erbs are not only our first medicine; they are also the

source for many things we need for our survival,

including food, shelter, clothing and medicine, all of

which reflect the profound relationship between humanity and

the plant kingdom.

But in the 21st century it seems that we have come a long way

in achieving control and dominion over the unpredictable ele-

ments of nature, which in the past had such a determining

influence over the daily course of our lives. One may even

excuse our inadvertent arrogance each time we forget about the

intimate role that plants play in our daily lives, which includes

their serving as the basis for at least 25% of all pharmaceutical

drugs. Of further thoughtful consideration is this: in a world which today seeks to lessen its

dependence on petroleum, the remaining 75% of all pharmaceutical drugs are derived from

petrochemicals.

Only in times of crisis are most of us reminded of the importance of being less dependent on

highly industrialized, technological systems as our source for food and medicine. This is espe-

cially true if we realize the extent to which our food chain is compromised by the heavy-hand-

ed use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified foods.

What we face now is a world health crisis. For too many, mainstream medicine remains inac-

cessible due to the rising cost of health care insurance. Add to that the inability of convention-

al medicine to offer a satisfactory solution for many diseases. Then there’s the plethora of

adverse side-effects from prescription drug use. Given all of the above, it’s easy to see how a $15

billion-a-year alternative health care business was born. That hefty figure represents what peo-

ple are willing to pay out of pocket; most alternative health care is still not funded by insurance.

In response to this state of affairs, many people consciously make the choice to assert their

birthright to find out how herbs might serve their personal, family, and community health

needs.

Those of us who pursue that birthright have found healing in simply re-establishing our con-

nection with nature and plants. I certainly did when I lived in a rural community, where I also

learned that people are naturally curious about the uses of different local plants. In such a place,

the first and most common question people ask when they encounter a new plant is, “What’s it

good for?”

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HA letter from Dr. Michael Tierra

Dr. Michael Tierra, O.M.D., in the pharmacy atEast West Acupuncture Clinic and Herb Centerin Santa Cruz, CA.

This kind of curiosity may not always come naturally to city dwellers, whose surroundings, by

definition, are less “green.” Of course, in the city, where a person may not even know the name

of his next door neighbor, it’s not likely that he would make the effort to learn the names of local

plants.

But in even the most built-up cities, healing plants regarded as “weeds” are found everywhere

— some even literally pushing through the cracks of asphalt and concrete!

Could these plants be trying to tell us something?

Whether you live in an urban or rural environment, if your innate interest and curiosity in

“‘things green” is active, and you want to know how to begin putting healing plants to practical

use in your life, you have a hurdle to cross:

Where can you turn to learn about the uses of herbs and how to employ them with safety and

maximum efficacy?

It’s ironic — at this juncture in history, where the Internet and mass communication are sup-

posed to increase our awareness of each other and the world we live in, the large majority of

people living in the West find themselves even more cut off from their fellow human beings and

nature. And unfortunately, despite the fact that more information on almost any subject is avail-

able now than ever before in history, we have somehow been separated from the historical

stream of empirical knowledge and wisdom passed through generations

about the uses of the oldest inhabitants of this planet: plants.

In the West, what many are left with is a lifeless catalogue of information

and random facts stating how a specific herb was used for a specific

“named” disease. Used in this drug-like way, plants are remarkably unpre-

dictable in their effects even compared to pharmaceutical drugs.

However, if we are guided to one of the three powerful traditional world healing systems, which

to a greater or lesser extent have somehow miraculously survived the neglect and assault of time,

we may learn the art of using herbs to treat underlying causes of diseases in the form of toxic

excesses and/or deficiencies.

“Planetary Herbology” is an approach I describe in my book of the same name, and in the East

West Herb Course, which teaches how to heal with plants, integrated with seasonal, lifestyle

and dietary patterns. It brings together primarily, but not exclusively, the three great systems of

herbal healing: Western Herbal Medicine (WHM), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and

East Indian Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine (TAM).

Why not limit ourselves to the study of just one or the other of these systems?

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Even in the most built-up cities,healing plants regarded

as “weeds” are found every-where — some even pushing

through cracks in concrete!

Could these plants be trying to tell us something?

Today, where ethnic and cultural boundaries are increasingly

blurred, any student of herbal medicine is exposed to a wide variety

of herbs from around the globe, along with different ethnic herbal

healing systems. Each herbal tradition’s own materia medica (cata-

logue of plants used for medicine) has a unique relevance and value

that another tradition may lack.

But a student herbalist must not only immerse himself or herself in the study of mmateria mmedica;

one must also become proficient at an assessment (diagnosis) methodology appropriate to the

use of herbs.

For this methodology, we turn to traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, the two most

powerful herbal systems in the world, each spanning at least 5,000 years of accumulated wealth

of herbal knowledge. From these two lineages we inherit elegant and sophisticated systems that

correlate the energies and properties of plants to specific differential diagnostic signs and symp-

toms.

Using these systems, along with the long-llost traditions from Western herbal medicine, the East

West Herb Course offers a comprehensive and truly planetary education in both materia med-

ica and assessment. Of course, the transmission of many of these ideas in writing has its limi-

tations, so the East West School holds annual week-long herbal seminars, maintains an online

learning center with articles, photographs, interactive student forums, and multiple weekly live

chats with myself and other experienced teachers. All of these options are reserved for students

who wish to deepen their experience and knowledge.

So, why do I teach Planetary Herbology? My personal Way of Herbs occurred at a time when

there was no single place where one could go to study herbs. My curiosity about plants and heal-

ing began when I was living in a wilderness community, learning the herbs indigenous to the

mountains of Northern California. As I began to study acupuncture when it was first introduced

in North America, I sought people who could teach me about Chinese herbal medicine. This

eventually led me to travel and study in China. Later, someone introduced me to a yogi who

knew Ayurvedic medicine and who had lived in caves in the Himalayas. At that time, Ayurvedic

medicine (traditional East Indian medicine that possibly predates Traditional Chinese

Medicine) was barely known in the West.

