question for herbalists?

Question

Where do you start? I am wanting to learn more about herbs and their uses but it's hard for me to find a place to start. help!

Answer 1

Try this -
Start in your own back yard! Pick 5 plants which grow around where you live, and learn their uses, seasons, etc. Then use them! Pick, dry, make teas, combine with other herbs, etc.

By the time you "get to know" your first 5, the seasons will be changing. Then you can pick 5 more!

In Virginia, I chose clover, violets, wild rose hips, jewelweed, and willow bark. That was spring. By summer, I moved on to others.

You can "chase your tail", trying to learn about all the herbs at once, even Asian plants, which don't even grow here. Why not learn about the plants right under your feet!

"Weed walks" can be very educational!
Happy hunting!

Answer 2

I've been using Herbs for 19 years now and have read a lot of Herbal Books out there... Everything from Rodales to Kevin Trudeaus Natural Cures. The Best book I've ever read on Herbs is "The Little Herb Encyclopedia" by Jack Ritchason. It has more information than any other I've seen. Plus it's not very expensive. Here's a link to a site that has it on sale... http://vitanetonline.com/description/923894/vitamins/Little-Herb-Encyclopedia/

Also if you're interested there's a software program that you can download for free ( you can register and upgrade if you choose) It's called the "Wellness" progam by Zentrum Publishing... the freeware version is somewhat limited but you can upgrade it for around $25.00 I think. I bought it back when it was $15.00 about 6 years ago. It's save me lots in the long run. Here's a link to there web site. They also offer other freeware/shareware programs you might be interested in.

http://www.alternative-medicine-software.com/
Good luck

Answer 3

I'm not an "herbalist", but a homeopathic/herb enthusiast.. and i started by going to the local book store and picking up a few books and also by going to the local health food store, reading labels and asking questions

Answer 4

The Review of Natural Products is a good professional and non-biased reference, but its kinda expensive (might be able to find an older or used edition on ebay really cheap. i wouldnt use an edition that is more than a couple years old though because information changes fast and these become outdated and obsolete quickly). all pharmacies in my state are required to have it as a reference, its based on clinical studies that show what works and what doesnt. "natural standard" is also a good online database but a subscription is very expensive so you probably wouldnt want that for personal use.

link to cd version of natural review
http://www.amazon.com/Review-Natural-Products-CD-ROM-Windows/dp/1574390821

dont believe anything you read on the internet, or any books written by hack authors on herbal medication. information from those sources is horribly biased and usually has little or no scientific evidence and credibility to back up claims. a lot of stuff those natural authors write is just made up just because they know their bull **** sells. kaygreen's quote regarding becoming an herbalist says it all:

"You so not have to go through a **** load of classes to do it either.."

Answer 5

Well i have a pretty good knowledge of herbs myself but don't know all , i recently purchased a book by Scott Cunningham called Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs , that may not be for you if you are looking for more mainstream info , i'm shure you can find many books that will help you , but for me this was exactly what i needed ! if you are interested in this book you can get it from www.Llewellyn.com ... hope this helped .

Answer 6

There is a big demand for herbalists these days.On herbalists.com it will tell you everything.You so not have to go through a **** load of classes to do it either..