Myths in Herbal Medicine: Herbs are natural, so they are safe

by | Jul 9, 2023 | Health, Herbal Safety, Medicinal Weeds, Plants

Herbs are natural, they can be found throughout the world and people use them everyday for food or medicinal purposes.

But does that make them safe all the time?

Some people have the misconception that because herbs are natural, they must be safe to use.  For the most part, they are, but as with anything, precautions should be taken.  In other words, do your research.

Today’s marketing and advertising world have given the word “natural” a meaning that is slightly mis-leading.  The word has been used so much, that the definition has become very diluted.

So how do you use herbs safely?

  • Know your herbs
  • Understand how herbs work
  • Use single herbs first
  • Work with a professional

Natural - the definition

          (adj.) existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind.

Know Your Herbs

Many plants look very similar, but they have different constituents and behaviors.  So learning to identify herbs and plants is very important if you plan on using them.

Knowing the botanical names is also key.  There are many herbs that have the same common name, but are totally different plants.

The common name of a plant is one that has caught on in a specific region over time.  When people migrate to another region, they may associate a new plant with one they are familiar with from another region, even though the plant may be unrelated.  This can cause a lot of confusion when talking about herbs.  

Lets look at sage for example.  There is culinary sage and there is sagebrush.  Both are called sage, depending on the location.  But they are totally different plants.  The botanical name for culinary sage is Salvia officinalis, and sagebrush’s botanical name is Artemisia tridentata.

Understand How Herbs Work

In looking at how herbs work, there are many variables.  The preparation, the part of the herb used, the age of the herb, taken singly or with other herbs and is it being used topically or internally all help determine the safeness of the herb.

Herbs can be prepared safely in many ways.  Some can be used in their raw form, like our culinary herbs, basil and parsley.  They can be made into tinctures using either an alcohol or glycerin solvent. Herbs can also be dried and used in powder form.  They can also be made into herbal oils and vinegars.

An herb used on its own can be safe, but when used with another herb at the same time, the results could be slightly different.  This is because of the chemisty and synergy that happens with combining herbs.  That doesn’t make it unsafe, but just know that it can behave differently.

Some herbs work better, or may be more potent, when paired with others.  Other herbs are like helpers.  They help other herbs do their job better or more effeciently.  Pepper is a good example of this.  Pepper helps many herbs become more absorbable into the bloodstream and cells.  It is like the “transport” herb.  You will see it partnered up with turmeric a lot.

Use Single Herbs First

Try to use just one herb at a time if possible when starting out.

When more than one herb is used and there are side-effects, how can you tell which herb is creating that side-effect?  By using one herb, it is a lot easier to determine which herb is causing adverse effects, if there are any, or if you may be allergic to one.

By taking one at a time is an easy way to see which herbs are safe when being used for you.

Work With a Professional

If you are unsure, seek out a professional to help navigate the safety of herbs.  This is especially key if you are taking pharmaceuticals.

Most herbs can be used safely with allopathic medicine, but since not all combinations have been studied or tried, it is best to be cautious.

St. John’s Wort is probably the most well known for its interactions with pharmaceuticals.  St. John’s Wort is very good at flushing out what should not be there.  In other words, having pharmaceuticals in your body is not normal, so St. John’s Wort sees that and removes it.

How to know if herbs are safe

So in recapping, make sure to:

  • know your herbs
  • understand how herbs work
  • use one herb at a time first
  • get a professional’s advise

By doing your own research, learning about herbs, listening to your body and taking precautions, you can know that you are using herbs safely.  

Myths in Herbal Medicine

To learn more about common myths in herbal medicine, check out my other blog posts:

Resources

Using Herbs Simply and Safely

Common Names — Too Many Shared Names

How to Name Plants Correctly

Single-Herb Medicines vs Multi-Herb Formulas

5 Steps to Take Herbal Medicine Safely

Myths in Herbal Medicine – Herbs Haven’t Been “Studied”

by | Apr 9, 2023 | Health, Herbal Laws and Guidelines, Herbal Remdies, Medicinal Weeds, Plants

two books on a desk

Where are the studies?

I have been asked so many times “Has it been studied?”, referring to the herb or herbs I was recommending.

