1. Herbalism A Tradition of Healing Linda Diane Feldt RPP, NCTMB, NC, CPE Holistic health Practitioner

2. Using Herbs From Your Landscape

3. The Foundations of Herbalism For thousands of years all herbs used were: Local Local Common Common Harvested by practitioner or user Harvested by practitioner or user Prepared at time of use or preserved for off-season Prepared at time of use or preserved for off-season Special non-local herbs were available by trade Special non-local herbs were available by trade

4. Current Practice This type of use is still relevant today.

5. Advantages Low or no cost Low or no cost No fear of adulteration No fear of adulteration Know plant part and if picked at best time Know plant part and if picked at best time Fresh Fresh Gets you out in nature Gets you out in nature Personal/spiritual experience with plant(s) Personal/spiritual experience with plant(s)

6. Michigan Herbal Allies In Michigan we are surrounded by herbal allies. When you begin to learn about them, it changes the experience of being outside and your ability to interact with nature. Help is all around you. It is a very powerful thing to experience regularly. Finding and making you own medicine creates independence, and provides other options to the conventional insurance/medical systems.

7. Just a few of the hundreds In your yard: plaintain, dandelion, motherwort, lamb’s quarters, echinacea, Groundsel, shepherd’s purse, chickweed, mallow, self heal Coming in from the woods: stinging nettle, cleavers, garlic mustard, poke, red raspberry From the surrounding countryside: mullein, yellow dock, burdock, chicory, red clover, St. John’s wort, yarrow

9. Plantain Plantago Used in salads, for bites and skin irritations, soothes oral cuts and radiation burns Used in salads, for bites and skin irritations, soothes oral cuts and radiation burns Leaves chewed, poultice, juiced or salve. Seeds of some species ground and used internally for diarrhea and constipation Leaves chewed, poultice, juiced or salve. Seeds of some species ground and used internally for diarrhea and constipation

10. Plantain (cont.) Externally speeds healing, stops bleeding, draws out foreign matter, kills bacteria, decreases itching, decreases pain. Externally speeds healing, stops bleeding, draws out foreign matter, kills bacteria, decreases itching, decreases pain. Grows in driveways, paths, near sidewalks, lawns. Grows in driveways, paths, near sidewalks, lawns.

11. Dandelion Taraxacum officinalis Famous for liver support and nourishment, rich in vit. A, diuretic Famous for liver support and nourishment, rich in vit. A, diuretic Relieves gas and heartburn (20 drops tincture before meals) Relieves gas and heartburn (20 drops tincture before meals) All parts are edible All parts are edible

12. Dandelion (cont.) Grows in lawns, fields, and where it is needed. Grows in lawns, fields, and where it is needed. Used as tincture (leaves and root), eaten as green, steeped in vinegar, bitter infusion Used as tincture (leaves and root), eaten as green, steeped in vinegar, bitter infusion

13. Echinacea A plains flower perennial, Ech. purpuria grows easily in Michigan gardens A plains flower perennial, Ech. purpuria grows easily in Michigan gardens Roots are harvested in fall of third or fourth year and tinctured fresh Roots are harvested in fall of third or fourth year and tinctured fresh

14. Echinacea Echinacea angustifolia harder to grow, roots can be dried. Echinacea angustifolia harder to grow, roots can be dried. Uses are commonly known, note that Echinacea can be used to stimulate or nourish the immune system. Anti-viral. Uses are commonly known, note that Echinacea can be used to stimulate or nourish the immune system. Anti-viral.

15. Echinacea Two Actions stimulate nourish Echinacea Two Actions stimulate nourish useful for a limited time useful for a limited time useful when a fast result is required useful when a fast result is required can have possible side effects can have possible side effects useful for an unlimited time useful for an unlimited time useful when a long term result is required useful when a long term result is required especially indicated for recovery from long term or chronic illness especially indicated for recovery from long term or chronic illness side effects are unlikely side effects are unlikely

16. Lamb’s Quarter Chenopodium Eaten for high calcium and carotenes Eaten for high calcium and carotenes Available early spring through fall (if picked regularly) Available early spring through fall (if picked regularly) Can be blanched and frozen for winter nourishment Can be blanched and frozen for winter nourishment

17. Lamb’s Quarter (cont.) Excellent green for making calcium rich vinegar Excellent green for making calcium rich vinegar Grows in disturbed ground Grows in disturbed ground Easy to identify by “chalky” appearance Easy to identify by “chalky” appearance Use in place of lettuce for salad base Use in place of lettuce for salad base

19. Nettle Urtica Leaves eaten for calcium, iron, protein, micronutrient content. Can also be made into infusion. Leaves eaten for calcium, iron, protein, micronutrient content. Can also be made into infusion. Tincture or infusion aids kidneys, adrenals Tincture or infusion aids kidneys, adrenals Salve or tea used for burns Salve or tea used for burns

