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— I n t ro d u c t i o n —

Healing the Mind and Spirit

This set of formularies has been decades in the making. current research arena in greater depth and detailed the
My goal from the outset was to combine my experience types of research being done on plants and the ways in
as a clinician with my teaching experience to weave which such research supports, as well as corrupts, the
together ancient folklore with modern research and the traditional vitalistic spirit of herbal medicine. Although
nuts and bolts of handling the herbs themselves, and to I cited molecular research throughout these volumes, I
organize extensive sets of formulas into the most user- included discussions to help guide use of the maturing
friendly resource possible. Chelsea Green has supported research on natural products by integrating it into the
my vision and helped me to polish the organizational foundational philosophy that all deep healing necessi-
structure. Now in the home stretch of writing this set of tates improving digestion and elimination, optimizing
formularies, I find that I often refer to the texts myself muscle and circulatory health through exercise and
to look something up or to share a few precise pages daily activities, and avoiding exposure to synthetic
with the newer physicians in my office when they ask chemicals, environmental toxins, food additives, and
for advice. nonessential pharmaceuticals. The molecular research
What I didn’t anticipate is how much I would enjoy shows us herbs that help to regenerate tissues, support
writing the opening essays for the introduction to each detoxification enzymes and systems, and reduce inflam-
volume—or how much philosophical background there matory processes that can injure cells and tissues and
is to convey to those approaching the discipline of even impair longevity—that is to say, herbs that support
herbal medicine from the field of conventional medi- the vital force.
cine. In these essays, I’ve focused on the philosophical In this volume, I further apply energetic and vitalistic
approaches that underlie the goal of deep healing and concepts to the use of herbs to treat the mind and spirit,
the importance of not using these formularies as a cook- in a manner, I hope, that maintains the integrity of the
book that directs clinicians to a “choose this formula to underlying philosophy of herbal medicine to support
treat that complaint” approach to herbal medicine. the vital force. In addition to offering herbal approaches
The essay in the first volume covered the historical to manage anxiety and depression, this volume also
perspective on formularies themselves as treasure proposes botanical therapies to support those striving to
troves for early practitioners and householders alike, overcome addictions. This fourth volume also includes
and herbalists as the bibliophiles that they were (and an extensive chapter on herbal formulas to treat a variety
still are!). In the second volume I explored the broad of psychiatric conditions, but in working with patients, I
cultural influences that have contributed to the practice dislike labeling common mental-emotional challenges as
of herbalism as it exists today and acknowledged all distinct diagnoses. While the most extreme cases might
the philosophical underpinnings of indigenous healing validate the diagnostic categories of posttraumatic stress
paradigms worldwide. A challenge for modern herbal disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, and general anxiety
clinicians is to learn from the growing body of molecular disorder, I suspect that all of us can experience shades of
research but use it in a manner that remains true to sup- these conditions in our weakest moments, and labeling
porting deep healing, rather than be led down the path people with such loaded terminology may actually be
of “green allopathy”—replacing a synthetic drug with a harmful to their self-image. Why would doctors choose
natural molecule shown to work via a similar mecha- to tell someone “You are suffering from anxiety and need
nism. The introduction to the third volume explored the medication” instead of saying “I’d like to help you learn
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ways to stay calm”? Perhaps it is because the medical (WHO) reports suicide to be a significant cause of death
system requires a diagnostic code number in order to worldwide, claiming the lives of over 800,000 individuals
bill insurance and the standard of care dictates that we annually. Researchers investigating the underpinnings
prescribe psychoactive drugs for each specific diagnosis. of suicidal ideation report that intractable depression, a
Public health statistics show that the percentage of sense of burdensomeness to others, and the lack of a sense
the US population using mood-altering medications rose of purpose or belonging are the dominant emotions.2
exponentially in recent decades—and roughly 65 percent Loneliness has recently been identified as a significant
over the previous 15 years—such that around one-sixth risk factor for early death, on par with the most common
of all adults are taking a psychiatric drug. So prominent killers, such as heart disease.3 This finding underscores
are mental health issues around the world that it might the importance of our sense of community to our survival.