Instead of confining myself to the study of only one of these great teachings, I studied all of

them, and discovered that my understanding of herbs deepened in a way that could never have

happened had I chosen to study only one system. To that end, I bring my travels and lessons to

you in the East West Herb Course and in my books, which reflect my personal herbal journey,

which now spans over three decades. I hope you find the study of healing plants as fulfilling and

exciting as I did . . . and still do.

— Michael Tierra, O.M.D.

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The East West Herb Courseoffers a comprehensive and truly planetary education in both materiamedica and assessment.

An Overview of the World’s Healing SystemsTo understand the concept of Planetary Herbology, let’s examine each of the following three

major systems:

• Western Herbology

• Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine

Western Herbology

n Western Herbology, herbs are classified according to their therapeutic properties. In

other words, the Western tradition asks, “What does this plant make the body do?”

Categories such as alteratives, diuretics, diaphoretics, nervines, purgatives, stimulants,

and others, allow Western herbalists to group herbs with similar properties and use them accord-

ingly.

The Western system uses herbs based primarily on their properties and chemical constituents.

Many drugs used in Western allopathic medicine result from extracting an herb’s active con-

stituent and then synthesizing it. While a single active constituent responsible for the best-known

activity of an herb is seldom identifiable, there are a number of notable examples where a sin-

gle active constituent has been identified and then either synthesized or extracted for medical

use.

For instance, the familiar drug aspirin is based on plants containing salicin, such as white wil-

low bark (Salix alba) and meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria). In the body, salicin is metabo-

lized to form salicylic acid. In 1897, Felix Hoffman created a synthetically altered version of

salicin, derived from meadowsweet, which caused less digestive upset than pure salicylic acid.

The new drug, formally called acetylsalicylic acid, was named “aspirin” by Hoffmann’s employ-

er Bayer A.G. (of Bayer aspirin fame), after the old botanical name for meadowsweet, Spireaulmaria. This gave rise to the hugely important class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-

inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other herbs that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic proper-

ties due to the presence of salicylic acid or its derivative include rosemary (Rosmarinus offici-nalis), wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), poplar bark (Populus alba) and black haw

(Viburnum prunifolium).

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I

Salicin-containingplants white willow (left)

and meadowsweet(middle), were the fore-runners of a long line of

NSAIDs, includingaspirin (right).

But human attempts to isolate a certain active constituent in an herb fail to take something very

important into consideration: ssynergy. Synergy is the combined action of two or more elements

– in this case, chemical constituents – which is greater than and not predictable from actions of

any of the individual elements taken alone.

By design, herbs have complicated chemical make-ups. An herb taken whole will have a differ-

ent effect than taking its isolated constituent alone. Similarly, an herbal formula unites different

whole herbs which work together synergistically to create a desired effect. This strategy brings

thousands of compounds into play and thus lessens the likelihood of someone having an

adverse reaction to any one of these herbs, and thus is safer than comparable drugs.

Many other drugs originally derived from herbs are still used today.

Digoxin, which treats congestive heart disease, is derived from the beautiful

garden flower foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). However, the use of this herb

is highly discouraged because the toxic dose range is too narrow to predict

by the average unskilled user of herbs.

For high blood pressure, the drug Reserpine has been and still is used. It is

extracted from an East Indian Ayurvedic herb, Rauwolfia serpentina, also

known as Indian snakeroot.

The popular chemotherapeutic drug Vinblastine is extracted from theMadagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus).

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Synergy at work

My mother used to get severe headaches and took a lot of aspirin to relieve them. One dayI put together a mixture of equal parts powdered willow bark, wintergreen, rosemary andwhite poplar bark. I put this in capsules and had her take two of these. She said that nothingrelieved her headache better than this herbal mixture!

This simple formula, which you can assemble in your own kitchen, has been shown to workfor headaches, fevers and pain when other drugs have failed. In a pinch, Planetary Formulas’Willow Aid is a great example of a ready-made herbal formula that uses salicin to treat thesame symptoms.

--- Michael Tierra

An herb is a living thing that has a complex biochemistry forged over millions of years of evo-

lution. There are few herbs whose action can be attributed to a single known constituent. This

is due in part to the dearth of research on herbs generally, which may stem from the fact that it

is difficult to patent a plant that anyone can grow. Pharmaceutical companies are not likely to

spend millions of dollars on the research necessary to bring a drug to market that they are

unable to patent, and then recoup their investment.

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What do you reallyknow about echinacea?Companies heavily market the popular NorthAmerican herb Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)based on the largely theoretical point that it is goodfor the common cold. In my experience, this is notthe case, and there are many other herbs, such asandrographis (A. paniculata), which are far superi-or for this indication.

The singular niche where echinacea shines is in thetreatment of bacterial infections. In fact, most of thetime echinacea can be used as an alternative toantibiotics. This offers several benefits, not the leastof which is the fact that, unlike antibiotics, echi-nacea does not kill “friendly” bacteria needed forhealthy digestive function.

The rampant use and abuse of antibiotics over thelast several decades has given rise to an epidem-ic of a deadly antibiotic-resistant “superbug”called Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA). If more people would first use echinaceabefore resorting to antibiotics, these “superbugs”would be less likely to evolve and antibiotics couldbe reserved for those who most need it. However,even for those who already have MRSA infections,echinacea may prove to be an effective treat-ment.

Historically, Echinacea was used primarily for thetreatment of acute infections, venomous bites andstings, and as such it was the most popular herb forthe first two decades of the 20th century. It fell intoneglect when the medical community and gener-al public became infatuated with so-called won-der drugs such as penicillin.