20. Nettle (cont.) May decrease insulin resistance May decrease insulin resistance Infusions, soups, vinegars maximize nettle’s rich nutritional value that nourishes many body systems. Infusions, soups, vinegars maximize nettle’s rich nutritional value that nourishes many body systems. Grows near water and high nitrogen sources Grows near water and high nitrogen sources

21. Garlic Mustard Allaria petiolata Seriously invasive plant. You are encouraged to pick it (roots and all) nearly anywhere you find it. Seriously invasive plant. You are encouraged to pick it (roots and all) nearly anywhere you find it. Save the top 1/3 and compost the rest. Save the top 1/3 and compost the rest.

22. Garlic Mustard (cont.) Use fresh in salads, blanch and freeze as pot green, great in sauces and soups, use in place of garlic in many recipes. Use fresh in salads, blanch and freeze as pot green, great in sauces and soups, use in place of garlic in many recipes. Medicinal benefit unknown, but as nutritious as most greens. Medicinal benefit unknown, but as nutritious as most greens.

23. Mullein Verbasci Traditional use to stop smoking (substitute) Traditional use to stop smoking (substitute) Leaves, infusion, and tincture nourishing for lungs Leaves, infusion, and tincture nourishing for lungs Oil from flowers used for earaches Oil from flowers used for earaches

24. Mullein (cont.) Leaves used to help effectiveness of coughs, to reduce asthma, to calm lung inflammation Leaves used to help effectiveness of coughs, to reduce asthma, to calm lung inflammation Found by roadsides, meadows, beginnings of paths and in gardens. Found by roadsides, meadows, beginnings of paths and in gardens. A startling plant in the second year, can grow 6-9 feet. A startling plant in the second year, can grow 6-9 feet.

25. Yellow Dock Rumex crispus Root used as tincture to promote iron absorption, nourish liver. Root used as tincture to promote iron absorption, nourish liver. Root used as oil as wound healer (bruises, tissue damage, trauma) Root used as oil as wound healer (bruises, tissue damage, trauma)

26. Yellow Dock (cont.) Leaves used as food (great as pesto) contain high amounts of easily absorbable iron. Leaves used as food (great as pesto) contain high amounts of easily absorbable iron. Great plant for treating anemia (tincture of roots) Great plant for treating anemia (tincture of roots) Will only grow in iron rich soil, fields and open land Will only grow in iron rich soil, fields and open land

27. Burdock Arctium lappa Tincture of the root is used for skin diseases, anti- tumor, as a deep alterative Tincture of the root is used for skin diseases, anti- tumor, as a deep alterative The root can be eaten (first year and spring of second year only). Used raw, in stir fries, or pickled The root can be eaten (first year and spring of second year only). Used raw, in stir fries, or pickled Found in pour quality disturbed ground, open fields Found in pour quality disturbed ground, open fields

28. Burdock (cont.) Root contains high levels of inulin, may help blood sugar stabilization Root contains high levels of inulin, may help blood sugar stabilization Leaves as poultice or compress used to heal burns (including from hot pepper oil) Leaves as poultice or compress used to heal burns (including from hot pepper oil) Leaves as poultice quickly heal skin abrasions Leaves as poultice quickly heal skin abrasions

29. Practical Use Case studies and examples

30. Medicine or Food? In traditional herbalism plants are used for both In traditional herbalism plants are used for both Substantial healing can occur by nourishing the body or systems of the body Substantial healing can occur by nourishing the body or systems of the body Many herbs occupy both roles Many herbs occupy both roles The nourishing herbs are far less likely to have unwanted side effects The nourishing herbs are far less likely to have unwanted side effects Weeds in Michigan are often higher in available nutrients than conventional foods Weeds in Michigan are often higher in available nutrients than conventional foods

31. Nourishing herbs Nutrient rich Nutrient rich Bio-available Bio-available Generally considered safe, side effects uncommon Generally considered safe, side effects uncommon Dosage and strength less important Dosage and strength less important Tend to be local, whole, and common Tend to be local, whole, and common Large amounts used, in contrast to medicinal plants Large amounts used, in contrast to medicinal plants Includes tonics Includes tonics Supportive to body systems Supportive to body systems Long term use is usually beneficial Long term use is usually beneficial

32. Nourishing Herbs cont. Internal use Internal use Infusions Infusions Water based Water based Vinegar based Vinegar based Whole plant Whole plant Cooked Cooked Raw (salad) Raw (salad) External use External use Compress Compress Poultice Poultice Salve Salve

