Herb Profile: Sage (Salvia officinalis L.)

Quick Facts

• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

• Parts Used: The fresh or dried leaves and flowers

• Energetics: Warming, Drying, Astringent

• Taste/Aroma: Strong, Earthy, Peppery, Minty

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Antihidrotic (Reduces sweating), Antimicrobial, Astringent, Carminative, Cognitive Enhancer.

• Key Uses: Powerful gargle/mouthwash for sore throats, gum infections, and ulcers. Taken internally to reduce menopausal hot flashes and night sweats. Used to aid digestion and improve memory.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Toxicity (Thujone): Avoid long-term or high-dose internal use (especially essential oil). High consumption can cause seizures and neurological issues.

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Avoid excessive use (risk of uterine contraction and reduced milk supply).

• Drug Interactions: Avoid if you have a seizure disorder. May interfere with diabetes medications (hypoglycemic risk).

Herb Profile: Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt.)

Quick Facts

• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower or Daisy family)

• Parts Used: The leaves and flowering tops

• Energetics: Warming, Drying, Pungent, Bitter

• Taste/Aroma: Pungent, Extremely Aromatic, Very Bitter

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Antimicrobial/Antiseptic, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Digestive Bitter.

• Key Uses: Traditional remedy for respiratory illnesses (colds, flu, fevers) by promoting sweating. Used as a bitter tonic to stimulate appetite and relieve cramps. Ceremonial plant for purification (smudging).

Critical Safety Warnings

• CRITICAL TOXICITY: Contains camphor and thujone. Internal use must be done with extreme caution and only under professional guidance. The essential oil should never be ingested.

• Liver Damage: Excessive or prolonged consumption can be toxic to the liver and digestive system.

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Avoid all internal use.

• Allergies: People allergic to the Asteraceae family (ragweed) may react.

Herb Profile: Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata)

Quick Facts

• Family: Smilacaceae (Smilax family)

• Parts Used: The dried root and rhizome

• Energetics: Cooling, Drying, Alterative

• Taste/Aroma: Sweet, Spicy, Hint of Vanilla

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Alterative ("Blood Purifier"), Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Bioavailability Enhancer (Saponins).

• Key Uses: Classic alterative for chronic skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis). Used for arthritis and inflammatory conditions. Root used as a natural flavoring for root beer.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Drug Interactions: May increase the absorption of other oral medications (including cardiac glycosides). Take 1-2 hours apart.

• Contraindications: The German Commission E mentions potential kidney irritation (use caution with kidney problems).

• Gastrointestinal Issues: High doses of saponins can cause minor stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting.

Herb Profile: Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella L.)

Quick Facts

• Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat family)

• Parts Used: Leaves, roots, and seeds

• Energetics: Cooling, Drying, Sour

• Taste/Aroma: Distinctively Tart, Sour, Lemony

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Diuretic, Laxative (mild), Antioxidant, Detoxifier.

• Key Uses: Used for topical skin issues (rashes, sores). Used internally for digestive problems and to support kidney/bladder function. Young leaves are edible in small quantities for their tangy flavor.

Critical Safety Warnings

• CRITICAL: OXALIC ACID TOXICITY: High in oxalates. In large amounts, oxalic acid can be toxic and may lead to kidney stones or damage.

• Contraindications: Avoid if you have a history of kidney stones, rheumatism, arthritis, or gout.

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Avoid use. Avoid excessive consumption in children.

• Cancer Claims: No scientific evidence supports claims that it can treat or cure cancer.

Herb Profile: St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.)

Quick Facts

• Family: Hypericaceae (St. John's Wort family)

• Parts Used: The flowering tops (flowers, buds, and upper leaves)

• Energetics: Warming, Drying, Astringent

• Taste/Aroma: Astringent, Slightly Bitter, Floral

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Antidepressant (Mild to Moderate), Nervine, Vulnerary, Antiviral, Nerve Tonic.

• Key Uses: Treats mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Used for nerve pain (neuralgia, sciatica). Topical oily preparations heal wounds, bruises, and minor burns.

Critical Safety Warnings

• CRITICAL DRUG INTERACTIONS: A potent CYP3A4 inducer, it dramatically reduces the effectiveness of many prescription drugs (oral contraceptives, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, HIV meds, and many others). Consult a professional before use.

• Serotonin Syndrome: Do not combine with SSRI/MAOI antidepressants (risk of a serious condition).

• Photosensitivity: Increases skin sensitivity to sunlight (phototoxicity). Avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning beds.

• Contraindications: Avoid in Bipolar Disorder (risk of manic episodes).

Herb Profile: Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.)

