HerbalismHerbalismA Tradition of HealingA Tradition of Healing

Linda Diane FeldtLinda Diane FeldtRPP, NCTMB, NC, CPERPP, NCTMB, NC, CPE

Holistic health PractitionerHolistic health Practitioner

Outline of this presentationOutline of this presentation

Overview of CAM and alternative healingOverview of CAM and alternative healing The practice of herbalismThe practice of herbalism Herbal training and educationHerbal training and education Concerns and challengesConcerns and challenges Herbal companies and certificationHerbal companies and certification Using local herbsUsing local herbs Nourishing and medicinal herbsNourishing and medicinal herbs A few local herbs and how they are usedA few local herbs and how they are used Case studiesCase studies Next stepsNext steps

Major Categories of Alternative Major Categories of Alternative HealingHealing

Integrated healing systemsIntegrated healing systems Hands on techniquesHands on techniques Biological substancesBiological substances Energy based healingEnergy based healing Mind/body spirit awarenessMind/body spirit awareness

Adapted from NIH categories

My PracticeMy Practice

Student of the healing arts since 1973Student of the healing arts since 1973 Full time private practice since 1981 (10-20 per week)Full time private practice since 1981 (10-20 per week) Primarily use Herbs, Cranialsacral therapy, Polarity Primarily use Herbs, Cranialsacral therapy, Polarity

therapy, and massage.therapy, and massage. Sliding scale Sliding scale Diverse population Diverse population Pain, injury, lifestyle, prevention, with or without Pain, injury, lifestyle, prevention, with or without

conventional medicineconventional medicine Age range prenatal to 104Age range prenatal to 104 Also teach, write, volunteerAlso teach, write, volunteer

What makes a professional What makes a professional practicepractice

Standards for practiceStandards for practice Scope of practiceScope of practice Continuing educationContinuing education Code of ethicsCode of ethics Association membershipAssociation membership Able to refer, available for referralsAble to refer, available for referrals

Herbalism Herbalism

Traditional HealersTraditional Healers Native American, Ayurvedic, Tibb, Unani, Native American, Ayurvedic, Tibb, Unani,

Tibetan, etcTibetan, etc Traditional ChineseTraditional Chinese Western FolkloricWestern Folkloric Western ScientificWestern Scientific Earth-centeredEarth-centered Ethno-botanicalEthno-botanical

example categories from the American Herbalist Guild

Herbalism Training and Herbalism Training and EducationEducation

College and University coursesCollege and University courses Electives within schools that teach wellness, Electives within schools that teach wellness,

holistic health, bodywork or somatic practicesholistic health, bodywork or somatic practices Apprenticeship programs both formal and Apprenticeship programs both formal and

informalinformal Correspondence coursesCorrespondence courses

Herbalism Training and Herbalism Training and Education Education (cont.)(cont.)

Traditional initiation and training often Traditional initiation and training often combined with religious/spiritual practicescombined with religious/spiritual practices

Self taughtSelf taught Promotional material and workshops provided Promotional material and workshops provided

by manufacturersby manufacturers Multi level marketing materialsMulti level marketing materials Certification provided by herb manufacturersCertification provided by herb manufacturers

Western Folkloric TraditionWestern Folkloric Tradition

promotes ethical harvesting of plantspromotes ethical harvesting of plants uses the whole parts of the plant, in seasonuses the whole parts of the plant, in season encourages consumer involvementencourages consumer involvement emphasis is on nutritive aspects of herbsemphasis is on nutritive aspects of herbs primarily uses plants that grow locally, and primarily uses plants that grow locally, and

encourages direct involvement with the plants encourages direct involvement with the plants by growing and wildcrafting by growing and wildcrafting

Western Folkloric Tradition Western Folkloric Tradition (cont.)(cont.)

uses a holistic approach to support body uses a holistic approach to support body systems & the individualsystems & the individual

encourages sharing of information, stories and encourages sharing of information, stories and experience with othersexperience with others

can work in a supportive role with can work in a supportive role with conventional Western Medicineconventional Western Medicine

Concerns and ChallengesConcerns and Challenges

Herbalism is a very broad term that describes a Herbalism is a very broad term that describes a profession many thousands of years old.profession many thousands of years old.

