Stinging Nettle - A spring medicinal plant.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

By Ursula Basch
Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. In medieval Europe, it was used as a diuretic and to treat joint pain.
Stinging nettle gets its name from the fine hairs on the leaves and stems which contain irritating chemicals that are released when the plant comes in contact with the skin. The stinging action of nettle has been used as a counter-irritant and can actually decrease the pain of arthritic joints. Scientists think nettle does this by interfering with the way the body transmits pain signals. The stinging action of the plant is eliminated if dried, cooked or brewed as a tea.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
In Europe, stinging nettle root is used to treat BPH, or enlargement of the prostate. An enlarged prostate gland presses on the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder) causing symptoms such as: reduced urinary flow, incomplete emptying of the bladder, post urination dripping, and the constant urge to urinate. Studies suggest that stinging nettle, in combination with other herbs (especially saw palmetto), may be effective at relieving BPH symptoms. Laboratory studies have shown stinging nettle to be comparable to finasteride (a medication commonly prescribed for BPH) in slowing the growth of certain prostate cells. However, the herb does not decrease prostate size. It is important to work with a doctor to treat BPH, and to make sure you have a proper diagnosis to rule out prostate cancer.1
Hay Fever
Stinging Nettles also been used for relieving the symptoms of hay fever. People use nettles to reduce the sneezing, itchy and watery eyes associated with plant based allergies. People with allergies are best advised to start drinking nettle tea at the beginning of the allergy season.2
Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar
Nettles has also been used traditionally for it hypotensive and diuretic effects. Studies suggest that Nettles may lower blood sugar and blood pressure, however, these studies were conducted on animals and have not been proved for humans. 3

1 Efficacy and safety of a combination of Sabal and Urtica extract in lower urinary tract symptoms--long-term follow-up of a placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial.
2 Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis.
3 Maintaining a physiological blood glucose level with 'glucolevel', a combination of four anti-diabetes plants used in the traditional arab herbal medicine.
The protective activity of Urtica dioica leaves on blood glucose concentration and beta-cells in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

Other Studies:
Koch E. Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica): viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptoms. Planta Med. 2001;67(6):489-500.
Konrad L, Muller HH, Lenz C, Laubinger H, Aumuller G, Lichius JJ. Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract. Planta Med. 2000;66(1):44-7.
Krzeski T, Kazon M, Borkowski A, Witeska A, Kuczera J. Combined extracts of Urtica dioica and Pygeum africanum in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: double-blind comparison of two doses. Clin Ther. 1993;15:1011–1020.

New Classes from the Herbal Bear

The Herbal Bear offers classes in Herbal Studies


Classes are offered in NYC and the Catskills
Visit our webiste for full information - http://www.herbalbear.com/

Here are our Spring Classes

• Herbal Soap Making - Saturday, April 25, 2009 NYC
• An Introduction to Herbal Medicine - Saturday, April 25, 2009 NYC
• Introduction to Soap Making - Saturday, May 2, 2009 Grand Gorge, NY
• Medicinal Plant Preparations Workshop - Saturday, May 9, 2009 Grand Gorge, NY
• An Introduction to Herbal Medicine - Saturday, May 16, 2009 Grand Gorge, NY
• The 2009 Botanical Medicine Program - 6 weekends - June through October Click on any of the above courses to see a full description. For our full schedule - click here

Starting Herbs from Seeds

By Ursula Basch

Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine

Starting herbs from seeds is easy, fun and can allow you to grow medicinal plants you might not ordinarily find in your local plant nursery. To grow plants from seed, all you need are a few simple items: a sterile growing material, a few containers, plastic wrap or plastic covers to maintain moisture, light, seeds and a warm place to grow your seedlings.

Plastic pots or containers which retain moisture are preferable to clay pots when starting seeds. Choose a container wide enough to prevent overcrowding of seedlings. Plants that dislike transplanting are best sown into small, individual containers like cell packs or plug trays. There is no need to buy fancy containers. Recycled plastic containers, like empty food containers, are just fine. Remember to poke holes in the bottom for drainage. No matter what type of container you use, it must be clean and free of disease and molds. To sanitize a container, soak in 10%bleach solution for 10 minutes, rinse and let it air dry.