I have seldom seen a purulent infection that echi-nacea would not cure in three days, so the notionthat herbs are always slower to heal, at least interms of echinacea, is not accurate. I always rec-ommend keeping a two-ounce bottle of PlanetaryFormulas’ Full Spectrum Echinacea on hand. If youor anyone you know develops an acute topicalinfection, moisten a gauze pad or cotton ball withthe tincture and bandage it over the affected site.This should be changed twice daily. At the sametime, take a full teaspoon (60 drops) of echinaceafollowed by a half-teaspoon every two wakinghours. If the infection does not improve in threedays, I recommend that the person seek qualifiedmedical assistance. After three days taper thedose down to 30 drops three times daily continuingthe topical application until the condition seemsfully resolved. I have had innumerable reports ofsuccess using echinacea for the most severe infec-tions such as septicemia. I’ve even had reports bynurses who have used it for antibiotic resistantinfections such as MRSA.

— Michael Tierra

Echinacea purpurea

Traditional Chinese Medicine

hinese Herbology categorizes herbs according to their energies

(heating or cooling), flavors, the directions in which they move in

the body, their actions, and the organs and meridians (neurological

response pathways) they enter. This system incorporates an understanding of

the heating or cooling, drying or moistening, and eliminating or building

aspect of herbs, and matches these as appropriate to the individual needs of

the body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also includes animal and mineral parts

such as deer antler and gypsum as healing substances. Like the herbal

approach mentioned above, these substances’ properties are carefully consid-

ered along with a patient’s unique constitution based on a broad bipolar cate-

gorization of Yin (cooling) and Yang (warming) energies, resulting in a more

holistic approach to healing.

In this way, herbs are used to treat patterns and thus the

underlying causes of disease in the body rather than simply

treating named diseases. From the TCM point of view, it is

more important to know the nature of a disease, how it

arose, and the constitution of the patient rather than simply

the disease’s name.

For example, there are many causes for a headache, and no

two headaches may be the same, if only for the fact that

they may be happening to two different people under dif-

ferent circumstances. Similarly, there are many underlying

causes for conditions like cardiovascular and musculoskele-

tal diseases, and in fact, practically all “named” Western

diseases.

What TCM offers is the most comprehensive system of

diagnosing a patient and coming up with an effective pro-

tocol based on traditional herbs and formulas. Detailed

questioning and non-invasive assessment techniques, such

as pulse and tongue reading, are at the heart of this method-

ology. The East West Herb Course emphasizes teaching

TCM diagnostic skills as the most effective way to identify

patterns of disharmony, upon which complex herbal reme-

dies appropriate to the unique indications and needs of each

patient may be formulated.

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Li Shizhen (1518-1593) is one ofChina’s most revered physiciansand pharmacologists. His epicbook, the Bencao Gangmu, wasChina’s official materia medica forover 400 years.

The Art of Formulary

My first Chinese herb teacher once saidthat to combine several herbs together isto create something that does not exist innature. It is an art that one learns, as amusician learns the laws of harmony andresonance or an artist learns to mix differ-ent colors on a palette.

When one uses a single herb for treatment,it is called a “simple.” However, like thepainter or musician who is not content touse just a single note or color in his work,an herbalist who must treat a more com-plex problem must use several carefullychosen herbs in a formula.

Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medi-cine rely on an elaborate and sophisticat-ed system of formulary. In the East WestHerb Course, you will learn how to usethese systems’ principles to create com-plex formulas calibrated to each patient’sindividual needs.

— Michael Tierra

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Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine

yurvedic herbology, from India, is the probably oldest known system of natural heal-

ing on the planet. It is often referred to as the “mother of natural healing,” since many

principles of the world’s medicine traditions, including Chinese, Japanese, Greco-

Roman, Mediterranean Unani (Tibb) and Tibetan, are derived from it. In ancient times, a

renowned wisdom school, Nalanda University, is said to have existed in Northern India. Sages

from all over the world would travel there by foot to learn the secrets of nature from the school’s

masters. Eventually, this knowledge spread from its origins in the Himalayas to the far reaches

of Japan and Europe.

Ayurvedic medicine classifies herbs and foods according to three dosshass or humours. Diseases,

as well as a person’s constitution, are also categorized in this way. Similar to Chinese and Greek

Hippocratic medicines (such as Unani medicine still practiced in the Middle East), the individ-

ual is viewed as a union of physical, mental and spiritual energies, with the goal of health

achieved through balancing. In the tridosha system, Vata (Air) corresponds to nervous energy,

Pitta (Fire) to circulation, warmth and digestion, and Kapha (Water) to the solid, formative

aspects of tissue, fluid and bone. A balance of these aspects ensures health, while an imbalance

of any of the three generates disease.

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An example of a Kapha (water) imbalance would be springtime allergies or coldscharacterized by excessive clear mucus discharge. The Ayurvedic formula calledTrikatu is composed of three spicy herbs mixed with honey and is very effective forthese symptoms.

You can easily make Trikatu yourself by mixing equal parts freshly powdered dry gin-ger root and black pepper with two parts powdered anise seed. Melt a small amountof honey and mix a small amount of ghee (clarified butter) with it. Stir in enough of thepowdered herbs to form a thick paste. Take a half to one teaspoon two or three timesdaily.

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Nalanda University ruinsin Bihar, India.

East Meets West: Mending Tears in Traditionhere are many differences between herbal systems. Because the goal of Planetary

Herbology is to bring forth the best that each system has to offer into a new synthesis,

it is good to form an understanding of the unique strengths and weaknesses of each.

The problem is, there’s hardly any comparison between the enduring wisdom of TCM and

Ayurvedic herbal medicine with what some people call Western herbology. While TCM and

Ayurvedic herbal medicine have integrated systems of diagnosis, and herbal, dietary and

lifestyle approaches that have continued to evolve over thousands of years, Western herbology

lacks these strengths because it has suffered a number of breaks with its historic roots. Today one

cannot truly say that there is such a thing as “traditional Western herbology.”

One important area where contemporary Western herbology is lacking compared to the tradi-

tional healing systems of China and India is in that is has no diagnostic system uniquely useful

to the practice of herbal medicine. For the most part, people turn to herbal healing in an attempt

to treat not only the symptoms, but also the cause of a disease. Western medicine and Western

herbal medicine are largely based on treating a disease based on its symptomatic manifestation.

