Practical Herbalism: Does Herbalism Have to be Complicated?

Food for Thought Newsletter - Issue 001

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Does the study of herbalism have to be complicated? (spoiler alert: NO!)
• What plants are simple to grow in AK that seem to have powerful medicinal effects?
• What herbal remedies should you have in every Alaskan’s apothecary (even if you don’t know much or do much with herbal remedies)

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🌿 HERBALISM

I’ve been trying to study herbalism and building my own apothecary and all the things for years now. I bought the books, I took the classes, I studied the courses but I just couldn’t get it!

 

How was I supposed to learn all the decoctions and concoctions and all the things? How could I afford to buy tinctures and how would I even know what to use when it was time? What did I need to grow that would actually benefit my family - and then how should I use it?

 

I was a mess but I really didn’t want to give up!

 

UNTIL I was asked a question that made PERFECT sense. Ready for it?

 

Here’s the question that Darryl Patton, the Southern Herbalist, asked that completely revolutionized my thinking about herbal remedies.

 

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES YOUR FAMILY IS CURRENTLY DEALING WITH THAT YOU COULD USE AN HERBAL REMEDY FOR?

 

It was that simple question that shifted my thinking! And I really really hope it will help shift yours, too!

 

I don’t have to solve ALL the problems and fill my cabinets with herbal remedies! I need to just start with known issues (or issues I know we may face in the future) and get started there!

 

It was so freeing to hear that!

 

So, here I am, little old me, with no formal training telling you that maybe, if you’re just getting started, you can rethink this and make it MUCH simpler!

 

Here’s what I did:

 

I made a list of ailments/viruses we either get often or that seem like maybe are making an uptick.

 

Things like:

• Insomnia
• Head injury
• Migraines
• Hashimotos
• Lupus
• Chronic EBV
• POTS
• Bird Flu
• Common Cold/Respiratory illness

I opted to start with the common cold/respiratory illnesses because that’s something that I don’t really have a protocol for. When someone gets sick or when it’s the season for sickness, we do start sipping fire cider but that’s our entire protocol.

 

I had the opportunity to interview Darryl Patton from The Southern Herbalist (Available to Alaska Homestead Academy Members) and he gave such a great tip about viruses.

 

Here’s what Darryl had to say:

“Honeyberry, as with all species of true Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.) is a powerful antiviral for respiratory types of viruses such as covid, H1N1 flu etc…It will greatly increase survival rate from these viral infections. It also has proven efficacy against a wide range of bacterial infections as well. Forsythia, a non-native to Alaska, is hardy at least through zone 3 and in my experience, quite hard to kill in the coldest weather up through that zone. It exhibits the same powerful antiviral and antibacterial effects as does Honeysuckle.

While Elderberry is known for its ability to stimulate the immune response prior to flu season, Honeyberry, forsythia or a combination of the two (my preference) are best used to treat an active case or to use at the first sign of infection.

Preparation: Honeysuckle blossoms although tips of new growth can be used and Forsythia blossom or root bark in the form of a tincture. For fresh plant material, do a 1:2 pure grain extract and for freshly dried materials, a 1:5 extract with vodka is fine. If a water extract is preferred, a teaspoon of each plant simmer for 15 minutes in a pint of water is sufficient.

Dose: Tincture 1 to 2 droppers 3 to 5 times a day depending on severity of illness. Tea can be drunk as a beverage throughout the day. No contraindications to either plant.”

 

See? Simple! If you have honeyberries, you can just dehydrate some of the blossoms in the spring to get ahead in making this tincture! If not, no worries! You can get them from places like Mountain Rose Herbs!

 

So there you go, a start with herbalism - simplified!

 

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🌱 POWERFUL MEDICINAL PLANTS

There are some plants in Alaska that pack a powerful punch when it comes to fighting illness and disease.

 

Here are just a couple that I learned about recently:

1. The Humble Chickweed
   YEP! You heard right! We’re going to talk about the healing power of CHICKWEED! When you toss some chickweed into your salad or top your scrambled eggs with a few sprigs, did you know you’re likely offering your digestive tract a soothing, anti-inflammatory balm? This stuff is crazy good for you - and it’s certainly abundant!
2. Rhubarb
   It’s true! Rhubarb can really help with digestive issues as well! However, please research carefully because it can pack a very unwelcome PUNCH if not taken correctly.
3. Plantain
   If you get a bug bite, stuck with devils club, or even a skin infection, Plantain can come to your rescue! Just know that, even though a spit poultice can be helpful, you can also put it in your blender with a tad of water … in case you don’t want to chew it up and spit it on your companion.

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🫙 REMEDIES TO HAVE ON HAND

All of this is good but aren’t recipes just kind of nice sometimes! I think so, too! So here’s what you can have on hand for common ailments and illnesses:

Plantain Salve: It’s a lot of instructions but if you read through it - it’s actually super simple. AND, there is a 2-hour version! Plantain salve is excellent for any skin conditions like bug bites, stings, and even minor infections.

Homemade Lip Balm: I find myself using lip balm all winter long because we heat with a wood stove and our house gets so dry! Check out this super simple lip balm recipe. HINT: This makes plenty to give for holiday gifts, to!

Finally, if you’re feeling brave, here’s a recipe to make a tincture and a salve from Devil’s Club. I know the salve works! It’s just tricky to get it. 🙂 Gene uses Devil’s Club salve on his eczema and it’s one of the few natural remedies that actually works!