Are herbs “dilute forms of drugs” – and therefore dangerous? Or are they “natural” – and therefore safe? If you sell herbs, you probably hear these questions often. What is the “right” answer? It depends on the herb! These thoughts on herbs will help you explain to your customers (and yourself) how safe – or dangerous – any herb might be.

To prevent problems when selling or using herbs:

1. Be certain you have the correct plant.
2. Use simples.
3. Understand that different preparations of the same herb can work differently.
4. Use nourishing, tonifying, stimulating, and potentially poisonous herbs wisely.

Be Certain You Have The Correct Plant

One of the easiest ways to get into trouble with an herb is to use the “wrong” one. How could that happen? Common names for herbs overlap, causing confusion as to the proper identity. Herbs that are labeled correctly may contain extraneous material from another, more dangerous, herb. Herbs may be picked at the wrong stage of growth or handled incorrectly after harvesting, causing them to develop detrimental qualities.

Protect yourself and your customers with these simple steps:

* Buy herbs only from reputable suppliers.
* Only buy herbs that are labeled with their botanical name. Botanical names are specific, but the same common names can refer to several different plants. “Marigold” can be Calendula officinalis, a medicinal herb, or Tagetes, an annual used as a bedding plant.
* If you grow the herbs you sell, be meticulous about keeping different plants separate when you harvest and dry them, and obsessive about labeling.

Use Simples

A simple is one herb. For optimum safety, I prepare, buy, sell, teach about and use herbal simples, that is: preparations containing only one herb. (Occasionally I will add some mint to flavor a remedy.)

The more herbs there are in a formula, the more likelihood there is of unwanted side-effects. Understandably, the public seeks combinations, hoping to get more for less. And many mistakenly believe that herbs must be used together to be effective (probably because potentially poisonous herbs are often combined with protective herbs to mitigate the damage they cause). But combining herbs with the same properties, such as goldenseal and echinacea, is counter-productive and more likely to cause trouble than a simple.  A simple tincture of echinacea is more effective than any combination and much safer.

Different people have different reactions to substances, whether drugs, foods, or herbs. When herbs are mixed together in a formula and someone taking it has distressing side effects, there is no way to determine which herb is the cause. With simples, it’s easy to tell which herb is doing what. If there’s an adverse reaction, other herbs with similar properties can be tried. Limiting the number of herbs used in any one day (to no more than four) offers added protection.

Side effects from herbs are less common than side effects from drugs and usually less severe. If an herb disturbs the digestion, it may be that the body is learning to process it. Give it a few more tries before giving up. Stop taking any herb that causes nausea, dizziness, sharp stomach pains, diarrhea, headache, or blurred vision. (These effects will generally occur quite quickly.)  Slippery elm is an excellent antidote to any type of poison.

If you are allergic to any foods or medicines, it is especially important to consult resources that list the side effects of herbs before you use them.

Understand That Different Preparations Of The Same Herb Can Work Differently

The safety of any herbal remedy is dependent on the way it is prepared and used.

* Tinctures and extracts contain the alkaloids, or poisonous, parts of plants and need to be used with care and wisdom. Tinctures are as safe as the herb involved (see cautions below for tonifying, stimulating, sedating, or potentially poisonous herbs). Best used/sold as simples, not combinations, especially when strong herbs are being used.
* Dried herbs made into teas or infusions contain the nourishing aspects of the plants and are usually quite safe, especially when nourishing or tonifying herbs are used.
* Dried herbs in capsules are generally the least effective way to use herbs. They are poorly digested, poorly utilized, often stale or ineffective, and quite expensive.
* Infused herbal oils are available as is, or thickened into ointments. They are much safer than essential oils, which are highly concentrated and can be lethal if taken internally.
*

Use Nourishing, Tonifying, Stimulating, & Potentially Poisonous Herbs Wisely

Herbs comprise a group of several thousand plants with widely varying actions. Some are nourishers, some tonifiers, some stimulants and sedatives, and some are potential poisons. To use them wisely and well, we need to understand each category, its uses, best manner of preparation, and usual dosage range.

