and thank goodness, because we need plants now more than ever.
In this day and age it seems as though prescription drugs are the norm and herbal medicines are some weird, new-age, witchy-voodoo cult that is deemed illegitimate....like a bastard child.....le sigh....
It's a bit sad considering that the Earth has so generously provided the most fabulous tool box and First-Aid kit for us to use with honor, but is continually disregarded, sometimes deemed as illegal, and disrespected at best. (I do have some ideas and theories about why this is happening....yet another blog post to come....)
But did you know that before the age of pharmaceuticals (yes, there was life before Prozac) humans utilized plants for medicine and healing? It's only been around 100 years that the modern Allopathic Medical View has conquered the masses...in the grand scheme of things, think of it as trimming your pinky fingernail only once in your whole life of growing!
It's quite possible that, and keep in mind that I'm maintaing the utmost modesty and diplomacy here, the pharmaceutical industry actually "stole" their basis of medicinal efforts from the herbal community!
It's almost ridiculous not to ponder....let's take a look at aspirin.
The good ole pain-relieving pills developed by Bayer were actually derived from the naturally growing Meadowsweet plant (Filipendula ulmaria).
Photo lovingly and respectively borrowed from http://celticawitch.wordpress.com/
(a super cool blog you should most definitely check out! thank you!!!)
One of the main active chemical constituents in Meadowsweet are a set of salicylates, AKA the chemical precursors for aspirin. We also find these naturally occurring chemicals in the White Willow tree (Salix alba). Both of these herbal wonders are anti-inflammatory, analgesic...relieving aches, pains, and rheumatic complaints, and with the help of diaphoretic properties, can help with fevers. Meadowsweet also contains anti-microbial properties and can help tackle the common cold and flu.
It is also worthy to note that these fabulous plants are not necessarily blood thinners like many OTC (over-the-counter) medications. Additionally, Meadowsweet supports the health of our guts, shown to treat ulcers, acid reflux, and indigestion. Hmm....I think Tylenol and Ibuprofen are a detriment to the lining of the stomach and intestines.....eating away at our ever-so-helpful mucous membranes.........
yeah not so good.
You can effectively take Meadowsweet and White Willow in tea, capsule, or liquid extract. Although very safe, always consult a professional herbalist before ingesting these wondrous plants. Why waste time, money, and energy by not having appropriate, educated guidance!
Desert Sage Herbs is a most credible herb shop here in the Phoenix valley (a place I can be found on Wednesdays and Fridays...open 10-6), and also a place to seek educated support on dosing and delivery systems (different methods to take herbs).
So the next time you have a fever, indigestion, or want to take away the pain of a hangover, consider the wonderful world of plants before you reach for that manufactured-by-corporations-that-don't-really-care-for-you bottle of pills.
That is the word and the word is good. Thanks for reading.....
THE WISE OWL
xoxo