The attempt among Western herbalists to treat physiological organ

systems with dietary, mental, spiritual, lifestyle and environmental

influences has come to be known as ‘holistic’ healing. However it

lacks the powerful connection and utilization of sophisticated herbal

medicine.

In contrast, both Ayurveda and TCM, employ a single line of connecting symptomology, herbs,

diet, and lifestyle so that formulating a diagnosis automatically suggests treatment based on all

of these and other considerations.

Another great difference between contemporary Western herbal medicine and traditional sys-

tems of China and India is in the category of herbs called “tonics.” This is an area where

Western herbalists are working toward a more practical understanding.

Detoxification and tonification are of primary importance in traditional herbal healing systems.

All systems have come to share the need for detoxification as a basis for the road to health.

Detoxification simply means removing any biochemical (or, for that matter, psychological)

obstacles from the body so that it can regain homeostasis. There are many potential toxins in the

body and many approaches and herbs that are useful to remove them.

Tonification (rebuilding therapy) is an area in contemporary Western herbal medicine that

seems to be least understood, especially when compared to the understanding of methods and

herbs used in TCM and Ayurveda. Western herbalists have come to accept a relatively new ther-

apeutic property called “adaptogen.” This general term designates a class of herbs that seems to

allow the human body to better protect itself and adapt to the non-specific stresses of living.

9

T

Today one cannot truly say that there is such a thing as “traditional Western herbology.”

Herbs in the adaptogen category serve in a capacity similar, but not identical to, that of the

Asian systems’ tonics.

More than ever, Western herbalists are integrating Chinese and Ayurvedic tonics into their prac-

tices. These include herbs such as dang gui (Angelica sinensis) for blood tonification; ginseng

(Panax ginseng) and codonopsis (C. pilosula) for Qi (energy) tonification; and astragalus (A.membranaceus) and reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) to tonify the immune system, to

name a few. Still, the Western understanding of the use of these and many other unique tonics

lacks the direct simplicity of usage of traditional Asian systems.

Certainly, consideration of the differences between healing systems of the East and West pro-

vide us with an appreciation of the value of a cross-cultural herbal understanding. This will

hopefully one day lead us to a planetary system of herbology that integrates the best of all cul-

tures into a unified concept of practice.

Energy: The Common Denominatorhile all three herbal systems were originally derived from the same place (India), as

they extended throughout the world they adapted to the changing cultural mores

and values of each respective area. Some changed so extensively over time that now

they only represent a small part of the original medicine, such as the Western application of

herbs based on their properties and chemical constituents. Yet, the essence of these systems

remains the same and we must adhere to this essential truth if we are to create a new planetary

system of natural medicine.

This essential truth is energy.

The principle of energy is the foundation upon which we build a dynamic, living (in vivo), ener-

getic system of classification, as opposed to a materialistic, laboratory-confirmed (in vitro)

approach. Since all matter is composed of energy, we can view medicines including foods and

herbs as being energetically based. Not only does this form the cornerstone of all healing sys-

tems, it also joins those systems to their related spiritual philosophies.

Therefore, when working with the energy of plants and humans we are, in actuality, working

with various facets of universal energy. As herbalists, we must first acknowledge with reverence

the vast potential of power and consciousness inherent in every manifestation of nature. Certain

natural laws and theories govern creation, and this universal energy seems willing to conform to

a certain level of uniformity and predictability.

At the same time, we must recognize that in nature there are exceptions to every rule.

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Energy As One

Just as the traditional herbalists have done for thousands of years, we will examine these natu-

ral laws in order, from basic to complex. The most fundamental concept is that energy iss One.This is what the Chinese call Qi, the Japanese call Ki and the Yogis call Prana - the primal, uni-

fied energy that permeates all natural phenomena. This implies that everything shares the same

energy, allowing us to treat human diseases with medicines from plant, mineral and animal

kingdoms from around the world. Let us examine how this concept of the oneness of energy is

employed in the Doctrine of Signatures.

The Doctrine of Signatures

One of the ways our ancestors recognized energy as a fundamental organizing principle of the

universe gave rise to one of the most basic principles of herbology: the Doctrine of Signatures.

This theory holds that anything that resembles some aspect of a disease or body part can poten-

tially be used as its medicine.

• Bloodroot (Sanguinarea canadensis), a North American forest herb with a red root,

can be used in measured doses for toxic blood diseases.

• The edible fruit of the walnut (Juglans spp.) resembles a brain and is considered ben-

eficial for all diseases and conditions associated with the head and brain.

• Some specimens of mature ginseng root (Panax ginseng) that have the shape of a

human body are preferred as tonics for all conditions of debility. The more the root

resembles the human form, the more a wealthy Chinese individual is likely to pay. In

Hong Kong, certain specimens of wild ginseng are exhibited in windows and command

a price of thousands of dollars for a single root.

• Herbs whose roots and stems are yellow-colored such as goldenseal (Hydrastiscanadensis), Oregon grape root (Mahonia aquifolium) and barberry (Berberis vulgaris),are effectively used to treat individuals who exhibit a pronounced yellowish pallor and

suffer from an advanced case of gallbladder or liver disease, including bile duct obstruc-

tion, cirrhosis, hepatitis and jaundice.

• As we have already discussed, herbs are almost universally classified according to

their heating (metabolism stimulating) and cooling (anti-inflammatory and sedative)

properties. Therefore, herbs with light blue or purplish flowers, such as skullcap

(Scutellaria laterifolia) and blue vervain (Verbena hastata) are considered cooling and

can be used as calming and sedative nervines. Red herbs such as cayenne pepper

(Capsicum anuum), hawthorn berry (Crataegus oxycantha), safflower petals

(Carthamus tinctorius) and red sage root (Salviae miltiorrhizae) are good for blood cir-

culation.

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TCM applies the Doctrine of Signatures to medicines derived from the animal kingdom as well.

Here are a few examples:

• A spring chicken (just before it begins to lay eggs) is considered a valuable female hor-

monal tonic for infertility in women.

