3 common herbal mistakes made by beginners

As a teacher I know, when we start exploring a new subject or interest, early on we always make many mistakes.

The following are three common thoughts to avoid as you dig deeper into herbalism.

1. Herbs are a great substitute for conventional medications

Early in my herbal journey I approached everything from a very scientific perspective. I read books and databases, and carefully noted safety considerations about every plant I came across. As a pharmacist I knew a lot about adverse effects of drugs and doubted that plants are different.

But you can’t think about herbs the same way as pharmaceuticals. 

Pharmaceuticals are typically single ingredient preparations created to produce a strong, targeted and fast effect on a specific body system. All unwanted effects produced by this substance are considered to be adverse effects.

Herbs, on the other hand, have many ingredients. Some produce therapeutic effects, while others protect us from toxicities. Herbs can target many body systems and we frequently use them with that intent. They are more gentle and typically take longer to work than pharmaceuticals (especially on chronic problems). Herbs work best when combined with other complementary plants.

Herbs also have fewer toxicities and unwanted adverse effects. That doesn’t mean you should eat every plant you see (some are toxic and even poisonous). But among common medicinal plants, the toxicity profiles are typically a lot less pronounced than of pharmaceuticals. 

TL;DR:

Herbs are not good substitutes for conventional pharmaceuticals – their constituents, time to onset, and even target organs are different than with medications. The same way as you can’t compare their toxicities, you shouldn’t use herbs interchangeably with drugs.

2. Capsules are the best way of getting herbs into your body

Perhaps you discovered herbs because you appreciate preventative medicine, or follow advice of wellness gurus.  Maybe a friend or relative of yours suggested to try a supplement that worked for them. Since capsules are frequently recommended, it might feel this is the best way to incorporate herbs and other natural substances into your life. I certainly thought so as a new pharmacist and herbalist. But this is not really the smartest way to go.

Many medicinal herbs have unique flavors and tastes when consumed as teas or liquid extracts – some are more pleasant than others.  You can’t get to know herbs until you genuinely experience them – and that means smell and taste. Some of their medicinal effects are known to come from those actions (for example, bitterness in herbs is often associated with beneficial effects on digestion).

Plus, you want to develop a sense of comfort with plants you use on a consistent basis. Our noses and mouths are incredible tools for discerning tastes and smells – we only need a little practice. You want to recognize taste and aroma easily, similarly to differentiating between common vegetables or stages of fruit ripeness. You won’t confuse broccoli with bell peppers, or eat a green banana instead of a ripe one, right? 

You want to have a similar approach to herbs and spices, to eventually be able to recognize when your herbs are past their prime and losing their potency. 

TL;DR:

Consuming teas and liquid extracts of herbs will help you to develop a sensory perception better, recognize herbs’ freshness and allow for a greater degree of medicinal effects that are only expressed through tasting and smelling this medicine.

3. Quality of products is consistent across various retailers

So let’s say, you’re ready to buy your herbs and spices for teas and cooking. What is the best place to do this? Would you trust recommendations for places to buy that came from Reddit? Are you always getting the best deal by purchasing through CVS, Amazon or Costco? 

It’s super important to realize that quality of bulk herbs (and products made out of them) can vary substantially. Often, good deals are found only on lower quality products made out of plants that might be past their prime.  

My preference is to go with smaller local herbal farms, especially those I visited or super reputable herbal distributors like Mountain Rose Herbs.  

One of my long-time strategy has been purchasing only from companies I know well or those that have been recommended by other herbalists or herbal enthusiasts.

Every time I attend an herbal conference or lecture I ask about reputable, ethical farms and companies, I pay attention to people that do amazing work with medicinal plants.  I try very hard to support them with my wallet and my efforts to educate others about their work through social media, my podcast and weekly Plant Love Radio newsletter.

TL;DR:

Get several recommendations of ethical local herbal farms and companies, understand their mission, processes and goals. Consider visiting them and support by buying their products and sharing your newly-discovered knowledge with others.

Have you had any similar herbal misconceptions? What other precautionary items should be added to this list?

Images courtesy of Canva/Ghigomeg, GreenApple78, Onairjiw, Yebeka