34. Medicinal Herbs Dosage and strength important or critical Dosage and strength important or critical Tend to utilize more toxic parts of plant Tend to utilize more toxic parts of plant Stimulate or sedate Stimulate or sedate More likely to have side effects More likely to have side effects Are often plants that are less common, or rare Are often plants that are less common, or rare Long term use is generally discouraged Long term use is generally discouraged More extensive knowledge is needed to use safely and effectively More extensive knowledge is needed to use safely and effectively

35. Medicinal Herbs cont. Internal Use Internal Use Tinctures Tinctures Extracts provided in capsules or other Extracts provided in capsules or other Standardized components of plants Standardized components of plants Drug preparations derived from plants Drug preparations derived from plants Injections of extracts Injections of extracts Capsules (not necessarily effective) Capsules (not necessarily effective) External Use External Use Poultice, compress, bolis Poultice, compress, bolis Salves Salves

36. Herbs can be used for: Acute conditions Acute conditions Chronic problems Chronic problems Prevention Prevention Nutrition Nutrition System strengthening System strengthening Easing transitions Easing transitions Repair Repair Substitutes for drugs Substitutes for drugs Psychiatric effect Psychiatric effect A complement to conventional treatment A complement to conventional treatment To relieve symptoms of conventional drugs or treatment To relieve symptoms of conventional drugs or treatment

37. Acute Conditions Sudden menstrual flooding Sudden menstrual flooding History includes large fibroids and heavy periods History includes large fibroids and heavy periods Used blessed thistle under the tongue to arrest Used blessed thistle under the tongue to arrest Flooding stopped within minutes, MD consulted Flooding stopped within minutes, MD consulted Similar use by midwives for hemorrhaging after delivery Similar use by midwives for hemorrhaging after delivery

38. Chronic Problems 53 year old female with congestive heart failure 53 year old female with congestive heart failure Heart attack at age 46, ongoing treatment fro complications Heart attack at age 46, ongoing treatment fro complications Diagnosed with staph infection following heart catheterization Diagnosed with staph infection following heart catheterization Treated with broad spectrum antibiotics with no effect Treated with broad spectrum antibiotics with no effect Treated with additional antibiotics with no effect Treated with additional antibiotics with no effect Used 30 drops of echinacea every 3 hours, in water, with improvement of symptoms in two hours Used 30 drops of echinacea every 3 hours, in water, with improvement of symptoms in two hours When echinacea was stopped, symptoms returned When echinacea was stopped, symptoms returned When echinacea was continued, symptoms decreased within hours When echinacea was continued, symptoms decreased within hours Echinacea was used at ten drops a day until death 7 years later. Echinacea was used at ten drops a day until death 7 years later. Any time the 10 drops a day was skipped for more than 2 days, symptoms returned Any time the 10 drops a day was skipped for more than 2 days, symptoms returned

39. Chronic Problems cont. Case Study 21 year old female Case Study 21 year old female Had been diagnosed and treated for mononucleosis Had been diagnosed and treated for mononucleosis Had been past active phase for more than two months when consultation occurred Had been past active phase for more than two months when consultation occurred Client reported continuous symptoms of fatigue, general depression, and was unable to return to a full time schedule as a UM student Client reported continuous symptoms of fatigue, general depression, and was unable to return to a full time schedule as a UM student Client used 10 drops of Echinacea tincture a day, in water Client used 10 drops of Echinacea tincture a day, in water Within two weeks, this client reported greater alertness, ability to return to full schedule, no fatigue, and no depression Within two weeks, this client reported greater alertness, ability to return to full schedule, no fatigue, and no depression Client directly attributed recovery to Echinacea Client directly attributed recovery to Echinacea No other therapies or changes were made during the time period in question No other therapies or changes were made during the time period in question

40. Preventative 5 year old girl, 38 year old female 5 year old girl, 38 year old female Both have daily exposure to kids at day care and are frequently ill with colds, ear infections, and pink eye. Both have daily exposure to kids at day care and are frequently ill with colds, ear infections, and pink eye. Low dose of Echinacea used long term: 2-3 drops for the 5 year old and 10 drops for adult. Low dose of Echinacea used long term: 2-3 drops for the 5 year old and 10 drops for adult. Both experience marked decrease in frequency and severity of illnesses. Both experience marked decrease in frequency and severity of illnesses.

41. Nutritive Infusions provide readily absorbable nutrients, vary with herb used. Infusions provide readily absorbable nutrients, vary with herb used. Nettle urtica provides protein, calcium and iron. Esp. helpful for anemia, pregnancy (3rd trimester) Nettle urtica provides protein, calcium and iron. Esp. helpful for anemia, pregnancy (3rd trimester) Red Clover mineral rich Red Clover mineral rich Oatstraw appears to provide trace minerals helpful for endocrine system, some evidence affects fertility Oatstraw appears to provide trace minerals helpful for endocrine system, some evidence affects fertility Anecdotal information is very positive for using specific infusions to help with allergies, infertility, poor nutrition, blood sugaring balancing, and many other problems. Anecdotal information is very positive for using specific infusions to help with allergies, infertility, poor nutrition, blood sugaring balancing, and many other problems.