Sowing Seeds

Commercial seed-starting mixes are usually composed of vermiculite and peat. They offer a weed-free sterile medium in which to start your seeds. Fill your containers three quarters full with the seed-starting mix. Water well and allow for proper drainage. Next, spread your seeds thinly over the top of the growing mix. Follow seed package directions for the correct spacing and planting depth. Very small seeds and seeds that require light to germinate should lie directly on the surface. Each seed must be in firm contact with the moist surface to begin germinating. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to gently tamp down the seed into the growing mix.. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of fine vermiculite. Vermiculite can be found in garden supply stores. It is a soilless material which allows light to penetrate yet keeps the growing medium moist enough to encourage seed germination. If your seeds require darkness for germination, place the growing tray in dark plastic bags until seeds sprout. Water your seeds with a spray mister, to prevent them from being flooded or washed out of place. Cover with a clear plastic to retain moisture, making sure the cover is at least 1-2 inches above the plants.

Warmth

Most seeds germinate more quickly in warmer soil than cool soil. A sunny window may be warm during the day, but grow cold at night. If you set your seed flats on "grow mats" you can maintain an even bottom heat of 70ºF. Setting your seed trays on top of a refrigerator will also provide enough warmth to speed germination. Once seeds sprout, move the trays to a bright growing area.

Light

If you're starting only a few plants and have roomy window sills, a south-facing window may be all the growing space you need. But it's often easier to grow seedlings under lights where you can insure the proper amount of light needed. Grow lights are designed to provide light in the specific ranges required by plants, but you may also use standard fluorescent shop lights. Keep lights no more than 4" above the tops of your seedlings as they grow; lack of light is the major cause of elongated, skinny stems. Most plants need 12-16 hours of light daily. Using a timer may help you regulate the amount of light used. Don't leave lights on continuously. Plants need some dark period each night to develop properly.

Fertilizing

Seedlings draw energy for germination from food stored in the seed. They don't need fertilizer until they have several sets of true leaves. Seedlings grown in a soil-less mix need a weak fertilizer such as fish emulsion fertilizer mixed 1/4 strength. Fertilize only once a week. Water as needed the rest of the week with plain water. Drain excess water that accumulates in the tray, to prevent root rot.

Transplanting

Transplant seedlings that outgrow the cell packs into larger containers. Larger peat pots or clean plastic pots with holes in their bottoms are excellent. Lift seedlings by a leaf and support the rootball from below with a spoon when transplanting. Don't pull or hold the seedling by its stem, as you damage the new plant.

Moving Outdoors

A week or two before planting outdoors, start hardening off seedlings. An easy way to harden plants off is to place them in a coldframe and adjust the lid of the coldframe every few days. If you don't have a coldframe, find a sheltered spot where you can put the trays of plants. Once hardened off, seedlings can be set out in the garden. Transplant you seeds in late afternoon or early evening, when the sun has passed its peak. Starting seeds isn't difficult. You will be rewarded with young starter plants that will flower or produce earlier in the garden.

Easy to Grow Herbs

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia or Purpurea)
Perennial. Sow seeds in very early spring or fall. Prefers full sun, with well drained, limey soil and regular watering. Used for its immune enhancing properties.

Elecampane (Inula helenium)
Perennial. Sow seed in early spring or sow directly in garden in mid-spring. Light-dependent germinator. Grows in full sun or partial shade. Cough and lung remedy, bitter and antiseptic. Elecampane is used for bronchial infections.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
Perennial. Seed is easy to germinate. Prefers full sun. This mildly anti-viral and expectorant herb used to treat the common cold. May be propagated by seeds, sown in early spring, or by dividing the plants in spring and autumn. Thrives in normal garden soil and minimal water. Established plants can easily be divided and replanted. Plant 1.5 feet apart.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Perennial. Start in flats indoors, transplant out in spring or late summer. Harvest in early flower, at least twice a season. Used as a emmenagogue and a cardiac tonic.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Perennial. Seed is easy to germinate, and will grow prolifically. Prefers full sun to part shade. Thrives best in a fairly warm, preferably moist climate, and in deep soils rich in humus. Mature plants can be easily divided and transplanted to 1 1/2 ft. apart. Used as a carminative to aid in digestion.

