Herbalism

[Invidious link]

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is an exceptional healing plant that has been used as a medicine for thousands of years in almost every corner of the world. In modern times it has become a scientifically validated herb in a number of different medical fields.

This documentary film provides an introduction to the plant itself, as well as a journey through its rich history of use throughout many different traditions. We also assess the wealth of scientific evidence that supports all of the historical uses from many different cultures. We also explore the shamanic practices invoking the spirit of Mugwort as a protector/guardian, and its role as a psychoactive herb associated with altered states of consciousness and dream healing.

Finally I reflect on my own experiences using Mugwort, and how it can serve as a portal through which we can begin reconnecting with the sacredness of the natural world all around us - something integral to humanity and mental health in general, that we have lost in this modern era.

This presentation was generously provided by the 15th annual International Herb Symposium.

CLASS DESCRIPTION There is an exciting movement afoot in American herbalism. We are resurrecting the Western System of Energetics where the language fits our culture. Working from the six tissue states and teachings of the physiomedicalists, this system is both intuitive and clinically accurate.

To observe patterns of disease we need to observe patterns in nature first to grasp harmonies and disharmonies. Winds that dry, waters that swell, heat that rises, cold that depresses are all vital expressions of nature that play out in our organs, joints, muscles, thoughts and spirit.

This is the practice of traditional folk herbalism where nature is observed and the inherent self-regulating systems of the body are acknowledged and supported.

Join Rosemary Gladstar in "A Walk in the Garden" video series as she wanders through the woodland gardens of Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary. Rosemary introduces some of her special plant allies, uncommon medicinal and woodland plants, and special tidbits about more common garden herbs. Here you’ll meet Mullein, a friendly, fuzzy plant with a long list of actions and applications, including fighting ear infections, a remedy for respiratory distress, and the best all-natural backpacker’s toilet paper!

Invidious link

A voice for herbal medicine We share traditional, scientific and practical insights written by experienced herbalists and health experts from the world of herbal medicine and natural health

Note: Among other things, there is a directory with of Herbs and one of Conditions

Medicinal plants can play a powerful role in preventive care, as well as providing relief for many common challenges like anxiety, depression, digestive pain, skin inflammation, sleeplessness and more. In this workshop, Finn Oakes, a writer, educator and clinical herbalist, will explain the ways that common herbs can support your mental, emotional and physical well being.

Herbalist, Grower, and Medicine Maker, Greta Dietrich of Woodswise Botanicals, a certified botanical nursery, will demystify herbal medicine with a practical...

A Database of Foods, Drugs, Dyes and Fibers of Native American Peoples, Derived from Plants.

A good companion: https://native-land.ca/

Couple people in my family have become diligent about taking vitamin supplements daily for eye health. They’ve been taking “Vision Defender” by “Intelligent Formula”, which apparently just contains 3 ingredients:

• Meso-Zeaxanthin
• Lutein
• Zeaxanthin

One of them went to the driver license authority and took the eye test without his glasses, passed, and was able to have the corrective lenses restriction removed from his license. It’s pure anecdote.. I wouldn’t put too much stock into vitamins having that effect. But noteworthy nonetheless. They pay $30 for 90 capsules (Amazon, sadly).

On the other side of the pond, there are a couple vitamin cocktails, one called “Nutrof Omega by Théa” and the other “PreserVision 3” by “Bausch+Lomb”. They both lack the Meso-Zeaxanthin (which is supposedly important yet rarely mentioned) but have more stuff than “Vision Defender”. All the following ingredients are in Nutrof Omega, and “PV3”-tagged things are also in “PreserVision 3”:

• (PV3) lutein and zeaxanthin (for the protection of the macula region of the retina from oxidative stress and signs of aging and can increase visual ability)
• (PV3) omega-3 fatty acids (support retinal health)
• (PV3) vitamins C, D and E, zinc and copper (help protect cell constituents from oxidative damage)
• (PV3) zinc (contributes to the maintenance of normal vision) -- but counteracts copper to some extent
• selenium (key antioxidant and also supports the action of vitamin E and zinc)
• resveratrol (anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects, and protects retinal cells from oxidative stress)
• manganese
• B complex

They both have a €33 price tag for 60 tablets at most pharmacies. Over 50¢/day is a bit much but at least it’s from a pharmacist and does not feed Amazon. Exceptionally, one pharmacy sells Nutrof for €22. There is also Luton3 which is also missing Meso-Zeaxanthin and costs €40 for 60 tablets.

Apparently vitamin A is missing from both of those supplements, which Harvard claims is relevant. But there are many other supplements.. if someone finds something more complete plz mention it.

So then I looked for relevant foods:

1. Dark Leafy Greens (Spinach)
2. Green Peas
3. Summer Squash
4. Pumpkin
5. Brussels Sprouts
6. Broccoli
7. Asparagus
8. Romaine Lettuce
9. Carrots
10. Pistachios

Regarding the “crowdsourcing appreciated” topic line: it would help the thread if folks post other multi-vitamins with the list of ingredients, since none of the 3 I mentioned are complete.

As I am terminally busy/outside/working on an unfinished list of herbs, I will share a link to one of my favourite regional studies, with a warm "Thank you!!" to the authors who made this publicly available and kindly translated it into English for a larger public to benefit from it. May the traditional knowledge not get lost!

ETHNOBOTANY IN THE CENTER OF PORTUGAL (SANTARÉM) N. Gaspar*, J. Godinho*, T. Vasconcelos**, D. Caldas*, P. Mendes*, O. Barros*

Boneset is a pretty common "weed" in the eastern US. It's easy to find in wet, disturbed habitats.

Uses:

-Fever

-Anti inflammation

-Colds

Do NOT consume in large amounts. It has mild liver toxicity and thus should just be used when needed.

Goldenrod is a useful plant, and is numerous in the eastern United states.

Uses:

Field goldenrod:

-Treating jaundice

-Incense (has a perfumey scent, would recommend)

-Is a nitrogen fixer

European goldenrod:

-Urinary health

-Reducing inflammation

-Can prevent yeast infections

-Rich in antioxidants

First plant post, cause this is a prime plant. It's a plant that's very strong, use with some care. DO NOT USE WHEN PREGNANT

• Traditional plant for menstruation issues.
• Asthma
• Anxietry
• Was used as a herb for beer brewing and is great to flavour meat.
• Can support the treatment of autoimmune disorders.

(Going to add more to this later)

Knowing your local flora is important!

In a solarpunk future we cannot always rely on synthetic remedies being available, and in our dystopian present we have to assume that pharma doesn't always have our best interest in mind.

Knowing what plants grow in your surroundings and learning how to use them as food and medicine is an important skill for your well-being and survival!

In this group, I will gradually add plant portraits with medicinal information, knowledge about other uses and personal notes, and would welcome you to do so as well. You are also welcome to ask about herbal remedies for certain health issues - but please be aware that no online advice can replace a visit to a doctor and herbalism is not always the best option.

I will collect a list of plant identification and herbalism sites here, but mine will be rather Europe- and Iberian-centric, so please add your favourite links in the comments!

Plant identification links

Flora-on - absolute favourite identification site ever, with a gazillion ways to filter and export, even if you don't live in PT

Herbalism links

Naturopathic Herbalist - very complete