DISCLAIMER: I must state that none of the suggested practices described herein are intended to be medical fact or proclaimed and or recommended by myself. Although great benefit may be obtained by the use of herbal (and other homeopathic) means, under NO circumstances should anything given in these pages be engaged in without consultation of your primary care physician. There are numerous side effects, inter-actions and contraindications possible in Herbal remedies or treatment. If you wish to avail yourself of the possible usage of the information given here, consult your physician first!

The use of herbs is as old as the beginning of time, when the first person (or animal) plucked or dug some plant from the earth because of its unique aroma or appearance. Some began as aromatics, strewn on floors in caves, huts and homes to remove stale odors or to relieve unsanitary conditions. As time went on, many became aware of medicinal and healing, not to mention Magical properties of these plants. This investigation continues; many of our modern medicines are the result of alkaloids or properties derived from common (or not so common) plants. The rapidly diminishing Rain Forest of Southern Americas have provided more than a few and it has become a major topic of cancer research to investigate the properties of the North American Yew (taxus brevifolia) for the properties it may yield as a possible cure.

A question you might have is by whom and when did these things become known? In many beliefs it is partly the result of originally oral tradition; some cultures have written documentation of herbal practice as old as perhaps 6000 years. What would inspire one to chew on a willow branch for a toothache? Who can say ... it has been as much experimentation on the part of early healers as it might be current revelations on the use of herbal or other homeopathic medical treatment.
A listing of various web sites and other resources will be provided at the end of this discussion.

Strictly defined (per Donald Wyman's Gardening Encyclopedia) an herb is: "A plant that is not woody, at least above the ground." He goes on to say "Herbs have been among the most important plants in the life of man. They have played a vital role in cultures, primitive and advanced, all over the world. Particularly they have been indispensable in medicine where miraculous cures have been attributed to them. For seasoning, flavoring and preserving foods, their role has been equally major. Their uses have been religious, and many have been become integral parts of wedding ceremonies. As a result of all this, theirs is a rich tradition steeped in lore legend and superstition."

The following is partly derived from Autumn Crystal Greywing's outstanding web site related to Herbalism and herbal uses and practices.

"The word "herb" is from the old Sanskrit barb, meaning to eat. This in turn became the Latin word , meaning grass or fodder.
In early English usage the word "herb" was synonymous with vegetables. It later became restricted to parts of vegetables that grow above ground. For example a turnip was a vegetable and the leafy top was called an herb.
The botanical definition of an herb is " a plant with a fleshy not a woody stem, which, after the plant has bloomed and set seed, dies down to the ground." This is not a perfect definition because herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary have more or less woody stems, although they are not covered with true bark.

An herb is a plant whose properties allow its use as a medicine. Most of the herbs we use today as seasonings were originally medicines. They served for centuries as the principle medicines of the times. They were kept in in pharmacies in dried form for availability all year. The English word "drug" is from the word drigan, to dry.

For an herb is also a plant capable of producing magical effects. Methods of gathering the herbs depended on the surround culture. For instance in Babylon magical herbs were gathered by moonlight. They were considered to have to have the most power of the moon god Sin at that time.

For the cook, an herb is primarily a plant which adds flavor to food and drink, a seasoner. In medieval times is was customary to precede and follow a meal with an herbal drink."

For Wiccan and those who follow other paths, Herbs have numerous uses. This series of lessons will provide instruction in the cultivation, preservation and applications of a large number of commonly available herbs. Since they represent perhaps some 10,000 different species, and not all are widely available, I am forced to limit the immediate discussion to a select few. I am more than happy to attempt to field questions about any and all. If I am unable to answer directly, I most certainly will research or provide guidance to additional sources of information.