Clinical Herbalism 101 •
Herbalism
Pamphlet
The practice of herbalism in a clinical setting is a many-faceted form
of healing. In general, herbalism is a non-invasive, holistic practice,
meaning that instead of and/or in addition to focusing on isolated ailments,
the herbalist works with clients to treat the underlying causes and
the whole person. Herbalists work primarily with whole plant medicines
such as medicinal teas, tinctures (plant extracts made with alcohol,
glycerin or vinegar), topical applications such as salves and ointments,
and an array of others. Often, seemingly unrelated imbalances may all
be improved with herbs that support entire body systems. In addition,
characteristics such as body type, occupation and family life are often
clues for the herbalist as to how best to help clients succeed in the
healing process.
Herbalism is a practice that encourages, and indeed often requires,
people to participate in their own healing. In this way it is an empowering
modality, allowing people to become more self-reliant and informed about
their bodies and their health. Herbalists realize that herbs alone cannot
always do the job; sometimes allopathic medicine, physical therapy,
and/or other modalities are vital parts of the healing process.
In addition, changes in diet and lifestyle are very often an integral
part of correcting imbalances. However, herbalists recognize that drastic
diet and lifestyle changes are not always possible due to socioeconomic
inequalities, cultural considerations and a myriad of other circumstances
present in the human experience. Therefore, we are not rigid in our
application of method and criteria, but attempt to customize programs,
recommendations, suggestions, and remedies to fit individuals needs,
desires, lifestyles and abilities.
Our work as herbalists requires us to have a working and constantly
expanding knowledge of anatomy, physiology, body systems, nutrition,
whole plant actions and chemical constituents. In addition, we value
working closely with clinicians in all modalities of health care to
ensure a clear understanding of clients health issues and treatments,
and also to further learning and understanding between practitioners
of different modalities. We believe that when herbalists have a definitive
presence alongside practitioners of other healing modalities, including
those from both allopathic and naturopathic schools of thought and practice,
the health care needs of individuals and communities are served most
effectively.
Common Ground Health Clinic Herbal Program Wish List
At long last, an updated version of our wish list! Thanks for your interest
in and support of our clinic, and apologies for having such an outdated
list posted for so long. As the clinic moves from a disaster-relief
mode of operation into one that we hope will allow us to continue serving
this community for many years to come, the herbal program has been undergoing
many changes, some of which will affect the kinds of donations that
will be the most helpful. Some things to keep in mind as far as donations
are concerned:
• We have created a materia medica of herbs and supplements that we use at the clinic. Although we will be adding herbs and supplements to the list on a consistent basis as our process here at the clinic continues, at this time we need only the herbs and supplements listed. By delineating which herbs we use, the herbalists and medical staff are better able to assess possible interactions between drugs and herbs, as most folks who seek our advice are taking pharmaceutical medications. Also, we will be able to ensure that all the herbs we receive will be used in a timely manner.
• In our never-ending quest for better organization and efficient use of the donations folks send, we have found that pre-made formulas are harder to utilize. Therefore, we’re asking that bulk herbs and tinctures be of the “single herb” variety – no combinations, please! If you have a combo such as a salve or a tea that you think might be really great, contact us and we’ll talk.
• Please make sure that, in addition to common names, botanical names are clearly written on the bag or bottle, as well as the date made for home-made tinctures, oils, etc.
• At this time, we do not have a homeopath on staff. As none of the herbalists here on staff are committed students of homeopathy and tend to focus mostly on plant remedies, we ask that no homeopathic remedies be sent at this time.
• Please check the expiration date on any pre-bottled herbal capsules or supplements you send. Health codes require that no expired products of any kind be on our shelves.
We appreciate so much the continued support of so many amazing herbalists and activists from around the country. This project is as much your labor of love as it is ours, and it would not be possible without you!
In peace and struggle,
the herbalists at cghc
Send donations to:
Common Ground Health Clinic
Herbal Program
1400 Teche St.
New Orleans, LA 70117
Questions? Call Wendy at (828)255-4646 or Rachael at (504)556-1586.
Wish List updated July 18, 2007
Please indicate if you want a charity tax-deduction
receipt for your donation, and your name & address.
Please include a packing slip on or mark contents
outside box.
Please put packing slip on or mark contents outside box.
Herbs
Anise
Artichoke
Ashwagandha
Astragalus
Baical skullcap
Baptisia
Bayberry
Black cohosh
Black haw
Black walnut
Blue vervain
Boneset
Bugleweed
Burdock
Cal poppy
Calendula
Cascara sagrada
Catnip
Cayenne
Chamomile
Chickweed
Cinnamon
Cleavers
Comfrey
Cornsilk
Cramp bark
Dandelion
Devils club
Dong Quai
Echinacea
Elder
Eleuthero
Fennel
Fenugreek
Flax
Garlic
Gentian
Ginger
Goldenseal (ethically procured, of course)
Gotu kola
Grindelia
Hops
Horseradish
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Licorice
Marshmallow
Meadowsweet
Milk thistle
Mimosa
Motherwort
Mullein
Myrrh
Nettle
Onion
Oregon grape
Passionflower
Pedicularis
Peppermint
Plantain
Prickly ash
Propolis
Psyllium
Raspberry lf
Red clover
Sage
Schizandra
Senna
Skullcap
Slippery elm
St. Johnswort
Thyme
Turkey rhubarb
Turmeric
Uva ursi
Valerian
Vitex
Wild lettuce
Wild oats
Wild yam
Yarrow
Yellow dock
Yerba santa
Oils
Arnica
St Johnswort
Comfrey
Calendula
Essential Oils
Wintergreen
Clove
Supplements
Niacin
Pantethine
Omega 3s: (shelf stable, no refrigerated varieties)
Fish oil
Flax oil
Evening primrose oil
Borage seed oil
Acidophilus, probiotics
Supplies
French presses
Coffee grinder for seeds
Tincture press
Books
The Flower Essence Repertory
Adaptogens by David Winston
Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman
Thank you friends, more to come!
___________________________________
COMMON GROUND HEALTH CLINIC
(504) 361-9800
1400 Teche St. New Orleans 70114
P.O. Box 741801, New Orleans, LA 70174-1801
web:http://cghc.org
email: healthalgiers@yahoo.com
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