Herbalism Ami Zuber HW499 September 13, 2013 Kaplan University

Herbalism TraditionalWestern The knowledge and practice of using indigenous plants for food, treatment of disease, and health promotion, both physical and spiritual.* Herbal medicine used in Europe and North America that incorporates multiple healing traditions.* * Micozzi, 2011

“Honor the healing power of nature” Hippocrates The Father of Medicine Herb Categories* Adaptogens - balance body systems (andrographis) Anticatarrhals – eliminate mucus (mullein) Carminatives – antigas (mint) Demulcents – reduce inflammation (Chinese woad) Galactogogues – promote milk production (motherwort) Nervines – reduce stress (passionflower) Tonics – promote optimal organ function (astragulus) *Micozzi, 2011

“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not been discovered”. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson Forms of Herbal Medicine* Oral Dried – for steeped (infusion), and simmered (decoction) teas Tinctures – alcohol extraction Acetracts – vinegar extraction Syrups – glycerin extraction (glycerites), honey extraction (miels) Powdered & Freeze Dried – tablets, troches, pastes, capsules Topical Suppositories, creams, ointments, gels, liniments, oils washes, enemas, poultices, compresses, moxas Inhaled Snuffs, steams, smokes, aromatics *Micozzi, 2011

“The art of healing comes from nature, and not from the physician” ~Paracelsus “The art of healing comes from nature, and not from the physician” ~Paracelsus Western Herbal Practices* Pharmacological Actions – standardization with one component Individual Plant Pharmacokinetics – single, whole plant (any form). Synergistic Formulating – herbal combinations Nutritional Value – herbs with nutritive constituents Energetics – flower essences *Micozzi, 2011

“If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. This especially includes your healthcare”. ~ Andrew Saul Incorrect identification can be a serious safety issue. Know your herbs before harvesting! Poison Wild Hemlock Carrot Safety Issues* Growing Conditions – environment, pollutants, toxins, varied seasons Gathering Methods Distribution and Storage Manufacturing Practices Incorrect Identification Interactions * Micozzi, 2011

“I am trying to save the knowledge that the forest and this planet are alive, to give it back to you who have lost the understanding” ~Kayapo Indian Leader Guidelines for Use of Herbs* Detailed history of drug and supplement use Medical diagnosis for symptomatic treatment Attend to quality, dose, side effects, and interactions – ‘natural’ doesn’t mean ‘safe’ Avoid herbs while pregnant and breastfeeding Take care with children; use dosage based on weight Record adverse affects; reduce dose or discontinue use *Micozzi, 2011

Additional Resources LearningHerbs.com This site offers information and education on medicinal herbs. From kid’s board games to herbal recipes, this site has something for the whole family! eMedicinal A versatile site with links to articles, an active discussion forum, a great newsletter, and an herbal formula database. Looking for an Herbalist?

References Micozzi, M., (2011). Fundamentals of complimentary and alternative medicine (Fourth Edition). St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier Cassileth, B.R., Heitzer, M., Wesa, K., (2009). The public impact of herbs and nutritional supplements. Pharmaceutical Biology, 47(8): Retrieved from Yarnell, E., Abascal, K., (2011). Undervalued herbs: Use in clinical practice and need for validating research. Alternative and complimentary therapies, (vol.17, No.4). Mary Ann Liebert