be argued that humanity’s collective psyche is ill. In 2016, Researchers use the term thwarted belonging to refer to a
the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Ser- state of loneliness, loss of family connections, or conflict
vices Administration reported that antidepressants were in the family; a state of having few friends; and a state
the most common type of psychiatric drug prescribed, of social withdrawal. Physicians should screen patients
followed by sedatives, hypnotics and antianxiety drugs, for these circumstances and address them wherever and
and antipsychotics. The use of such agents in older however possible by brainstorming to help an individual
adults is even higher, with roughly one-quarter of those initiate positive change, such as volunteering in the
age sixty to eighty-five taking at least one such drug. community, having meals with others, taking a class,
Although many pharmaceuticals are intended to be joining a book club, and so on. The elderly, the ill, and the
temporary measures to complement psychotherapy emotionally challenged may view themselves as a burden
and lifestyle changes, the fact is that once psychiatric and feel that their death would benefit loved ones, so low
drugs are prescribed, many people remain on them long is their opinion of themselves. A long-standing sense of
term and receive little to no guidance regarding other hopelessness and powerlessness to change themselves
paths to mental health. Prescription guidelines dictate or their situation often accompanies these feelings, and
that people should be given the lowest possible dose of thereby death is seen as a means of escape and transcen-
psychotropic medications for the shortest possible time dence. This is soul pain reaching a lethal state.
that allows them to make important changes in their Even while a significant portion of the population
self-care routines, undergo counseling, and solve work, suffers somewhat invisibly with mental health issues,
family, and relationship issues. Despite that recommen- images of happy-faced people are prominent in com-
dation, many physicians simply refill the medications mercials and ads, carrying the message that emotional
year after year—often for a decade or more, according to distress can be addressed—with the right pill! There’s
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sta- nary a mention of the right diet, state of awareness, sleep
tistics.1 Because undergoing psychotherapy and making and exercise routines, self-talk, therapy, or self-care
lifestyle changes require a high level of commitment by efforts. Rather than being encouraged to do some chal-
both patient and clinician, many physicians are not able lenging work to change our lives, we have been groomed
to take the time to help their patients terminate use of by infomercials to think that a drug can fill the empty
antidepressants and anxiolytics. Some physicians may soul. Many people literally swallow the belief that anxi-
not advocate for their patients to see psychotherapists ety and depression are chemical imbalances that can be
or learn new self-care skills, believing that their patients corrected with pharmaceuticals. While there are indeed
wouldn’t want to make the effort. Others may not want people who benefit from psychiatric medication, espe-
to make the effort themselves, because it would require cially to treat psychosis, should we really expect that a
the duty of responding to phone calls, soothing and pill is all that’s needed to effectively treat human angst?
inspiring an agitated or despondent patient, or other In a chicken-and-egg cycle, it is commonly believed
effort required to support people in getting off the that psychiatric medications improve mood because
pharmaceuticals. And others may simply not believe it they affect neurotransmitters in the brain, such as
is possible to heal one’s psyche—instead believing that serotonin, and yet it is also true that negative thoughts
lifelong pharmaceuticals are the right answer. can impair neurotransmitter levels in the first place.
The rate of suicide has also risen dramatically over Neurotransmitters are synthesized from single amino
the last several decades. The World Health Organization acids, such as tyrosine and tryptophan, and are therefore
I n t ro d u c t i o n || 3

called monoamines. Neurobiologists refer to the mono- variety of underfunded and overworked public health
amine hypothesis as the assumption that faulty levels agencies attempt to assist those in need, as the afflicted
of monoamines can cause anxiety and depression, and frequently face the challenges of poverty, low employ-
drugs that alter monoamines are the current gold stan- ment, and homelessness. The term dual diagnosis refers
dard for treating mood disorders. However, it is also well to individuals who suffer from anxiety or depression
established that the brain can quickly form new neural as well as one or more addictions, but these are hardly
connections when we learn new information, think distinct diagnoses, all being part of the continuum of
new thoughts, and cultivate new skills—phenomena mental-emotional health. It is not hard to understand
referred to as brain plasticity. In other words, our neural the “opiate crisis,” because the substances are an
connections are highly malleable and can be altered by effective method for numbing out emotional distress.
our thoughts and activities. Therefore, it is argued, we Combine this effect with their addictive nature, rampant
don’t have to rely on drugs to alter our neurotransmitter overprescribing for profit, and even underlying political
profiles, but rather we can change the ways we think or motivations, and it is not surprising that their use, over-
act and accomplish the same thing. use, and abuse have reached epidemic proportions.
