Too much of anything, even the 'safe' herbs, can be toxic.. Dosage and mode of use are very important things to know.
ALWAYS consult a physician or naturopath for diagnosis, confirmation
and dosage recommendations before using any plant material for
therapeutic or medicinal purpose. Know The Plant - Genus AND species.
Common names vary. Know the facts about the plant.
What good is using the leaves in tea if the only good use of the plant
is the powdering of the root? And what if the leaves in that new pot of
tea are toxic, but the roots are not?
If
you have children, Make sure the plants in your garden are kid safe.
Educate them not to eat from the garden unless you are with them. Know
what plants are safe for your pets as well.
Ideally, grow it yourself.
That way you'll know the plant and how it was grown. Plus, you're not
supporting (in some herbal products) the endangerment of plants in the
wild.
Don't Wild Gather!
Unless you are an expert at identifying and have permission to do so.
Within each genus there's good plants and look alikes that can do great
harm.
Wild
gathering is also a threat to our native plants and habitats. Both by
reducing the plant population in the wild and by the damage we do to
habitat by tromping around in sensitive soil cultures. |
