This article contains affiliate links for books I genuinely recommend for those interested in practical herbalism. Affiliate links pay us a very small commission for recommending a product via a direct link to that product at no additional cost to you. Our full affiliate link disclosure can be found here.
You may notice that most herbs as well as certain greens, roots, and other plant parts can be used in teas and other nurturing herbal preparations. Besides just making yummy, comforting teas and treats that add some comfort and self-care to your day, these plant-friends can also be used for specific purposes, which can be a really rewarding way to use your harvest.
The study of herbs and how they interact with body systems (such as nervines for the nervous system) and with the body as a whole is known as herbalism. Herbalism can include a fairly wide range of topics. As a "just the facts" person, I focus on the more literal aspects of the herb-body interactions, so you will not see any spiritual aspects or any "woo" in my recommendations. Since herbalism is not the focus of Plant to Plate, this might not come up often, but I feel it's appropriate context, especially for some of the supplementary articles.
If this is a subject area that interests you, I highly recommend any and all of the following:
- The Herbal Academy courses as well as the free information on their blog
- Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide by Rosemary Gladstar
- Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee de la Foret
- Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plants by Scott Kloos for fellow PNW residents. It has excellent plant identification tips and useful supplementary information in addition to the herbal constituents and uses.
In my gardening facts and simple uses articles, I always mention any known safety concerns. The vast majority of herbs in use today are generally recognized as safe. I encourage you to do your own research as well though, and keep in mind that people can be allergic to an individual herb just as easily as they can be allergic to a fruit or vegetable. Always try a new herb, fruit, or vegetable in small amounts first to test for any allergic or intolerant reactions. The books Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman and American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook are both on the technical side, but they are excellent resources for safety information.
The safety information I share is intended for the general public. It does not apply to children or to those who are pregnant. Both of those situations require extra considerations since bodies in development – such as those between the ages of conception and 12 – also have organs that are still in development and that therefore process herbs, medicines, and other substances differently than adults do. Certainly, some herbs are suitable for children, such as chamomile and lemon balm, but the amount taken at a time is smaller. I generally don't share specific dosing information on Plate to Plate anyway since, again, herbalism is not the focus of this site. But these are very important safety factors to keep in mind as you do your own research. Some herbs that are generally recognized as safe for the general public should be avoided for children or in pregnancy altogether.
Any information about herbs provided on the Plant to Plate website or in any communications from me is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. It is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as medical advice or treatment.