthe important phytochemicals are phenolic compounds such as resveratrol.Resveratrolisanimportantanti-inflammatoryagentthathelpsreduceagingand

helps to keep inflammation under control. The phenolic compounds in yuccaalso act as antioxidants or free radical scavengers that reduce damage andinflammation caused by free radicals, thereby reducing damage and aging oftissues, joints, organs, etc. Yucca is more often used in patients who haveinflammatory bowel issues or gastrointestinal distress that coincides witharthritis.Yuccaisalsohighinsaponins,whichplayapartincomplexingwiththecholesterolmoleculeinthebodyaidingincholesterollowering.Thischolesterolloweringeffectwasdemonstratedmorethan45yearsago.

Yuccadosageshouldbetwo500mgtabletsorcapsules2–3timesperday.Itisalwaysbesttostartatalowerdosageandincreaseifnoresultisseen.Yuccacanalsobefoundasateaandwillbementionedintheteasectionaswell.Theusualdosagefor tea is3–5cupsperday.Long-termhighdosageuseofyuccaextractcanresultininterferencewiththeabsorptionofvitaminsA,D,E,andK.

Paud’arco,orTabebuiaimpetiginosa,containsatleast20activecompounds,including naphthaquinones, anthraquinones, alkaloids, quercetin, and otherflavonoids.Flavonoidswillhelpsupportandbalancetheimmuneresponseandinflammatory response and help to reduce the allergic response.Alkaloids arefound in varying quantities in most plants and are the part of the plant thatmakesthemhaveabitter taste.Because largedosagesofalkaloidscanbetoxic,thisbittertaste,obviouslymorebitterinmoretoxicplants,canwarnanimalsoftheplant’stoxicnature.Thisisoneexamplewhyitismosthelpfultouseplantsintheirwholeformasmuchaspossiblefortreatingillness.Usingplantsintheirwhole formwill help ensure the amounts of toxic or irritating substances likealkaloidsaresurroundedbyotherbalancingphytochemicals,ensuringsubtleandeffectivemedicinaleffects.Alkaloidsareanitrogen-containingpartoftheplantthatrepresentaverydiversegroupofsignificantcompoundsthat includewell-known drugs like the opiates, caffeine, nicotine, and quinine, the antimalarialdrug.

Pau d’arco can be used as an immune system stimulant, and to decreaseinflammation.It shouldonlybeused in inflammatoryboweldiseasepatients ifthereisanunderlyinginfectionproblemcontributingtoillness.

Paud’arcocanbefoundincapsules,tinctures,orasatea.Theteaisbest,butitmust be boiled slowly to gain all medicinal properties from the plant. Thefollowing dosages for capsules and tinctures should be discussed with yourdoctorpriortouse:•Capsules:300–500mgthreetimesperday•Tincture(1:5):0.5–1mL(about1/8–1/4teaspoon)twoorthreetimesperday

Topreparepaud’arcotea,mix3–6tablespoonsoftheinnerbarkteawithone

quartofcolddistilledwaterintoateapot.Thiscanbebroughttoalowboilfor20minutes.Thenstrainanddrink3cupsdaily.Even low doses of pau d’arco can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and

diarrheaandcaninterferewithbloodclotting.Itmayalsocauseskinsensitivity.The potential for drug-nutrient or nutrient-nutrient interactions should beconsideredwhenusingpaud’arco.Don’tusewithotherblood thinnersunlesssupervisedbyaphysicianandifanysideeffectsoccurafteritsuse,discontinue.Paud’arcoshouldbeavoidedinpregnancyandlactation.Paud’arcoshouldnotbegiventoinfantsorchildren.

Cat’s claw is a large woody vine indigenous to the Amazon rain forest ofSouth America and is also known as Uncaria tomentosa. Its phytochemicalmakeupisimportanttoitsfunctionsaswell.Theactivecompoundsincat’sclawincludealkaloids,triterpenes,phytosterols,andproanthocyanidins.Someofthephytochemicalsincat’sclawappeartohaveanti-inflammatory,antioxidant,andanticancereffects. It isusedinawidevarietyofhealth issues includinghealingandtreatingdigestiveandintestinaldisorders.Thephytosterolcomponentoftheherbprovidesinsightintohowitcanbalancetheimmuneresponse.PhytosterolsarecomponentsofplantsthatareresponsibleinbalancingtheactionsoftheTh1and Th2 systems and can play a significant role in reducing inflammation bybalancinganyoveractiveorunderactivepartoftheimmuneresponse.

BittersBittersareusefulherbsthatfunctiontostimulategastricfunctioninadditiontoliverfunctionanddetoxification.Theyhelptocontrolbloodsugar,andtheyaidin stress relief due to their stimulation of the parasympathetic nerves in thegastrointestinal tract. They are helpful in IBD patients because they stimulatemucosalimmunityandfunctiontocreatebalanceofinflammationwithintheGItractandtheymayhelptorepairmucosalwalldamagecausedbyinflammation.

Examples of bitters include licorice, peppermint, calendula, dandelion,artichoke leaf, blessed thistle, angelica, motherwort, wormwood, bitter orangepeel, lemon peel, gentian root, mugwort, goldenseal, cascara sagrada, hops,chamomile,andyarrow.

Anexampleofhowtousebittersisbeforeorafterameal.Itcanbeintheformofatinctureortea,buttinctureisbestconsideringitiseasiertocarrywithyouwhen you are out. A tincture of equal parts licorice, dandelion, and blessedthistlemightbeagoodstart.Use2dropperfulswitheachmeal.Thismayhaveto

betakeninalittlebitofwaterduetoitsstrongandbittertaste.

DemulcentsAdemulcentisanherbthatfunctionsinprovidingasoothingfilmoveramucusmembrane.Forexample,honey isoftenusedasademulcent fora sore throat,because it helps to coat the throat mucus membrane. Respiratory demulcentherbscanbeextremelyeffectiveintreatingcoughsandsoothinglungirritation.

The demulcent slippery elm can be very useful in calming, soothing, andcoating the GI tract. Other soothing demulcents include comfrey, althaea,licorice, and matricaria, which can be used to help soothe gastrointestinal

irritation.Demulcentscanbeusedascoldteas,tinctures,andcapsules.It isbesttouse

demulcentsaswarmorcoldteasbecausetheyperformbestthatway.

AstringentsAnastringentisusedtohelpbringtissuetogether.Itshrinksittogetherandcanhelp withmicro tears, micro bleeds, and excess mucus in the gastrointestinaltract. Some helpful astringents in IBD include agrimony, comfrey, geranium,yarrow,andlady’smantle.Mostoften,thesearenotusedalone,butareusedincombinationwithanti-inflammatoryherbs,demulcents,andimmuneenhancingherbs.

Immune-enhancingherbsOne of the most important areas to support in autoimmune diseases is theimmunesystem.Wesometimeswronglydirectourtreatmentsforautoimmunediseasesbysuppressingtheimmuneresponseratherthanbalancingtheimmuneresponse.DrugstargetedatT-lymphocyteregulationwillbeafairlylargeareaofresearchinthefuture.Fornow,weutilizeherbsthathelpthebodyachievebetterimmunehomeostasis such as astragalus, baical skullcap, chaparral, pau d’arco,albizia,reishi,shiitake,andothermushrooms.

Onemustbecarefulandskilledatusingherbalmedicinetotreattheimmunesystem in autoimmune diseases to ensure proper stimulation withoutoverstimulatingthewrongpartoftheimmunesystem.

AdaptogensAdaptogens refer to a class of herbs that help the body in its adaptation to itsenvironment.Most of the time, adaptogenshelp to support the adrenal gland,whichsitsontopofthekidneyandfunctionsinourstressresponse.Theadrenalglandshelptocontrolimmunefunction,bloodpressure,emotions,bloodsugar,and importantly, control theoutputofour cortisol,whichhelpsus feel energyforthedayandmodulatesourimmuneresponse.Adaptogensareveryusefulinthebeginningofillnesstobringenergyup,helpindividualscopewithstress,andtoimprovesenseofwell-beingandsenseofworth.Thisincreasedself-awarenessand self-love helps patients focus on their treatment plans and increasescompliancewithnewlifestyleanddietchanges.

Examples of adaptogens are Siberian ginseng, withania, licorice, astragalus,rehmania,codonopsis,maca,rhodiola,schisandra,cordyceps,reishimushroom,andnoni.Useadaptogensintinctureform.Pick2–4herbstoaddtoatinctureinequalpartsanddosing itat2dropperfuls3 timesperday.The lastdoseof theday should not be before bed, as adaptogens can often keep individuals fromsleepingwell.

ExampleAdaptogenTinctureforIBD

1partSiberianginseng1partmaca

1partrehmania

1partcodonopsisduetoitseffectonthegastrointestinaltractIfyoucan’tfindanherbalistordoctorwhocanmakethistincture,thenyoucanpurchasefour1-ounce tincturesandmix themtogether intoa4-ouncedarkcontainer.Thenyoucanpour1ouncebackintooneofthebottles, label itappropriatelyandthiscanbeyourdispensingbottle. Ifyoucan’t findoneof theseherbs, thenreplace it with another of the adaptogens listed or omit it entirely. Beforemakinganadaptogenformulareadaboutthespecificsofeachadaptogenanddeterminewhich3–4adaptogensaremostappropriateforyou.

TeasforhealingIBDTeaforMood,Nervine,andCalming

1 part St. John’swort (St. John’swort should not be used by people currentlytakingantidepressantmedication)1partlemonbalm

1partpassionflower

Steep1tablespoonper10ouncesofwater.Bringappropriateamountofwatertoboil,removefromheat,adddryherb,cover,andallowtosteepfor15minutes.Strain through a fine tea strainer, cheesecloth, or clean nylon/T-shirt.Drink 3cups daily.You canmake up to 90 ounces at once and sweetenwith honey ifdesired. If you are making bigger batches, it is perfectly okay to store in therefrigeratoranddrinkchilled.

