tropicalfish
Veteran Member
Lesson 3 : Obtaining Herbal Medicines
Topic 1: Foraging for Your Herbs
Topic 2: Growing Your Own
Topic 3: Buying Herbs: Health Food Stores and Good Catalogs
Lesson 3 Topic 1
Lecture and Discussion
Obtaining Herbal Medicines
This lesson explains what you need to know in order to obtain high-quality herbal medicines.
Foraging for Your Herbs
Of the eight herbs in the subsequent lessons of this course, six can be found in the wilds of the United States:
Echinacea: This 2- to 5-foot perennial has flowers that resemble black-eyed Susans. The purple rays that radiate from its cone-shaped center allude to its common name, purple coneflower. Various species of the plant are native to the American Great Plains and generally grow in the area drained by the Mississippi, especially Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, and Nebraska.
St. John's Wort: This plant is a woody, invasively spreading perennial that typically grows up to 2 feet long. Known for having a smell that resembles turpentine, it is also distinguished by its leaves, which are dotted with glands that produce red oil. Its striking star-shaped flowers bloom bright yellow in summer and also contain the leaf oil, which turn red when pinched. St. John's wort typically grows in fields and along roadsides throughout the Eastern U.S. and Midwest, but it can also be found in the West.
Ginkgo: The majestic ginkgo tree has been known to reach heights of 100 feet and has grown to widths of more than 20 feet. The two lobes that make up ginkgo's flat, fan-shaped leaves indicate its Latin specific name, biloba. Ginkgo trees are commonly found in parks and lining streets throughout much of the U.S. Gingko trees cannot, however, be foraged medicinally -- the leaves simply do not contain enough medicinal components to be of any use. Commercial preparations are the way to go: they concentrate the leaf material so it can be used medicinally.
Garlic: Typically a garden herb, garlic may also be found in the wild throughout much of the United States. Its sword-like green leaves emerge from the ground while the fleshy, aromatic bulb lies immediately underground.
Saw Palmetto: This small palm tree has fan-like fronds and typically grows in the area bounded by the Carolinas, Mississippi, and Florida. The medicinal parts of the plant are the black, fleshy fruits that develop in May, June, and July.
Ginseng: This ivy-like groundcover grows wild in the Appalachian Mountains. It is very difficult to find.
If you enjoy long walks in meadows and forests, gathering herbs can be great fun. Before you go "herbing," however, you will need a good field guide. One of the best is A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants: Eastern and Central North America, written by noted herbalists Steven Foster and James A. Duke, Ph.D. One of the Peterson Field Guides series, (Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 1990), this book discusses more than 500 medicinal herbs and includes 500 pen-and-ink drawings and 200 color plates. Although it focuses on the U.S. east of the Rockies, it does contain many herbs that also grow throughout the West. Barnesandnoble.com carries this book.
Here are some general guidelines you should adhere to when foraging for herbs:
·Some herbs, such as dandelion, are easy to recognize and safe to pick. In fact, your neighbors will probably thank you for pulling dandelion out of their lawns. Other herbs, particularly ginseng and goldenseal, may be more difficult to find. In fact, ginseng and goldenseal are endangered -- a result of overzealous collection.
·Some medicinal herbs have thorns: among them are blackberry, raspberry, and nettle. In general, it's a good idea to wear long pants and long sleeves when gathering herbs. When you are actually picking herbs with thorns, wear leather gloves.
·Some herbs, such as cascara sagrada bark, are safe to ingest when dried but cause problems when fresh. Be sure you research any herbs you forage to ensure you're using them safely.
·A few herbs' medicinal parts are safe, but their other parts cause problems. For instance, rhubarb's medicinal root can be used safely, but its leaf blades are poisonous. Again, do your homework.
·Finally, and most importantly, be aware that a few poisonous plants resemble herbs. Three poisonous species of hemlock look like parsley, and some herb gatherers have died after they mistook poison hemlock (also known as "fool's parsley") for the familiar garnish. Never ingest anything that looks like wild parsley.