Many ancient spiritual practices, such as meditation, The CDC reports that overdose deaths have tripled
prayer and recitation, chanting, and breathing exercises, in the last thirty years and now exceed the number of
may promote emotional fortitude via alterations in the motor vehicle deaths per year. Addictive substances can
physical structure of the brain. Similarly, laughing, sing- provide a distraction and moment’s respite from stress
ing, playing a musical instrument, engaging in athletic but, in nearly all cases, lead to a disease worse than
activities or yoga, reading inspirational literature, and the condition a person is trying to escape while also
a myriad of other activities can promote healthy wiring impairing personal connections to family as a support
of the brain. And thus, although this volume focuses on structure. Most experts agree that cultivation of respect-
formulas that contain herbs researched to impact sero- ful, supportive relationships; connection to the natural
tonin, dopamine, and other monoamines, it is always my world; and meaningful work, hobbies, and practices are
intention to pair such medicines with spirit-nourishing essential aspects of overcoming addictions.
practices when working one-on-one with my patients. Even though the World Wide Web connects us to the
In keeping with the monoamine hypothesis and the other side of the globe at lightning speed, many people
public willingness to consume drugs to achieve mental feel less connected to their communities than in eras
health, psychiatry has morphed into a profession that past. Social media is sometimes credited with connect-
labels people and prescribes them drugs. The tasks of ing people, but interactions on it can be less meaningful
soothing, counseling, and guiding suffering souls have and less soul-nurturing than face-to-face interactions.
been shifted to psychotherapists and counselors. Unfor- Once you get to really know someone, you will most cer-
tunately, many people forgo psychotherapy and jump tainly learn that they, too, have suffered loss, overcome
straight to meds. At a fundamental level, one could say harsh challenges, had personal traumas and struggles,
that the field of psychiatry aims to change people’s brain or have family members with grave issues. When we
chemistry while the field of psychotherapy aims to repair share with one another in a deep and personal manner,
damaged thinking. Psychotherapy is an art that focuses we can relate in more complex ways than are possible
on sympathizing with the human being and helping with a superficial view of life’s happiest moments. This
to heal the psyche in a nourishing way; it should be a is one reason why Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and
valued adjunct to any physician’s or herbalist’s practice. similar groups are relatively effective approaches to
Psychiatric medications were originally intended to be overcoming addictive disorders: They allow people to
an aid to the therapeutic process, but in recent decades belong to a group that shares in the same struggle and
have become an all-out replacement. offers healthy perspectives.
Many people face a gauntlet of detriments to
Addiction: The False Solution mental-emotional stability. Statistics show that a high
While millions turn to antidepressants or anxiolytics, percentage of us have been neglected, impoverished,
alcohol and other substances are also common tools for malnourished, and physically and sexually abused, all
self-medicating stress and emotional turmoil. Addictions of which understandably can have a huge impact on
and mental-emotional distress go hand in hand, and a mental-emotional health. Another hardship is that it
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is increasingly difficult to provide basic comfort and energies so that we can be positive forces in the world. It
security for oneself. The lack of a realistic living wage is thought that through ceremony and mindful connec-
juxtaposed against escalating housing and education tion with nature, we can alter our energy, alter our mood,
costs makes it difficult to achieve the same standard and promote healing for not only ourselves but others,
of living as our parents or grandparents achieved. The too, and Mother Earth herself. Such practices combine
seemingly overwhelming barriers to financial security nature immersion with thoughtful self-reflection, prayer-
can instill a sense of hopelessness. Poor nutrition is like intention setting, and community building. Aiming to
sometimes downplayed as a significant contributor to heal oneself by such rituals may seem a kind of magical
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depres- superstition, but scientific research is beginning to show
sion, anxiety, and mental illness, but those who rely on results that support their value.
fast food and processed foods may put themselves at
risk for psychiatric imbalances. The elderly may also The Role of Entheogens
be prone to malnutrition when stomach acid, digestive In this volume, I also discuss the use of hallucinogenic
enzymes, and intestinal circulation and motility decline; plants for therapeutic purposes, even though these med-
malnutrition is an often-overlooked contributor to icines are not currently legal in all states. After decades
senile dementia and general affective disorders in elders. of suppression, entheogens are finally being recognized
In addition to poor nutrition and reliance on elec- as having therapeutic benefits. (The word theo refers
tronic social media, another factor that may contribute to to God, and an entheogen is an agent that connects one
poor mental health is a lack of time in nature. The more with God or invokes the presence of god in oneself.)