Herbalists and the scientific community have only Herbalists and the scientific community have only recently begun to forge mutual respect, goals, and to recently begun to forge mutual respect, goals, and to determine ways of working together.determine ways of working together.

Herbalists must proactively respond to unprecedented Herbalists must proactively respond to unprecedented consumer interest.consumer interest.

Concerns and ChallengesConcerns and Challenges

Protecting consumers, supporting scientific research, Protecting consumers, supporting scientific research, and preserving herbal traditions are intriguing and preserving herbal traditions are intriguing challenges for this profession.challenges for this profession.

Consumers and health care providers may have Consumers and health care providers may have difficulty determining who is qualified as an difficulty determining who is qualified as an herbalist.herbalist.

Herbal use is now being driven primarily by Herbal use is now being driven primarily by advertising and manufacturers, not by health care advertising and manufacturers, not by health care providers and traditional sources of information.providers and traditional sources of information.

Reputable companiesReputable companies

Harvest ethicallyHarvest ethically Employ herbalists and support professional Employ herbalists and support professional

associationsassociations Access to information on Access to information on

where plants are harvested - avoid non US unless using where plants are harvested - avoid non US unless using TCMTCM

company philosophy - focus on herbs or marketing?company philosophy - focus on herbs or marketing? control of product - don’t just repackage or rebottle from control of product - don’t just repackage or rebottle from

supplierssuppliers Multi-level marketing deserves special scrutinyMulti-level marketing deserves special scrutiny

Examples of companiesExamples of companies

HerbPharmHerbPharm FrontierFrontier Pacific BotanicalsPacific Botanicals Trout Lake BotanicalsTrout Lake Botanicals Scientific BotanicalsScientific Botanicals PhytopharmicaPhytopharmica Naturopathic FormularyNaturopathic Formulary

Thorne ResearchThorne Research Eclectic InstituteEclectic Institute MediHerbMediHerb BezwekenBezweken Women's TransitionWomen's Transition Wise Women HerbalsWise Women Herbals And ??And ??

Herbal certificationHerbal certification

The badThe bad Prone to consumer Prone to consumer

confusionconfusion Does not ensure potencyDoes not ensure potency Does not address processing Does not address processing

or preparationor preparation Does not address safety of Does not address safety of

the herbthe herb Expense may prohibit good Expense may prohibit good

companies from using companies from using certification certification

The goodThe good Helpful to ensure Helpful to ensure

WYSIWYGWYSIWYG Raising awareness of Raising awareness of

importance of herbal qualityimportance of herbal quality Important to ensure Good Important to ensure Good

Manufacturing Practices Manufacturing Practices (GMP)are used(GMP)are used

Can address the real Can address the real problem of contaminateproblem of contaminate

Using Herbs From Your Using Herbs From Your LandscapeLandscape

The Foundations of HerbalismThe Foundations of Herbalism

For thousands of years all herbs used were:For thousands of years all herbs used were: LocalLocal CommonCommon Harvested by practitioner or userHarvested by practitioner or user Prepared at time of use or preserved for off-seasonPrepared at time of use or preserved for off-season Special non-local herbs were available by tradeSpecial non-local herbs were available by trade

Current PracticeCurrent Practice

This type of use is still relevant today. This type of use is still relevant today.

AdvantagesAdvantages

Low or no costLow or no cost No fear of adulterationNo fear of adulteration Know plant part and if picked at best timeKnow plant part and if picked at best time FreshFresh Gets you out in natureGets you out in nature Personal/spiritual experience with plant(s)Personal/spiritual experience with plant(s)

Medicine or Food?Medicine or Food?

