As I go about my daily life, I meet people and they ask me what I do. There are a lot of folks out there that don't know much about alternative medicine, or as I call it integrative medicine. (Use the best of both worlds) This week I decided to do a Q&A about some of the basics of herbalism for those who are just starting to understand the world of herbs.
1. What is an herb?
An herb is any plant that is used for therapeutic or culinary purposes. Many plants that we call weeds are really very useful medicinally, like dandelion, or nettles. That leads to the definition of a weed. I consider a weed to be any plant that is in a place where it is not wanted. A marigold in a vegetable garden could be considered a weed.
2. What is herbalism?
Herbalism is the study of herbs and their uses.
3. What is an herbalist?
An herbalist is a person who studies herbs and their many uses. Some herbalists have a clinical practice where they recommend certain herbs for certain ailments. However an herbalist cannot prescribe or diagnose. Those things are for doctors and health care practitioners. Other herbalists like myself prefer to write and educate the public about the merits of using herbal remedies.
4. What is the difference between a tea, an infusion and a decoction:?
A tea is 1 teaspoon of dry herb, or 2 teaspoons of fresh herb per 1 cup of boiling water that steeps up to 10 minutes. An infusion is 1 oz. of dry herb or 2 oz. of fresh herb per 1 cup of boiling water and usually steeps for 20 minutes. A decoction is used for stems, roots and bark and is simmered in a saucepan for 20 minutes. Some decoctions go longer than others and some simmer until 1/3 of the water is gone. It all depends on what herb you want to make a decoction of. The ratio is 1 oz. dry herb or 2 oz. fresh herb.
5. Why is it recommended to keep a lid on the teapot or teacup while it is steeping?
The herbs have volatile oils in them, some have more or less oil. While your brew is steeping the oils escape in the steam and your remedy is not as potent.
6. Why did you choose to study herbs?
When I was in my early 50's I became fascinated with the whole world of alternative medicine and things one can do to promote health and longevity. I made a career change and went to the American College of Healthcare Sciences for herbal studies. I will receive my diploma in June. I would like to take their Master's program in herbal studies but I have to wait until I have the funds to make that possible. I wanted to share all the interesting things I learned with the public and help educate as many folks as possible about how to live a longer and healthier life.
I believe in integrative medicine which is the judicious use of both regular medicine and alternative medicine both as the individual situation merits it. There are some things herbs can't help, like certain types of mental illness. Also, it is awfully handy to have a doctor around when you break a bone. Some people have really bad problems with things like blood pressure and the herbal remedies may not be enough, so some medication is warranted. Also, folks in the end stages of disease may need pain killers that herbs cannot provide.
ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER before changing your health routine. Many drugs have reactions if they are stopped all at once and some herbs and drugs don't mix. The information I provide is meant for educational purposes especially for beginners, amateurs and laymen who would like to know more of the different options out there.
My first book was called Ten Healthy Teas. I am working on a second book about spices. Many spices are also herbs and are used interchangeably for therapeutic purposes and culinary purposes. I am hoping to have it out by January 2015.
I hope this makes it a little easier for folks who read my blog to understand what I am writing about. Your questions and comments are welcome.
Valerie Lull, Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@hotmail.com
Visit my website at
www.valerielull.com