IBDTeaforDetoxificationandSoothing

1partlicoriceroot1partmarshmallowroot1partburdockroot1partdandelionroot

1partyellowdockroot

Yellowdock shouldnot beusedbypeople takingdrugs that decrease bloodcalcium,suchasdiuretics,Dilantin,Miacalcin,orMithracin. Italsoshouldnotbe used by people with kidney disease, liver disease, or an electrolyteabnormality.

Because these herbs are roots, the tea needs to be boiled to release themaximummedicinalqualitiesoftheherbs.Add1tablespoonoftherootmixtureto10ouncesofwater.Bringwaterwithherbstoaboilandboilfor10minutes,removefromheat,cover,andallowtositfor15minutes.Strainanddrink3cupsdaily.Youcanmakeupto90ouncesatonceandsweetenwithhoneyifdesired.Ifyouaremakingbiggerbatches it isperfectlyokaytostore in therefrigeratoranddrinkchilled.

IBDTeaforInflammationandImmunity

1partpaud’arco1partcat’sclaw1partgingerroot—gratedfine

1partchaparral

Steep1 tablespoonof themixtureper14ouncesofwater.Bringappropriateamount ofwater to boil, remove fromheat, adddry herb, cover, and allow tosteep for 15 minutes. Strain through a fine tea strainer, cheesecloth, or cleannylon/T-shirt.Drink3 cupsdaily.Youcanmakeup to90ounces atonce andsweetenwithhoney if desired. If you aremakingbiggerbatches, it is perfectlyokaytostoreintherefrigeratoranddrinkchilled.

IBDSoothingGITea

1 part dried peppermint leaves (use with care if you have heartburn or acidreflux)

1partdriedchamomileflowers

Steep1tablespoonper10ouncesofwater.Bringappropriateamountofwatertoboil,removefromheat,adddryherb,cover,andallowtosteepfor15minutes.Strainthroughfineteastrainer,cheesecloth,orcleannylon/T-shirt.Drink3cupsdaily.Youcanmakeupto90ouncesatonceandsweetenwithhoneyifdesired.Ifyouaremakingbiggerbatches it isperfectlyokaytostore in therefrigeratoranddrinkchilled.

Chamomile

Steep1tablespoonper10ouncesofwater.Bringappropriateamountofwatertoboil,removefromheat,adddryherb,cover,andallowtosteepfor15minutes.

Strain through a fine tea strainer, cheesecloth, or clean nylon/T-shirt.Drink 3cups daily.You canmake up to 90 ounces at once and sweetenwith honey ifdesired. If you are making bigger batches, it is perfectly okay to store in therefrigeratoranddrinkchilled.

IBDGasReliefTea

1partfennelseeds—grindincoffeegrinderslightlytohelpbreakaparttheseed1partfenugreekseeds—grindincoffeegrinderslightlytohelpbreakaparttheseed1partalthaea(marshmallow)root

1partslipperyelmbark—grindorbreakapart

Becausetheseherbsareroots,seeds,andbarks, theteaneedstobeboiledtorelease themaximummedicinalqualitiesof theherbs.Add1 tablespoonof themixtureto10ouncesofwater.Bringwaterwithherbstoaboilandboilfor5–10minutes, remove fromheat, cover, and allow to sit for 15minutes. Strain anddrink 3 cups daily. You canmake up to 90 ounces at once and sweeten withhoneyifdesired.Ifyouaremakingbiggerbatches,itisperfectlyokaytostoreintherefrigeratoranddrinkchilled.

NutritionalpowdersBeneficialnutritionalpowdersincludespirulina,kelp,proteinpowders,brewer’syeast, ground nuts and seeds, acai powder, green tea powder, greens powder,groundmilkthistleseeds,andgroundnettlepowder.Aswitheverything,moreisnot always better. Moderation is the key to health; therefore do not beginincludingeachof thesepowders inaddition tomanyorallof thesupplementslisted.

Spirulina is a variety of seaweed that contains trace elements andminerals,essential fatty acids, increases absorption of iron and stimulates the immunesystem, cleanses and detoxifies, gently removes heavy metals, has enzymaticactivity,isavegetariansourceofB-12,andcontainsasignificantamountofbeta-carotene.

Take one rounded tablespoon 2–3 times per day, this comes to around 30gramsdaily. It isoftensuggestedthatyoucantakeupto100gramsdaily.Youcan add this to water or a smoothie or juice and it doesn’t change the tastesignificantly, but it certainly affects the color. My favorite way to consumespirulinaisbydrinkingwhatweterminourhome,“greenlemonade.”

GreenLemonadeRecipe

1cupfilteredwater

1heapingtablespoonspirulinapowder

1/2teaspoonjuicefromalemon1/2teaspoonpuremaplesyruporagavesyrup

Steviacanbesubstitutedforthesyrupinthiscase.Blendalltheingredientstogetherintheblenderuntilmixed.Enjoy3timesper

day(youcanmultiplytherecipeby3tomake1day’sworth).Makefresheveryday.

Kelp is another variety of seaweed and the powder can be beneficial to thegastrointestinal systemdue to itspotential toregulate the thyroid,which is theorgan that sets the pace of enzyme function in the body. The thyroid is ourbattery.Howwell it is functioningdetermineshowoptimallyourenzymescanfunction.Rememberthatenzymesareimportantinthegastrointestinaltractfordigesting foods and absorbing nutrients in addition to facilitating manymetabolic reactions occurring within the gastrointestinal system, immunesystem, and the rest of the body. There aremany health claims regarding theregularuseofkelp includingalleviatingarthritispain, increasingenergy levels,stimulating immunity, improving glandular function, appetite control, andweight loss most likely due to optimizingmetabolism. Kelp has been used totreat thyroiddeficiencydue to its rich iodinecontent.Kelpcanhelpwithpoordigestion, flatulence, constipation, and helps to support mucus membranehealth, which might give proof to its positive effect in inflammatory boweldiseasepatients.Kelpdoeshaveadistincttastethatisslightlysalty.Itcanbeusedoverfoodoncedaily.

Kelppowder:1/2–1teaspoondaily

Do not use if you have hyperthyroidism. Individuals who havehypothyroidismorborderlinehypothyroidismmaybenefitmostfromdailyuseof kelppowder.Theuseof kelpmay interferewith thyroidmedicationdosagerequirements, therefore addition of daily kelp should be discussed with yourphysicianandrepeatthyroidtestsshouldbeperformedsixweeksafterinitiatingkelptreatment.

Proteinpowdersmakeagreatadditionforpatientswhoneedextranutrition

or need help balancing blood sugar. A protein shake can be added as amidmorning snack in between breakfast and lunch and can help to maintainstablebloodsugars,stablemoods,increasedenergy,andincreasedcaloricintakefornutrient-deficientpatients.

Brewer’syeastcanbeusedtosprinkleoverpopcornandmostsavorydishes.Brewer’syeastismadefromSaccharomycescerevisiae.Brewer’syeastishighinBvitamins,chromium,andmanyminerals.Duetoitshighchromiumcontent, itmay be helpful in reducing and balancing blood glucose levels and has alsoshownbenefitsinimprovingpoorlipidprofilessuchashighcholesterol.Adultscanuse1–2 tablespoonsdaily,butyoumightprefer tousebrewer’syeast foranutritiveadditivetosomeofyourfoods,ratherthansomethingthatisconsumedevery day. There aremuch better supplements specific to lowering glucose orcholesterol.

Groundnutsandseedscanbeaddedtomanyfoods.Youcanusegroundnutsandseedsforanythingfromrawdessertcrusts,topancakes,tocrispysnackballs,totoppingsforsavorydishes.Theyaddqualityproteinandfattomanyrecipesandareeasilyaccessibleatyourlocalgrocerystore.Makesuretobuyfreshnutsandseedsandorganicifpossible.Manynutsandseedsarealsohighinmineralcontentandwilloffergoodsourcesofcalciumandmagnesiumandmanyotherimportantminerals.

Groundmilkthistleseedsandgroundnettlepowdercanbefunandbeneficialadditivestoyourfoods.Thesepowderscanbemixedwithsalttomakeahealthyseasoning for the table.Milk thistle helps to support liver function and nettlehelpstosupportkidneyfunction.

GoodforYourSoulSalt

1partgroundmilkthistleseeds1partgroundnettlepowder

1partseasalt

Mix together and store in a salt shaker. Enjoy generously over food. Thisseasoning can be changed to fit your needs. For example, you can add kelppowder,sesameseeds,acaipowder,andotherstosuityourneedsandtastes.

APPENDIX3

FreezingFreshHerbsFreezingisanexcellentwaytopreservetenderherbs,suchasdill,basil,chives,

parsley,andtarragon.Itisveryeasytofreezeherbs,andittakesmuchlesstimethandrying.

While it ispossible to storeherbs rightoutof the garden in the freezer, thequalityintermsoftasteandcolorwillnotbequitelikefreshherbs;slightlybitterflavorsanddrabgrayish-greencolorsarecommon.Youcanimprovefreshherbsbyblanchingthembeforeyoufreezethem.Theystillwillnottasteandlookquitelikefreshherbs,buttheywillcomeveryclose.Itisbesttousethemwhilethey’restill frozen,butyoucan thaw frozenherbs in the refrigerator.Whenyou thawtheminthisway,theywillkeepforapproximatelyoneweek.

Tofreezefreshherbs:

•Rinsefreshlypickedherbs.• Blanchfora fewsecondsusing the followingmethod: ° Bring2–4cupsof

watertoaboilinanytypeofpot.°Holdtheherbsbytheirstemswithtongs.°Dipthemintheboilingwaterbrieflyandswishthemaroundabit.°Whentheircolorbrightens,removethemfromthewater.

•Coolbyusingoneofthesemethods:° Hold themunder runningwater and thenblot themdrywith a clothor

papertowels.°Placethemontowelsaftertakingthemfromtheboilingwatertoletthem

aircool.• Removestems,chopifdesiredorleavethemwithwholeleavesthatyoucan

choplater.•Freezeinoneoftheseways:

° Placeinsmallplasticfreezerbags inamountsthatyouare likelytouseatonetime.