·Similarly, unless you're very confident about mushroom identification, never ingest wild mushrooms. Each year, several Americans are poisoned and some even die from eating Amanita ("deathcap") mushrooms.
Lesson 3 Topic 2
Lecture and Discussion
Obtaining Herbal Medicines
This lesson explains what you need to know in order to obtain high-quality herbal medicines.
Growing Your Own
Of the eight herbs in the subsequent lessons of this course, all eight can be grown in the United States if the proper conditions are met:
Echinacea: Echinacea grows from seeds or root cuttings taken in the spring or fall. You should not, however, cover the seeds. Instead, when temperatures are in the 70s, simply pack the seeds into moist, sandy soil. Echinacea typically grows under full sun and in soil types ranging from rich to rocky and slightly acidic. It generally takes about three or four years for echinacea roots to grow large enough to harvest. You should pull, dry, and powder the roots in autumn, or, once the plant has gone to seed. Roots greater than 1/2 inch in diameter should be split before they are dried.
St. John's Wort: St. John's wort is best propagated from root divisions in the spring or fall. It can grow under full sun or partial shade in almost any well-drained soil. Container growing St. John's wort is preferable, as it helps control the plant's distinctive spread. Though it is a perennial, St. John's wort is not particularly long-lived and should be replanted every few years. When you are ready to harvest, cut the leaves and flower tops while the plant blooms. Dry the cuttings and store them in airtight containers.
Ginkgo: Ginkgoes are dioecious, which means that male and female flowers appear on their own individual trees. The females produce orange-yellow fruits (about the size of an apricot) and contain an edible seed. Ginkgoes are attractive street or yard trees that can be grown throughout much of the United States. To grow your own, you can obtain a sapling from a nursery in your area. You should, however, plant only males, since the fruits produced by female trees are messy and foul-smelling. Plant the saplings in well-drained soil and stake them to ensure straight growth. Young trees are often oddly proportioned and look gawky; bear in mind, though, that they do become stately with age. Water the trees regularly until they reach between 10 to 20 feet and are self-sufficient. During autumn, the leaves turn a beautiful gold color before they are shed.
Garlic: The "stinking rose" grows easily from seeds or cloves, though it is easier to start with cloves. Plant them 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart in early spring for harvesting in fall. Since garlic is tolerant of cold weather, it may be planted up to six weeks before your final frost date. Garlic thrives best in rich, well-drained soil and should not be overwatered. Full sun produces the largest bulbs, but garlic will tolerate some shade. In the summer, cutting back the flower stalks will allow the plant to devote all of its energy to producing fat, aromatic bulbs. Harvest bulbs in late summer and store them in cool darkness.
Saw Palmetto: Saw palmetto grows easily to about 10 feet in sandy soil, and is widely used as an ornamental in the Southeast. If you live where it thrives, consult a nursery for growing directions specific to your area.
Ginseng: Growing ginseng requires a great deal of patience and a tremendous tolerance for frustration. The plant is hard to grow and the medicinal part, the root, must be at least six years old to have value. Since root cuttings are often diseased, most growers start with seeds, which are costly. Before planting, the seeds must be disinfected in a solution of one part chlorine bleach and nine parts water for 10 minutes. Plant ginseng in early autumn in well-prepared, humus-rich beds at a depth of 1/2 inch. Space the seeds 6 inches apart. Ginseng typically grows poorly in sandy or clay soils. A soil pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.0 is most desired. Plants must be shaded, ideally under trees, but covered frames work. Harvest roots after six years, digging carefully to prevent breaking root limbs. Dry them for one month.
Aloe Vera: Aloe is the perfect houseplant for people with "brown thumbs" -- it requires little water and no other care. Aloe prefers sun, but tolerates shade, and doesn't mind poor soil. The only conditions this hardy succulent cannot tolerate are poor drainage and temperatures below about 40 degrees F. Bring potted aloes indoors before the temperature falls lower than 40 degrees. Aloe periodically produces offshoots, which may be removed and replanted when they are a few inches tall. Simply uproot or unpot the plant, work the soil gently to separate the offshoot, and return the mother plant to its bed or pot.