• The penis and testes of dogs, deer and other mammals are eaten to enhance male

potency.

• Deer and elk horns, proud symbols of the male animals’ potency and associated with

surging male hormones, are used to promote warmth and circulation and stimulate hor-

mone production (in both males and females). The antlers from the Sika red deer are

widely esteemed as being effective both for impotence as well as osteoporosis and rheu-

matic problems. (Planetary Formulas’cruelty-free Antler Velvvet Full Spectrumm is used

for these conditions.)

• Chicken gizzards, which act as a stomach for the chicken who typically may even be

able to digest small stones, are eaten as digestive tonics.

• The shape of earthworms point to why they are used as bronchial tube dilators.

• Because of the super flexibility of their spines, snakes are eaten or used medicinally

for rheumatic and arthritic conditions.

The list is intriguing to say the least, and has value on many levels, the least of which would be

as a mnemonic device to help one recall the medicinal uses of certain herbs and other sub-

stances.

Keep in mind, however, that one of the obvious problems with the Doctrine of Signatures is that

it can prove to be overly simplistic. The way a plant, animal part or other substance resembles

a particular organ or aspect of human physiology is only one parameter with very limited use-

fulness.

For example, a mandrake root (Mandragora officinarum) resembling the human body may have

prompted European alchemists to call it “man root,” but unlike the energizing and tonifying

properties of the prized man-shaped ginseng roots in China, mandrake is poisonous and has a

violent purgative action. Thus, one must temper the Doctrine of Signatures with a deeper

knowledge of any medicinal substance.

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Energy As Duality: Yin and Yang

After we recognize energy, or Qi, as one with, and in, everything,

we can refine it further by dividing it into a level of duality. This

leads us to the second natural law, the Law of Polar Opposites,

which tells us that evverything hass itss commplemment: night/day,

cold/hot, female/male, light/heavy, and so on. As part of the very

foundation of natural medicine, this law is defined by the Chinese

as Yang (warming) and Yin (cooling).

When related to herbs and foods, those substances that are cold, wet, empty or heavy are con-

sidered Yin herbs. In part, these herbs help build or reinforce the Yin in the body by supporting

deep vital organs and structures such as the bones, lungs, kidneys, liver, spleen and heart.

Examples include comfrey root (Symphytum officinalis), Ophiopogon japonica root, and raw

Rehmmannia glutinossa.

Herbs that are dry, full, warm or bright in color fall into the Yang category. Yang substances

stimulate warmth and circulation. Examples include ginseng (Panax ginseng), cinnamon bark

(Cinnamomum cassia), teasel (Dipsacus chinensis) and ginger (Zingiberis officinalis).

(Planetary Formulas in this powerfully stimulating and warming category include GingerWarmming Commpound and Three Spicess Sinuss Commpound (based on the traditional Ayurvedic

Trikatu formula).)

The Subdivisions of Energy: Elemental Systems

From the dual polarity of Yin/Yang, we next divide energy into smaller portions, each repre-

senting a particular quality. In this lesson we will explore manifestations of the subdivisions of

energy in the traditional Greek, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine systems. Each of these has

vitally important practical relevance and application in Planetary Herbology. While all cultures

may not agree on the particulars, the principles seem to be universal between them all.

Looking beyond the semantic and metaphorical differences used in each of these wisdom tra-

ditions, it is not difficult (in fact, it may be quite liberating) to recognize their similarities while

acknowledging their differences.

Ayurvedic Five Elements and Three Doshas

In the East Indian Ayurvedic system, the five elements are as follows:

• Earth represents nourishment and solid manifestation. It includes dense substances, sweet

and astringent tastes, and the more solid body parts and substances, such as the bones, muscle

and mucus.

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• Water represents fluidity and relates to the Earth element by

adding to the watery substance of the body. It is represented by

medicines with a sweet and salty taste and includes all the bod-

ily fluids (synovial, interstitial, lymph, etc.).

• Fire represents warmth and metabolism. It relates to sub-

stances with pungent, sour and salty tastes. This element

includes the organs of circulation and digestive processes.

• Air represents motion and is associated with dryness. Thus,

it is represented by medicines that increase dryness, have a light

quality and exhibit bitter, pungent and astringent tastes. This

element includes all the air and spatial systems of the body.

• Ether represents space in the body and includes the vessels

and sockets containing bodily substances. Like the Air element,

it is associated with foods and herbs with a bitter taste.

In the Ayurvedic system, these five elements combine to form

the three humours, or dosshass, by including Earth and Water

together, combining Air and Ether, and taking the Fire element

alone. The results are the Water (Kapha), Air (Vata) and Fire

(Pitta) doshas, respectively.

Chinese Five Elements

In the Chinese Five Element system, the elements are as fol-

lows:

• Earth represents nourishment and governs the Spleen-

Pancreas and Stomach organ system. Substances with a yellow

color and/or sweet taste, such as whole grains, most vegetables,

meat, licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) and honey belong to this cat-

egory. It is represented by the season of Indian (late) summer.

• Metal represents the power of solidity and the energy of

receiving and letting go. It is associated with the Lungs and

Large Intestine network, and with medicines with a white color

and a pungent, spicy taste. It is symbolized by the season of fall.

• Water represents fluidity, including the power of love and all

the senses. It encompasses the Kidneys and Bladder, the season

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The TCM organ networks

The traditional Chinese medicineorgan system assigns twelve primaryorgans associated with each of therespective five elements. Theseorgans, whose names we capitalizewhen referring to them in the TCMsense, are correlated to the Westernphysiological organs of the samename but encompass much broaderfunctions and concepts.

The Kidneys include the kidneys them-selves and their function in regulatingfluid metabolism, but also refers to theendocrine glands and the small adre-nal glands attached to the kidneys.

The Spleen, associated with the Earthelement, includes deep level assimila-tion and the formation of mitochondriaand the creation of adenosine triphos-phate (ATP), the universal energy cur-rency of all known living organismswhich is responsible for cellular andorganic energy.