In traditional herbalism plants are used for bothIn traditional herbalism plants are used for both Substantial healing can occur by nourishing the body Substantial healing can occur by nourishing the body

or systems of the bodyor systems of the body Many herbs occupy both rolesMany herbs occupy both roles The nourishing herbs are far less likely to have The nourishing herbs are far less likely to have

unwanted side effects unwanted side effects Weeds in Michigan are often higher in available Weeds in Michigan are often higher in available

nutrients than conventional foodsnutrients than conventional foods

Nourishing herbsNourishing herbs

Nutrient richNutrient rich Bio-availableBio-available Generally considered safe, side effects uncommonGenerally considered safe, side effects uncommon Dosage and strength less importantDosage and strength less important Tend to be local, whole, and commonTend to be local, whole, and common Large amounts used, in contrast to medicinal plantsLarge amounts used, in contrast to medicinal plants Includes tonicsIncludes tonics Supportive to body systemsSupportive to body systems Long term use is usually beneficialLong term use is usually beneficial

Nourishing Herbs cont.Nourishing Herbs cont. Internal useInternal use

InfusionsInfusions Water basedWater based Vinegar basedVinegar based

Whole plantWhole plant CookedCooked Raw (salad)Raw (salad)

External useExternal use CompressCompress PoulticePoultice SalveSalve

Medicinal HerbsMedicinal Herbs

Dosage and strength important or criticalDosage and strength important or critical Tend to utilize more toxic parts of plantTend to utilize more toxic parts of plant Stimulate or sedateStimulate or sedate More likely to have side effectsMore likely to have side effects Are often plants that are less common, or rareAre often plants that are less common, or rare Long term use is generally discouragedLong term use is generally discouraged More extensive knowledge is needed to use safely More extensive knowledge is needed to use safely

and effectivelyand effectively

Medicinal Herbs cont.Medicinal Herbs cont.

Internal UseInternal Use TincturesTinctures Extracts provided in capsules or otherExtracts provided in capsules or other Standardized components of plantsStandardized components of plants Drug preparations derived from plantsDrug preparations derived from plants Injections of extractsInjections of extracts Capsules (not necessarily effective)Capsules (not necessarily effective)

External UseExternal Use Poultice, compress, bolisPoultice, compress, bolis SalvesSalves

Michigan Herbal AlliesMichigan Herbal Allies

In Michigan we are surrounded by herbal In Michigan we are surrounded by herbal helpers. When you begin to learn them, it helpers. When you begin to learn them, it changes the experience of being outside and changes the experience of being outside and your ability to interact with nature. your ability to interact with nature.

Help is all around you. It is a very powerful Help is all around you. It is a very powerful thing to experience regularly. Finding and thing to experience regularly. Finding and making you own medicine creates making you own medicine creates independence, and provides other options to independence, and provides other options to the conventional insurance/medical systems.the conventional insurance/medical systems.

Just a few of the hundreds

In your yard: plaintain, dandelion, motherwort, lamb’s quarters, echinacea,Groundsel, shepherd’s purse, chickweed, mallow, self heal

Coming in from the woods: stinging nettle, cleavers, garlic mustard, poke, red raspberry

From the surrounding countryside: mullein, yellow dock, burdock, chicory, red clover, St. John’s wort, yarrow

Plantain Plantain PlantagoPlantago

Used in salads, for bites and Used in salads, for bites and skin irritations, soothes oral skin irritations, soothes oral cuts and radiation burnscuts and radiation burns

Leaves chewed, poultice, Leaves chewed, poultice, juiced or salve. Seeds of juiced or salve. Seeds of some species ground and some species ground and used internally for diarrhea used internally for diarrhea and constipationand constipation

Plantain (cont.)Plantain (cont.)

Externally speeds Externally speeds healing, stops bleeding, healing, stops bleeding, draws out foreign draws out foreign matter, kills bacteria, matter, kills bacteria, decreases itching, decreases itching, decreases pain.decreases pain.

Grows in driveways, Grows in driveways, paths, near sidewalks, paths, near sidewalks, lawns.lawns.

Dandelion Dandelion Taraxacum officinalisTaraxacum officinalis

Famous for liver Famous for liver support and support and nourishment, rich in vit. nourishment, rich in vit. A, diureticA, diuretic

Relieves gas and Relieves gas and heartburn (20 drops heartburn (20 drops tincture before meals)tincture before meals)

All parts are edibleAll parts are edible

Dandelion (cont.)Dandelion (cont.)

Grows in lawns, fields, Grows in lawns, fields, and where it is needed.and where it is needed.