robust our time with and connection to Mother Earth, Ancient carvings, paintings, and ceramics depict psyche-
the better our mental health. A recently published study delic cacti, mushrooms, morning glory vines, and other
reported that children learned better when allowed to plant hallucinogens as evidence of humanity’s long rela-
play between lessons and, best of all, when allowed to tionship with entheogenic plants. Oregon, Colorado, and
play outdoors in nature. My reaction upon reading this California have legislative bills in process at the time of
study was Duh! I hope they didn’t spend a bunch of money this writing to decriminalize the use of Psilocybe (magic
to reach that conclusion! Many authorities are telling mushrooms) by therapists, and psychedelic fungi could
grown-ups to ditch the desk, too, and go for a walk in even be available by prescription in these states in the
the forest. “Forest bathing,” a translation of the Japanese near future. Psilocybin, a molecular constituent of the
shinrin yoku, is a recommended therapy for maintain- mushroom, is currently classified as a Schedule I con-
ing mental health. Picnicking beneath flowering trees, trolled substance, but the proposed legislation may move
skinny-dipping in a lake, and walking barefoot in the the medicine to a Schedule IV status, the same as com-
grass all improve the mood quite quickly such that time mon anxiolytic medications. This change arises from the
in nature may be a valuable prong of therapy for mood growing volume of research suggesting that psilocybin,
disorders. Simply living near green spaces is shown to the synthetic hallucinogenic drug known as ecstasy
lower the levels of stress hormones, improve risk factors (MDMA), and ayahuasca (the hallucinogenic brew of
for cardiovascular disease, and speed wound healing. Amazonian shamans) may effectively treat depression,
Science may come full circle to shamanism when it improve end-of-life acceptance for the terminally ill, and
embraces the need to “get back to the garden” and con- act as an aid to psychotherapy in everything from severe
nect with nature. Many of the healing practices I have depression to couples’ counseling. Entheogen-assisted
been taught by the indigenous communities with whom psychotherapy is emerging as a branch of the psychi-
I have studied in the Andes and Amazon involve a high atric profession. The Multidisciplinary Association for
degree of connecting with Pachamama—Mother Earth. Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is one such professional
At dozens of beautiful ceremonies, a primary goal was to body; its mission is to eliminate barriers to psychedelic
rid ourselves of heavy energy and give it to Pachamama research and develop medical protocols in which the
to transmute, and then fill ourselves up with light energy. plants can benefit people.
I have been told that we accumulate heavy energy not Entheogens do not have addictive properties and,
only through poor diet and lack of exercise; we also in fact, may help people overcome opiate addiction,
become heavy from all that we see, hear, feel, experience, alcoholism, and other addictive disorders. Leading
and think. It is our duty to rid ourselves of these heavy researcher Dr. Rick Strassman has published books and
I n t ro d u c t i o n || 5

scholarly studies, beginning in the 1990s, proposing that us to jump out of the track and develop new neuronal
entheogens have therapeutic potential. Strassman has signaling pathways crucial to cultivating new cognitive
written extensively on dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a patterns. The development of magnetic resonance imag-
component of ayahuasca brews, referring to it as a “spirit ing (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET)
molecule” or “god molecule,” so pronounced is its ability scans has been influential in advancing the research on
to break through problematic patterns in thinking and entheogens, showing in tangible, repeatable manners
particularly to invoke a feeling of connectedness to the how psilocybin, DMT, ecstasy, ibogaine, and ketamine
universe and to a power greater than oneself. Abram affect neurotransmission and promote the development
Hoffer was a Canadian molecular researcher and psy- of new connections. New pathways “light up” under
chiatrist who helped to found the field of nutritional the influence of entheogens and literally rewire our
psychiatry, since renamed orthomolecular psychiatry. brains. Where pharmaceutical monoamine therapies
Hoffer also was one of the earliest medical professionals may attempt to repair a faulty circuit, entheogens may
who reported that lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) replace the entire circuit with new wiring.