Ginger: Ginger is a tropical perennial that grows from a tuberous underground stem, or rhizome. Each year the plant produces a round, three-foot stem with thin, pointed, six-inch, lance-shaped leaves and a single yellow and purple flower. Ginger grows outdoors in Hawaii, Florida, southern California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. It does best when well watered in partial shade and planted in raised beds that are deeply cultivated with composted manure and kelp. Ginger is propagated from young fresh roots, which contain eyes similar to those found in potatoes. The ginger root sold in most supermarkets -- with tough, tan skin -- is neither young nor fresh, so its propagation potential is low. The best place to obtain growable ginger root is from an Asian specialty market, though some nurseries do carry it. When planting your own, choose ginger root with light green skin and plant them about 3 inches deep and 12 inches apart. After 12 months, uproot the plant, harvest some roots, and replant the rest. Where this herb cannot be grown outdoors, it can be grown in a greenhouse in deep pots with a soil mixture of loam, sand, compost, and peat moss. Indoor growing will require warmth, plenty of water, and high humidity.
If you have trouble obtaining herb seeds, try the specialty catalogs published by many of the nation's hundreds of commercial herb growers. Most charge a small fee for the catalog. Some examples include:
· Companion Plants. More than 300 varieties of plants and 100 varieties of seeds. 7247 North Coolville Ridge Road, Athens, Ohio, 45701; "http://www.companionplants.com"
· The Rosemary House. More than 100 varieties of plants and 200 varieties of seeds. 120 South Market Street, Mechanicsburg, Pa., 17055
· Mountain Rose Herbs. More than 100 varieties of herbs, seeds, herbalist supplies, and other herbal products. 29181 High St., North San Juan, Calif., 95960; "http://www.botanical.com/mtrose"
· Sandy Mush Herb Nursery. More than 1,000 herbs and other plants. 316 Surrett Cove Rd., Leicester, N.C., 28748
· The International Herb Association (IHA). Provides an enormous number of services to herb growers. Publishes both a member directory and newsletter, and sponsors conferences. Membership cost varies from $25 to $200 per year. 910 Charles St., Fredricksburg, Va., 22401; "http://www.iherb.org"
Grow Your Own
You can find information on growing specific herbs by looking them up in The New Healing Herbs.
Lesson 3 Topic 3
Lecture and Discussion
Obtaining Herbal Medicines
This lesson explains what you need to know in order to obtain high-quality herbal medicines.
Buying Herbs: Health Food Stores and Good Catalogs
Supermarkets now carry many herbal beverage teas, some of which can be brewed into medicinal infusions. To find a better selection, try a health food store. Most carry preparations of every herb featured in this course.
Commercial herb preparations can also be purchased by mail. Many of the gardeners' resources listed above also sell dried herbs and herb preparations. In addition, the following catalogs offer large selections.
· Jean's Greens. More than 200 varieties of organic and wildcrafted herbs, and other herbal products. 119 Sulphur Spring Rd., Norway, NY, 13416; "http://www.jeansgreens.com"
· Wild Weeds. More than 100 herbs and herbal products. 1302 Camp Weott Rd., Ferndale, CA, 95536; "http://www.wildweeds.com"
· Monterey Bay Spice Co. More than 500 herbs and spices. 719 Swift St. #106, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060; "http://www.herbco.com"
· HerbPharm's. More than 250 herb products. P.O. Box 116, Williams, OR, 97544
Another way to find herbs -- and learn more about them -- is to read the herb press. Recommended publications include:
· HerbalGram. The quarterly magazine of the American Botanical Council and the Herb Research Foundation. An excellent, authoritative source for the latest in herb research, with an emphasis on herbal healing. American Botanical Council, P.O. Box 144345, Austin, TX, 78714; "http://www.herbalgram.org"
· The Herb Quarterly. A wonderful magazine with a broad scope, including herb gardening, cookery, crafts, history, and medicine. P.O. Box 689, San Anselmo, CA, 94979; "http://www.herbquarterly.com"
· Herbs for Health. A beautiful magazine filled with accessible, authoritative information about using medicinal herbs. 201 East Fourth Street, Loveland, CO, 80537; "http://www.discoverherbs.com"
Lesson 3 Assignment
Activity: Obtaining Herbal Medicines
Select five herbs that interest you. Look them up in The New Healing Herbs and read the information on growing that accompanies each herb's section. Will it be feasible for you to grow any of them in your climate? Can any of them be grown indoors?