Used as tincture (leaves Used as tincture (leaves and root), eaten as and root), eaten as green, steeped in green, steeped in vinegar, bitter infusionvinegar, bitter infusion

Echinacea Echinacea

A plains flower A plains flower perennial, perennial, EchEch. . purpuriapurpuria grows easily in grows easily in Michigan gardensMichigan gardens

Roots are harvested in Roots are harvested in fall of third or fourth fall of third or fourth year and tinctured freshyear and tinctured fresh

EchinaceaEchinacea

Echinacea angusifoliaEchinacea angusifolia harder to grow, roots harder to grow, roots can be dried. can be dried.

Uses are commonly Uses are commonly known, note that known, note that EchinaceaEchinacea can be used can be used to stimulate or nourish to stimulate or nourish the immune system. the immune system. Anti-viral.Anti-viral.

EchinaceaEchinacea Two ActionsTwo Actionsstimulate nourishstimulate nourish useful for a limited timeuseful for a limited time useful when a fast result useful when a fast result

is requiredis required can have possible side can have possible side

effectseffects

useful for an unlimited useful for an unlimited timetime

useful when a long term useful when a long term result is requiredresult is required

especially indicated for especially indicated for recovery from long term recovery from long term or chronic illnessor chronic illness

side effects are unlikelyside effects are unlikely

Lamb’s Quarter Lamb’s Quarter ChenopodiumChenopodium

Eaten for high calcium Eaten for high calcium and carotenesand carotenes

Available early spring Available early spring through fall (if picked through fall (if picked regularly)regularly)

Can be blanched and Can be blanched and frozen for winter frozen for winter nourishmentnourishment

Lamb’s Quarter (cont.)Lamb’s Quarter (cont.)

Excellent green for Excellent green for making calcium rich making calcium rich vinegarvinegar

Grows in disturbed Grows in disturbed groundground

Easy to identify by Easy to identify by “chalky” appearance“chalky” appearance

Use in place of lettuce Use in place of lettuce for salad basefor salad base

Nettle Nettle UrticaUrtica

Leaves eaten for Leaves eaten for calcium, iron, protein, calcium, iron, protein, micronutrient content. micronutrient content. Can also be made into Can also be made into infusion.infusion.

Tincture or infusion aids Tincture or infusion aids kidneys, adrenalskidneys, adrenals

Salve or tea used for Salve or tea used for burnsburns

Nettle (cont.)Nettle (cont.)

May decrease insulin May decrease insulin resistanceresistance

Infusions, soups, Infusions, soups, vinegars maximize vinegars maximize nettle’s rich nutritional nettle’s rich nutritional value that nourishes value that nourishes many body systems.many body systems.

Grows near water and Grows near water and high nitrogen sourceshigh nitrogen sources

Garlic Mustard Garlic Mustard Allaria petiolataAllaria petiolata

Seriously invasive plant. Seriously invasive plant. You are encouraged to You are encouraged to pick it (roots and all) pick it (roots and all) nearly anywhere you nearly anywhere you find it.find it.

Save the top 1/3 and Save the top 1/3 and compost the rest.compost the rest.

Garlic Mustard (cont.)Garlic Mustard (cont.)

Use fresh in salads, Use fresh in salads, blanch and freeze as pot blanch and freeze as pot green, great in sauces green, great in sauces and soups, use in place and soups, use in place of garlic in many of garlic in many recipes.recipes.

Medicinal benefit Medicinal benefit unknown, but as unknown, but as nutritious as most nutritious as most greens.greens.

Mullein Mullein VerbasciVerbasci

Traditional use to stop Traditional use to stop smoking (substitute)smoking (substitute)

Leaves, infusion, and Leaves, infusion, and tincture nourishing for tincture nourishing for lungslungs

Oil from flowers used Oil from flowers used for earachesfor earaches

Mullein (cont.)Mullein (cont.)

Leaves used to help Leaves used to help effectiveness of coughs, to effectiveness of coughs, to reduce asthma, to calm lung reduce asthma, to calm lung inflammationinflammation

Found by roadsides, Found by roadsides, meadows, beginnings of meadows, beginnings of paths and in gardens.paths and in gardens.

A startling plant in the A startling plant in the second year, can grow 6-9 second year, can grow 6-9 feet.feet.

Yellow Dock Yellow Dock Rumex crispusRumex crispus

Root used as tincture to Root used as tincture to promote iron promote iron absorption, nourish absorption, nourish liver.liver.