° Place in ice cube trays and coverwithwater; repackage into freezerbagswhen frozen. (Note: if youuse boilingwater to cover yourherbs, thehotcovernotonlyprotectstheherbsfromexposuretoair,italsoblanchesthematthesametime.)Tomakeiteasiertoseparateyourherbswhenyouwanttousethemlater,laythedriedherbsoutinasinglelayeronwaxpaper.Roll

or fold thepaper so that there is a layerofpaper separating each layerofherb. Then, pack them, paper and all, in freezer bags orwrap in freezer-ratedplasticwrap.Touse,breakoffasmuchasyouneed,andchopthemifyoudidn’tdothisearlier.

(From:www.four-h.purdue.edu/foods/Freezing%20fresh%20herbs.htm)

APPENDIX4

Dosages

General adult dosages for long-term chronic problems such as insomnia,arthritis,pain,andallergies:Infusion:3–4cupsdailyfor3–6weeks.Decoction:1–2cupsdailyfor3–6weeks.Syrup:1–2teaspoons2timesdaily.Tincture:2–3dropperfuls2–3timesdailyfor3–6weeks.Capsuleorpillball:2pillballs3timesadayforamonthortwo.

General adult dosages for acute, sudden illnesses such as flu, toothaches,headaches/migraine,burns,bleeding,andstomachache:Infusion:1/2acupatatimethroughouttheday—upto4cupstotal,untilsymptomssubside.Decoction: 1/4 cup at a time throughout the day—up to 2 cups total, untilsymptomssubside.Syrup:1teaspooneveryhouruntilsymptomssubside.Tincture:1–2dropperfulseveryhouruntilsymptomssubside.Capsuleorpillball:1everyhouruntilsymptomssubside.

Generaldosagesforchildren—basedontheage:2–4yearsold—1/8ofanadultdose4–6yearsold—1/4ofanadultdose6–8yearsold—1/2ofanadultdose8–10yearsold—3/4ofanadultdose10andup—adultdosemostoftenwillbegood,butyoumaywanttomodifyit

takingintoconsiderationyourchild’sweightandtheirreactiontothedose.

These suggested dosages are to be used as a general guide,withmodificationsmade as needed. For acute symptoms, lower the dose by half, and administereveryhourasneeded.Alyssawithherhusband,Bret,andtwodaughters,PatienceandSage

APPENDIX5

CollectingHerbsintheWild

Whenventuringouttocollectherbsinwildplaces(wildcrafting),weneedtobemindful of the environment, the population and health of the plant we areseekingtoharvest,thetimeofyear,theweather,toolswemayneed,and,ifitwillbe a long day, our own supplies of food and first aid! Wild crafting can beanything frompicking a plantain leaf right from your front lawn to trompingthroughtheforestalldaytofindcohoshtopickingSt.Johnswortflowersfromthe farm field across the road. It can be a daily practice, or a once in awhileadventure.Wildcraftingcanbesomuchfun,canbringasenseofonenesswithnature,createawarenessofyoursurroundings,andbejustgenerallyawonderfulwaytobringtheplantsintoyourlife.

Beyondthe12herbsinthisbookwehaveoutlinedthataregenerallycollectedfromthewild,therearemillionsmore!Thisisawholeworldyoucouldgetinto,anditisveryvaluabletoknowtheplantsyoucomeacrossinthewild,incaseyouneedthem.Theyareheretohelp,andknowingtheyaretherecanbringasenseofsecurity.

We’dliketointroduceyoutoanorganizationcalledtheUnitedPlantSavers.This organization is doing so much to save endangered and threatened wildmedicinal plants, and promote awareness around this, for folks who areharvesting,aswellas teachingpeopletoplanttheirownat-riskmedicinalsandcreatewhattheycallBotanicalSanctuaries.

UnitedPlantSaversMission:

Our mission is to protect native medicinal plants of the United States andCanadaandtheirnativehabitatwhileensuringanabundantrenewablesupplyofmedicinalplantsforgenerationstocome.

Become amember of theUPS to receive seed packets each spring and/or fall,learnaboutworkthat isbeingdonetoprotectandpromoteat-riskmedicinals,learnproperwildcrafting techniques,haveyourveryownbotanical sanctuary,hearaboutevents,anddiscovermanyresourcesregardingherbalmedicine.seeResources(page142)fortheUpScontactinfo.

APPENDIX6CookingwithHerbs

Thekitchenisbustlingwithactivity.Thereareonionssimmeringinacast-ironpanon the gas stove; a friend, or spouse, or child is chopping celery, peppers,and carrots on the counter; there is music playing on the stereo and lots oflaughterandtalking.WhetheryouareinaVermontkitchenonadirtroadwithnoteventheneighbors’ lights forcompany,or inanurbankitchensomewherefaraway,theactofcookingandsharingfoodremainsthesame.

This book espouses the practice of growing our own herbs, learning aboutthem,andusingthemtoactuallyhealourbodies.Whethergrowingafewherbsinyourkitchentoaugmentyourspicecabinet,addtothebath,ordryforhealingtea, the practice and focus of your ownpath to herbal remedies is reallywhatworksforyou.Itisquiteeasytostartagardenathomeorinasunnywindowinyourkitchen.

Whybothergrowingherbs in the firstplace?Medicinalherbsare the futureandthepastallinone;theyholdthekeytofuturecures,andhavebeenaroundfor centuries. When herbs are introduced into a family’s lifestyle throughcooking,thebenefitsaremyriadintermsofhealth.

Aswesaidinourintroduction,bringingtheherbsinsideafterharvestingfillsyourhousewiththeiraromaandbeauty.Cookingwithherbsisawholenewwaytoutilizetheirhealthbenefitsandbringexcitingflavorsintoyourmeals!

DailydietInyourdaily life, try to eat the freshest, least-processed foods available, and

the “locavore” movement is a way to participate on a community level. By“locavore”wemeanfoodthatisgrownandproducedwithina50-mileradiusofwhereyoulive—foodthatisnotshippedfromsofarawaythatitlosesmuchofitsnutritionalvaluebeforeitarrives.

By shifting to anherb-friendlydiet, thebodywillnotonlybe receiving richnutrients, but will also become more balanced as there are many herbs thatactually calm the digestive tract and soothe the process of elimination of thebody’swasteproducts.

Increasing the intake of the right fruits, vegetables, grains, andmeats while

stayingawayfromsugaryandover-processedfoodscanleadtobetterwell-being.Someoftheinstructionsforcookingwithherbsinthissectionwillalsohopefullykeepyourhealthontrackforyearstocome,andbringmuchjoyintoyourlife.

How to use fresh herbs in cooking Remember thateating should be a pleasant experience, and eating welldoesn’thavetobeadauntingtask.Freshherbsfromyourgarden or farmer’s market, fruits and vegetables, lean,locally-raised organic meats (or wild-caught andsustainably harvested fish), when eaten plain or in adeliciousrecipe,canbrightenyourday.

Themore distance the food travels from farm to table, the greater the cost.Joinafoodco-op.Co-opspurchasefoodinbulkandoftencarryorganicitems.Ifthereisn’toneinyourtown,considerstartingonewithfamilyandfriends.Also,look for a local CSA (Community SupportedAgriculture) farm stand in yourarea, where you can shop for local and organic vegetables, free-range chickeneggs,andbroilerchickensonaweeklybasis.Ridingyourbikeorwalkingtothefarmshareisagreatwaytodotheweeklypickups!

Organic food, grown in your garden or local farmEveryone knows that eating foods that are free ofpesticides,chemicals,antibiotics,colorings,orhormonesisbetterforyou.Ifyouarenotfinanciallystrained,makean effort to shop organic at your local farmers’market,growers, and stores. If budget is an issue, do not stressabout it.Sometimeswehave tomakepracticaldecisionsand, understandably, eating organic may not always bethetoppriority.Also,keepinmindthatduetoverystrictregulations, many farmers and growers are not able toobtaintheorganiclabelbutarestillproducingfoodsthat

are free of pesticides, chemicals, antibiotics, andhormones,andareofexcellentquality.Allyouneedtodoisfindthoseproducts inyour localstoresandreadtheirlabelscarefully.

Mostofourreaderscancook—weknowthat!However,thissectionwilltalkabitmoreabout thehealingpowerofcookingwithherbsandhowtouse them.Whether you use just a dash of a dried herb, or a beautiful fresh leaf from apeppermintplant,herbscanaddzestandcolortoadish.

1.Basilisoneofthebestherbsforculinaryuse.Itisanherbthatisrelativelyeasytogrowandcanbepurchasedatfarmer’smarketsandgrocerystoreseasilyinbulk,too.Inmanykitchens,theendofthesummerbringsonthemakingofpesto,orpistou inFrench.Thispaste-like sauce is greatovergrilledveggiesortossedoverfreshpasta,especiallywhenpairedwithfresh-pickedtomatoes.Basilhasmanyhealingpropertiesaswell—it’s an immuneboosterandyoucanboilthe leaves in water and mix in a little honey to soothe a sore throat. In theAyurvedic healing modality, basil is an important herb. Chopping or pickingfreshbasilunleashesitsscent,andthekitchen—andyournose—isfilledwithit.

2.Mintisawonderfuladditiontoacoolglassoficedtea,usedasagarnishfordesserts, or chopped andused in cooking (fresh local lambburgers andRaita,whichisyogurtmixedwithchoppedcucumberandflavoredwithfreshchoppedmint,arefavorites).

3.Rosemary is a wonderful plant to have fresh, right in your kitchen. It issometimescalled“DewofSea”andcomesfromtheMediterranean.Youcanpickthefreshsprigsandchopthemupfinelyonacuttingboardtounleashtheflavors—greattouseinstewsandwithmeatdishes!

4.Oreganoandthymegrowwild,butyoucanalsocultivatethesewonderfulherbs in your garden and sprinkle on salads, for example, or use in saladdressings and for flavoring dishes, like Italian-style tomato sauce, or soups.Oreganoisausefulherbtosteepandinhalewhenyouhaveacold!

