I
f you’ve ever taken an herbal supplement
for medicinal or wellness purposes you
are among 80 percent of those worldwide
who incorporate herbalism into their
healthcare, according to the World Health
Organization. Herbalism is the use of
plants as a medical or holistic treatment.
Uses range from sleep aids to memory
enhancers and people are drawn to them for
the fewer side effects as well as their healing
properties.
The use of plants to treat ailments goes back
to the earliest writings in human history. There
is one ancient Chinese book dating to 2500 BC
that discusses the topic and mentions specific
plants, some of which are still used today such as
ginseng and camphor.
Some of the most commonly used plants in
the U.S. that are taken as herbal supplements
are readily available at most drug and grocery
stores:
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St. John’s Wort is a flowering plant
found in the wild and is known for
its antidepressant properties.
Echinacea is a perennial plant that is taken
to boost the immune system and decrease
the length of a cold.
Valerian Root is known to promote better
sleep and battle insomnia.
Gingko is taken to improve memory and
may even help Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Since some herbal supplements can interfere
with other medications or have adverse effects,
it’s important to discuss and disclose any
supplements you are taking with your doctor.
Because of its rise in popularity and the
increasingly widespread use of plants for healing,
Jen Salem, garden volunteer coordinator at the
Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) and
founder of the environmental group, Go Native!
Erie, helped bring a series of workshops on
herbalism with clinical herbalist and educator,
Leslie Alexander, PhD, RH (AHG) to TREC.
Alexander is an Erie-based medical herbalist
and owns Restoration Herbs. She conducts
classes and seminars in addition to offering
holistic consultation services. After gaining
her doctorate and spending several years in
research, her interests in gardening and culinary
herbs led her to medical herbalism.
The classes that began in late summer
continue into the fall with three herb-focused,
two-hour sessions with the certified herbalist
and give participants a chan ce for an interactive
experience with the plants.
“The workshops are very hands-on. People
don’t just come for the lecture—they are
cutting, tasting and smelling things. You get
really familiar with the herbal medicines you
are you are looking at,” says Salem.
To register for upcoming Fall Herbalism
Classes at the Tom Ridge Environmental
Center, visit www.gonativeerie.com and click
on Events.
Maritime Medicinals:
Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to noon
Learn about herbal medicine aboard ships
and leave with a newfound appreciation for
maritime history. Non-refundable course fee of
$31 due by Sept. 21.
Herbal Weed Walk:
Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to noon
Taste, touch and smell plants with medicinal
properties as you walk the grounds of the Tom
Ridge Environmental Center. No registration fee.
Herbal Handmade Gifts:
Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to noon
There will be five stations to explore and
you can choose what to make and bring home.
A fun, hands-on workshop. Non-refundable
course fee of $36 due by Nov. 9. n
“The workshops are very hands-on. People
don’t just come for the lecture—they are
cutting, tasting and smelling things.”
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(814) 454-9777
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