scrapbookbuzz Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 I began my addiction, I mean journey, into the herbalist adventure late last summer when I found the book Healing Spices in Goodwill. It's only gotten better, and more interesting, since then! I now own two of Rosemary Gladstar's books and two by James Green. Plus a few others. Last October I was so excited to be able to identify a wild growing medicinal herb when we were in the mountains! And this morning, I went for a brief hike to check out the chaparral that grows around here. There's a lot of it! Anyone else on this fun, crazy adventure with me? 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caedmyn Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 Me...I've taken a few courses from Vintage Remedies and own a bunch of herb books. I've also joined Herb Mentor a couple of times and am currently doing the free materia medica course from Herbal Academy of New England. I've been working on getting a medicinal herb garden growing, and have done a little wildcrafting (from my weed-infested yard, or other people's yards so far). I make my own tinctures, syrups, tea blends, etc. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 Yep. I make all the things :) That's fun that you discovered something from a random sounding thrift store book! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 13, 2017 Author Share Posted February 13, 2017 caedmyn, I'm enjoying some studies from D'Abaldo Herbal School. Also free. okbud, I'm pretty sure it's an addiction at this point! LOL 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 I've got a few books and read a bit on blogs/watched a few videos, but haven't really done anything yet. Waiting for some time to study! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 This sounds awesome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILiveInFlipFlops Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 I sooo want to learn more about this, but I just haven't been able to make the time. I've taken a few Gladstar books out of the library, but every time they end up going back unread. I should probably just buy a couple of used copies and keep them around! Someday... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IfIOnly Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 (edited) I've made some teas and encapsulated herbs before. I believe I've made some tincture and other concoctions a looong time ago too. Honestly, it's just easier to buy things nowadays though. I do use herbs a lot actually but get them from the health food store. :D. What medinal plants grow in the wild around you all? We have lots of juniper trees, pine needles (can make a tea from...good vitamin c souce), and sage. I can also find mullein, stinging nettle, lavenderr, clover, chamomile, and dandelion. Edited February 13, 2017 by ifIonlyhadabrain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaillardia Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 (edited) me. I am an herbalist, not certified, but nonetheless, I have helped my kids, dh and self so many times with herbs and or essential oils. So grateful they or I didn't have to continue to use medication that was making matters worse. Love intuition when it comes to herbs. I follow the teachings of Dr. John Christopher and even though I haven't yet completed my course materials, I've learned a lot. I am not afraid of the power of herbs. Edited to delete the grinding of an ax. Edited February 13, 2017 by Gaillardia 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 I have self-studied, and I am looking into more formal study and apprenticeship opportunities. I finally found a local herbal clinic where I could do clinical hours for certification purposes. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaBearTeacher Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 I am interested in adaptogens and other herbs for healing. I am currently a couple of books. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 13, 2017 Author Share Posted February 13, 2017 (edited) I am interested in adaptogens and other herbs for healing. I am currently a couple of books. You, personally, are a couple of books? Which books did you choose to be? :D ETA: I wasn't trying to be snarky. The typo just struck my funnybone. And I THANK YOU for that on a Monday! Edited February 13, 2017 by scrapbookbuzz 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IfIOnly Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 My favorite herbalist is Shonda Parker. I have all her books. I love her focus on women's health. I know she used to offer herbal classes and even certification. http://www.naturallyhealthy.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 13, 2017 Author Share Posted February 13, 2017 Such great nuggets being shared on here! Keep 'em coming! Some reknowned herbalists mentioned so far: Dr. John Christopher Shonda Parker Rosemary Gladstar James Green Danny Abaldo A note: my own instructor has told us students "1000 herbalists, 1000 views." This means that not all herbalists will agree on all methods. But by no means let this stop you from pursuing your herbalist journey. Read the books, take the courses, see who resonates with you. And most of all, have fun and be healthy! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 Susun Weed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 Some of my favorites that haven't been named yet: Buhner, Hoffman, Tierra, Worwood, Matthew Wood 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 13, 2017 Author Share Posted February 13, 2017 Another point of interest: Herbalists you come across will run the gamut from wiccan to Christ-following, and everything in between. Like I previously noted, read the books, read the blogs, find who you resonates with you. You'll learn the best from those to whom you can relate! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 13, 2017 Author Share Posted February 13, 2017 Some of my favorites that haven't been named yet: Buhner, Hoffman, Tierra, Worwood, Matthew Wood I've heard of Hoffman but it's funny. I'm halfway through a Masters Degree in Counterterrorism and another Hoffman (Bruce) is a well-respected expert in the field. So, of course, the first time I heard Hoffman in the herbalist context, you know who I immediately thought of! VASTLY different fields, however! :coolgleamA: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 Another point of interest: Herbalists you come across will run the gamut from wiccan to Christ-following, and everything in between. Like I previously noted, read the books, read the blogs, find who you resonates with you. You'll learn the best from those to whom you can relate! This is a great point. Read widely. Different books have come into my life at different points when I've needed them to teach me something that I needed to know. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 :lol: I was thinking of this text of his: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0892817496/ref=x_gr_w_bb_sout?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_sout-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0892817496&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2 At one point, I needed to brush up on my chemistry to understand why my body was responding better to certain herbs than others. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schadenfreude Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 There is a new book by Rosalee de la Forêt that looks interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaillardia Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 We have a social group called Helpful Herbs on the forum here. Not much happens in most of the social groups though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 caedmyn, I'm enjoying some studies from D'Abaldo Herbal School. Also free. okbud, I'm pretty sure it's an addiction at this point! LOL These are free? The website makes it look as though there is a $75 application fee? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 13, 2017 Author Share Posted February 13, 2017 Katy, I'll PM you on that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mominco Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 What a fun topic! Are the Vintage remedies classes worth doing or is it all available in book form?I watched all the Rosemary Gladstar's you tube videos. Off to check the other links. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caedmyn Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 The Vintage Remedies classes are good, not cheap though, but I had a really bad experience with the ones I paid for (I've gotten several free as part of ebook/encourse bundles). If you google for reviews on Yelp you can find my whole story if you're so inclined. Herb Mentor is a good place to start...tons of info for $10/mo, ecourses on different subjects, etc, and you can download anything you want and keep it after you cancel. My "gateway" book was Be Your Own Doctor. It is written from a Christian perspective. Tons of easy to use info, easy to read, just a really good book. I do like to cross-check some of her recommendations with other sources at this point for safety, as I've found a few suggestions in it that I don't consider safe now that I know more. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlsdMama Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 I started playing with herbs when #4 was little and began wildcrafting more with #6. If you have littles still you might really enjoy Aviva Jill Romm's books. ;) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 14, 2017 Author Share Posted February 14, 2017 The Herbalist in me struck again. Or rather, helped, I should say. I went to bed a little after 11pm last night, even though I'd been yawning for a straight half hour so probably should have been in bed sooner. Anyway, I woke up around 0230 and laid there for a half an hour, fruitlessly waiting for sleep to come back, mostly due to pain and stiffness, I think. So after praying a bit, I got got up and went downstairs to get something to eat and drink. While eating, I read through a document about Raindrop Therapy, a rather unique massage technique using several essential oils. My neighbor offered to give me a treatment when I first told her about my car accident a few months ago. I may ask her if that offer still stands because this week, the pain and stiffness seem to be the most intense. Then, as the clock read 4am (and there was no way I was going to make it through today without more sleep), I took a melatonin/chamomile/valerian combo supplement, then put some lavender essential oil in my Renew Lotion and rubbed the bottoms of my feet. I'm happy to say I got about 3 1/2 more hours of sleep! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mominco Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 (edited) The Vintage Remedies classes are good, not cheap though, but I had a really bad experience with the ones I paid for (I've gotten several free as part of ebook/encourse bundles). If you google for reviews on Yelp you can find my whole story if you're so inclined. Herb Mentor is a good place to start...tons of info for $10/mo, ecourses on different subjects, etc, and you can download anything you want and keep it after you cancel. My "gateway" book was Be Your Own Doctor. It is written from a Christian perspective. Tons of easy to use info, easy to read, just a really good book. I do like to cross-check some of her recommendations with other sources at this point for safety, as I've found a few suggestions in it that I don't consider safe now that I know more. Thank you!I have been on Vintage remedies fb page for a long time and never got around to enrolling in their classes.So I am glad I did not pull the plug. Herb Mentor sounded familiar-checked it out and realized I have been on John-learning herbs email list for at least 2 years now.Good to know its worth the money. Blsd mama,I have 2 teens,but will look at what you mentioned. Edited to say thank you everyone for sharing all the wonderful info! Edited February 14, 2017 by mominco 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 14, 2017 Author Share Posted February 14, 2017 Last night's interrupted sleep is catching up with me! Time to diffuse a citrus blend with peppermint to give me energy! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 15, 2017 Author Share Posted February 15, 2017 So I diffused the citrus blend, added a couple drops of lemon, and one of mint. I didn't really smell it but I can tell it helped! That and a cup of coffee! Don't worry - coffee helps my ADD brain. As did the vitamins that I finally remembered to take! B-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 15, 2017 Author Share Posted February 15, 2017 Okay, my sister herbalists, what do you think is best for dealing with the delayed pain of whiplash? It's been almost 3 months since the accident and I have been on a very good chiro treatment plan. This past week is when the pain and stiffness have been the most pronounced and the most consistent. What do you recommend herb-wise? (Other than marijuana, which I just won't do.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaillardia Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 Dr. Christopher formula Bone, Flesh and Cartilage has helped me many times with injuries on my feet and bursitis in the hand. I highly recommend it. I know it may be difficult to apply a poultice or a cloth soaked in the tea of BF&C to the back or neck and shoulders, but I would still give it a try. It contains gravel root, mullein, marshmallow herb, lobelia, scullcap, black walnut, comfrey and I think we used white oak bark in our blend as well. Taking 2-3 tablespoons of the mixed cut herbs, to a medium sized pot of about 6 cups of boiling water. Turn heat down to a simmer for 20 minutes. That's what we've done. Either use the herbs, placing directly on the skin, or use a cotton cloth or hand towel and saturate the towel, wring it out mostly. Lay a dry towel over the herbs or the saturated towel for as long as the towel or herbs stay warm. Refresh the towel or the herbs as needed. Do it once or twice each session. Do it 2 or 3 times a day. herballegacy.com >>>This is not medical advice. I'm not a doctor.<<< 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 15, 2017 Author Share Posted February 15, 2017 Nice prima facie protection there, Gaillardia! :coolgleamA: And thank you! I may have to give that a whirl. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaillardia Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 (edited) Referencing my post above.... I was having a bad pain in my foot after being on my feet in heels I wasn't accustomed to wearing. We brewed up a batch as my pain was getting worse and I wanted to attend another event that evening. The pain was tendon-related. After 20 minutes of having my foot in the solution, my pain was completely gone, no swelling, and I wasn't bothered by that particular problem again. I was able to go out and be on my feet with no problem. I did use the solution as hot as I could stand it, that was recommended. With the bursitis issue I alternated between soaking my hand in cold water 5 minutes and the hot solution (but not too hot) for 10 minutes. I had to give my hand a vacation but the swelling in the bursae was evidently decreased and my hand and fingers more flexible. Edited February 15, 2017 by Gaillardia 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 Comfrey oil massage and packs. Crampbark tincture. I like to keep it simple :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 15, 2017 Author Share Posted February 15, 2017 I do have a crampbark tincture. Thanks for the reminder! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caedmyn Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 Mullein or solomon's seal might also be worth looking into, scrapbookbuzz. Be careful with that raindrop therapy...do some research on safety and reactions to it first. It uses a lot of undiluted or barely diluted essential oils and can cause skin reactions or worse. It's really not a safe or evidence-based use of essential oils. