Lesson 15 Your Own Herbal Formulations Drying and Collecting Herbs Fig 15.0 INTRODUCTION In this, our last lesson of the course, we will look at making your own formulas, gathering herbs and talk about moving forward to advanced Herbology. When considering an herbal formula we have to look at it much like an organization. An individual of one is not an organization. Even though we have been looking at the botanicals throughout this course as individuals, in actual practice it is quite rare to use single herbs (often called simples ). Throughout the various herbal traditions of the world, herbs are usually used in combination. In traditional Chinese medicine there are no single herbs and less than ten formulas consisting of only two ingredients. These formulas have been used for centuries and have well established actions. Fig 15.1 Often using time tested formulas is the best route. There are two general approaches to this; using standard formulas, or formulating a new mixture for each client and often reformulating for each visit. Of course, there is also the combination of these two methods, which I prefer. 1
Read 319 - top of 324 In both Chinese and Ayurvedic traditions, set formulas are most often used. In the U.K. the practitioner starts off with simples (single herbs) and mixes them according to the health condition, usually in tincture form. Each method has its advantage. In both Asian traditions, (Chinese s and Ayurvedic) virtually every known health problem has been worked out and a formula created for it. Many people feel that old formulas are for old diseases. Diseases have changed and some assume new formulas should be invented. However, even though there are some new diseases, the human body has not changed that much over time, just our understanding of it has. The old Masters took into consideration the phenomena of changing diseases. There are many formulas created for theoretical diseases that haven't even occurred yet on any large scale. It is often sensible for the student and novice herbalist to rely on what the masters have created in the past. On the other hand, when a person works with simples, they get to know the qualities (energetics) of the single herbs more thoroughly and more quickly. As they mature as Herbalists they can make custom formulas suitable for each individual. On a more practical nature, set formulas are often more economical and more convenient for the client. Set formulas ( often called patent remedies) can often be obtained in more than one location therefore competition rules the price and delivery mechanism. On the down side, this can also often lead to quality control problems if price is deemed the most important factor. I tend to like a combination of the two methods. I use set formulas as a base, thus helping my clients with cost and convenience; while often customizing or supercharging the products with a few concentrated simples, vitamins, or homeopathics. But what must be understood fully here is that no herbal formula on its own in isolation will heal a person. Healing is an entire program of action. This might include diet, exercise, psychological counseling, acupuncture, massage or other modalities of therapy, however, back to the subject at hand - how to make a good formula? Fig 15.2 In our reading, we saw some general rules of how to create formulas. Probably the most important factor is that these are only meant to be guidelines. Rules can be broken. By following these general rules you can make some very successful formulas though. The question rises of how to know when to change the emphasis of the various herbal constituents? 2
Following are two of the most common examples: 1. A formula that needs to be direct and fast acting. 2. A formula that works on a deeper, chronic situation DIRECT FORMULAS An organization can operate through many different structures. When we have a dramatic problem and we need swift action, the formula needs a solid direction and decisive leadership. The same is true of a formula. If decisive action is required, we need one herb that is the leader of the formula. The leader still needs support staff to function, therefore support herbs are important. We can't have an effective president without a strong organizing team of advisors. We build up formulas on the same basis. It should be composed of several herbs with similar action. Wildcrafted Sage Smudge Fig 15.3 COLLECTING AND DRYING HERBS Harvesting plants in the wild ( wildcrafting ) for medicines can be quite rewarding. You ll be rewarded by the sheer enjoyment of being outdoors in the wild and by the surety that your herbs are 'pure'. One concern over wildcrafting is an ecological one. It is very important to be conscious of the degree to which you are impacting the environment. Some herbs like Goldenseal and Echinacea are very hard to find in the wild these days. Others, like Lady Slipper, are on endangered species lists. Become familiar with the ecological status of the herb you interested in collecting. Many herbs should only be cultivated for human use and their natural habitat left undisturbed. In the next few pages of your text you will read about various techniques for harvesting herbs. Some good books to read if wild crafting is of interest to you are: Fig 15.4 Read pages 324-327 Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Rockies and Neighbouring Territories by Terry Willard Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West (along with numerous other titles) by Michael Moore EcoHerbalist's Fieldbook by Gregory Tilford Botany in a Day by Thomas Elpel 3
Now that you have finished the first level Herbology course, where to go from here? There are many routes for an herbalist to travel. This course is a solid foundation and it might be all you want. If you want to delve into more advanced material, there are foundation courses that you will need. In building a house you have to start with a solid foundation. In the modern day era of health care, the sciences are the foundation. The sciences represent the physical body, whereas energetics and counseling represent parts of the personality. As a health care provider, you will need to address all of these aspects. Once you have a solid understanding of the physical body then it is time to move onto the other areas. As we have pointed out in this course, there are both hardware and software problems that cause dis-ease. To move on from this point into advanced Herbology, it is best to establish a deeper understanding of Physiology, plus an understanding of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Botany. These will be good stepping stones for a transition to advanced herbal biochemistry (Pharmacognosy) and Materia Medica. At that point it will be sensible to gain a grasp of nutrition, vitamin therapy and most likely some form of bodywork. All of these subjects set up the proper foundation for you to look at the energetics (personality) of the herbs. Homeopathy and some of the rich knowledge found in other traditions, such as Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine, are also recommended areas of study. It has been great spending this time with you and providing some guidance on understanding the basic aspects of herbal medicine. If you want to move on, myself or other members of the Wild Rose team would love to help you. You can contact us at: www.wrc.net 2435 Mansfield Drive Courtenay, BC Phone 1 877 WLD ROSE (953 7673) In Health and Happiness Terry Willard 4
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