Root used as oil as Root used as oil as wound healer (bruises, wound healer (bruises, tissue damage, trauma)tissue damage, trauma)

Yellow Dock (cont.)Yellow Dock (cont.)

Leaves used as food Leaves used as food (great as pesto) (great as pesto) contain high amounts contain high amounts of easily absorbable of easily absorbable iron.iron.

Great plant for Great plant for treating anemia treating anemia (tincture of roots) (tincture of roots)

Will only grow in Will only grow in iron rich soil, fields iron rich soil, fields and open landand open land

Burdock Burdock Arctium lappaArctium lappa Tincture of the root is used Tincture of the root is used

for skin diseases, anti-for skin diseases, anti-tumor, as a deep alterativetumor, as a deep alterative

The root can be eaten (first The root can be eaten (first year and spring of second year and spring of second year only). Used raw, in stir year only). Used raw, in stir fries, or pickledfries, or pickled

Found in pour quality Found in pour quality disturbed ground, open disturbed ground, open fieldsfields

Burdock (cont.)Burdock (cont.)

Root contains high Root contains high levels of inulin, may levels of inulin, may help blood sugar help blood sugar stabilizationstabilization

Leaves as poultice or Leaves as poultice or compress used to heal compress used to heal burns (including from burns (including from hot pepper oil)hot pepper oil)

Leaves as poultice Leaves as poultice quickly heal skin quickly heal skin abrasionsabrasions

Other ideasOther ideas

Learn 1-2 plants per yearLearn 1-2 plants per year Learn each plant thoroughly - were it grows, Learn each plant thoroughly - were it grows,

why it grows there, what parts are used, when why it grows there, what parts are used, when are they harvested, what it tastes like, and how are they harvested, what it tastes like, and how to prepare it for maximum benefit.to prepare it for maximum benefit.

Case StudiesCase Studies

Highlighting The Different Ways Highlighting The Different Ways Herbs are UsedHerbs are Used

Herbs can be used for:Herbs can be used for:

Acute conditionsAcute conditions Chronic problemsChronic problems PreventionPrevention NutritionNutrition System strengtheningSystem strengthening Easing transitionsEasing transitions

RepairRepair Substitutes for drugsSubstitutes for drugs Psychiatric carePsychiatric care A complement to A complement to

conventional treatmentconventional treatment … … and some examples and some examples

when using herbs would when using herbs would be detrimentalbe detrimental

Acute ConditionsAcute Conditions

Sudden menstrual flooding Sudden menstrual flooding History includes large fibroids and heavy History includes large fibroids and heavy

periodsperiods Used blessed thistle under the tongue to arrest Used blessed thistle under the tongue to arrest Flooding stopped within minutes, MD Flooding stopped within minutes, MD

consultedconsulted Similar use by midwives for hemorrhaging Similar use by midwives for hemorrhaging

after deliveryafter delivery

Chronic ProblemsChronic Problems 53 year old female with congestive heart failure53 year old female with congestive heart failure Heart attack at age 46, ongoing treatment fro complicationsHeart attack at age 46, ongoing treatment fro complications Diagnosed with staph infection following heart catheterizationDiagnosed with staph infection following heart catheterization Treated with broad spectrum antibiotics with no effectTreated with broad spectrum antibiotics with no effect Treated with additional antibiotics with no effectTreated with additional antibiotics with no effect Used 30 drops of echinacea every 3 hours, in water, with improvement of Used 30 drops of echinacea every 3 hours, in water, with improvement of

symptoms in two hourssymptoms in two hours When echinacea was stopped, symptoms returnedWhen echinacea was stopped, symptoms returned When echinacea was continued, symptoms decreased within hoursWhen echinacea was continued, symptoms decreased within hours Echinacea was used at ten drops a day until death 7 years later. Echinacea was used at ten drops a day until death 7 years later. Any time the 10 drops a day was skipped for more than 2 days, symptoms Any time the 10 drops a day was skipped for more than 2 days, symptoms

returnedreturned

Chronic Problems cont.Chronic Problems cont. Case Study 21 year old female Case Study 21 year old female Had been diagnosed and treated for mononucleosisHad been diagnosed and treated for mononucleosis Had been past active phase for more than two months when consultation Had been past active phase for more than two months when consultation