Here are our Spring Classes
Herbal Soap Making - Saturday, April 25, 2009 NYC
An Introduction to Herbal Medicine - Saturday, April 25, 2009 NYC
Introduction to Soap Making - Saturday, May 2, 2009 Grand Gorge, NY
Medicinal Plant Preparations Workshop - Saturday, May 9, 2009 Grand Gorge, NY
An Introduction to Herbal Medicine - Saturday, May 16, 2009 Grand Gorge, NY
The 2009 Botanical Medicine Program - 6 weekends - June through October
Click on any of the above courses to see a full description.
For our full schedule - click here

The Herbal Bear 2009 Botanical Medicine Program
We are currently accepting applications for the 2009 Botanical Medicine Program.
The 2009 Botanical Medicine Program offers a 6-weekend program, June through October, for those who desire an in-depth herbal program. The program is held one weekend a month (twice in October). This course is very special. It offers students the opportunity to learn about herbs by placing the classroom right in the garden! The program is at the Herbal Bear, Grand Gorge, NY location - a beautiful private 30 acre property in the Northern Catskills - just 2 hours and 45 minutes from NYC.

Each weekend we learn about the plants that grow around us, studying their healing properties upon different body systems, gathering and harvesting the local medicinal plants which grow on the property, and developing a systematic approach to herbal formulations. By the end of the program you will be able to identify and know how to use well over 100 different herbs. Our classes are informal and relaxed - however we take pride in the fact that our instructors are among the top in their fields and include experienced herbalists, research scientists, and authors who have published in their field of botanical expertise.
Our small class size allows accessibility to our instructors both during lessons and after class.

Our instructor's enthusiasm for their topics shows in their willingness to share both their time and knowledge with students - in class and one-on-one.
No one enjoys a boring classroom lecture - this is why we have designed this program to be an interactive and hands-on experience. Learning about herbal remedies takes on a whole new dimension when you have a chance to see, smell, touch and use the plants that grow right in the Northern Catskills.

The 2009 Botanical Medicine will be the 17th year our program has been running. Each year I have the pleasure to meet wonderful people who come to learn about plants and botanical medicine. The program is a unique experience, bringing together professional instruction in an informal setting which provides a relaxing environment in which to learn.

The Botanical Medicine program offers course material that is often offered in college level classes. An applicant should have a minimum of a high school diploma and be comfortable with scientific topics.

Please see our web page for the full course description.

Ursula Basch

Director and Principal Instructor

http://www.herbalbear.com/

The Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine
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Over the course of the program, you will learn:

• Spring Herb Identification
• Spring Herb Identification Herbal Terms and Resources
• Wild Food Gathering
• Herbs for the Digestive System
• Making Herbal Teas
• Plant Meditation
• Herbal Harvesting, Drying and Storage
• Herbal Vinegars
• Making Herbal Tinctures Medicinal Herbal Oils
• Herbs for the Nervous System
• Making a Herbal First Aid Kit
• Herbs for Women’s Health
• Herbs for The Circulatory System
• Making Herbal Salves
• Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Herbal Energetics and Diagnostic Techniques
• Developing Herbal Formulations
• Making Herbal Cosmetics, Body Creams and Herbal Bath Salts
• Herbal Case Studies
• Herbs for the Immune System
• Sacred Herbs and Ceremonial
• Uses Medicinal and Edible Mushrooms Field Identification of Mushrooms
• Mushroom Propagation
• Harvesting Autumn Roots and Barks
• Herbs for Colds and Flu
• Making Herbal Brandies and Elixirs and Syrups
• Exploring Healing Modalities (i.e. Reiki, Reflexology)
• Planting a Herb Garden