The Lungs refer to the creation and dis-semination of energy throughout thebody in the form of oxygen bonded toiron (thus the association of the Lungswith the Metal element).

The Liver is responsible for the body’sregulation of energy through its abilityto store glucose in the form of glyco-gen to be released on an “as needed”basis to maintain a constant supply ofenergy.

The Heart refers not only to the physicalheart, but also to the Heart as a centerfor our emotional well-being.

The Chinese organs also include theirassociated pathways or meridianswhich are related to distal areas of thebody.

of winter, the color black and substances with a salty taste.

• Wood represents growth or birth and includes the Liver and Gallbladder. The season of

spring, the color green and medicines with a sour taste fall into this category.

• Fire carries the power of warmth and outward expansion. The Heart, Pericardium and Small

Intestine network belong in this category. The season of summer, the color red, and substances

with a bitter taste are included here.

Pausing for a moment to compare these last two systems, we find many similarities between the

Chinese and Ayurvedic approaches. Both Earth elements represent nourishment, the Water ele-

ments encompass the fluid components of the body and the Fire elements include the aspects

of circulation, warmth and metabolism. The Chinese Metal and Wood elements do not, how-

ever, directly coincide with any single Ayurvedic model, though they overlap with various

aspects of the other elements.

Greek Humours

The teachings of Hippocrates, whom we regard in the West as “the

father of medicine,” are set forth in what is called the HippocraticCorpus, a large and diverse body of knowledge set down by different

anonymous authors spanning a few hundred years. Hippocrates is

believed to have taught what is known as the Hippocratic Humoural

Theory of medicine. He stated that people would enjoy optimal health

when these humours were properly proportioned to each other. Pain

arose when one of these elements was in deficit or excess, or when iso-

lated in the body instead of being integrated with the others.

As with Ayurveda, this system encompassed the entire range of human

physiological types and the effects of environment and emotional states

on the body. Hippocrates believed that the essence of matter was found

in the four primary elements: Fire, Water, Air and Earth. He also relied

on the Pythagorean theory of the four qualities: hot, cold, wet and dry.

The Greek humours with their corresponding temperaments are as follows:

• Yellow Bile represents the Fire element and is hot and dry in nature. It is thought to arise from

the liver and is associated with a choleric temperament. Its season is summer.

• Black Bile represents the Earth element and is dry and cold in nature. It arises from the spleen

and is melancholic. Its season is autumn.

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Hippocrates (ca. 460 BCE - ca. 370BCE) is one of the most renownedfigures in Western medicine.

• Phlegm represents the Water element and is cold and moist in nature. Its season is winter and

its temperament is phlegmatic.

• Blood represents the Air element and is hot and moist in nature. Its temperament is san-

guineous and it predominates in the spring.

As we have already observed in previous discussions, contemporary Western herbology is not

really representative of the healing philosophies of ancient Western Mediterranean and

European cultures such as the one outlined above. Around the17th and 18th centuries, Western

herbalism gradually began downplaying the importance of relevant elemental and astrological

systems, which included the bodily “humours” derived from Ayurveda.

Subsequent lessons on Ayurvedic tridosha theory, and Chinese Yin and Yang and Five Element

theories will be explored in greater depth with many practical applications that will help you to

determine the best herbal and nutritional therapy for your own or others’ health needs.

Comparative Herbologyet’s comparatively consider an herb used in the Western and Asian systems according

to the energies discussed so far. Hawthorn berry and flower (Crataegus oxycantha),

for example, are excellent cardiac tonics, diuretics and astringents.

The Chinese Five Element system says that herbs with a bitter taste and red color directly nour-

ish the Heart. While the hawthorn berry’s red color associates it with the Heart, it has a pre-

dominantly sour taste, which puts it in the domain of the Wood element, where it affects the

Liver and Gallbladder. Yet in the Five Element theory, Wood is said to feed Fire, so by nour-

ishing the liver, we indirectly strengthen the Heart. Therefore, Chinese theory considers

Hawthorn berry also beneficial for the Heart.

In Western herbology, the value of hawthorn as a cardiac tonic was only discovered

toward the end of the 19th century. Western scientists found that it contains amygdalin

and crataegin, both possessing a bitter quality. This reflects back to the Five Element sys-

tem, which correlates bitter with the taste of the Heart. In Europe, the wood of the

hawthorn is said to make the hottest fire. This is a fine example of the Doctrine of

Signatures pointing toward the value of hawthorn as an herb related to the Fire element,

which encompasses the Heart.

TCM uses a particular variety of hawthorn (Crataegus cuneata) as a digestive tonic,

stimulating the appetite. This variety can help us understand how Fire (Heart and Small

Intestine) nourishes or feeds Earth (Spleen and Stomach) in the Five Element system,

because hawthorn berry (Fire) can aid stomach digestion (Earth).

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Above: Hawthornberries and flowers

In future lessons, you will learn about Ayurvedic doshas in more detail and how the Chinese

five elements nourish and control each other. These theories continue to get more complex, but

once mastered they actually show a very uncomplicated picture of the interconnectedness of all

nature’s aspects based on the universal unified energy flow.

Planetary Herbology: Using the World’s Herbs and Healing Traditions Together

ow that you have had a basic look at the world’s herbal systems and their categoriza-

tion of herbs based on fundamental principles of energy, you can begin to see how

Planetary Herbology uses all of these in practice.

In the East West Herb Course, we classify herbs according to traditional heating or cooling ener-

getic principles, the organs they affect, their flavors, the directions in which they move, and other

properties based on the Chinese and Ayurvedic herbal systems. Thus, when we study the vari-

ous unique symptoms a patient may present, we can match the energetic qualities and proper-

ties of the herbs to those signs and symptoms.

The terms “heating” and “cooling” describe an herb’s effects on the overall metabolism of the

body as well as a particular organ system. Simply stated, an herb or food with a heating prop-

erty will accelerate metabolic and/or organic functions generally, while an herb or food with a

cooling property will depress or slow a metabolic or organic function.