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 15, 2017 Author Share Posted February 15, 2017 caedmyn, good point on the dilution of oils. I'll look at the 'ingredients' again and make sure the more potent oils are diluted. As one person said to me when I cautioned on her use of straight peppermint on her back, "The intensity of the peppermint was better than the amount of pain in my back." I'm kind of at that point, too, with this whiplash-induced nonsense disruption to my life. Just trying to do what I can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caedmyn Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 If you're interested in bodywork at all, Neuromuscular Therapy, Rolfing, or John Barnes'-style Myofascial Release Therapy could be helpful. Rolfing helped when I had a pinched nerve from (what I think was) mild whiplash caused by diving off a highish diving board when my oldest was a toddler, and I've used all the others too (for chronic neck and shoulder issues). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 16, 2017 Author Share Posted February 16, 2017 Thanks, caedmyn. Think I'll pass on the rolfing. But reading about myofascial release reminds me about using the foam roller to help my back. Need to do that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 16, 2017 Author Share Posted February 16, 2017 As an aspiring herbalist, living in the desert (!), I find I really miss living where it's green and there are actually woods to walk through. I so need lush green plants in my life! Sometimes I'll go to the tree nurseries here just to walk through and get some "green therapy." 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 16, 2017 Author Share Posted February 16, 2017 Feeling kind of inept this week/today. So I'm going to delve into reading about various herbs and their medicinal properties. That and reading Scripture tends to soothe me. Now if only I could move out of the desert . . . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 I struggle with the desert thing, too. I have been slowly building an herbal garden in pots here. My lavender is quite lovely. :) I travel quite a bit to feed my soul. I need to see seasons changes and plant my feet into lush grass and hear songbirds in the trees. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Thanks, caedmyn. Think I'll pass on the rolfing. But reading about myofascial release reminds me about using the foam roller to help my back. Need to do that! Foam rolling has helped me quite a bit. I'm hesitant to suggest herbs when I don't know what exactly is going wrong with your body, but I'm guessing some natural anti-inflammatories would help as well--curcumin, fish oil, etc. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 16, 2017 Author Share Posted February 16, 2017 (edited) Foam rolling has helped me quite a bit. I'm hesitant to suggest herbs when I don't know what exactly is going wrong with your body, but I'm guessing some natural anti-inflammatories would help as well--curcumin, fish oil, etc. I remind myself to take my coldwater omegas and those really do help! As for herbs, I have a Feel Better blend of tea that has, I think, about 12 different herbs and plants in it that help in all sorts of ways. I may make myself some after my massage this afternoon. I'm not even close to the stiffness and soreness I was on Tuesday, thank God! Right now it's just some stiffness in my neck and some cramping in my hamstrings. Need to remember to take my crampbark tincture! ETA: I was also reading that making a tea with a small amount of chaparral helps stiffness and pain. I do have some. Perhaps I'll try a bit of that for tea instead. We'll see. Edited February 16, 2017 by scrapbookbuzz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Have you read up on the chaparral/liver toxicity issues? I don't use it because of those concerns. I'd be more inclined to take a heavily concentrated epsom bath (magnesium is a smooth muscle relaxer)... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 16, 2017 Author Share Posted February 16, 2017 Yes, I have. And a lot of that misinformation literally came from allopathic doctors years ago but traditionally, before "modern medicine" it has been used to help liver and kidney issues, with no known contraindications. Personally, I don't think a teaspoonful is going to hurt me. I'm willing to risk it, at any rate. The more I learn in my herbalists studies, the more I get mad and disappointed. Disappointed that all this knowledge of natural remedies hasn't been taught on a bigger scale or at least through the generations to more families. And mad because I feel like important information has been kept from us all so we can pay our precious dollars for synthetic stuff that may or may not really help us. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 I agree. Dr. Christopher was a huge proponent of chaparral. I have some ongoing issues which make me more cautious about what I use so I wanted to make sure you knew of the controversy since you mentioned above that you were only several months into your studies. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 17, 2017 Author Share Posted February 17, 2017 I agree. Dr. Christopher was a huge proponent of chaparral. I have some ongoing issues which make me more cautious about what I use so I wanted to make sure you knew of the controversy since you mentioned above that you were only several months into your studies. Thanks for watching out for me. I read about the herbal stuff almost every day! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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