As a participant you will learn the gentle cycles and rhythms of the plants as they develop and change through the seasons. Together with the plants, we will discover our own rhythms and connection to the Mother Earth. The Botanical Medicine Program meets at Herbal Bear Cabin in the Northern Catskills. Located on 30+ acres of woods and field, Herbal Bear Catskill location is a beautiful place to learn. The land is home to deer, bear, turkeys and an incredible assortment of wild edible and medicinal plants. We have a pond suitable for swimming, planted herb gardens, a water lily gardens and many paths to explore through the woods.
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Program Dates

The 2009 Botanical Medicine Program meets for all of the following dates:

• Saturday, June 13th – Sunday June 14th, 2009
• Saturday July 11th – Sunday July 12th, 2009
• Saturday August 8th – Sunday August 9th, 2009
• Saturday September 12th – Sunday Sept 13th, 2009
• Saturday Oct 3th – Sunday October 4th, 2009
• Saturday October 24th – Sunday October 25th, 2009

We strongly encourage you to arrange your schedule to be able to attend all the scheduled weekends.
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Location

Grand Gorge, NY
Click HERE for Public Transportation from NYC
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Our Instructors

• Ursula Basch
• Susan Pell, Ph.D.
• Bob Beyfuss
• Kelly Martin
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Meals are Included

Delicious vegetarian meals are included in the Program.

We use organic produce and local products as much as possible.
We serve 5 meals per weekend - starting with breakfast on Saturday morning. Our meals are vegetarian and may include dairy and eggs. If you are strictly vegan or have religious limitation for your diet - you may have to bring some food to supplement what is served. We do not serve soy or rice milk. All meals are served buffet style. We ask that you assist in clean-up after each meal.
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Daily Schedule

Saturday:

8:00am - 9:00am - Breakfast

9:30am - 12:30pm - Class

12:30pm - 1:45pm - Lunch

1:45pm - 4:30pm - Class

4:30pm - 4:45pm - Break

4:45pm - 6:30pm - Class

6:30pm - 7:30pm - Dinner

Sunday:

8:00am - 8:45am - Breakfast

9:00am - 12:15pm - Class

12:15pm - 1:00pm - Lunch

1:15pm - 2:45pm - Class

Our Early Registration has been extended to April 30th
Program Cost: Early registration cost: $2650
Registration after April 30, 2009, cost: $2850.00 (required at once)

Registration:

Register online

Refund Policies: We will make no refunds after April 30th, 2009. We will not make refunds or offer make-up sessions for any classes missed by the student.
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Lodging:

The program costs do not include lodging. Each student is responsible for their own lodging arrangements. Please click click here for infomation about local motels and inns in the area - as well as lodging offered at the Herbal Bear. We are offering lodging information to assist you in finding accommodations. If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
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Recommended Reading: There are a few books that I recommend that each student purchase.

National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers : Eastern Region

Complete Guide to Medicinal Herbs by Penelope Ody

The Herbal Handbook : A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman

Herbs for Stress

Feeling a bit Stressed?
Try these herbs for stress.




By Ursula Basch
Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine

Summer is over and the kids are back to school. It seems that everything starts to pick up the pace once autumn arrives. Our lifestyles often have lots of stressful issues such as: bills to pay, job deadlines, family conflicts, divorce, etc. Even happy events such as marriages, new jobs or moving to a new home can cause stress in our lives. We all face different challenges and obstacles, and sometimes the pressure is hard to handle.


What is Stress?

The stress response of the body is a physical reaction which is meant to protect us. When faced with a threat, whether it be to our physical safety or emotional equilibrium, the body reacts by kicking us into high gear. Lots of physical effects happen as a result of stress. The sympathetic nervous system pumps out adrenaline, our heart rate increases, blood flow to the large muscles increases, blood vessels under the skin constrict to prevent blood loss in case of injury, and blood sugar levels increase, giving us an energy boost. These are ancient physical responses that were important to our survival as a species and these same responses serve us very well in emergency situations. If you suddenly see a car losing control and heading toward you - your ability to react quickly could save you from harm.

While everyone can expect to experience some stress, we must be careful to manage our lives to avoid long term chronic stress. The American Psychological Association describes chronic stress as “unrelenting demands and pressures for seemingly interminable periods of time.” Chronic stress is stress that wears you down day after day. It grinds away at both mental and physical health. Some of the disorders associated with stress are:

Anxiety
High blood pressure
Headaches
Depression
Weakened Immune System
Higher Cholesterol Levels
Sleeplessness
Impotence
Migraine Headaches
Diarrhea
Loss of Appetite
Increased Appetite
If stress is not handled properly, more serious illnesses can result.