could have valuable medical uses, including for over- A psychotherapist may use different vocabulary than
coming addiction. Stanislov Grof is a Czech psychiatrist a neurobiologist and say that our traumas cause us to see
who contributed to the field of transpersonal psychology the world through a certain “lens.” PTSD, for example,
and also researched nonordinary states of consciousness may cause a person to view the world through the lens
and independently reported success in using LSD to of fear, where a hub of neuroconnectivity anchors per-
treat heroin addiction. A number of clinical studies have ception to past trauma and promotes a self-identity of
shown psilocybin, for example, to reduce the severity of powerlessness. Such a lens may cause a kind of tunnel
depression in nearly all subjects, an improvement that vision in which every neural pathway and every thought
endures for months following a single ingestion.4 Even and activity are tainted with a mood of fear or even a
neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and paralyzing prison of panic. Psychotherapy aims to adjust
Parkinson’s diseases, may respond to entheogens. faulty self-perception and break out of its cage via the
Current research suggests that entheogenic plants somewhat slow and slogging process of talk therapy,
cause profound shifts in the wiring of the brain and alter while entheogens blast the barriers of self-perception
local and brain-wide network hubs, amplifying some wide open and enable a person to realize the existence
neuronal signals and reducing others, effectively serving of a faulty lens and consciously cast it aside, sometimes
to reset harmful patterns. Brain hubs are neural regions after only a single session of use.
with interconnections that are constantly relied on. A Mental health may be defined as a function of flexi-
hub may govern a negative phenomenon, such as an bility around numerous neural hubs that allows a person
obsession or compulsion, or a positive phenomenon, such to think and feel and make decisions, not out of habit but
as muscle memory for the playing of a musical instru- out of their creative ability to problem solve, see issues
ment. We can make an analogy to the ruts in a dirt road. from a multitude of perspectives, and choose actions
The ruts become the path of least resistance for impulses based on a realistic discernment of desired outcomes.
to travel through the brain, and they become ever Emotionally mature people may see themselves as
deeper, wider, and more broadly connected. In a state of integrated with the world, their community, and their
health, neural hubs are appropriately hierarchical; those work in a manner that provides a sense of belonging.
hubs involved with safety and survival are given priority A state of feeling disconnected cripples our ability to
over those involved with comfort, for example. In a state choose effective courses of action and may be termed
of disease such as addiction, the hubs aimed at easing hub failure in neurobiology. Psychological disorders
discomfort are given a higher priority than financial involve the establishment of abnormal neural connec-
security, relationships, and even one’s personal safety tions and clusters—faulty hubs—that anchor thoughts to
and survival instincts. In the case of depression, low a rut of fear or compulsive behaviors or negativity as the
self-esteem, or panic disorders, neural hubs revolving default pathway. Like rebooting a locked-up computer,
around fearful, negative, or disabling self-talk become entheogens, psychotherapy, or connecting with nature
excessively robust and inappropriately alter cognitive may break up faulty hubs and help restore a healthier
processes. When harmful thought patterns have become set point. The greater the repertoire of connections and
self-destructive habitual ruts, entheogens may help patterns, the greater the creativity and ability to problem
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solve and see issues from diverse perspectives, and organ systems, herbs for neurologic conditions ranging
thereby, the greater the personal freedoms in thought, from neuropathy to Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s
action, and intuitive abilities to guide the course of one’s disease, and herbs for psychologic issues from mood
life. Mentally healthy people can pull up the anchor of disorders to hyperactivity to addictions.
habitual thinking and free themselves to create the lives Each volume in this set offers specific herbal formulas
of their choosing, no matter the obstacles or challenges. for treating common health issues and diagnoses within
Embarrassing situations can become opportunities to the selected organ system, creating a text that serves
learn humility. A low frustration threshold can be the as a user-friendly reference manual as well as a guide
invitation to cultivate patience. Anger can signal the for budding herbalists in the high art of fine-tuning an
need to let go of attachments and self-importance. Guilt herbal formula for the person, not just for the diagnosis.