Visit several of the Web sites mentioned in this lesson. Root around, as it were, to familiarize yourself with what the nation's herb catalogs and information resources offer.
Finally, read Chapter 4, "How to Obtain Healing Herbs," in The New Healing Herbs.
Lesson 3 Review
Activity: Obtaining Herbal Medicines
1. Which plants should you never pick in the wild?
A. Apples and pears
B. Goldenseal and Echinacea
C. Ginseng and ginkgo
D. Parsley and mushrooms
2. Which herb is a groundcover that looks like ivy and is very difficult to find in the wild?
A. Ginseng
B. Echinacea
C. Saw palmetto
D. St. John's wort
3. Why should you plant only male ginkgo trees?
A. Females tend to topple in high winds
B. Males require less fertilizer
C. Females produce messy, foul-smelling fruits
D. Males are more disease-resistant
4. Which herb can be grown successfully by even the brownest of brown thumbs?
A. Saw palmetto
B. Aloe vera
C. Ginkgo
D. Echinacea
5. Which herb needs to be contained so it won't take over your garden?
A. Garlic
B. St. John's wort
C. Echinacea
D. Saw palmetto
6. How long does it take for ginseng roots to become medicinally mature?
A. 6 months
B. 12 months
C. 3 years
D. 6 years or longer
Topic 1: Foraging for Your Herbs
Topic 2: Growing Your Own
Topic 3: Buying Herbs: Health Food Stores and Good Catalogs
Lesson 3 Topic 1
Lecture and Discussion
Obtaining Herbal Medicines
This lesson explains what you need to know in order to obtain high-quality herbal medicines.
Foraging for Your Herbs
Of the eight herbs in the subsequent lessons of this course, six can be found in the wilds of the United States:
Echinacea: This 2- to 5-foot perennial has flowers that resemble black-eyed Susans. The purple rays that radiate from its cone-shaped center allude to its common name, purple coneflower. Various species of the plant are native to the American Great Plains and generally grow in the area drained by the Mississippi, especially Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, and Nebraska.
St. John's Wort: This plant is a woody, invasively spreading perennial that typically grows up to 2 feet long. Known for having a smell that resembles turpentine, it is also distinguished by its leaves, which are dotted with glands that produce red oil. Its striking star-shaped flowers bloom bright yellow in summer and also contain the leaf oil, which turn red when pinched. St. John's wort typically grows in fields and along roadsides throughout the Eastern U.S. and Midwest, but it can also be found in the West.
Ginkgo: The majestic ginkgo tree has been known to reach heights of 100 feet and has grown to widths of more than 20 feet. The two lobes that make up ginkgo's flat, fan-shaped leaves indicate its Latin specific name, biloba. Ginkgo trees are commonly found in parks and lining streets throughout much of the U.S. Gingko trees cannot, however, be foraged medicinally -- the leaves simply do not contain enough medicinal components to be of any use. Commercial preparations are the way to go: they concentrate the leaf material so it can be used medicinally.
Garlic: Typically a garden herb, garlic may also be found in the wild throughout much of the United States. Its sword-like green leaves emerge from the ground while the fleshy, aromatic bulb lies immediately underground.