5.Cilantroisanherbthatsomepeopleadorewhileothersrunawayfrom!Itisgreattohaveinthegarden,andeasytogrow.Awonderfuladditiontotacos,ordishes fromtheMid-East, toaddflavorandasenseof theexotic.Youcanaddthisbeneficialherbtosmoothies,too,totakeadvantageofitsanti-inflammatorypowers.

6.Parsleyisoneofourfavoriteherbsforcooking!Again,it’seasytogrowand

whenusedfreshitmakesdishescomealive.Dedealwayschopsfreshparsleyandbasiluptoaddtoherlasagnathatshemakeswithfreshspinachandlocal,freshmozzarella.Anothergreatplanttohavegrowinginyourkitchenyearround!Itisgreattouseasagarnish.

7.Chives.Well,nothing isbetter thana freshdugpotato,bakedwithbutterand chopped chives. That’s it. This herb is also easy to grow and has lots ofVitaminC.Itisagreatbreathfreshener!

8. Dill has the most delicate leaves and gets very tall in the garden, andsometimesunruly.Butyoucan’tbeattheflavor!Dillisamazingtoaddtosaladdressings,orourfavorite,potatosalads.Let’snotforgetdillpickles!

9.Sage isanotherMediterraneanherb thataddsasmokyormusty flavor todishes. It is great for digestion, and in Chinese medicine it is said to boostbrainpower!AtDede’shouse,hersonlikestouseitinmeatdishestoaddflavor.

10.Tarragon isnot somethingwegrowaroundhere,but foranexotic treatyoucanbuyitanduseitinAsiandishesandforagarnish.Itisbestthrownintoadishafterthecookingiscomplete,orusedasagarnish.

Recipes:

SimplePestoSoupServes4–6

Inamediumheavypotovermedium-lowheat,melt1tablespoonbutterandslowlycook1mediumonionandoneleek,diced.Add2largetomatoes,peeled,seeded,andcrushed.Add4cupsstockorwatertopotandbringtoaboil.Add1/2pound fresh greenbeans and 3 potatoes, cut into bite-sizedpieces. Seasonwithsaltandpepper.Whenveggiesarealmostcooked(about15minutes),addahandful of spaghetti (about 1/4 lb), broken in half. Reduce heat and finishcookingveryslowly.

While cooking, pound 2 cloves garlic with several basil leaves. Add, stillpounding,2tablespoonsoliveoil,andfinally,2-3tablespoonssoupbroth.Servesoup, dividing pesto and 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese betweenportions.

Farmers’MarketSoupServes6

Stock:1mediumcarrot,minced1stalkcelery,minced2mediumonions,minced1mediumshallot,minced1mediumleek,well-washed,minced3clovesgarlic,crushedandunpeeledExtravirginoliveoil7 cupshomemade chickenbroth (oruse low sodium if using cannedbroth) 6

peppercorns1sprigfreshthyme

5parsleystems

Soup:

2mediumleeks,whiteandlightgreenpartsonly,halvedlengthwiseandcutinto1-inch lengths6small redpotatoes, scrubbed,cut into¾-inchchunks1cupfrozenpeas,thawed

2cupspackedbabyspinach2tablespoonschoppedfreshparsleyleaves

1tablespoonchoppedfreshtarragonleaves

Saltandfreshgroundblackpepper

Howtomake:

Stock:Completelywashandcleanallvegetablesusedinstock(andsoup).Combine

thecarrot,celery,onions,shallot,leek,andgarlicinaheavy-bottomedstockpot.Lightlytossthevegetableswithextravirginoliveoiltocoat.

Cover and cook the vegetables over medium heat, stirring until slightlysoftenedandtranslucent,about6minutes.Addthebroth,peppercorns,thyme,and parsley stems. Increase the heat tomedium high and bring to a simmer.Continueuntilstockis flavorful,about15minutes.Strainthestock,discardingsolids.Soup:

Bringthestocktoasimmerinalargeheavypotovermediumheat.Addtheprepared leeks and potatoes and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 9minutes.Stirinpeas,spinach,parsley,andtarragon.Seasontotastewithsaltandpepper.

APPENDIX7

TheHealingPowerofMushrooms

“Mushroomsareforestguardians.Aforestecosystemcannotbedefinedwithoutits fungi because they govern the transition between life and death and thebuildingofsoils,allthewhilefuelingnumerouslifecycles.”

—PaulStamets,MyceliumRunning;HowMushroomsCanHelpSavetheWorld

Mushrooms serve so many purposes and are incredibly healing on manylevels.Innature,theycovermostoftheearth,eveninplaceswherewedon’tseetheactualfloweringorfruitingbodiesoftheplant,themycelium—thenetworkof fungi underneath the ground—is everywhere, and what it does is quitebeneficialandintriguing.Mushroomsaeratethesoil,bringingnutrientsthroughit to plants or areas that are inneed, literally!They communicate through themycelium network—think of it like our nervous system—to deliver what isneededthroughtheforestecosystem,andeventootherforestsmilesaway.

Mushroomsbreatheoxygen.Thinkaboutthis.Plantsbreathecarbondioxide.Mushrooms are more like animals than plants in a lot of ways, and it’sinterestinghowmuchtheygounnoticed,orundervalued.Theyareanintricatepart of the health of this planet, and many cultures throughout history haveknownthis,usedthemasfoodandmedicine,andvaluedthemhighly.

Mushroomsarebeingused for eco-restorationandbioremediationon smallandmassive scales today.Theyarebeingused tocleanup toxicwaste,nuclearfallout, torebuilddepletedsoils thatare leadingtocatastrophicerosion,andtobring over-logged/compacted tracts of land areas back to life. The potential isgrowing,asmorepeoplebecomeinterestedandawareofthisuseformushroomsandlearnhoweasyitistomakeadifferenceintheenvironmentwiththeuseofthem. They are relatively easy to cultivate and spread rapidly, thus getting toknowthedamagearoundthem,onlytospeedilycleanitup.Absolutelyamazing.

Ifmushroomscanheal theplaneton this level, it’snowonder theycanhealourbodiesaswell.Varioustypesofmushroomsarehealingforvariousdiseasesand used for overall longevity and vibrant health. There are culinary varietiesand varieties that aremoremedicinal.Many studies have been and are beingdone all over the world regarding the treatment of cancers with mushrooms.This is very exciting.The cell normalizing abilities ofmushrooms is powerful,and if taken in the right dosages with the right professional guidance, can beextremely beneficial for patients of all types. The other beautiful thing about

mushroommedicineisthatitoftencanbetakenalongsideotherdrugsandherbstofurtherpotentiatetheireffects.

Forthepurposeofthisbook,let’slookmoredeeplyintothehealingpropertiesandgrowing/wildcraftingofmushroomsonasmallhomescale.

Mushrooms can be easily cultivated by getting the spores and inoculatingthemintotherightmedium(seeResourcesforspecifics).Theyareallalittlebitdifferent—some like to grow in logs, some in woodchips in a patch on theground,andsomeinmanureandstraw.Oncethereisapatchgrowingnearby,certainspecies—suchasoystermushrooms—canbetransplantedthroughoutthegarden,andwillthrive,notmindingthesunexposure.Thisbringsmuchhealthto any garden, not only because you get to harvest the mushroom fruitsthemselves,but theybringnutrients to the soil,make space in compacted soil,andallof these functionsactuallyhelpproducenoticeably largerandhealthierplantsinandaroundthegarden.Mostofthetimewearegrowingmushroomsinourgardenswhetherweknowitornot!Andwhenwedoseethempoppinguphereand there, especiallyaftera rain stormorduringawet season,wecanbecomfortedinknowingtheyaretheretohelp,eveniftheyarenotatypewewantto use for food or medicine. Speaking of which, it is very important to notharvest mushrooms that are not absolutely positively identifiable! There arepoisonousspeciesoutthere,sopleasedonottakeachance.

A Few Edible and Medicinal MushroomProfiles

Chanterelle

CantharelluscibariusChanterelles arevisually appealingandvery tasty.Theyare fairly common,andeasy to find fromJuly

throughSeptember,sometimesgrowinginmassiveabundance.Theyrangefrompaleyellowtodarkorangeincolor,andlooklikesmalltrumpets.

Theyarebestusedfreshincooking,andaremostcommonlyusedinpreparationwithmeats,vegetables,rice,pasta,orpotatoes.Theycanbemadeintoanicesaucebysautéingwithonionsandaddingcream.

Oyster

PleurotusostreatusOystermushroomscanbefoundinfalltoearlywintergrowingondyingtreesorrottinglogs.Theyare

deliciousandhavemedicinalpropertiesaswell.Theyhaveastronganise-likearoma,butastheygetolderdevelop an unpleasant smell. They have a tan to gray-blue like color. For cooking, they are highlyrecommendedfortempura.Therehavebeenstudiesthatindicateoystermushroomsmaybeusefulinthetreatmentofprostateandothercancers.

Maitake

GrifolafrondosaAlso known as Hen of the Woods—not to be confused with Chicken of the Woods, Laetiporus

sulphureus. In addition to being a nice edible, Maitake is highly medicinal, used to boost the immunesystem, fightcancer(theSloanKetteringCancerCenter isconductingongoingstudiesandtheAmericanCancerSocietyhaspositivethingstosayaboutthisspecies),andstabilizebloodpressureandbloodsugar.They canbe found fromAugust toNovember,mostlyon andat thebaseofdyingoak trees, or in areaswherethereareoaktrees.Delicioussautéed,fried,orboiled.Theyfreezeanddrywellforlateruse.

YellowMorels

MorchellaesculentaWarning:Nevereatarawmorel,orafalsemorel!Makesuretofindagoodresourcewithclearphotosto

positivelyidentifytherightone.They aredelicious sautéed,deep fried, ordried and reconstituted.They arenicepreparedwith fish as

well,andmakeagoodadditiontoasoup.Morelsaremostoftenfoundinoldorchardsthatarenolongerfarmedandarefullofunmanagedtrees.Alsofoundoftenamongberrybushes,nearwoodchippilesandcompost,alongfieldedges,andneargardens.CanbefoundfromthebeginningofAprilthroughmid-June.

