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 In this section:

•	What is Herbal Medicine
•	Where Did it Originate
•	What Can I Expect
•	Frequency & Cost
•	Gathering and Storing Herbs
•	Preparation Methods
•	*Herbs & Medicinal Trees*
•	Commonly Used Terms
•	Potentially Dangerous Herbs
•	Choosing a Practitioner
•	What Are the Benefits
•	Herbal Medicine as a Career
•	Herbal Medicine Associations
•	Herbal Medicine Schools
•	Herbal Medicine Practitioners

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Herbal Medicine

Gathering & Storing Herbs

Herbs can be purchased from a retail outlet, from an herbalist, grown indoors, or “wildcrafted” (gathered from the wild).

1. Purchasing from a Retail Outlet
Most large towns and cities have at least one herbal supplier. There are also many herbal outlets online which offer competitive prices. If possible, choose organically cultivated herbs which will not have been sprayed with any pesticides. Some suppliers offer “wildcrafted herbs” which are herbs that have been collected from the wild.

2. Purchasing from an Herbalist
When undergoing treatment from an herbalist, often they will provide the herbs that they prescribe, or will recommend one or more specific outlets from which they can be purchased.

3. Growing Plants Indoors
Seeds for many herbs and plants can be purchased online or at gardening stores. Make sure that the correct species has been purchased and, if possible, buy organic seeds to ensure they have been harvested as pure and pesticide-free as possible.

4. Wildcrafting
When gathering plants from the wild, the most important rule is to make sure you can correctly identify the plant you are looking for. Many plants look like each other, and some may be toxic. Also, if collecting a part of a plant (e.g. the berries), other parts of the same plant may be toxic.

Avoid collecting plants from industrialized areas or areas that are heavily populated and which may have been sprayed with various pesticides, or be contaminated with other pollutants. Also, check to see if the plants you are looking for are either endangered, protected, or on private land.

When picking an herb, remove as little as possible from the plant, and try not to remove the largest part of the plant, which will encourage the survival of the plant within that area. If only the leaves or seeds are needed, then simply remove only these parts and in as small a quantity as possible.

After collecting the plant(s) you need, run them under fresh water or spray them to remove any dirt and insects.

An herbalist feels a strong connection to nature and to the earth, and understands that all living things are intimately connected. They always appreciate and gives thanks to the plants they collect for their healing properties.

Drying Herbs
Plants are dried so that they can be stored and used for long periods of time. They should be tried in a warm, dry area which is well-ventilated. Many people tie the plants in bunches and hang them upside down to dry in a ventilated container (which minimizes dust collecting). Do not try herbs in direct sunlight so that more of the aroma is preserved.

The drying process takes several days, and is complete when the herbs are completely dry and crumble when touched. If trying the root of a plant, slice open the largest part of the root and check the center for dryness. It is very important to ensure plants are completely dry before being stored, or mold will form. Dried herbs should maintain the same color and scent as the fresh product.

Storing Herbs
Herbs should be stored in clean, dry, airtight glass containers. Unless storing in a location protected from the light, store herbs in dark colored bottles (e.g. the traditional amber color). This is recommended to protect them from sunlight and heat which will decrease their potency.

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