Saw Palmetto: This small palm tree has fan-like fronds and typically grows in the area bounded by the Carolinas, Mississippi, and Florida. The medicinal parts of the plant are the black, fleshy fruits that develop in May, June, and July.
Ginseng: This ivy-like groundcover grows wild in the Appalachian Mountains. It is very difficult to find.
If you enjoy long walks in meadows and forests, gathering herbs can be great fun. Before you go "herbing," however, you will need a good field guide. One of the best is A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants: Eastern and Central North America, written by noted herbalists Steven Foster and James A. Duke, Ph.D. One of the Peterson Field Guides series, (Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 1990), this book discusses more than 500 medicinal herbs and includes 500 pen-and-ink drawings and 200 color plates. Although it focuses on the U.S. east of the Rockies, it does contain many herbs that also grow throughout the West. Barnesandnoble.com carries this book.
Here are some general guidelines you should adhere to when foraging for herbs:
·Some herbs, such as dandelion, are easy to recognize and safe to pick. In fact, your neighbors will probably thank you for pulling dandelion out of their lawns. Other herbs, particularly ginseng and goldenseal, may be more difficult to find. In fact, ginseng and goldenseal are endangered -- a result of overzealous collection.
·Some medicinal herbs have thorns: among them are blackberry, raspberry, and nettle. In general, it's a good idea to wear long pants and long sleeves when gathering herbs. When you are actually picking herbs with thorns, wear leather gloves.
·Some herbs, such as cascara sagrada bark, are safe to ingest when dried but cause problems when fresh. Be sure you research any herbs you forage to ensure you're using them safely.
·A few herbs' medicinal parts are safe, but their other parts cause problems. For instance, rhubarb's medicinal root can be used safely, but its leaf blades are poisonous. Again, do your homework.
·Finally, and most importantly, be aware that a few poisonous plants resemble herbs. Three poisonous species of hemlock look like parsley, and some herb gatherers have died after they mistook poison hemlock (also known as "fool's parsley") for the familiar garnish. Never ingest anything that looks like wild parsley.
·Similarly, unless you're very confident about mushroom identification, never ingest wild mushrooms. Each year, several Americans are poisoned and some even die from eating Amanita ("deathcap") mushrooms.
Lesson 3 Topic 2
Lecture and Discussion
Obtaining Herbal Medicines
This lesson explains what you need to know in order to obtain high-quality herbal medicines.
Growing Your Own
Of the eight herbs in the subsequent lessons of this course, all eight can be grown in the United States if the proper conditions are met:
Echinacea: Echinacea grows from seeds or root cuttings taken in the spring or fall. You should not, however, cover the seeds. Instead, when temperatures are in the 70s, simply pack the seeds into moist, sandy soil. Echinacea typically grows under full sun and in soil types ranging from rich to rocky and slightly acidic. It generally takes about three or four years for echinacea roots to grow large enough to harvest. You should pull, dry, and powder the roots in autumn, or, once the plant has gone to seed. Roots greater than 1/2 inch in diameter should be split before they are dried.
St. John's Wort: St. John's wort is best propagated from root divisions in the spring or fall. It can grow under full sun or partial shade in almost any well-drained soil. Container growing St. John's wort is preferable, as it helps control the plant's distinctive spread. Though it is a perennial, St. John's wort is not particularly long-lived and should be replanted every few years. When you are ready to harvest, cut the leaves and flower tops while the plant blooms. Dry the cuttings and store them in airtight containers.
Ginkgo: Ginkgoes are dioecious, which means that male and female flowers appear on their own individual trees. The females produce orange-yellow fruits (about the size of an apricot) and contain an edible seed. Ginkgoes are attractive street or yard trees that can be grown throughout much of the United States. To grow your own, you can obtain a sapling from a nursery in your area. You should, however, plant only males, since the fruits produced by female trees are messy and foul-smelling. Plant the saplings in well-drained soil and stake them to ensure straight growth. Young trees are often oddly proportioned and look gawky; bear in mind, though, that they do become stately with age. Water the trees regularly until they reach between 10 to 20 feet and are self-sufficient. During autumn, the leaves turn a beautiful gold color before they are shed.