Puffballs

CalvatiagiganteaWhenharvesting,makesurethepuffballisaslargeorlargerthanyourfist.Thisensuressafetyasitcanbe

mistakenforamanitabuttons(toxic)whensmall.Large,spherical,andwhitishincolor,theyareoftenfoundfruitingoneata time,sometimes ingroups.Canbe foundin latespringor fallamong lawns, fields, fieldedges,andoccasionallyunderhardwoodtrees.Puffballsaregreatslicedthinlyandsautéed.

Reishi

GanodermatsugaeVery common in the northeast, these often grow on old hemlock trees or stumps. They are kidney-

shapedandgofromwhitetoorangetogoldenbrownatthebase.Waxyandtough,reishimushroomsareusedinmedicine,butnotsomuchincooking.Foundfromspringtofall.

Commonlymade into a tincture or liquor (see resources). Useful in treating some cancers, especiallybreastcancer.Mayhavenegativeinteractionswithsomemedications,socheckwithyourdoctor.

TurkeyTail

TrametesversicolorProbablythemostcommonwildmushroom,turkeytailsgrowonmanytypesofrottingstumps,logs,and

trees.Theyarehighlymedicinalandusedinthetreatmentofcolorectalcancerandleukemia,asanadjuncttherapy.Theylookliketurkeystails,andarefoundthroughoutthewholegrowingseason.Theyaretoughandleathery.Theycanbedried,ground,andmadeintoadecoction/tincture(seeResources).

Chaga

InonotusobliquusChagalookslikealargeblackishcanker,mostoftenfoundgrowingonbirchtrees.Itcanbefoundallyear

long,oftengrowingformanyyears.Itishighlymedicinal,usuallybeingmadeintoateaortincture.Quitetasty,similartocoffee,ithasbeenusedasatonicandacancertreatmentinRussiaforthousandsofyears.

HUNTINGFORMUSHROOMSbyDEDEWehavebasketsandnetsstrungaroundournecks,pantstuckedintosocks,andwe’re looking like

nerdyscientists.Thedayiscold,cloudy,followingthedamprainstheweekbefore.Vermontspringisglorious:apple

blossomshavepoppedopenandthepungentsmellofMaypermeatestheair.Iwarnofticksandpoisonivyasweenterthewoods.Wordhasspreadaboutthemorelmushrooms

that inhabitmyproperty likeelusive littleghosts that comeandgo, fleetingly, this timeofyear. I amobsessedwithfindingthem.Ithink,perhaps,myguestwantstofindthemasmuchasIdo.

Wehikeupandoverthehill,downneartheneighbor’smarsh,pastmysugarbush,anduptoanearbyorchard.Mygueststaresthroughthe7-foot-highdeerfenceasrowsofappletreesbeckonwithblack-tangledlimbs.

Sheexplains that themorelsgrowunder theancientapple treesofVermont.Thebursting forthofappleblossomssignalstheirfungalclocksthatit’stimetosproutupintotheworld,daringtheforagertofindthem.

Morelsalsohaveasymbioticrelationshipwithdyingelmtrees,aphenomenonwhichcanbeseenalloverVermontwiththeimpactofDutchelmdisease.Shelooksfortheslipperysilvertrunkswithbarksheathingoffinlongstrips,atelltalemarkerthatmorelsmightbesproutinginafairyringunderneath.

She examines the diamondpattern etched into the bark of some ash trees aswe approach the oldCortlandsonmyproperty.These are almostmarried to the ash trees, tangledup as theyboth are ingrapevine—toppledoverindecay.Perfecthuntingground.

BlackfliesareoutandI’mtired,readytogiveup.Webeginourwayhomewhenmyguestspiesonelonelylittlemorelthat’sforceditswayupbeneathanappletree,rightinmyfrontyard!Ibenddowntoexamineit,tosniffit,andthen,handsshakingwithanticipation,Icutitahalf-inchdownthestem.

“Asolidstemisthesignofapoisonousmorel,”intonesmyguestinacautionaryvoice.Butit’shollowinside,whichmeanswehavefoundoneatlast.

RESOURCES

Companies/OrganizationsAlchemicalSolutionswww.organicalcohol.com

700MistletoeRoad,Suite101,Ashland,OR97520

Organic190-proofalcoholinbulkquantitiesformakingtinctures.Grain,grape,cane,andcornalcoholsavailable.

AmericanHerbAssociationwww.ahaherb.com

Provides an herb calendar of events that lists herbal, foraging, and aromatherapy events throughoutNorth America. A great newsletter you can subscribe to with topics such as herb gardening, Chinesemedicine,ayurveda,clinicalherbalism,ethnobotany,andwildcrafting.

AmericanHerbalistsGuildwww.americanherbalistguild.com

Anonprofit,educationalorganization torepresent thegoalsandvoicesofherbalists specializing in themedicinaluseofplants.Promotesahighlevelofprofessionalismandeducationinthestudyandpracticeoftherapeuticherbalism.Thisisagreatorganizationtobeapartofforourreaderswhoarethinkingabout—oralreadyare—practicingherbalismprofessionally.

BrattleboroHolisticHealthCenterwww.brattleboroholistichealth.com

62ElliotStreet,Brattleboro,VT05301

FullA–Zapothecaryofbulkherbs—WesternandChinese,tinctures,teas,oils,salves,andotherproducts.Herbalworkshops and classes, consultations, acupuncture, andmassage.AuthorAlyssaHolmes co-ownstheBHHC,makesmedicineforandmanagestheapothecary.

CourtneyWilder

461-2577

Courtywilder@yahoo.comDiversifiedurbanlandscapegardenerinNewYorkCity.

FEDCOSeeds

www.fedcoseeds.comPOBox520,Waterville,ME04903

Seedsandgrower’ssupplies,includingtools,books,pots,soil,compost,etc.Theyhaveareallyfuncatalogandareacooperative!

FungiPerfectiwww.hostdefense.comPOBox7634,Olympia,WA98507

877-504-6926MedicinalMushroomProductsformulatedbyPaulStamets.

HighMeadowsFarmwww.highmeadowsfarm.com

742WestminsterWestRoad,Putney,VT05346Manyhigh-qualityorganicpottedherbs.

HorizonHerbswww.horizonherbs.comPOBox69,Williams,OR97544(541)846-6704

Seeds, plants, roots, bulbs, tubers, seed cleaning screens, tincture presses, dried bulk herbs, herbalproducts,andbooks.

MountainRoseHerbswww.mountainroseherbs.comPOBox50220,Eugene,OR97405(800)879-3337

Bulkorganicherbsandspices,carrierandessentialoils,buttersandwaxes,herbalencapsulaters,bottles,salts,teas,herbalproducts,books,andmore.

SageMountainRetreatCenterandBotanicalSanctuarywww.sagemountain.comPOBox420,EastBarre,VT05649

Study courses, retreats, workshops, conferences, and events, Herbal products. Home of RosemaryGladstar,world-renownedherbalistextroadinaire.

SpecialtyBottleswww.specialtybottle.com

Bottlesandjars—glass,plastic,andtin.Discountsonbulkquantities.

SungroHorticulturewww.sungro.com

770SilverStreet,Agawam,MA01001

SuppliersofMetroMixandFafardsoilmixesandotherproductsforcontainergardening.

UnitedPlantSaverswww.unitedplantsavers.org

AnorganizationdevotedtoprotectingmedicinalplantsintheUnitedStatesandCanadaandtheirnativehabitatwhileensuringanabundantrenewablesupplyofmedicinalherbsforgenerationstocome.Youcanbecomeamemberandrecieveseedstoplantthatareendangeredoratrisk,theoppurtunitytomakeyourgarden a certified Botanical Sanctuary, and other resources and information regarding sustainable plantmedicine.

ZackWoodsHerbFarmwww.zackwoodsherbs.com

278MeadRoad,HydePark,VT05655(802)888-7278

Bulkherbsandherbalproducts,tours,workshops,classes.OwnedandoperatedbyRosemaryGladstar’sdaughterMelanieandherhusbandJeff.

BooksBreedlove, Greta, The Herbal Home Spa: Naturally Refreshing Wraps, Rubs,

Lotions,Masks,Oils,andScrubs,StoreyPublishing,LLC,9thedition(1998).Cech,Richo,MakingPlantMedicine,HorizonHerbs(2000).Cummings, Dede (with Jessica Black, ND), Living with Crohn’s & Colitis: A

Comprehensive Naturopathic Guide for Complete Digestive Wellness,HatherleighPress(2010).

Gladstar,Rosemary,FamilyHerbal:AGuidetoLivingLifewithEnergy,Health,andVitality,StoreyPublishing,LLC(2001).

Gladstar,Rosemary,HerbalHealingforWomen,Touchstone(1993).Harrod Buhner, Stephen,Herbal Antibiotics:Natural Alternatives for Treating

Drug-ResistantBacteria,StoreyPublishing,LLC,2ndedition(2012).Hobbs,Chris,MedicinalMushrooms:AnExplorationofTradition,Healing,and

Culture,BookPubCo(2003).Hoffman,David,TheNewHolisticHerbal,ElementBooksLtd.(1991).Parvati,Jeannine,Hygieia:AWoman’sHerbal,NorthAtlanticBooks(2010).Remen,RachelNaomi,MD,KitchenTableWisdom:StoriesThatHeal,Riverhead

TradeBooks(1997).Organic GardeningMagazine,The Rodale Encyclodedia of Organic Gardening,

RodaleBooks(1993).

Scott,TimothyLee,InvasivePlantMedicine:TheEcologicalBenefitsandHealingAbilitiesofInvasives,HealingArtsPress(2010).

Seymour,John,TheSelf-SufficientGardener:ACompleteGuidetoGrowingandPreservingAllYourOwnFood,Doubleday(1979).