In TCM and Ayurveda, understanding the heating or cooling properties

of an herb is connected with many things, especially their flavors, which

are a way for traditional herbalists to ‘organoleptically’ (based on taste

and appearance) work with complex herbal biochemistry.

Another important area for classifying herbs is according to their mois-

tening or drying effects. This is very important because the human body

is comprised of at least 80% fluid, and therefore maintaining proper flu-

idic balance overall is crucial to health.

Implicit in all of this is the fact that an imbalance of heating, cooling or fluidic energies and qual-

ities gives rise to an entire area of unique contraindications.

To illustrate these concepts, let’s go back to our friend, echinacea. As we have seen, echinacea

(Echinacea spp.) is one of our most powerful native herbs and is highly respected for its treat-

ment of infections, blood disorders, septicemia, and so forth. In traditional Chinese medicine,

echinacea with its cooling energy would be indicated for symptoms of heat and inflammation,

while similarly in Ayurveda it would be used to counteract an excess Pitta or fire humour.

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When we study the various unique symptoms a patient may present, we canmatch the energetic qualities and properties of the herbs to those signsand symptoms.

So, someone with a serious infection or inflammation would benefit from the use of echinacea,

but if they have what the Chinese call “Yin deficiency” or accompanying dryness, we may need

to combine it with a lubricating or moistening herb such as marshmallow root (Althea offici-nalis) or slippery elm (Ulmus fulva).

Echinacea is an activator, not a tonic to be taken over extended periods of time. If, by differen-

tial assessment, we can tell that a patient’s inflammation is caused by an underlying deficiency

of vital energy, we would choose to combine echinacea with a quarter part American ginseng

(Panax cinquefolium) to give the body the energy to respond to and support the anti-inflamma-

tory actions of echinacea.

Let's apply these classifications to a few other common Western herbs:

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Some herbalists may attribute different classifications to the herbs given above, but this chart

serves as a very important line of consideration for the practice of holistic herbalism and a

fusion of Eastern and Western traditions into an evolving system that is Planetary Herbology.

As you can see, herbal medicine goes far beyond “Use this herb for such-aand-ssuch condition”;

it is truly an art. The examples above illustrate the value of learning to use herbs based not only

on a named disease but also according to the patient’s overall constitution. Because the condi-

tion of the body and mind are so interrelated, an herbalist’s deft use of herbs can help an indi-

vidual regain physiological as well as psychological balance.

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Herbs vs. Drugs: The Importance of an Herbal Assessment Methodology

Herbs are essentially a milder and less invasive medicine than synthetic pharmaceuti-cals. This is the fundamental reason we turn to them in spite of the 21st century’s mostadvanced and evolving medical technology. For most diseases, powerful pharma-ceutical drugs replete with potential side effects or other invasive medical technolo-gies are not usually necessary. In fact, even for many complex and difficult diseasesfor which conventional Western medicine has no acceptable reasonable treatment,such as various metabolic diseases and arthritis, herbs can be very effective.

When treating with herbs, one cannot rely only on the Western diagnoses of nameddiseases to effect change. While a drug needs to be strong enough to generate asuniversal a response as possible, such as an anti-inflammatory response for the treat-ment of pain, an herb might need to work with underlying organic processes to atleast partially achieve the same result.

For example, the drug acetaminophen is used as an anti-inflammatory pain relieverand fever reducer. It is widely effective, but on the flipside of that benefit are its manycontraindications, especially related to its adverse effect on the liver. Each year anestimated 500 deaths and 30,000 hospitalizations from the use of acetaminophen arereported.

Meanwhile, turmeric root (Curcuma longa), an herb used to impart a yellow color inSouth Asian cuisine, also has effective anti-inflammatory properties but actually exertsa beneficial effect on liver function by enhancing the process of detoxification andflow of bile through the ducts and gall bladder. Thus, for inflammation, an herbalistwould look to turmeric as a liver-friendly choice.

In order to effectively use herbs and other milder natural healing agents we need tounderstand their general effects as well as their specific organic functions. Classifyingherbs according to their “heating” and “cooling” energies, however ambiguous andseemingly contradictory this may seem even between different cultural healing sys-tems, is nevertheless nearly universal throughout the world in diverse cultures that havenot had to deal with the more purely materialistic scientific doctrines that have domi-nated Western medical thought since the 18th century.

The Art and Science of Herbology

I’d like to share this passage, written by one of our students living in the countryside

of North Carolina. This beautifully succinct statement came to us in response to a

question that was part of a quiz at the end of a lesson:

“There are many more facets to the herbs than I imagined. It seems

there are no simple ways to categorize the herbs, no formulas that can

always be used for certain symptoms. Similarly there is probably no

accomplished practicing herbalist who doesn’t develop a highly intu-

itive feel for the herbs they use based on long hours and years of

study. Herbs, like human beings, are manifestations of the Eternal

Tao and as such, they embody the essential mystery of nature.

Universal energy patterns in plants as they exist and can be experi-

enced and witnessed by our senses are at least as important, in fact,

many would consider more important, than an understanding of

their biochemical constituents. It is in working with the imprecise

aspects of the human body with all its abnormalities and herbs with

their complex biochemistry that herbal healing seems closer to an art

than an exact science.”

Thousands of students, including a long list of successful East West Herb Course grad-

uates, are recognized leaders in the herbal industry. Remember, no college degree or

certificate gives one a license to practice herbal medicine. In North America, the high-

est levels that one can attain as an herbalist are to become an East West Certified

Herbalist and then be accepted as a professional member of

the American Herbalists Guild (AHG). Please check out

our list of East West Certified Herbalists and the members

of our advisory board as well as our advanced graduates to

help you determine whether the East West might also assist

you on your way of herbs.

Green Blessings,Michael Tierra

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Congratulations!You now have a comprehensive view of the world’s mosteffective herbal systems, and a solid understanding of whatmakes Planetary Herbology so unique, relevant and powerful.

If you've come this far, your interest in healing with medicinal plants

goes far beyond the average person browsing the herbal supplement

aisle in a natural foods store.

