The following discussion took place at the last moot and was a fasinating insight to herbal medicine.

HERBAL HISTORY

One of the first well-known and important books written about herbs was written about A.D. 60 and is attributed to a Greek physician Dioscorides. The manuscript (De Materis Medica - the Latin title), was used as a reference source by many herbalists and was circulated for hundreds of years throughout the Middle East and the West. It contained the properties of over 600 plants.

Occasionally, superstition became associated with the use of herbs, but basically the information was founded on sound plant lore and use. Ancient herbalists became familiar with the uses of herbs through experience. The knowledge was kept and handed down through the ages by people like you and me.

Documents found in the ancient pyramids were passed on to the ancient Greeks, then, to the Romans. many different sources comment on the uses of herbs. Herbs are mentioned in the Bible, as well as many of the sacred texts of our major religions. The Druids were among the first known to use plants for religious rites.

In Great Britain, monasteries served as early herbal laboratories. The Monks grew, collected and used the herbs. They kept records of their uses. They opened hospitals and were among the first to use plants in a scientific way. Their herbal knowledge soon became commonplace. Today, we have reached the point where we can again, with increased appreciation, learn to use these natural products.

Herbal teas can be used to treat an ailment that is not serious enough to go to the doctor with. A herbal tea infusion is steeped, whereas a decoction is boiled.

HERBAL TEA INFUSION - prepare a fresh cup for each dose - sip the dosage slowly, never gulp - swish around mouth before swallowing - this helps liquid to mix with enzymes in the saliva and rapidly assimilates the herbs into the blood stream.

DOSAGE - 3-4 cups per day. Herb chosen for infusion should steep for anywhere from 10-25 minutes covered. Strain and drink warm, not hot, unless the recipe tells you so.

PREPARATION - 1 teaspoon of the herb mixture to 1 cup of boiling water is the general recipe. Sometimes the recipe will call for more of the herb. Follow the instructions of each specific recipe because there are exceptions to every rule.

DECOCTION - A decoction is a concentrate. The usual recipe for a decoction is 1 tablespoon of the herb’s bark or roots to 1 equal quart of water. The liquid is boiled (covered) until half of it has evaporated. It is then strained and placed in the refrigerator until it is needed. Whe preparing a decoction dose, you would add 1-3 tablespoons of the liquid to a cup of warm water. Then it is ready to drink.

STIMULANTS - The herbs increase stimulus to the system and will increase blood circulation: CARRAWAY SEED AND CORRIANDER SEEDS

DIURETICS - Diuretics increase the output of urine, taking harmful substances from the system.

SAGE - Sage is a stimulating herb for the kidneys and helps to remove toxins from the system. The sedative properties are well known, so it can be used to treat headaches. Also used to treat colds, as it removes catarrh in the alimentary and bronchial systems.

GARDEN THYME - The whole top of the growing herb is used. Has a therapeutic action on the bronchial system. It is a stimulant and has antiseptic properties for use in cleansing the alimentary, urinary and bronchial systems. If too much is ingested, it can over-stimulate the thyroid gland and lead to poisoning.

EXPECTORANTS - These herbs cause the expulsion of mucus and break up congestion.

GINGER

NERVINES - Nervines relieves nervous irritation caused by strain and tension

BASIL - The leaves are used. Aides digestion and is used as a mild laxative. Since it also acts as a mild sedative, it is used to treat headaches.

ROSEMARY - The needles are used as an astringent. id does relax the muscles and is used to treat depression, muscle spasms and headaches.

SAGE

TONICS - Tonics benefit the whole body. They strengthen the organs that are affected by the action of the digestive system. They do take time to work, so keep the treatment going until the system has time to adjust.

ROSEMARY

CINNAMON

GINGER

OTHER USES

BAY LEAVES - Good for indigestion

FENNEL - All parts are used. Aids digestion and helps calm nervous stomach. Increases milk production.

FENUGREEK - Use the seeds. Soothes the lining of the stomach and the intestines

NUTMEG - Use in small doses to help stomach disorders and digestion. CAUTION: It is a powerful narcotic if used in too large a dose.

The above information are basic guidelines to herbary. However, if you are interested in looking at this topic further make sure you know the correct use and dosage before having a cuppa!! Many thanks to Lennie Philip, the lovely lady who gave us an informative talk. BB Jo x

Notes of interest: Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) published Systema Naturae 1735.