Spahr,DavidL.,EdibleandMedicinalMushroomsofNewEnglandandEasternCanada,NorthAtlanticBooks(2009).

Stamets, Paul,Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms, Ten Speed Press(2000).

Stamets,Paul,MyceliumRunning:HowMushroomsCanHelp Save theWorld,TenSpeedPress(2005).

Tierra,Michael,TheWayofHerbs,PocketBooks,revisededition(1998).Tilgner,Sharol,HerbalMedicine fromtheHeartof theEarth,WiseAcresLLC,

2ndedition(2009).Tourles, Stephanie, The Herbal Body Book: A Natural Approach to Healthier

Hair,Skin,andNails,StoreyPublishing,LLC(1994).Weed,SusunS.,HealingWise,AshTreePublishing(2003).Weed,SusunS.,WiseWomanHerbalfortheChildbearingYear,AshTree(1996).

ABOUTTHEAUTHORSDede’sJourneyfromPatienttoGardenerI haveCrohn’s disease,which is a disease of the small intestine and is not curable, according to theWesternmedicineworld.Isurprisedmydoctorandhavehadsevenyearsofclinicalremissionafterabowelresectionin2006.Theselastsevenyearshavebeenfilledwithhopeandhealth,thoughitiseasytofallintodespairwhenthedoctorstellyouthatyourdiseasehasgonefromnonexistentto“severe.”

Ratherthansaying,“Woeisme,”andspendingtimefeelingsadanduseless(Ididalotofthat,believeme),Idecidedtotakeaction,andtrytolivethewordsoftheDalaiLama:

Scientists say that a healthymind is amajor factor for a healthy body,HisHoliness said. If you’reserious about your health, think and take most concern for your peace of mind. That’s very, veryimportant.

Thatsaid,Iamonmywaytohealth—notimetositonmycushionmeditating(Idothatdailyforafewminutesstill);rather,Ineedtostayfocusedandtakecareofmybody:betterfood,sleep,stressrelief,education,awareness,teambuilding,satisfyingwork,makingmoneyenoughtoliveon,givingbacktomycommunityandtheworld...workingforpeace,justice,andenvironmentalsustainability.

In the last fewyears, Ibegan togrowsomeofmyownvegetables,andI joineda localCommunitySupportAgriculture(CSA)farmshare.Afterrealizinghoweasyitwastojointhegroup(andIreceivedahalf-pricesharebecausewedidn’tneedthefamily-sizedonesincemykidsaregrownnow),Iplannedmyownvegetablegardenafewyearsago.Iworkedwithanaturopathicdoctor,whoprescribedmanyherbs,liketurmeric,tohelpmekeepinflammationinthesmallintestineatalowlevel.Thenextphasewas forme toplanandgrowmyownherbsathome—there isnothingmore satisfying thangrowingfreshherbs—thefreshsmell inthekitchenisenoughtopleaseeventhoseolfactory-challengedamongus!

Thisnewlifestyle isgivingmestrengthandvitality. It isnot foreveryone—andIalwaystellpeopleyoumust proceedwith a doctor’s knowledge, forCrohn’s and the other auto-immunedisease of thelarge intestine,ulcerative colitis, canbe serious, even fatal, ifnotmanagedcorrectly. SinceCrohn’s ispersistent,andtheysaycannotbecured,Ineededtoworkwithanaturopathicphysician,alongwithmygastroenterologist.

Iseeagrowingrespectonbothsidesofthemedicinalworld—andIexpectourbooktohelppeopleevenmore.

Alyssa’sMedicinalGardeningStoryIsupposeitbeganwhenIwasoldenoughtoplayinthewoods—around4yearsold.Ispentmostofmydaysinthewoodsandfieldsaroundmyhouse.Igrewupinthecountry,insouthernVermont.Ialwayshavehadacloserelationshipwithnatureand,fromaveryyoungage,gardeningaswell.IhelpedmydadinthegardenassoonasIcouldwalk—well,sometimesnotreallyhelping,buttryingto!Thinkingbacktothosedays,itwasasimplelife,alifeofwonderandbeauty,oftenbymyself—asIamanonlychild—andsometimeswithbelovedfriends,frolickingthroughthewoodspickingplantsandcreatingmagic.

Therewere times inmymiddleand later childhoodyears that Ididn’t seemtocommunewith theplantsandnaturesomuch,butitwasrootedinme,Ineverforgot.

Thenextbigpartofmy journey,which ledmedirectly to the love formedicinalplants that Iholdtoday,wascollege.Iwenttoanamazingplace—SterlingCollege,upinthehillsofNorthernVermont.Iwent there with an interest in the environment, but wasn’t initially clear on whatmymain interestwithinthatwouldbe.Itbecameobviouswithinmyfirstyear,thatagriculturewasveryexcitingtome,

andthatIwantedtobeafarmerinsomecapacity.Inmysecondyear,ItraveledtowesternNewYorkand worked on a 10-acre organic vegetable farm, 60 hours a week. It was hard work with manyvegetables to sling. Itwas so rewarding, but through that experience, and a fewothersworkingwithvegetablesandfruits,itwasclearthatImostlikelywouldn’tpursuealifeinthiswork.

Around the time after working in the vegetable fields, I took a trip over toHyde Park, Vermont,whichwasahalfhourfrommyschool.ThereItouredtheZackWoodsHerbFarm.Asparkwasignitedinmethenthatisstillburningtothisday.Allthesystemsseemedtomakesensetome,thegrowingofthese plants that you could dry and preserve, and use later . . . the beauty and fragrance . . . theopportunity toknow theseplants, create remedies, andhelpmyself andothers feelbetter. It allmadesensetomethatday.

MyfriendandItookonthejobofcampusherbalistsforthenextyearorso,plantinganherbgarden,harvestingherbsfromthewild,andmakingsimpleremediesforourfellowstudentsandteachers.Thatwassomuchfun!

AlsoduringmycollegeyearsIwenttotheBigIslandofHawaiiandapprenticedwithBarbarahFahsofHi’iaka’sHealingHerbGarden,whichwascomprisedofnativeHawaiianherbs,aswellasWesternherbs.We tended the1-acre intenselyplantedgarden,mademanymedicines,andsold themthroughherlittlecottageshop,andthefarmer’smarket.ThisHawaiiexperiencewasoneofthemostmemorableofmylife,instillingdeeplymyloveforworkingwithandsharingplantmedicine.Thoughtslike“Icoulddefinitelydothisfortherestofmylife”aboundedduringthattime—andhaveeversince!

AftercollegeafriendandIstartedupasmallherbbusinesscalledRisingRhythmHerbs,whichwasfocusedongrowingherbsforourcommunity,reallyfunformulas,manyofthemaphrodisiacmedicines,bundles of fresh herbs, and freshly brewed teas for farmer’smarkets and festivals.We dove into theworldofwholesaling,aswellasonlineretail.Thiscontinuedandthrivedasapartofmylifeforabout10years.ThroughoutpartofthistimeIimmersedmyselfinthestudyofAyurveda,incorporatingthepartsIlovefromtheancienthealingsystemintomylife.

In2011, I joined forceswith several otherhealthpractitionerswhowere friendsofmine to start aworker-owned health cooperative—the Brattleboro Holistic Health Center, which is alive and welltoday!ImanageandmakemedicinesfortheApothecarythatcomprisesthefrontspaceof thecenter,whichhastreatmentroomsformassageandacupuncture,aswellasacommunityspaceforclassesandgroups.Wedomanywonderful things including yoga,herb groups,holistic counseling, birth circles,andmore.

Throughout these years, I havebeen tendingmyherb garden,wild-crafting frommy land and thesurrounding forestsand fields,makingmedicine formyfamilyand friends, raisingmytwodaughterswithmyhusbandwhilelivingincommunity,andtryingtoappreciateallthatIhavetobegratefulforinthislife,allthatissacred.

Herbsgivemehopeintheworld,theyempowerme,remindmethatIcanhealandhelpothers.Theytruly comfort me in times of darkness, and illness, and generally makemy life joyous, radiant, andfulfilling.

PHOTOCREDITSAll photos © copyright 2014 by Abigail Gehring with the following

exceptions:CourtneyWilder:84(bottom),85,86

DedeCummings:pagesvi,36,55,71(bottom),116,125,150IanMcNaughton:page84(top)Thinkstock:xvi,1,2,3,4,8,14,15,19,21,26,

34,37,38,39,40,42,43,44,45(bottom),46,49,50,51,52,53,56TimMartin:58UnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture:61

INDEX

Throughout this indexpagenumbers in italics refer to recipes and remedies; pagenumbers inbold typerefertoAppendix1,wheretermsmayappearinmorethanonecategory.

