For the past few decades, the interest in herbs, herbalism, and supplements has boomed. More and more people want to educate themselves on the use of herbs and supplements. However, the subject can be overwhelming and confusing.
The sheer volume of information available both in books and online is staggering, and some of it is contradictory. In this post, we will discuss the various avenues through which anyone interested in herbs and supplements can find reputable and trusted sources of information on this topic.
Learning about herbs and supplements can easily become a lifelong interest and commitment. There are so many modalities and systems from around the world. Here are some websites where you can access classic herbal texts and resources. These texts often provide valuable insights into traditional herbal medicine practices.
Henriette Kress is one of the most knowledgeable herbalists in the world. Her commitment to the study of herbs, herbalism, and supplements is impressive. This website is one of the largest on the internet on the subject and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in herbalism. Henriette has compiled an extensive collection of herbal resources, including classic texts, articles, botanical information, and plant monographs.
This website features the classic work, “A Modern Herbal” Volume 1 and 2 by Mrs. M. Grieve. The printed work, originally published in 1931, is easily available through a public library or bookstore. However, this website hosts the full text, providing information on hundreds of herbs and their uses, and is worth bookmarking on your favorite web browser.
HerbMed is a valuable resource that provides access to scientific and historical information on herbal remedies. It includes references to classic texts and modern research on medicinal plants.
Along with classic texts, many excellent books are a good place to begin your studies and are excellent references for every herbalist’s bookshelf. These include:
- The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by Andrew Chevallier,1996, Dorling Kindersley Limited, London, England, United Kingdom
- The School of Natural Healing by Dr. John R. Christopher, 1996, Christopher Publications, Springville, Utah
- The Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality by Rosemary Gladstar, 2001, Storey Books, Pownal, Vermont
- Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide: 33 Herbs to Know, Grow and Use by Rosemary Gladstar, 2012, Storey Books, Pownal Vermont
- The Herbal Handbook: A User’s Guide to Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman, 1987, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont
- Planetary Herbology by Michael Tierra and David Frawley, 1988, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin
Be sure to compare what you learn alongside the latest scientific to gain as much information as possible on the efficacy and safety of herbal remedies. Traditional herbalism is a starting point that more modern sources of information can complement.
Another source to learn from are professional organizations of herbalists. While there is no licensure boards for herbalist in the U.S. (yet), these organizations are the closest we have to those.
American Herbalists Guild (AHG), or its UK equivalent, The National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH), and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) are all excellent places to begin your herbal research.
These organizations often collaborate with experts in the field to produce guidelines and recommendations based on the latest research and clinical evidence. The AHG website also provides a list of herbalists who are recognized professionals in the field of herbalism.
There are also many allopathic physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and registered dietitians who are looking at herbs to complement their practice. These professionals can provide you with personalized herbal advice based on your health history, current medications, and specific health goals.
Academic institutions, research organizations, and scientists around the world are constantly conducting research on the efficacy and safety of herbs and supplements. Many of these organizations will publish research articles in peer-reviewed journals that can offer valuable insights into your study of herbs and supplements.
Academic databases like PubMed, maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), are excellent resources for accessing scientific literature. Information derived from scholarly sources is more likely to be reliable and trustworthy.
Health agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the World Health Organization (WHO), also play a crucial role in evaluating and regulating herbal products and supplements. These agencies serve as watchdogs, ensuring that products on the market meet established safety standards.
Peer-reviewed journals are a goldmine of information for those interested in delving into the scientific literature on herbs and supplements. Articles published in these journals have undergone rigorous scrutiny by experts in the field before being accepted for publication. Researchers and enthusiasts can access these journals through academic databases or by visiting the journals’ websites directly.
To independently verify the research on herbs and supplements, it’s essential to develop the skills to critically evaluate any information you find online, in books, papers, or even scientific studies. Comparing information with a critical eye is crucial.
Take notes and note any discrepancies between information you may find about herbs, formulations, or supplements, and consider what is the most relevant, recent, and reliable information. Before falling for the latest herbal or supplement fad, do your own research so you can come to your own conclusions.
With a commitment to lifelong learning and a discerning approach, you will find the study of herbal medicine and supplements to be a fascinating and rewarding subject.
Disclaimer: The statements and information made on this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, recommend, or prevent any medical condition or replace professional medical advice. If you are pregnant or nursing, taking any medications, or have a medical condition, consult your physician or healthcare professional before using any product, supplement, or tea. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements herein.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Austin
A blogger, healthy lifestyle enthusiast with slight “addiction” of planning and organizing. Whether it’s about weight loss, body detoxing or herbal and healing teas.
All this addiction evidences can be found as informative articles here: at sirjasonwinters.com website.