occurredoccurred Client reported continuous symptoms of fatigue, general depression, and Client reported continuous symptoms of fatigue, general depression, and

was unable to return to a full time schedule as a UM studentwas unable to return to a full time schedule as a UM student Client used 10 drops of Echinacea tincture a day, in waterClient used 10 drops of Echinacea tincture a day, in water Within two weeks, this client reported greater alertness, ability to return to Within two weeks, this client reported greater alertness, ability to return to

full schedule, no fatigue, and no depressionfull schedule, no fatigue, and no depression Client directly attributed recovery to EchinaceaClient directly attributed recovery to Echinacea No other therapies or changes were made during the time period in No other therapies or changes were made during the time period in

questionquestion

PreventativePreventative

5 year old girl, 38 year old female5 year old girl, 38 year old female Both have daily exposure to kids at day care Both have daily exposure to kids at day care

and are frequently ill with colds, ear and are frequently ill with colds, ear infections, and pink eye.infections, and pink eye.

Low dose of Echinacea used long term: 2-3 Low dose of Echinacea used long term: 2-3 drops for the 5 year old and 10 drops for adult.drops for the 5 year old and 10 drops for adult.

Both experience marked decrease in Both experience marked decrease in frequency and severity of illnesses.frequency and severity of illnesses.

Preventative cont.Preventative cont.

42 Year old male with family history of heart 42 Year old male with family history of heart diseasedisease

High blood pressure, diabeticHigh blood pressure, diabetic Hawthorne given at 20 drops of tincture twice Hawthorne given at 20 drops of tincture twice

a daya day Overall improvement of blood pressure, other Overall improvement of blood pressure, other

effects unknown and unable to verifyeffects unknown and unable to verify

NutritiveNutritive

Infusions provide readily absorbable nutrients, vary Infusions provide readily absorbable nutrients, vary with herb used.with herb used.

Nettle Nettle urticaurtica provides protein, calcium and iron. Esp. provides protein, calcium and iron. Esp. helpful for anemia, pregnancy (3rd trimester)helpful for anemia, pregnancy (3rd trimester)

Red Clover mineral richRed Clover mineral rich Oatstraw appears to provide trace minerals helpful for Oatstraw appears to provide trace minerals helpful for

endocrine system, some evidence affects fertilityendocrine system, some evidence affects fertility Anecdotal information is very positive for using Anecdotal information is very positive for using

specific infusions to help with allergies, infertility, specific infusions to help with allergies, infertility, poor nutrition, blood sugaring balancing, and many poor nutrition, blood sugaring balancing, and many other problems.other problems.

System StrengtheningSystem Strengthening

35 year old female35 year old female Sub clinical hypothyroid condition suspected Sub clinical hypothyroid condition suspected

based on symptoms (include. always cold, based on symptoms (include. always cold, weight gain, sensation in throat, moody, weight gain, sensation in throat, moody, depressed)depressed)

Use 1 tsp bladderwack seaweed dailyUse 1 tsp bladderwack seaweed daily All symptoms improve within 3 weeksAll symptoms improve within 3 weeks Bladderwack is suggested fro both hypo and Bladderwack is suggested fro both hypo and

hyper thyroidism. Contains thyroxin.hyper thyroidism. Contains thyroxin.

TransitionTransition

42 year old female post surgery complete 42 year old female post surgery complete hysterectomyhysterectomy

Removed from hormone therapy after cancer Removed from hormone therapy after cancer is foundis found

Trouble sleeping, hot flashes, and mood Trouble sleeping, hot flashes, and mood swings for over 3 monthsswings for over 3 months

Uses 10 drops motherwort tincture at night, all Uses 10 drops motherwort tincture at night, all symptoms resolved within one week.symptoms resolved within one week.