Quick Facts

• Family: Urticaceae (Nettle family)

• Parts Used: Leaves and flowers (Antihistamine/Nutritive), Root (Prostate)

• Energetics: Cooling, Drying, Salty, Nutritive

• Taste/Aroma: Mild, Green, Earthy (Cooked)

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Nutritive Tonic, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory, Antihistamine, Antirheumatic.

• Key Uses: Cooked leaves are highly nutritious (rich in iron/minerals). Used for seasonal allergies (hay fever) (natural antihistamine). Leaves/flowers reduce inflammation (arthritis, gout). Root is used for BPH (prostate health).

Critical Safety Warnings

• Handling: Fresh nettle causes a painful, stinging rash. Use gloves when harvesting.

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Avoid medicinal use (potential uterine stimulant).

• Drug Interactions: Vitamin K content may interfere with blood thinners (Warfarin). Diuretic effects may interact with blood pressure medications.

• Contraindications: Consult a doctor if you have a heart condition or diabetes.

Herb Profile: Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.)

Quick Facts

• Family: Anacardiaceae (Cashew or Sumac family)

• Parts Used: Fruits (Drupes), leaves, seeds, and bark

• Energetics: Cooling, Drying, Astringent

• Taste/Aroma: Sour, Lemony, Tangy

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Astringent, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Antiseptic, Diuretic.

• Key Uses: Culinary spice (tart, lemony flavor). Used internally for diarrhea and to support the urinary system. Antioxidant properties support cardiovascular health. Being researched for lowering blood glucose and insulin.

Critical Safety Warnings

• CRITICAL TOXICITY: Do NOT confuse edible red-berried sumac (Rhus coriaria) with Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), which has white or greenish-white berries and causes severe allergic dermatitis.

• Allergies: People allergic to the Anacardiaceae family (cashews, mangoes) may be cross-sensitive.

• Blood Sugar: Individuals with diabetes should monitor glucose levels closely (potential hypoglycemic effects).

Herb Profile: Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

Quick Facts

• Family: Zingiberaceae (Ginger family)

• Parts Used: Rhizome (Root)

• Energetics: Warming, Drying, Pungent, Bitter

• Taste/Aroma: Warm, Bitter, Earthy

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Powerful Anti-inflammatory (Curcumin), Antioxidant, Cholagogue, Hepatoprotective.

• Key Uses: Cornerstone remedy for inflammatory conditions (arthritis, joint pain). Supports liver/gallbladder function by promoting bile flow. Used for digestive issues (gas, cramps).

Critical Safety Warnings

• Bleeding Risk: May slow blood clotting. Use with caution if taking blood thinners (Warfarin) or before surgery.

• Gallbladder Issues: Avoid if you have gallstones or bile duct obstruction (stimulates bile flow).

• Pregnancy: Avoid high medicinal doses (may stimulate uterine contractions).

• Iron/Kidney: May inhibit iron absorption. Contains oxalates (caution with kidney stones).

Herb Profile: Usnea (Usnea spp.)

Quick Facts

• Family: Parmeliaceae (A family of lichens)

• Parts Used: The thallus (entire lichen body/strands)

• Energetics: Cooling, Drying, Astringent

• Taste/Aroma: Bitter, Earthy, Slightly Acrid

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial (Usnic Acid), Antibacterial (Gram-positive), Antifungal (Candida), Immunostimulant.

• Key Uses: Excellent for infections of the upper respiratory tract (strep throat, bronchitis). Used internally/topically for fungal and yeast infections (Candida, athlete's foot). Systemic immune tonic.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Liver Toxicity: High doses of isolated usnic acid (in some supplements) have been linked to severe liver damage. Use whole-herb preparations (tinctures) to minimize risk.

• Harvesting: Only harvest from clean air areas and from fallen branches (sensitive to pollution).

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Avoid internal use.

• Identification: Check for the white, elastic inner cord when pulling apart a strand.

Herb Profile: Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella)

Quick Facts

• Family: Oxalidaceae (Wood Sorrel family)

• Parts Used: Leaves and flowers

• Energetics: Cold, Drying, Astringent

• Taste/Aroma: Acidic, very sour (due to oxalic acid)

Core Uses & Actions

• Primary Actions: Refrigerant (Cooling), Astringent, Antiscorbutic.

• Key Uses: Excellent for cooling excessive heat in fevers and for quenching extreme thirst. Used as a poultice for hot external inflammations and tumours. Juice consumed for ulcers and wounds. Historically used to treat scurvy.

Critical Safety Warnings

• Toxicity: Contains oxalic acid. Excessive consumption is dangerous and can lead to kidney and digestive irritation.

• Contraindications: Avoid use in cases of gout or known kidney stone issues.