Garlic: The "stinking rose" grows easily from seeds or cloves, though it is easier to start with cloves. Plant them 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart in early spring for harvesting in fall. Since garlic is tolerant of cold weather, it may be planted up to six weeks before your final frost date. Garlic thrives best in rich, well-drained soil and should not be overwatered. Full sun produces the largest bulbs, but garlic will tolerate some shade. In the summer, cutting back the flower stalks will allow the plant to devote all of its energy to producing fat, aromatic bulbs. Harvest bulbs in late summer and store them in cool darkness.
Saw Palmetto: Saw palmetto grows easily to about 10 feet in sandy soil, and is widely used as an ornamental in the Southeast. If you live where it thrives, consult a nursery for growing directions specific to your area.
Ginseng: Growing ginseng requires a great deal of patience and a tremendous tolerance for frustration. The plant is hard to grow and the medicinal part, the root, must be at least six years old to have value. Since root cuttings are often diseased, most growers start with seeds, which are costly. Before planting, the seeds must be disinfected in a solution of one part chlorine bleach and nine parts water for 10 minutes. Plant ginseng in early autumn in well-prepared, humus-rich beds at a depth of 1/2 inch. Space the seeds 6 inches apart. Ginseng typically grows poorly in sandy or clay soils. A soil pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.0 is most desired. Plants must be shaded, ideally under trees, but covered frames work. Harvest roots after six years, digging carefully to prevent breaking root limbs. Dry them for one month.
Aloe Vera: Aloe is the perfect houseplant for people with "brown thumbs" -- it requires little water and no other care. Aloe prefers sun, but tolerates shade, and doesn't mind poor soil. The only conditions this hardy succulent cannot tolerate are poor drainage and temperatures below about 40 degrees F. Bring potted aloes indoors before the temperature falls lower than 40 degrees. Aloe periodically produces offshoots, which may be removed and replanted when they are a few inches tall. Simply uproot or unpot the plant, work the soil gently to separate the offshoot, and return the mother plant to its bed or pot.
Ginger: Ginger is a tropical perennial that grows from a tuberous underground stem, or rhizome. Each year the plant produces a round, three-foot stem with thin, pointed, six-inch, lance-shaped leaves and a single yellow and purple flower. Ginger grows outdoors in Hawaii, Florida, southern California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. It does best when well watered in partial shade and planted in raised beds that are deeply cultivated with composted manure and kelp. Ginger is propagated from young fresh roots, which contain eyes similar to those found in potatoes. The ginger root sold in most supermarkets -- with tough, tan skin -- is neither young nor fresh, so its propagation potential is low. The best place to obtain growable ginger root is from an Asian specialty market, though some nurseries do carry it. When planting your own, choose ginger root with light green skin and plant them about 3 inches deep and 12 inches apart. After 12 months, uproot the plant, harvest some roots, and replant the rest. Where this herb cannot be grown outdoors, it can be grown in a greenhouse in deep pots with a soil mixture of loam, sand, compost, and peat moss. Indoor growing will require warmth, plenty of water, and high humidity.
If you have trouble obtaining herb seeds, try the specialty catalogs published by many of the nation's hundreds of commercial herb growers. Most charge a small fee for the catalog. Some examples include:
· Companion Plants. More than 300 varieties of plants and 100 varieties of seeds. 7247 North Coolville Ridge Road, Athens, Ohio, 45701; "http://www.companionplants.com"
· The Rosemary House. More than 100 varieties of plants and 200 varieties of seeds. 120 South Market Street, Mechanicsburg, Pa., 17055
· Mountain Rose Herbs. More than 100 varieties of herbs, seeds, herbalist supplies, and other herbal products. 29181 High St., North San Juan, Calif., 95960; "http://www.botanical.com/mtrose"
· Sandy Mush Herb Nursery. More than 1,000 herbs and other plants. 316 Surrett Cove Rd., Leicester, N.C., 28748
· The International Herb Association (IHA). Provides an enormous number of services to herb growers. Publishes both a member directory and newsletter, and sponsors conferences. Membership cost varies from $25 to $200 per year. 910 Charles St., Fredricksburg, Va., 22401; "http://www.iherb.org"
Grow Your Own
You can find information on growing specific herbs by looking them up in The New Healing Herbs.