Now you may find yourself at a juncture where it is your choice to

expand your knowledge of herbs so that you can use them safely and

with maximum results.

Perhaps you would like to learn how to preserve your own and your family’s health using herbs

as a less expensive, mild alternative to synthetic pharmaceutical drugs.

Maybe you are considering embarking on a meaningful career as a professional herbalist, using

herbs to heal the community at large.

Or perhaps you already practice herbalism, and would like to enhance your career with a solid

understanding of an even wider scope of herbs and healing techniques from around the world.

With the East West Herb Course, you get:

• a step-by-step education, which you complete at your own pace, from home

• an understanding of herbs, their uses AND diagnostic tools appropriate to herbalism

• a working knowledge of hundreds of herbs from around the globe

• the confidence to use herbs to heal yourself and others SAFELY and EFFECTIVELY

The value of this correspondence course goes way beyond the three course booksand 10 textbooks you receive in the mail when you enroll. Here’s a peek at whatyou get for your one-time enrollment fee:

Study with one of the world’s most respected and influential herbalists, Michael Tierra.The East West Herb Course gives you the opportunity to take advantage of the knowledge, skill

and personal experience of Michael Tierra, O.M.D. A pioneer in the study of traditional

Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine in the West, Michael is credited with bringing the hugely pop-

ular herb echinacea back into common usage in the United States. His expertise comes from

over 30 years of practice and study in North America, China, and India.

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Just for remaining a currentsubscriber to our newslettersand reading this introductorylesson, we’d like to reward youwith a $50 discount on the costof the full East WestProfessional Herbalist Coursewhen you enroll online atwww.planetherbs.com or bycalling 800.717.5010.

Complete the Professional Herbalist Course and become an East West CertifiedHerbalist. This is the highest level an herbalist in the United States may attain. Certification opens the way

for acceptance as a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild (AHG). Many of

our students from the UK, Italy, the Middle East, Singapore, Africa and other places around the

world also seek the prestige associated with professional membership in the AHG.

Learn from real professional herbalists with real clinical experience. East West’s dedicated core faculty brings together experienced, professional herbalists from

around the United States to ensure that students receive their herbal education from instructors

with real-world clinical experience and solid knowledge of anatomy and pathology. The fol-

lowing partial list of our faculty reads like a veritable “who’s who” of the top North American

herbalists:

• Lesley Tierra, California state licensed acupuncturist and professional member of theAHG, with nearly 25 years of clinical herbal practice

• Candis Cantin, graduate of the East West Herb Course and director of Evergreen Herb Garden in the Sierras. Candis teaches Planetary Herbology especially integrated with Traditional Ayurvedic Herbalism (TAM).

• Christopher Hobbs, founding member of the AHG, author of numerous books on herbal medicine, who also studied personally with Michael Tierra

• David Hoffmann, Diplomate of the British Medical Herbalists, author of numerousbooks on Western Herbal medicine

• K.P. Khalsa, personally trained by Yogi Bhajan, educator and author on numerous books and articles about herbs, including most recently “The Way of Ayurveda” co-written with Michael Tierra

• Susan Kramer, Professional AHG herbalist, and graduate of the East West Course conducting her own busy practice in Atlanta, GA

• Amanda McQuade-CCrawford, United States associate director of the International College of Herbal Medicine, author, lecturer and television personality

• Aviva Romm, president of the AHG, author and East West Herb Course graduate

• Roy Upton, director of the American Herbal Pharmacopeia, a graduate of the EastWest Course who studied personally with Michael Tierra

• Ben Zappin, California state licensed acupuncturist, directly tutored by Michael Tierra and owner of an active clinical herbal practice and pharmacy in Santa Cruz

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Get the most out of the course by participating in East West’s fully functioning onlineLearning Center.This home for students incorporates a treasure trove of articles and resources with an interac-

tive student forum and multiple weekly live chats with members of the esteemed East West fac-

ulty (and yes, every other week Michael leads a chat himself).

Get hands-on experience at the annual East West Herbal Seminar. Students are not required but are encouraged to attend at least three of our yearly week-long

spring herbal intensives (set for concurrent foundation, intermediate and advanced tracks) in the

breathtaking redwood forest mountains above Santa Cruz, California. At the seminar, you will

have the chance to meet other students and study with a select number of leading herbalists from

around the world who generously share their wisdom and knowledge in a uniquely supportive

environment. The location of the seminar is approximately a mile from Michael and Lesley

Tierra’s home and students are treated to an herb walk through their impressive specimen gar-

den and the adjoining forest. The seminar is packed so you get the most out of your time in

California, but it’s well-paced so there’s no rushing and there’s always room for fun.

Enjoy a 15% student discount on all Planetary Formula herbs and other products includ-

ing those mentioned in this introductory lesson, in the store at www.planetherbs.com.

Don’t wait to get started on your own ‘way of herbs’!

Enroll at the East West School of Planetary Herbology today.

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Stay on our newsletter mailing list to receive monthly columns from Michael,news about our school, contests, product sales and East West special events.Don’t forget to mention this letter and get $50 off the full East West ProfessionalHerbalist Course when you enroll online at or call 800.717.5010.

Photo credits

Page 4

White willow by MPF: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salix_alba_leaves.jpg

Meadowsweet by Sten Porse: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Filipendula-ulmaria.JPG

Page 5

Foxglove by Mathey Jérome: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Digitalis_purpurea_1.jpg

Indian snakeroot by Pieria: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Rauwolfia_serpentina%28Flower%29.jpg

Madagascar periwinkle by Lorenzarius:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Madagascar_periwinkle.jpg

Page 6

Echinacea by Ulf Eliasson:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:EchinaceaPurpureaMaxima1a.UME.JPG

Page 8

Nalanda University ruins by Prince Roy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/princeroy/93462777/

Page 16

Hawthorn berries by Siebrand:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Crataegus-monogyna-frugt.JPG

Hawthorn flowers by Rasbak:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Meidoornbloesem.jpg

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