Herbs for Stress Relief

There are a number of herbs which can be used to help alleviate stress.
Here are just a few:


Hops (Humulus Lupulus L.) has been used traditionally for nervous disorders, irritability and insomnia. The part used is the strobile. Hops gained acceptance in England as an ingredient in beer and as a medicinal herb in 17th century. Hops are most commonly used for their calming effect on the nervous system. Hop tea is recommended for nervous diarrhea, insomnia, and restlessness. It will also help to stimulate appetite, dispel flatulence, and relieve intestinal cramps. Do not use hops if you are experiencing depression.




Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata L.) has a depressant effect on Central Nervous System activity and is also hypotensive. Passionflower is used for its sedative and soothing properties Passion flower is also used to lower blood pressure, prevent tachycardia and relieve insomnia. It promotes restful sleep without any 'narcotic' hangover.







Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.) is considered the best general nerve tonic of all the nervine herbs. Skullcap soothes nervous tension and may be used in for nervous exhaustion.. Skullcap can be used in the easing of premenstrual tension. A clinical study1 demonstrated that skullcap has anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) properties - The proposed mechanism suggested flavonoid interactions with the GABA A receptor




1) Wolfson P, Hoffman DL. An investigation into the efficacy of Scutellaria lateriflora in healthy volunteers. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 2003 Mar-Apr; 9(2):74-8



Whenever dealing with stress, remember to avoid caffeine and take a quality daily Multivitamin/Mineral Supplement. A good diet will give you the strength to keep your nervous system and immune system in shape.
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Are you interested in learning more
about holistic approaches to Stress?

The Herbal Bear is offering a new class.


Herbs for Stress Management

Date: Saturday, October 13, 2007
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Location: 252 West 29th Street - 2nd Floor; New York, NY 10001
Cost: $75.00

Do you feel frazzled, overworked and over stressed? You are not alone – our lifestyles today are more and more demanding. What you may not realize is that all this stress has negative effects upon your health and well being. Excessive stress robs the body of nutrients, harms the cardiovascular system, and lowers the effectiveness of the immune system. In this class we will discuss many herbs and simple meditative practices that can help reduce your stress level and support the body from stress related issues. So chill out and join us!
Register online for this class.



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The Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine is offering the following additional classes:

An Introduction to Herbal Medicine - Saturday, October 13, 2007
Herbs for Stress Management - Saturday, October 13, 2007
Herbal Soap Making - Sunday, October 14, 2007
Medicinal Plant Preparations Workshop - Saturday, December 1, 2007
Herbs for the Cold Season - December 8, 2007

For our full schedule - click here

Herbal Remedies for Allergy Relief

By Ursula Basch
Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine

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Spring has finally arrived and the trees and flowers are now in bloom. Nature’s beautiful display can cause problems for people who suffer from allergies. All of a sudden, the sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion begin. Experts who monitor pollen and mold counts say pollen counts are largely the same in urban and suburban areas.

Many of our most common trees; maples, oaks and birch, are big pollen producers. Tree pollen concentrations begin in late April and peak in late May – just when grasses and molds concentrations start to rise! So what can an allergy sufferer do?

Many people reach for over the counter antihistamines. However, antihistamines can cause sedation and reduce concentration. A recent study conducted by Privilege Insurance revealed some alarming results. A survey of almost 5,000 adults found that one in seven suffered from hay fever or other allergies and almost half of these had driven after taking medication. Many of those questioned said they had lost concentration at the wheel because of side effects such as drowsiness.

Herbal Allergy Relief

Herbs are generally considered to be quite safe, and they can offer you natural allergy treatment without the drowsiness of conventional over the counter antihistamine drugs. Here are a few example of herbs that are used for allergy symptoms:

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Stinging nettle has a long history as a treatment for a variety of respiratory conditions, including allergic rhinitis. Stinging Nettle juice contains an anti-inflammatory component similar to that of steroid drugs. It is thought that properties in the nettle prevent the body from making inflammatory chemicals known as prostaglandins1. A preliminary trial reported that capsules made from freeze-dried leaves reduced sneezing and itching in people with hay fever2.