Lesson 3 Topic 3
Lecture and Discussion
Obtaining Herbal Medicines
This lesson explains what you need to know in order to obtain high-quality herbal medicines.
Buying Herbs: Health Food Stores and Good Catalogs
Supermarkets now carry many herbal beverage teas, some of which can be brewed into medicinal infusions. To find a better selection, try a health food store. Most carry preparations of every herb featured in this course.
Commercial herb preparations can also be purchased by mail. Many of the gardeners' resources listed above also sell dried herbs and herb preparations. In addition, the following catalogs offer large selections.
· Jean's Greens. More than 200 varieties of organic and wildcrafted herbs, and other herbal products. 119 Sulphur Spring Rd., Norway, NY, 13416; "http://www.jeansgreens.com"
· Wild Weeds. More than 100 herbs and herbal products. 1302 Camp Weott Rd., Ferndale, CA, 95536; "http://www.wildweeds.com"
· Monterey Bay Spice Co. More than 500 herbs and spices. 719 Swift St. #106, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060; "http://www.herbco.com"
· HerbPharm's. More than 250 herb products. P.O. Box 116, Williams, OR, 97544
Another way to find herbs -- and learn more about them -- is to read the herb press. Recommended publications include:
· HerbalGram. The quarterly magazine of the American Botanical Council and the Herb Research Foundation. An excellent, authoritative source for the latest in herb research, with an emphasis on herbal healing. American Botanical Council, P.O. Box 144345, Austin, TX, 78714; "http://www.herbalgram.org"
· The Herb Quarterly. A wonderful magazine with a broad scope, including herb gardening, cookery, crafts, history, and medicine. P.O. Box 689, San Anselmo, CA, 94979; "http://www.herbquarterly.com"
· Herbs for Health. A beautiful magazine filled with accessible, authoritative information about using medicinal herbs. 201 East Fourth Street, Loveland, CO, 80537; "http://www.discoverherbs.com"
Lesson 3 Assignment
Activity: Obtaining Herbal Medicines
Select five herbs that interest you. Look them up in The New Healing Herbs and read the information on growing that accompanies each herb's section. Will it be feasible for you to grow any of them in your climate? Can any of them be grown indoors?
Visit several of the Web sites mentioned in this lesson. Root around, as it were, to familiarize yourself with what the nation's herb catalogs and information resources offer.
Finally, read Chapter 4, "How to Obtain Healing Herbs," in The New Healing Herbs.
Lesson 3 Review
Activity: Obtaining Herbal Medicines
1. Which plants should you never pick in the wild?
A. Apples and pears
B. Goldenseal and Echinacea
C. Ginseng and ginkgo
D. Parsley and mushrooms
2. Which herb is a groundcover that looks like ivy and is very difficult to find in the wild?
A. Ginseng
B. Echinacea
C. Saw palmetto
D. St. John's wort
3. Why should you plant only male ginkgo trees?
A. Females tend to topple in high winds
B. Males require less fertilizer
C. Females produce messy, foul-smelling fruits
D. Males are more disease-resistant
4. Which herb can be grown successfully by even the brownest of brown thumbs?
A. Saw palmetto
B. Aloe vera
C. Ginkgo
D. Echinacea
5. Which herb needs to be contained so it won't take over your garden?
A. Garlic
B. St. John's wort
C. Echinacea
D. Saw palmetto
6. How long does it take for ginseng roots to become medicinally mature?
A. 6 months
B. 12 months
C. 3 years
D. 6 years or longer