Nourishing herbs are the safest of all herbs; side effects are rare. Nourishing herbs are taken in any quantity for any length of time. They are used as foods, just like spinach and kale. Nourishing herbs provide high levels of proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, carotenes, and essential fatty acids.

Examples of nourishing herbs are: alfalfa, amaranth, astragalus, calendula flowers, chickweed, comfrey leaves, dandelion, fenugreek, flax seeds, honeysuckle flowers, lamb’s quarter, marshmallow, nettles, oatstraw, plantain (leaves/seeds), purslane, red clover blossoms, seaweed, Siberian ginseng, slippery elm, violet leaves, and wild mushrooms.

Tonifying herbs act slowly in the body and have a cumulative, rather than immediate, effect. They build the functional ability of an organ (like the liver) or a system (like the immune system). Tonifying herbs are most beneficial when they are used in small quantities for extended periods of time. The more bitter the tonic tastes, the less you need to take. Bland tonics may be used in quantity, like nourishing herbs.

Side effects occasionally occur with tonics, but are usually quite short-term. Many older herbalists mistakenly equated stimulating herbs with tonifying herbs, leading to widespread misuse of many herbs, and severe side effects.

Examples of tonifying herbs are: barberry bark, burdock root/seeds, chaste tree, crone(mug)wort, dandelion root, echinacea, elecampane, fennel, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, ground ivy, hawthorn berries, horsetail, lady’s mantle, lemon balm, milk thistle seeds, motherwort, mullein, pau d’arco, raspberry leaves, schisandra berries, St. Joan’s wort, turmeric root, usnea, wild yam, and yellow dock.

Sedating and stimulating herbs cause a variety of rapid reactions, some of which may be unwanted. Some parts of the person may be stressed in order to help other parts. Strong sedatives and stimulants, whether herbs or drugs, push us outside our normal ranges of activity and may cause strong side effects. If we rely on them and then try to function without them, we wind up more agitated (or depressed) than before we began. Habitual use of strong sedatives and stimulants – whether opium, rhubarb root, cayenne, or coffee – leads to loss of tone, impairment of functioning, and even physical dependency. The stronger the herb, the more moderate the dose needs to be, and the shorter the duration of its use.

Herbs that tonify and nourish while sedating/stimulating are some of my favorite herbs. I use them freely, as they do not cause dependency. Sedating/stimulating herbs that also tonify or nourish: boneset, catnip, citrus peel, cleavers, ginger, hops, lavender, marjoram, motherwort, oatstraw, passion flower, peppermint, rosemary, sage, skullcap.

Strongly sedating/stimulating herbs include: angelica, black pepper, blessed thistle root, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves, coffee, licorice, opium poppy, osha root, shepherd’s purse, sweet woodruff, turkey rhubarb root, uva ursu leaves, valerian root, wild lettuce sap, willow bark, and wintergreen leaves.

Potentially poisonous herbs are intense, potent medicines that are taken in tiny amounts and only for as long as needed. Side effects are common.

Examples of potentially poisonous herbs are: belladonna, blood-root, celandine, chaparral, foxglove, goldenseal, henbane, iris root, Jimson weed, lobelia, May apple (American mandrake), mistletoe, poke root, poison hemlock, stillingia root, turkey corn root, wild cucumber root.

In addition, consider these thoughts on using herbs safely:

* Respect the power of plants to change the body and spirit in dramatic ways.
* Increase trust in the healing effectiveness of plants by trying remedies for minor or external problems before, or while, working with major and internal problems.
* Develop ongoing relationships with knowledgeable healers – in person or in books – who are interested in herbal medicine.
* Honor the uniqueness of every plant, every person, every situation.
* Remember that each person becomes whole and healed in their own unique way, at their own speed. People, plants, and animals can help in this process. But it is the body/spirit that does the healing.  Don’t expect plants to be cure-alls.