Herbs have been known for thousands of years for their healing properties.  If they hadn’t worked, the knowledge would not have been passed down through the generations.

So it is a myth to say that plants have not been studied.  They have been for thousands of years.  Just not in the form of today’s “science”.

As the years go by, science is slowly picking up on the medicinal benefits of plants.  Detailed studies are slowly being done with results verifying the knowledge from yesterday.

One reason we don’t see a lot of modern scientific studies on medicinal plants, is money.  And this can be viewed from a few different angles.  The first angle is fairly obvious, studies cost money and take time.  Is the outcome worth the money that would be needed?  That may depend on who you ask.  Another angle is whether or not the study will produce results that lead to financial gain.  That would be a reason for someone to hold a study, what can I get out of it.

But I feel that simple science is a start that will hopefully one day lead to more scientific studies.

Simple Science

I like to say it was “simple science” that has been used throughout the years to study and learn about plants and their medicinal qualities.

By simple science, I mean using your senses of taste, sight, touch and smell.

Most people can relate to smell and the outcomes of the aromas.  For example, when you inhale a scent of lavender, most people will immediately feel a sense of calm come over them.  Because of the popularity of lavender, more and more studies are being done as to how it affects us.

Taste is another sense that we use to determine what affect a plant may have on us.  Take a bite of a dandelion leaf.  What happens?  Your mouth puckers up from the bitterness.  Your taste buds then send a signal to your brain that triggers an increased production of digestive enzymes and stomach acid.

This is why salads are frequently served before a main meal, because the leafy greens, the bitters, get your digestive system going.

By seeing, touching, smelling and tasting,  (my simple science), I can predict what will happen the next time I use a particular herb.  I don’t necessarily need a scientific study to tell me that.  

Though I do suppose you could include the sense of hearing too.  For example, after your friend runs through a nettle patch and you now can hear him crying out in pain…

Good Studies vs. Bad Studies

Knowing what to look for in studies can help you better understand if the study is actually answering the question or condition you have.

A few key things to look at are who funded the study, how was the study done and what were the variables.  It is sad to say, but those funding a study sometimes are looking for an outcome to satisify them.  From here, you want to look at how the study is done and the variables.

 According to Dr. Patrick Jones, from the Homegrown Herbalist School of Botanical Medicine, you want to “recognize the hallmarks of good research: precision, repeatability, and the elimination of variables.”

Being able to repeat a study over and over with the same precision and variables to arrive at the same conclusion every time makes for a good study.

Here is a short video from Dr. Patrick Jones with more on how to differentiate good studies from bad studies.

So the myth that herbs haven’t been studied, is exactly that, a myth.  Everyday we are in our own little world of study.  By using our senses, we are learning what plants look like, smell like, feel like and taste like.  As individuals, we may all notice something differently.  For example, many people love cilantro, but others hate it because it tastes like soap to them.

So my point is, learn from what your senses tell you.  That is your findings in herbal study.

Myths in Herbal Medicine

To learn more about common myths in herbal medicine, check out my other blog posts:

References

Common Myths About Herbal Medicine

Benefits of Bitter Herbs

Mugwort – More Then Just the Dream Plant

by | Jan 22, 2023 | Herbal Beverages, Herbal Remdies, Herbs in Your Diet, Medicinal Weeds

mugwort

Mugwort,  Artemesia vulgarisis, most commonly known as the plant for dreams.  As the name suggests, this herb effects the subconscious and promotes vivid dreams.  It is named after Artemis, the Greek goddess of the moon and hunt and has a rich history in many herbal traditions as an herb used in spiritual and ritual functions.

A Little History on Mugwort

Mugwort has seen many uses throughout the years.  It is believed that St. John the Baptist put it in his clothing when he was out in the wilderness for protection, hence its nickname, St. John’s Plant.  To help increase stamina, Roman solders placed it in their sandals before going off to battle.  The Anglo-Saxon tribes believed that mugwort was one of the Nine Herb Charms gifted to the world by the god Woden.

Some Native American tribes used mugwort as a tool to ward off evil spirits.  The 16th century herbalist and astrologer, Nicholas Culpeper, associated it with the planet Venus and therefore is considered a nourishing herb for women’s health and vitality.

Mugwort has been notated as far back as 3 B.C., where it can be found in Chinese poetry and ballads.