42. System Strengthening 35 year old female 35 year old female Sub clinical hypothyroid condition suspected based on symptoms (include. always cold, weight gain, sensation in throat, moody, depressed) Sub clinical hypothyroid condition suspected based on symptoms (include. always cold, weight gain, sensation in throat, moody, depressed) Use 1 tsp bladderwack seaweed daily Use 1 tsp bladderwack seaweed daily All symptoms improve within 3 weeks All symptoms improve within 3 weeks Bladderwack is suggested fro both hypo and hyper thyroidism. Contains thyroxin. Bladderwack is suggested fro both hypo and hyper thyroidism. Contains thyroxin.

43. Transition 42 year old female post surgery complete hysterectomy 42 year old female post surgery complete hysterectomy Removed from hormone therapy after cancer is found Removed from hormone therapy after cancer is found Trouble sleeping, hot flashes, and mood swings for over 3 months Trouble sleeping, hot flashes, and mood swings for over 3 months Uses 10 drops motherwort tincture at night, all symptoms resolved within one week. Uses 10 drops motherwort tincture at night, all symptoms resolved within one week.

44. Repair 42 year old female experiencing significant nerve pain following needle biopsy on lung, lasting more than 4 months 42 year old female experiencing significant nerve pain following needle biopsy on lung, lasting more than 4 months St. John’s Wort oil applied topically St. John’s Wort oil applied topically Pain decreased within days, continued to progress with continued use Pain decreased within days, continued to progress with continued use See related article on nerve regeneration www.holisticwisdom.org/articles See related article on nerve regeneration www.holisticwisdom.org/articles

45. Substitute for Drugs 32 year old female with plantars warts 32 year old female with plantars warts Had previously tried surgical removal and topical drug therapies with painful results and return of the warts. Had previously tried surgical removal and topical drug therapies with painful results and return of the warts. Applied a homeopathic preparation of Thuja salve for two weeks and warts were gone, after more than 6 years they have not returned Applied a homeopathic preparation of Thuja salve for two weeks and warts were gone, after more than 6 years they have not returned

46. Psychiatric 43 year old male with SAD diagnosed by his psychiatrist 43 year old male with SAD diagnosed by his psychiatrist Had difficulty using light box treatment Had difficulty using light box treatment Wanted to stop prescribed SSRIs, stopped on his own Wanted to stop prescribed SSRIs, stopped on his own Symptoms made much worse Symptoms made much worse Took St. John’s Wort tincture 20 drops 2x day Took St. John’s Wort tincture 20 drops 2x day Positive effect within three days of use Positive effect within three days of use

47. Complementary to Conventional Treatment 23 year old female with ALL treated with chemotherapy drugs 23 year old female with ALL treated with chemotherapy drugs Used milk thistle extract during each treatment, as well as 2 x a day 20 drops in water Used milk thistle extract during each treatment, as well as 2 x a day 20 drops in water Liver tests consistently came back normal Liver tests consistently came back normal Nursing staff questioned her about her high energy levels and unexpectedly good liver profiles Nursing staff questioned her about her high energy levels and unexpectedly good liver profiles My later conversations with her medical team confirmed their initial surprise, and their belief that the milk thistle was a significant factor. My later conversations with her medical team confirmed their initial surprise, and their belief that the milk thistle was a significant factor.

48. A few examples of times to not use herbs Over tired pregnant woman with cold - rest and simple instructions Over tired pregnant woman with cold - rest and simple instructions Bone marrow transplant - avoid immune stimulant herbs Bone marrow transplant - avoid immune stimulant herbs Self treatment of symptoms without considering cause - estrogen replacement Self treatment of symptoms without considering cause - estrogen replacement “Cleansing and purifying” - contrary to basic anatomy and physiology “Cleansing and purifying” - contrary to basic anatomy and physiology Removal of skin tags - leave the intentionally damaged area alone, heal it after Removal of skin tags - leave the intentionally damaged area alone, heal it after

49. Other ideas Learn 1-2 plants per year Learn 1-2 plants per year Learn each plant thoroughly - were it grows, why it grows there, what parts are used, when are they harvested, what it tastes like, and how to prepare it for maximum benefit. Learn each plant thoroughly - were it grows, why it grows there, what parts are used, when are they harvested, what it tastes like, and how to prepare it for maximum benefit.

50. Dogs harvesting herbs