A

abortifacientherbs,31,119acaipowder,128acne,21,37,59,106adaptogenicherbs,11,119,125–126adrenalglandfunction,125agrimony,125albizia,125alcohol,intinctures,103–104alfalfa,120alkaloids,122allergies,133Alliumsativa.seeGarlicaloe,120alterativeherbs,21,37,41,43,47,49,51,59,119althaea(marshmallowroot),120,125,128AmericanCancerSociety,140Americanginseng,104analgesicherbs,29,119anemia,45,59angelica,123annualherbs,63,64,73anodyneherbs,33,43,119antiarthriticherbs,119antibacterialherbs,19,23,31,37,55,119AntibacterialSalve,110anticatarrhalherbs,119anticoagulantherbs,23anticonvulsantherbs,33antidepressantherbs,25,55,119antiemeticherbs,119antifungalherbs,19,23,37,119anti-inflammatoryherbs,11,13,15,19,37,39,47,53,55,57,119,137antilithicherbs,119antimicrobialherbs,19,119antioxidantherbs,119,122antiparasiticherbs,23,119antipyreticherbs,53,57,119antirheumaticherbs,21antisepticherbs,13,15,47,53

antispasmodicherbs,23,25,27,29,33,39,49,57,119antitumorherbs,11,49,119antitussiveherbs,39,43,119antiviralherbs,13,19,21,25,55,119anxiety,33,55aperientherbs,47aphrodisiacherbs,119applecidervinegar,103apricotkerneloil,108,111,120Arctiumlappa.seeBurdockarnica,108,110arthritis,23,41,45,122,133artichokeleaf,123ashwaganda,119asthma,43,45Astragalus(Astragalusmembranaceus),11,93,98–99,100,104,105,119,120,125astringentherbs,17,31,39,43,45,47,51,53,55,57,119,125Ayurvedichealing,1,136

Bbackaches,33baicalskullcap,125bakingsoda,113basil,63,119,136baths,herbal,113BeautifulBodyOil,108BeautifulSkincapsules,105beestings,29,47,106,107beeswax,108,110,111Bergner,Paul,11bitterherbs,119,123bitterorangepeel,123blackcohosh,119bleeding,herbalaids,45,47,53,57,133blessedthistle,120,123bloodpressureissues.seehypertensionaidsbloodsugar,41bloodthinner,49,123bloodtonicherbs,59bloodroot,120bluecohosh,119,120bodybutter,108,110boils,106boneset,119Bredesen,Jen,3Breedlove,Greta,97brewer’syeast,128,129bronchitis,43bronchodilatorherbs,119

bugbites/stings,29,47,106Buhner,StephenHarrod,23Burdock(Arctiumlappa),37,119,120,126burns,21,133

Ccacao,105Calendula(Calendulaofficinalis),13,78,108,110,111,119,120,123Californiapoppy,98CaliforniaSchoolofHerbalStudies,3calmativeherbs,25,119cancer,49,121,123,139,140,141candida,23capsules,133cardiotonicherbs,11cardiovascularcirculation,23carminativeherbs,23,25,27,29,31,33,57,120carob,105cascarasagrada,123catnip,120cat’sclaw(Uncariotomentosa),123,126cayenne,110,111,119,120Chagamushroom(Inonotusobliquus),141Chamomile(Matricariarecutita),15,98,104,105,108,113,115,119,120,123,126,128Chamomiletea,128Chanterellemushroom(Cantharelluscibarius),140chaparral,125,126chickweed,119,120chilipeppers,104Chineseherbalism,3,11,137chives,137cholagogueherbs,23,29,41,59,120cholereticherbs,29,37,41,120cholesterolaids,122cilantro,137cinnamon,105clippers,67clove,105,119clover.seeRedClovercocoabutter,111coconutoil,108codonopsis,125ColdandFluherbalbath,113ColdCarecapsules,105colds,aids,19,21,29,49,57,99,100,105,113,136colic,29,43Coltsfoot(Tussilagofarfara),39,119,120

Comfrey(Symphytumofficinale),17,93,98,100,108,111,119,120,125congestion,49constipation,13,43convulsions,27cookingwithherbs

commontypesof,136–137dailydiet,135organicfood,136overview,135recipes

Farmers’MarketSoup,137–138SimplePestoSoup,137

usingfreshherbs,135–136cordyceps,125cornsilk,119CoughSyrup,100coughs,39,43,49,100cradlecap,55crampbark,119cramps,33Crohn’sdisease,145cultivated herbs. see Astragalus; Calendula; Comfrey; Echinacea; Elder; Garlic; hamomile; Lemon Balm;

medicinalgardens;Motherwort;Peppermint;Sage;ValerianCummings,Dede,29,141,145curcumin(turmeric),105,119,120,121–122CurrentPharmaceuticalDesign,122cuttings,77cysts,45,106

DDalaiLama,145damiana,119Dandelion(Taraxacumofficinalis),41,85,98,104,105,119,120,123,126dead-heading,87decoction,99–100,133deep-dugbedmethod(“doubledigging”),72demulcentherbs,13,17,39,43,47,120,123,125depression,25,55,119detoxifierherbs,53Diamond,Jared,1diaperrash,55diaphoreticherbs,21,23,25,29,37,57,120diarrhea,31,45,123Digestiontincture,104digestiveaids,13,23,25,29,41,105,137.seealsogastrointestinalherbalremediesdill,137disinfectantherbs,29,111

diureticherbs,11,27,31,37,41,45,47,53,120dividedroots,plantingfrom,77–78dizziness,19,123dosages.seealsogastrointestinalherbalremedies;homeremedies

adult,forvariousconditions,133childrens,’general,133curcumin/gingertincture,122garliccapsules,121paud’arco,123forteas,126,128yucca,122

dreampillows,113,115drug,definitionof,1dryingplants,93,95dysentery,47

Eearaches,43Echinacea(Echinaceapurpureaandangustifolia),19,93,98–99,100,105,110,111,119,120eczema,37,59Elder(Sambucusnigra),21,57,98–99,100,108,113,119,120ElderberrySyrup,100elecampaneroot,100,119,120eleuthero,100,119emeticherbs,120emmenagogueherbs,25,27,120emollientherbs,13,120emotionalstress,27,33emphysema,39energyaids,98EnergyBalls,105epsomsalts,113essentialoils,107,108,111,113eucalyptusessentialoil,113expectorantherbs,17,39,43,45,49,120eyerelief,15,37

Ffacialneuralgia,43TheFamilyHerbal;AGuidetolivingLifewithEnergy,HealthandVitality(Gladstar),5,89Farmer’sAlmanac,64Farmers’MarketSoup,137–138femaleaids,27,31,37,41,51,53,57fennel,105,120,128fenugreekseeds,120,128

feveraids,19,21,25,57feverfew,104firstaid,13,15,17,45,47,53,57,106,111,133flavonoids,122flowers,harvesting,91fluaids,19,21,29,57,99,100,113,133freezingfreshherbs,131

Ggalactagogueherbs,45,120gardengloves,67Garlic(Alliumsativa),23,78,104,119,120,121GarlicDrinkRecipe,121gastrointestinalherbalremedies.seealsohomeremedies

adaptogensExampleAdaptogenTinctureforIBD,125overview,125

anti-inflammatoryherbscat’sclaw,123,126garlic,121GarlicDrinkRecipe,121ginger,121paud’arco,122–123,125,126turmeric(curcumin),121–122yucca,122

astringents,125bitters,123demulcents,123,125.seealsodemulcentherbsdosages

brewer’syeast,129kelp,129spirulina,128

immune-enhancingherbs,125nutritionalpowders

brewer’syeast,128,129GoodforYourSoulSalt,129GreenLemonadeRecipe,128kelp,128–129milkthistleseeds,128,129overview,128proteinpowders,128,129spirulina,128

teasforhealingChamomile,128IBDGasReliefTea,128IBDSoothingGITea,126IBDTeaforDetoxificationandSoothing,126

IBDTeaforInflammationandImmunity,126IBDTeaforMood,NervineandCalming,126

gaurana,105gentianroot,123geranium,125ginger,100,104,105,119,120,121,122,126ginseng,104,119,120,125Gladstar,Rosemary,5,55,89glycerin,103goldenseal,105,110,111,119,120,123GoodforYourSoulSalt,129gout,37,41grape-seedoil,108gravelroot,119GreenLemonadeRecipe,128greenteapowder,128greenspowder,128Guns,Germs,andSteel(Diamond),1

Hhairhealth,45,55harvestingplants,91,93hawthorne,120hayfever,43Headachetincture,104headaches,25,106,133HealingWise(Weed),41hearttonicherbs,27,120hemorrhoids,45,55,57hemostaticherbs,45,51,53,57,120hepatitis,47hepatoprotectiveherbs,120HerbalAntibiotics;NaturalAlternativesforTreatingDrug-ResistantBacteria(Buhner),23TheHerbalHomeSpa(Breedlove),97herbalmedicine.seealsohomeremedies

Chineseherbalism,3,11,137Greektraditions,3,55historyof,1,3NativeAmericanfolkmedicine

smudging,andsage,31yucca,useof,122

St.John’sWort,folklorictraditionof,55herbaloils,107–108herbs.seecookingwithherbs;medicinalherbs;specificherbsherpessimplexandzoster,25hibiscus,98HighMineralVinegarTincture,104

hoes,67Holmes,Alyssa,25,44,86–87,145–146Holmes,Bret,110homeremediesandherbalmedicines

additionalherbalremedies.seegastrointestinalherbalremediescapsules

BeautifulSkin,105ColdCare,105instructionsfor,104–105StomachEase,105

decoctions,99–100dosages,133herbalbaths

ColdandFlu,113LavenderOatmealforItchySkin,113overviewandinstructions,111,113Relaxation,113

herbaloilsBeautifulBodyOil,108carrieroils,108essentialoils,107healingpowerof,110instructionsfor,107–108SkinHealingOil,108TraumaOil,108

infusionsinstructionsforfresh/dryherbs,97–98RelaxationBlend,98straining/using,98SuperGreenVitamin/MineralBlend,98VitaminCFlowerPowerBlend,98WellnessBlend,98–99

linimentKloss’sLinimentRecipe,111overview,111

measurements,SimplersMethod,99pillballs

EnergyBalls,105ImmunityBalls,105SpiceBalls,105

poulticesMustard(sorethroat/muscles),107Plantain(anti-inflammatory),107Sage(astringent),107usesandinstructions,106–107

powderedherbs,104sachetsanddreampillows

instructionsfor,115overview,113recipesfor,115

saltsandbakingsoda,benefitsof,113salve,bodybutter,andlipbalm

AntibacterialSalve,110overviewandinstructions,108,110SheaVanillaLipBalm,111Soothing,HealingBodyButter,111

storagerecommendations,100syrups

CoughSyrup,100ElderberrySyrup,100instructionsfor,100Stress&AnxietySupportSyrup,100

tincturesartofformulation,103bitters,123curcuminandginger,121,122forDigestion,104ExampleAdaptogenTinctureforIBD,125forHeadache,104HighMineralVinegarTincture,104forHormonalBalance,104instructionsfortincturing,103–104KidsCalmingGlycerite,104SpicyImmunityVinegarTincture,104

honey,104,123,125hops,113,115,119,123horehound,120HormonalBalancetincture,104horsetail,104humus,72,75hydrangea,119hyperactivity,33HypericumPerforatum.seeSt.John’sWorthypertensionaids,23,27,41,57hyperthyroidism,129hypnoticherbs,33hypotensiveherbs,11,23,33,120hysteria,27,33