And for those beer lovers, mugwort was used before hops became the standard in recipes.

The Medicinal Qualities of Mugwort

Like the title of this blog post says, mugwort has so much more to offer then just dreams.

Pain Relief

Mugwort contains several analgesic compounds, including monoterpenes, that help with pain when used topically.  Traditional Chinese Medicine has a long history of using this herb for pain relief.

Eliminates toxins

Because mugwort is considered a  diuretic, it stimulates urination, one of the best way for your body to eminate toxins.  In conjunction, it may also benefit the kidneys and bladder, improving their function and reducing the likelihood of infection.

Supports the immune system

With its high concentration of vitamin C and other antioxidants, mugwort is wonderful for helping support your immune system.  Because vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, it also helps neutralize the free radicals that cause inflammation and weaken the body’s immune system.

Helps with indigestion

Several of its active compounds also stimulate the production of bile, which can speed digestion.  Mugwort also helps to ease indigestion, stimulates appetite,  reduces bloating and cramps.  It may also combat uncomfortable conditions like constipation and diarrhea.

Be careful, as it is also a natural laxative.  So don’t overdo it.

Helps with menstrual cramps

Mugwort can help in the treatment of dysmenorrhea, or menstrual cramps.  It can also stimulate and regulate menstruation and support the body during the menopausal transition.  Please note, pregnant women should not take it because it could lead to miscarriage and premature labor.

Helps with bone density

With its high concentration of potassium, iron, and calcium, mugwort is excellent for helping to maintain healthy bones and preventing osteoporosis, along with other age-related bone issues.

Vision support

The beta carotene-derived vitamin A, found in mugwort, might protect against macular degeneration and slow cataract development.

Diabetes

A 2017 review concluded that aqueous and alcoholic (i.e., tea and tincture) extracts of mugwort and other species within the Artemisia genus can effectively decrease blood glucose levels with relatively lesser side effects than standard antidiabetic medications.

Rids parasites

Mugwort, like its sister plant wormwood, it can help get parasites and intestinal worms out of your body.  It also works against candida, including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus typhi, B. dysenteriae, streptococci, E. coli, B. subtilis, and pseudomonads (a 2020 review featured in PubMed by Halina Ekiert confirms this).

Reduces stress and anxiety

The nervine properties of mugwort may make it very helpful for treating anxiety, depression, and chronic stress.  Herbalist David Hoffman writes, “[Mugwort] has a mild nervine action, which also appears to be related to volatile oil content, that may help ease depression and tension.”  Need to relax?  Make a cup of mugwort tea.

Malaria

It has long been used for treating malaria since the outbreak in 1970, including the high-drug resistant strains.  Mugwort contains artemisinin, an active chemical compound extracted from artemisia plants that makes it a perfect treatment for malaria.

Cleanses the Air

Burning certain dried herbs helps to kill bad bacteria lingering around.

Mugwort has antimicrobial properties, so if you just want to purge your house of nasty bacteria, consider using a mugwort smudge or incense.

Hallucinogenic Properties?

Mugwort has long been praised for its “psychic” and even “hallucinogenic” properties.  But in reality, its hallucinogenic properties are nowhere near as intense as herbs like wormwood (which mugwort is related to) or vervain, and those who have experienced a narcotic high won’t find the experience similar at all.

Some users have claimed that it helps them remember their dreams more vividly and even have the occasional lucid dream.

The Plant Itself

Mugwort is a perennial that self-seeds and will grow just about anywhere, in fields and along roadways.  It is considered an invasive weed in many places because it is fast-spreading .

It is a tall, upright plant, reaching six feet, with beautiful feathery leaves.  The tops of the leaves vibrant green and the undersides have a silver iridescent hue.

It is in the Asteraceae family, so if you are allergic to daisies, you may want to be careful in how you interact with mugwort.

During the summer, mugwort displays small red, pink, orange, and yellow flowers.  It’s known for being attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.

young mugwort

How to use Mugwort

There are many ways to use and take mugwort.  The entire plant can be used, the roots, leaves and flowers. Listed below are some to get you started on your mugwort journey.

Food

The flowers and leaves can be used in a variety of food dishes.  It pairs well with rich, heavy foods, helping to digest them more easily.

