Please note that I do not believe that herbs are to be used alone in their aiding and curative properties...although herbs are a great aid in healing, please do not take any herb without telling your doctor first. Never assume that you know what is wrong with you, or that you know the best cure. I am not a doctor, and I doubt if you are one either. Be informed, and be sensible!
If you are picking and harvesting your own be herbs BE SURE OF WHAT YOU ARE TAKING FROM NATURE. If you have any doubts whatsoever when harvesting a herb as to what it is, then leave it alone. A simple mistake could be DEADLY. Be sure in your knowledge of whether a herb or plant can be used internally or externally. There are very few herbs that I ingest, and use most on my skin or simply for the scent- bearing in mind the allergies and inflammation that can occur when using any herb. Just because it grows naturally and animals can eat a herb, does not make it safe for man...that may be obvious, but some people do not realise this. You may have an allergy to any herb- I am allergic to the touch and the scent of lavender...so please be very careful. So many pre-prepared ointments and cures are available from stores and mail order, I would suggest that in some cases this would be a better way of obtaining the herb you need.
Please also remember to respect Nature. Don't leave an area sparse of a species because you have picked too much. Be considerate to Mother Nature and choose only what you need, and always give thanks- perhaps you could scatter some seeds to replenish what you have taken as a token and show of thanks to the Mother and Father. Nature only lends us her bounty, and we must replace what we borrow. We all must live within the cycles of life and death and all will be returned to nature eventually. Always be considerate and respect the bounty the Mother shows
We are poorer for the loss of confidence in the beneficiary properties of herbs and natural flowers...In early civilisations, food and medicine were linked, and many plants were eaten for their health-giving properties.Many people now are learning the benefits in returning to using the natural plants and herbs that grow around us. There is much to re-learn; and having a store of herbs, edible plants and flowers around us, will help us in regaining the knowledge we have lost.
Most important of all is this: I am not an expert on the properties of herbs. I sometimes use a herb that I know will work, but I have no idea why. I use the plants, tree's and berries of the plants that I do simply because I have been raised this way- taught by my family. A lot of my knowledge has been gained from my Nanna (sadly departed, May 2001). Don't go rushing into trying to harvest, dry and using herbs just because of a few words here... Learn first their uses, what harm they can do, gain as much knowledge as you can. I do not claim to be a teacher- I write these things here for your interest, and to allow you to see into my way of life. |