IIBDGasReliefTea,128IBDSoothingGITea,126IBDTeaforDetoxificationandSoothing,126IBDTeaforInflammationandImmunity,126IBDTeaforMood,NervineandCalming,126immunesystemhealth,11,105immune-enhancingherbs,125

ImmunityBalls,105immunomodulatingherbs,11,120implementsformedicinalgardens,67inflammation,106inflammatoryboweldisease,121,122,123,125infusions,97–99,133insectcontrol,78insomniaaids,15,27,33,133interview,HolmesandWilder,86–87InvasivePlantMedicine(Scott),85ipecac,120irritablebowelsyndrome,29

Jjointpain,106jojobaoil,108juniper,119

Kkava,119kelp,128–129kidneyhealth,45KidsCalmingGlycerite(tincture),104Kloss’sLinimentRecipe,111

Llaboraids,27lady’smantle,125lavender,98,104,108,111,113,115,119LavenderOatmealforItchySkin,113laxativeherbs,37,59,120leavesandstems,harvesting,91lemon,108,121,128LemonBalm(Melissaofficinalis),25,57,98,100,104,105,115,119,126lemonpeel,123lemongrass,108,115Leonuruscardiaca.seeMotherwortlicoriceroot,100,123,125,126liniment,111lipbalm,108,110liverconditions,41,59lobelia,120

locavoremovement,135lymphglandenlargement,107lymphagogueherbs,120

Mmaca,125Maitakemushroom(Grifolafrondosa),140mandalagarden,64maplesyrup,121,128marshmallowroot(althaea),120,126,128mastitis,37Matricariarecutita.seeChamomileMead,Margaret,117measurements,SimplersMethod,99medicinalgardens.seealsomedicinalherbs

bedtypesdeep-dugbedmethod(“doubledigging”),72non-raisedbeds,71no-tillmethod,72raisedbeds,69,71

careandmaintenanceautumntasks,72,77,81,82,93insectcontrol,78,83mulching,81watering,78,81weeding,67,69,78winterpreparation,81–82

choosingherbstogrow,63climate,61,72cultivating,61design(ie.moon;mandala),63–64dimensions,69locationsfor,61,63planting.seealsospecificherbs

annualherbs,63,64,73fromcuttings,77fromdividedroots,77–78,93meetingtheplants,5,7mulching,72–73perennialherbs,63,64,73,77,81,93preparingareafor,69fromseed,75fromstarts(youngplants),77start-uprecommendations,xiii,87vegetablecompanionplants,82–83

soilrecommendations,69,72,73,75toolsandimplementsfor,67

urban.seeurbanmedicinalgardeningmedicinalherbs.seealsocookingwithherbs;homeremedies;specificherbs

12cultivatedherbs,612wildherbs,6benefitsof,5,86–87.seealsospecificherbsdrying

bunchandhangmethod,93layingonascreen,93,95

freezingfreshherbs,131harvesting

diggingroots,93flowers,91leavesandstems,91timeofday,93timeofyear,93toolsfor,93

andillnessprevention,89menstruumsandextractingmediums,91,93,103naturalprevalenceof,85–86powderedherbs,104start-upgarden,recommendationsfor,xiii,87storage,95useof,89well-beingresultingfromuseof,117,125wildcrafting,134

Melissaofficinalis.seeLemonBalmmenstruum,91,93,103–104mentalconfusion,19Menthapiperita.seePeppermintmigraines,25milkthistleseeds,128mint,105,115,136moongarden,64Motherwort(Leonuruscardiaca),27,119,120,123mouthulcers,31,53mucilaginousherbs,47mugwort,115,119,123mulching,72–73,81Mullein(Verbascumthapsus),43,119,120musclepain,55,107,111mushrooms

author’sexperienceofhuntingformushrooms,141cultivating/wildcrafting,139–140edible/medicinaltypes

chaga,141chanterelle,140maitake,140oyster,140puffballs,141reishi,125,141

turkeytail,141yellowmorels,140–141

healingpowerof,139mustardpoultice,107MyceliumRunning;HowMushroomsCanHelpSavetheWorld(Stamets),139myrrh,105,110,111

Nnausea,29,123nervineherbs,25,27,33,55,120Nettle(urticaurens),45,98,104,105,119,120Nettle(Urticaurens),44nettlepowder,128,129noni,125non-raisedbeds,71no-tillmethod,72nutritionalpowders,128nutritiveherbs,37,45,59,120nutsandseeds,ground,128,129

Ooattops,98,100,119,120oats,63,113oils,carrier/essential,107,108oliveoil,108,110,120onion,104oregano,63,136organicfood,136osha,119Oystermushroom(Pleurotusostreatus),140

Pparsley,63,104,120,137passionflower,98,126paud’arco(Tebebuiaimpetiginosa),122–123,125,126pennyroyal,119,120Peppermint(Menthapiperita),29,57,98,119,120,123,126perennialherbs,63,64,73personalstories

LemonBalm,25nettle,44Peppermint,29

phytosterols,123pillballs,133Plantagospecies.seePlantainPlantain(Plantagospecies),45,47,107,108,111,119,120Plantainpoultice,107PlinytheElder,64poppy,119poultices/firstaid,106–107pregnancyaids,51proteinpowders,128,129Prunellavulgaris.seeSelf-healpsoriasis,37,59Puffballsmushroom(Calvatiagigantea),140

Rraisedbeds,69,71rakes(garden/rock),67rashes,21,106recipes.seecookingwithherbs;gastrointestinalherbalremedies;homeremediesandherbalmedicinesRedClover(Trifoliumpratense),49,104,105,119,120RedRaspberry(rubusidaeus),51,98,104,119rehmania,125reishi,125Reishimushroom(Ganodermatsugae),125,141RelaxationBlend(infusion),98Relaxationherbalbath,113respiratoryaids,39,43,45,47,123,125resveratrol,122rhodiola,125roots,77–78,93,95rose,108,115rosehips,98–99rosemary,63,78,104,136roses,98Rototiller™,67rubbingalcohol,110Rubusidaeus.seeRedRaspberry

Ssachets,113,115Sage(Salviaofficinalis),31,78,107,108,119,120,137salts,113,129salves,108,110Salviaofficinalis.seeSageSambucusnigra.seeElder

schisandra,125sciatica,37Scott,TimothyLee,85seasalt,113,129sedativeherbs,25,33,49,55,120seed,plantingfrom,77seedsandnuts,ground,128,129Self-heal(prunellavulgaris),53sesameoil,108sheabutter,111SheaVanillaLipBalm,111sheetmulching,72shiitakemushrooms,125shingles,55shovels,67Siberianginseng,125silicosis,39SimplePestoSoup,137SimplersMethodofmeasurement,99skinconditions,herbalaids,19,29,37,41,49,53,59,105,108,113SkinHealingOil,108skullcap,119,120slipperyelm,105,120,128SloanKetteringCancerCenter,140smokingdamage,herbalaid,39smudgesandsmudging,31soilrecommendations.seemedicinalgardensSoothing,HealingBodyButter,111sorethroat,31,53,107,136spades,67SpiceBalls,105SpicyImmunityVinegarTincture,104spirulina,128splinters,47,106,107St.John’sWort(Hypericumperforatum),55,108,110,119,120,126Stamets,Paul,139starts(youngplants),77sties,37stimulantherbs,21,29,120StomachEasecapsules,105stomachaches,133stomachicherbs,25,41,57,120storageofherbs,95Stress&AnxietySupportSyrup,100stressrelief,15SuperGreenVitamin/MineralBlend(infusion),98sweetalmondoil,108,111,120Symphytumofficinale.seeComfreysyrups,100,133

T

Taraxacumofficinalis.seeDandeliontarragon,137teatree,119teas,123,126,128.seealsoinfusions,herbalTebebuiaimpetiginosa(paud’arco),122–123thyme,78,100,119,136thyroidfunctionandtreatment,128–129tinctures,103–104,121,123,125,133tonicherbs,17,41,45,120toolsformedicinalgardens,67toothache,133TraumaOil,108Trifoliumpratense.seeRedClovertulsi(holy)basil,63,98–99,104tumors,106TurkeyTailmushroom(Trametesversicolor),141turmeric(curcumin),105,119,120,121–122Tussilagofarfara.seeColtsfoot

U

ulcerativecolitis,121–122ulcers,17,55Uncariotomentosa(cat’sclaw),123UnitedPlantSavers,134urbanmedicinalgardening

interviewon,HolmesandWilder,86–87overview,85–86soilrecommendations,87start-upgarden,recommendationsfor,xiii

urinarytractinfections,41,43,45,47Urticaurens.seeNettleuterinetonicherbs,51

V

Valerian(Valerianaofficinalis),33,78,93,104,119,120vanilla,111vegetablecompanionplants,82–83Verbascumthapsus.seeMulleinvirusaids,19VitaminCFlowerPowerBlend(infusion),98vitex(chasteberry),104

vomitingaids,29,123vulneraryherbs,17,43,53,120

Wwateringgardens,78,81wax,108,110Weed,Susun,41weedinggardens,78weeds,5,41,47,53,63,78,85–86weightloss,41WellnessBlend,98–99“WhiteMan’sFootPrint,”47wildherbs.seealsoBurdock;Coltsfoot;Dandelion;Mullein;Nettle;Plantain;RedClover;RedRaspberry;

Self-heal;St.John’sWort;Yarrow;YellowDockwildherbs,collecting,134wildyam,104Wilder,Courtney,86–87withania,125wormwood,78,119,119,123,134wrinkles,21

YYarrow(AchilleaMillefolium),57,78,98–99,113,119,120,123,125YellowDock(RumexCrispus),45,59,98,105,120,126YellowMorels(Morchellaesculenta),140–141yucca,122