This herb can be used like any other green.  It can go raw into salads.  It does have a bitter taste, so start with just a small amount mixed with other greens.

Mugwort also goes well in soups and stews, like cilantro or parsley.  Don’t stop there, you can add it to rice, chicken and fish to add flavor.

Being it is a green, throw some into your next green smoothie, if that’s your thing.

Tea

Because mugwort helps with gas, stomach acid, bile production, and overall digestion, tea is an easy way to handle these issues.

Taking it as a tea before going to bed helps to soothe the nerves.  It could also give you some interesting dreams!

Fun fact: Back in WWII, when tea became a pricey luxury, mugwort was used as a tea substitute in some parts of England.

Tincture

Tinctures are a simple and easy way to get mugwort into your system.  You can either make your own or purchase it from an herbalist or natural wellness store.

Moxibustion

This is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort to promote healing with acupuncture.

Mugwort leaves are dried and then lit over acupuncture points to circulate and strengthen blood and move energetic qi stagnation in the body. This facilitates energetic movement where there is limitation, restriction and stagnancy in the mind, body, and spirit.

Smudge stick

Using a mugwort smudge stick can help to purify and clean the air.  It can get rid of bacteria and other pathogens that may be in the air.

Bug repellant

If you have problems with aphids or other insects in your garden, you may want to consider having a plant or two of mugwort.  Remember, mugwort can be a bit greedy when it comes to space, so growing it in a pot will help it from taking over your garden.

A 2013 study affirmed this traditional knowledge of mugwort’s insecticidal properties, finding that even low concentrations of mugwort essential oil repelled and killed mosquito larvae.

You can make a weak mugwort tea and put it in a spray bottle for a bug spray.

mugwort tincture

Need mugwort now?

You can purchase my Mugwort Tincture from my Herbal Shop today.

I wildcraft the plant myself in Central MN and make the tinctures in small batches.

I use the folk method for making all my tinctures, which uses no measurements except sizing things up with your eyes. So I put the plant material in a jar and then fill with alcohol.

The tincture comes in a 1 oz bottle with dropper.

BUY YOUR MUGWORT TINCTURE NOW

References

For the Love of Mugwort

The Legal Narcotic You Can Grow In Your Own Backyard

Mugwort Monograph

Mugwort

A Time of Gathering: Mugwort Distillation

Mugwort: The Herb of Dreams

How to Grow and Care for Mugwort

Mulled Wine – history, herbs and health

by | Dec 11, 2022 | Health, Herbal Beverages, Herbal Remdies, Herbs in Your Diet, Medicinal Weeds, Plants, Recipes

What is Mulled Wine?

The simple definition of what a mulled wine is, is taking red wine, heating it up and adding spices to it.

But as we all know, we like to “spice” things up and create something with a little more pizzaz.  And so the creation of a multitude of mulled wine styles begins.

Variations include adding spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, allspice, anise, and nutmeg.  Citrus fruits and raisins can also be added to the mixture to enhance its flavor.  And don’t forget other liquors, such as brandy, bourbon and beer are added depending on the recipe.

Mulled Wine has many names

  • Conditum Paradoxum, the Romans version in 20 AD
  • Spicy Wine, from the 12th century in France and Spain
  • Vin à la française in 19th century France
  • Glühwein in Germany
  • Vin Brule in Italy
  • Krasomelo in Greece
  • Glögg in Sweden and Denmark
  • Piwo Grzane in Poland
  • Sıcak Sarap in Turkey

And there are many more cultures and countries that have some sort of mulled wine.

The History of Mulled Wine

Mulled wine has a long history, starting back in 20 AD with the Romans.

By the 12th century, forms of mulled wine were very common in parts of Europe, especially in France and Spain.  Recipes for this “spicy wine” can be found in written works of the time, like Regiment of Sanitat, written by Arnaud de Villeneuve, a doctor and theologian of the time.

This drink became even more popular in the 13th century, spreading further throughout Europe.  The English king, Henry III, was very fond of mulled wine and made sure it was at the table when eating.

As the years went by, mulling was used more as a way to prevent waste of any wine that may have been unpleasant to taste.  By adding herbs, spices and fruits, it made the wine more palatable.

