| Certainly the knowledge of herbal remedies is a | | | | induce vomiting, and/or act as a laxative. Don't go |
| given for the shaman in the treatment of his | | | | off into the woods on a berry picking expedition |
| patients. Such a knowledge is not gained from a | | | | unless you know which specific berries are edible. |
| semester course or an on-line seminar offered by | | | | Not all blue berries are huckleberries. All berries |
| someone claiming to have correct knowledge. | | | | that are the color of blue are not edible. The |
| Nor can one learn all the subtleties of herbals by | | | | Inkberry, for example, is poisonous. |
| using a book on herbal medicines. Gathering herbs | | | | The shaman uses herbs in teas, salves, pastes, |
| in the wild is a dangerous activity and should | | | | poultices, and rubs, as well as body and energy |
| never be undertaken without an expert guide. | | | | building nutriments. |
| One plant leaf may closely resemble another and | | | | In today's modern scientific world we forget that |
| it can be poisonous, if not deadly. Tasting a leaf | | | | the plant kingdom is vast reserve of chemical |
| here and there is not recommended. Poison | | | | compounds. That is changing. It is now estimated |
| hemlock is often mistaken for wild parsnips or as | | | | that over 40% of prescription drugs sold in the |
| wild carrots. All parts of the hemlock are | | | | United States contain at least one ingredient |
| poisonous. The name actually comes from the | | | | derived from nature. Herbs encompass at least |
| Anglo-Saxon hemieac which simply means | | | | 25% of all known flowering plants; yet only about |
| 'shore-plant') | | | | 2 per cent have been investigated for their |
| Berries of various plants are usable in the | | | | medical use. |
| treatment of ailments. A shaman knows which | | | | Perhaps the shaman has had it right all along. |
| berries can be used as an astringent, which can | | | | Herbs are good for you. |