RepairRepair

42 year old female experiencing significant 42 year old female experiencing significant nerve pain following needle biopsy on lung, nerve pain following needle biopsy on lung, lasting more than 4 monthslasting more than 4 months

St. John’s Wort oil applied topicallySt. John’s Wort oil applied topically Pain decreased within days, continued to Pain decreased within days, continued to

progress with continued useprogress with continued use

See related article on nerve regeneration www.holisticwisdom.org/articlesSee related article on nerve regeneration www.holisticwisdom.org/articles

Substitute for DrugsSubstitute for Drugs

32 year old female with plantars warts32 year old female with plantars warts Had previously tried surgical removal and Had previously tried surgical removal and

topical drug therapies with painful results and topical drug therapies with painful results and return of the warts. return of the warts.

Applied a homeopathic preparation of Thuja Applied a homeopathic preparation of Thuja salve for two weeks and warts were gone, after salve for two weeks and warts were gone, after more than 6 years they have not returnedmore than 6 years they have not returned

PsychiatricPsychiatric

43 year old male with SAD diagnosed by his 43 year old male with SAD diagnosed by his psychiatristpsychiatrist

Had difficulty using light box treatmentHad difficulty using light box treatment Wanted to stop prescribed SSRIs, stopped on his ownWanted to stop prescribed SSRIs, stopped on his own Symptoms made much worseSymptoms made much worse Took St. John’s Wort tincture 20 drops 2x dayTook St. John’s Wort tincture 20 drops 2x day Positive effect within three days of usePositive effect within three days of use

Complementary to Conventional Complementary to Conventional TreatmentTreatment

23 year old female with ALL treated with 23 year old female with ALL treated with chemotherapy drugschemotherapy drugs

Used milk thistle extract during each treatment, as Used milk thistle extract during each treatment, as well as 2 x a day 20 drops in water well as 2 x a day 20 drops in water

Liver tests consistently came back normalLiver tests consistently came back normal Nursing staff questioned her about her high energy Nursing staff questioned her about her high energy

levels and unexpectedly good liver profileslevels and unexpectedly good liver profiles My later conversations with her medical team My later conversations with her medical team

confirmed their initial surprise, and their belief that confirmed their initial surprise, and their belief that the milk thistle was a significant factor.the milk thistle was a significant factor.

A few examples of times to not A few examples of times to not use herbsuse herbs

Over tired pregnant woman with cold - rest and simple Over tired pregnant woman with cold - rest and simple instructionsinstructions

Uterine artery embolization - a procedure in which a Uterine artery embolization - a procedure in which a part of you is “killed”part of you is “killed”

Bone marrow transplant - avoid immune stimulant Bone marrow transplant - avoid immune stimulant herbsherbs

Self treatment of symptoms without considering cause Self treatment of symptoms without considering cause - estrogen replacement- estrogen replacement

““Cleansing and purifying” - an illusion and mythCleansing and purifying” - an illusion and myth Removal of skin tags - leave the intentionally damaged Removal of skin tags - leave the intentionally damaged

area alone, heal it after area alone, heal it after

To Learn MoreTo Learn More

Spring and fall weed walksSpring and fall weed walks Peterson’s Guide to Medicinal Plants with Peterson’s Guide to Medicinal Plants with

Stephen FosterStephen Foster Purchase remaindered wild flower books ($2-Purchase remaindered wild flower books ($2-

3) and use pictures (ignore text)3) and use pictures (ignore text) Free monthly herb classes sponsored by Free monthly herb classes sponsored by

People’s Food Coo-op (fourth Thurs.)People’s Food Coo-op (fourth Thurs.) Free monthly herb classes sponsored by Whole Free monthly herb classes sponsored by Whole

FoodsFoods

Next weekNext week

A lab devoted to the hands-on experience of A lab devoted to the hands-on experience of making herbal preparations including making herbal preparations including tinctures, salves, poultices, infusions, and tinctures, salves, poultices, infusions, and more.more.

Come prepared to be a bit messy and work with Come prepared to be a bit messy and work with materials new to you as well as familiar. It materials new to you as well as familiar. It may recall the early practice of pharmacy, and may recall the early practice of pharmacy, and we’ll have fun in the process.we’ll have fun in the process.

The results will include products you can take The results will include products you can take home and use.home and use.

Contact Information

Linda Diane Feldt P.O. Box 3218

Ann Arbor MI 48106-3218734-662-4902

lfeldt@umich.eduwww.holisticwisdom.org

Dogs harvesting herbs