Ostara is a time of fertility; many of the rituals that take place are based around blessing the seeds for this year’s crop of plants. We look around us and nature is awakening, birds, animals and plants are all awakening around us. We are coming out of our own winter stupors. It is a beautiful time. The old Sabbats were all based around the planting cycle. In that vein we are going to talk about how to keep your furry friend safe from common plants and chemicals that can have severe even lethal effects on him or her.

Most animals (like us) have very sensitive digestive systems. I know it is tough for me to keep plants in the house, as my cats love things to munch on especially foliage or thin branches. Even though a plant may not be toxic it could cause a bout of indigestion. There are plenty of common plants that can harm or even kill a beloved pet so let’s review them.

Courtesy of the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center 1

Marijuana – Ingestion of Cannabis sativa by companion animals can result in depression of the central nervous system and in coordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma.

Sago Palm – All parts of Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts” contain the largest amount of toxin. The ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.

Lilies – Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.

Tulip/Narcissus bulbs – The bulb portions of Tulipa/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

Azalea/Rhododendron – Members of the Rhododendron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.

Oleander – All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects—including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Castor Bean – The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.

Cyclamen – Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

Kalanchoe – This plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.

Yew – Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, in coordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.

Harmful Common House Plants

While there are harmful plants we need to be aware of, there are also many other beautiful but deadly plants that are kept inside (or outside) of the home that can negatively affect our animals such as:

Aloe Vera

Seven Barks

Tomatoes – The fruit can cause anxiety.

Pothos – can cause severe mouth pain

Lily of the Valley
Red Maple (only to horses though)

White Snakeroot – all parts are poisonous most highly to dogs, rabbits and horses though

Bleeding Heart – extremely toxic to cats

Common Safe Garden Plants

There are some beautiful safe plants for cats and dogs, as well as edible flowers that can be placed in the garden or home and will flourish! Here is a list of some safe plants.

Carnations (pink petals)

Johnny-Jump-Up Petunias Dandelions

Hollyhocks

Snapdragons

Impatiens

Pineapple Sage

Zinnia

Pansies

African Violets

Nasturtiums

Sunflowers

Hibiscus Flowers

Magnolia Miniature Roses

Geraniums

Fern

Lavender

Spider Plant

Grape Ivy

Bamboo

Primrose

Orchid

Cast Iron Plant

To see a full listing of pet friendly plants  http://www.cfainc.org/articles/plants-non-toxic.html

Pet Friendly Pesticides

One of the most important things we need to consider is how you take care of your garden there are a ton of pests that can infest and threaten not only the beauty of the garden now but the potential harvest later. So lets look at some very easy to make, organic pesticides, using things you have around the home!

Clove Water:

Good for aphids and spider mites

1 Tbsp Cloves crushed

1 Spray Bottle filled with water

Directions: Put crushed cloves into water bottle, screw on cap and shake to mix. Spray on top of and under leaves once a day for three days or until all pests are dead. Be sure not to spray buds or flowers.

Salt Spray:

Good for cabbage worms and spider mites

2 Tbsp Salt

1 Gallon of water

Directions: Mix and Spray

Spearmint-Hot Pepper-Horseradish Spray:

Good for many different types of insects

½ C. hot red peppers

Water (read below)

½ C. fresh spearmint

12 C. horseradish root and leaves

2 Tbsp. non-toxic liquid detergent

½ C. green onion tops

Directions: Mix all vegetable and herbal ingredients in a big jar or vat, and then put in enough water to cover everything. Let sit for a couple of hours then strain. Add a half-gallon water and the detergent. To use this solution dilute it by using a half-gallon of the solution with a half-gallon of water. You can use it to spray pretty much any plant safely. Store the mix for a few days in a cool environment.

For more pet friendly and organic pesticides check out these sites!

http://www.riverhouse.com.au/recipes/pest_control.html

http://www.essortment.com/all/homemadeorgani_renu.htm

It’s great to have your cake and eat it to. With a wide variety of plant options, and some old farmer’s tricks for bug care you can have a marvelous garden in your home or outside. Just remember to hide the catnip!

ASPCA

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/17-common-poisonous-plants.html