1 Obertreis B, Giller K, Teucher T, et al. Antiphlogistic effects of Urtica dioica folia extract in comparison to caffeic malic acid. Arzneimittelforschung 1996;46:52-6.

2 Mittman P. Randomized, double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.Planta Med 1990;56:44-7.



Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)

Eyebright has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. Due to its ability to reduce mucous secretions, it is often used for infectious and allergic conditions affecting the eyes, middle ear, sinuses, and nasal passages including: eye strain and inflammations, weeping eyes, itching eyes, and runny nose.

Click here for more information about clinical studies for eyebright



Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)

A 2004 study published in "Clinical & Experimental Allergy" reported Butterbur to be as effective as the prescription drug fexofenadine (Allegra) for treating symptoms of hay fever. Another study published in "Phytotherapy Research" showed similar results. The clinical evidence of butterbur is still out for debate because both studies were conducted for a limited time of two to three weeks. Butterbur does contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) which can be toxic to your liver and kidneys. Only use preparations that are PA free.

Click here for more information about clinical studies for Butterbur

New Herbal Classes

Spring is here and I just wanted to take a moment of you time to tell you about our terrific hands-on herbal learning course - the Herbal Bear's Botanical Medicine Program. This course is very special. It offers students the opportunity to learn about herbs by placing the classroom right in the garden! The program is held one weekend a month (twice in October) at the Herbal Bear, Grand Gorge, NY location - a beautiful private 30 acre property in the Northern Catskills - just 2 hours and 45 minutes from NYC.
Each weekend we learn about the plants that grow arounds us by studying their healing properties upon different body systems, gathering and harvesting the local medicinal plants which grow on the property, and develping a systematic approach to herbal formulations. By the end of the program you will be able to identify and know how to use over 100 different herbs. Our classes are informal and relaxed - however we take pride in the fact that our instructors are amoung the top in thier fields and include experienced herbalists, research scientists, and authors who have published in their field of expertice.
Our classes are small, allowing accessibility to our instructors both during class time and after class. Our instructor's enthusiasm for their topics shows in their willingness to share both their time and knowlege with students - in class and one-on-one.
No one enjoys a boring classroom lecture - this is why we have designed this class to be an interactive and hands-on experience. Learning about herbal remedies takes on a whole new dimension when you have a chance to see, smell, touch and use the plants that grow right in the Northern Catskills.
There are currently have a few spaces still left in this program. If you are interested our Botanical Medicine Program, please feel free to visit our website to learn more about the program - http://www.herbalbear.com/app07.html

Best Wishes for a Great Spring!
Ursula Basch

Are Herbs Really Good For your Health?

By Ursula Basch
The Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine

Anyone who has ever gone into a health food store has seen the overwhelming variety of herbal remedies on the shelves. Consumers often have questions:

• What is the best way to take herbs, teas or tinctures?
• What does it mean when an herbal remedy is "standardized"?
• How long is the shelf life of a medicinal herb?

Good questions - but where can you find good answers? The best answers are often not by asking the cashier at the health food store - but rather by doing a little bit of homework yourself - before you go out to buy herbal remedies. There are a number of excellent books that discuss herbal remedies including:

• Complete Guide to Medicinal Herbs, by Penelope Ody
• The Herbal Handbook - A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism, by David Hoffman
• Herbal Remedies for Women, by Amanda McQuade Crawford
  

Another good source of information is taking a class with an experienced herbalist. The advantage of a class is that you often have the ability to see the actual plants and ask the instructor questions you may have concerning various herbs. In New York, the Herbal Bear School offers many classes specifically designed for beginning herbal students. The classes range from short one day introductions to herbal remedies to a full six weekend course called the Botanical Medicine program. Often your local botanical garden or horticultural society has guest lecturers that offer classes on herbalism. It is just a matter of taking the time to find a class in your area.