Throughout the years, cultures took the recipes and altered them to suit their own taste.  By adding different spices, herbs and fruits, they all created unique versions of this winter beverage.

Mulled Wine and its Medicinal Uses

In the Middle Ages, people viewed mulled wine as almost medicinal. They believed that the added spices made them healthier. They weren’t exactly wrong.  And, alcohol was at times safer than the water that was readily available to those that lived in cities, especially during the Black Death.

Ancient Greece used spiced wine as a medicinal tonic for warming the body. The Greeks called this elixir hippocras, after Hippocrates of Kos, the physician known as the “father of medicine”.

When taking a dive into the ingredients, one can see how mulled wine is a form of medicine and the health benefits it can provide.

Red wine offers many health benefits.  It supports cardiovascular health and helps fight inflammation.  Because it contains resveratrol, it can help sharpen your mind and fights off free radicals.  Red wine may also help to improve your mood. 

A study, conducted at Curtin University in Australia, found that regular consumption of red wine reduced the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by lowering LDL cholesterol levels in postmenopausal women by 8 percent and increased HDL cholesterol levels by 17 percent.

When used as a sweetner, honey has many benefits.  It is a natural antibiotic and helps to activate the medicinal properties of the other herbs and spices.

Cinnamon brings warmth into the digestive organs and extremities. It also helps to lowers blood sugar levels and helps remove digestive parasites.

Orange peel, which is high in vitamin C, can improve our immune system.  You can learn more about the health benefits of orange in my blog post 21 Reasons to Get Orange Peel Into Your Diet.

Cloves are anti-parasitic and help remove worms from the gut and improve circulation.  But don’t add too many or you will numb your taste buds.

Cardamom brings strength to the digestive tract.

Mulled Wine and Christmas

So why is mulled wine such a popular drink during the holidays and at Christmas?

This tradition appeared in the 1890’s, when outside German markets offered this warming beverage to their shoppers.  Within a few years, it became a contest as to who could create the best tasting mulled wine in the market.

Charles Dickens, the writer, included a passage which mentioned Smoking Bishop, a popular mulled wine of the day, in his classic A Christmas Carol.

And what do you eat with mulled wine?  There is nothing better to serve it with than shortbread, speculoos, or a cinnamon or almond cake.

Even though this is considered a holiday drink, Mulled Wine Day is celebrated on March 3.

Ingredients for Mulled Wine

There are a lot of variations when it comes to the recipes and ingredients for mulled wine.  But here is a list of the most common items needed in making this beverage.

  • Wine – red is most commonly used, but white wine also makes a good mulled wine (see recipe for Pumpkin Spice Mulled White Wine below).
  • Sweetner – any form of sugar can be used, as well as honey.
  • Spices and Herbs – cinnamon, star anise, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, pepper and cardamom pods are the most commonly used. Some people even like to add vanilla for an extra flavor.
  • Fruit – typically recipes call for citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. However, fruits like apples, raisins and pears are sometimes used as well.
  • Other liquors – one can also add brandy, vodka, orange liqueur, cognac, bourbon or beer.

Recipes for Mulled Wine

There is no shortage of recipes for mulled wine.  Just Google it and see how many pages of recipes pop up.  It’s really no surprise since this beverage has been around for centuries.

Once you start looking, you’ll be amazed at the variety of recipes that are out there.  What is even more amazing is that once you know how to do it, you can start creating your own versions of mulled wine.  There really is no wrong way.

To get you started, I put in a few links to some tasty mulled wines below.  Once you try one, let me know what you think in the comments below.

CHEERS!

Pumpkin Spice Mulled White Wine

Warm Winter Mulled Wine

Spiced Wine

Mulled Wine

Classic Mulled Wine

Resources

https://www.myrecipes.com/how-to/cooking-questions/what-is-mulled-wine

What is Mulled Wine? How to Make it and 5 Easy Recipes.

The mulled wine: origins and preparation advice

The History of Mulled Wine

https://www.optionstheedge.com/topic/food/look-origins-mulled-wine-and-its-interpretations-different-cultures

https://www.nenaturalhealthcentre.com/uploads/2/5/8/6/25863178/mulled_wine.pdf

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a33145/drink-wine-every-day/

Benefits of Red Wine for the Heart, Body & Mind

 

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