can prompt a person to break free from the expectations Each chapter includes a range of formulas to treat com-
of others. None of these common emotional weaknesses mon conditions as well as formulas to address specific
need break our resilience; they may all be clues to where energetic or symptomatic presentations. I introduce
our next step for spiritual growth might take us. And each formula with brief notes that help to explain how
herbs can help! the selected herbs address the specific condition. At the
The herbal formulas offered in this volume may help end of each chapter, I have provided a compendium of
soothe the ragged edges of a distraught psyche or the the herbs most commonly indicated for a specific niche,
pain of an inflamed neuron. The traditional category a concept from folklore simply referred to as specific indi-
of “nervines” are those herbs that act as tonics for the cations. These sections include most herbs mentioned in
nervous system and serve as foundational ingredients the corresponding chapter and highlight unique, precise,
in many formulas throughout chapter 2 of this volume. or exacting symptoms for which they are most indicated.
When combined with healthy self-care routines, nutri- Please note that these listings do not encompass all the
tional efforts, time in nature, and possibly psychotherapy, symptoms or indications covered by the various herbs,
herbs can be powerful prongs of alternative medicine but rather only those symptoms that relate to that
protocols for mental health and neurologic disease. chapter—the indications for neurological conditions,
psychiatric issues, and painful conditions. You’ll find
About This Book certain herbs repeated in the specific indications section
This text is the fourth in a set of five comprehensive of the pain, psychology, and neurology chapters of this
volumes aimed at sharing my own clinical experience book, but in each instance, the description will feature
and formulas to assist herbalists, physicians, nurses, and slightly different comments. Readers are encouraged to
allied health professionals in creating effective herbal refer back and forth among the chapters to best compare
formulas. The information in this book is based on the and contrast the information offered.
folkloric indications of individual herbs, fused with
modern research and my own clinical experience. The Goals of This Book
I have organized this set of volumes by organ systems. My first goal in offering such extensive and thorough
Volume 1 features the organs of elimination—the gastro- listings of possible herbal therapies is to demonstrate
intestinal system, the liver and biliary system, the urinary and model how to craft herbal formulas that are precise
system, and the skin. Herbalists know these organs for the patient, not for the diagnosis. It is my hope that
are foundational to the health of the entire body. The after studying the formulas in this book and other vol-
treatment of many inflammatory, infectious, hormonal, umes in the set and following my guidelines for crafting
and other complaints will be improved by optimizing a formula, readers will assimilate this basic philosophic
digestion and elimination. Volume 2 covers respiratory approach to devising a clinical formula. As readers gain
and vascular issues, including both cardiovascular and experience and confidence, I believe they will find that
peripheral vascular complaints. Volume 3 focuses on they rely less and less on these volumes and more and
metabolic and reproductive endocrinology: adrenal and more on their own knowledge and insight. That’s what
thyroid disorders, diabetes and metabolic dysfunction, happened to me over the years as I read the research
and male and female reproductive disorders. In this and folkloric herb books and familiarized myself with
volume, the chapters detail herbal formulas for many the specific niche-indication details of a wide range of
types of headaches and pain management in a variety of healing plants. I now have this knowledge in my head,
I n t ro d u c t i o n || 7

and devising an herbal formula for a patient’s needs has choose herbs based on specific indications and clinical
become second nature and somewhat intuitive. But from symptoms and presentations, rather than on diagnoses
talking with my herbal students over several decades of alone. For example, this volume does not offer one-
teaching, I have come to understand that creating herbal size-fits-all anxiety formulas, but rather details distinct
formulas is one of the most challenging leaps between approaches to creating herbal formulas for anxiety with
simply absorbing information and using it to treat real, insomnia, anxiety with panic disorder, anxiety with
live patients. Students often feel inept as they try to menopausal transition, and anxiety with dysglycemia.
sift through all their books, notes, and knowledge and I include supportive research on herbs that helps to
struggle to use “information” to devise a single formula explain why a particular herb is chosen for a particular
that best addresses a human being’s complexities. Thus, formula, as well as endnote citations that provide details
I felt that it was high time that I created a user-friendly of specific studies for those interested. I also provide
guide to help students refine their formulation skills findings from research on individual herbs that are
and to help all readers develop their abilities to create essential to the treatment of the various conditions fea-
sophisticated, well-thought-out formulas. tured in a chapter. To make the text as useful as possible
Another goal I aim to achieve through this set of for physicians and other clinicians, I also offer clinical
herbal formularies is to create an easy-to-use reference pearls and special guidance from my own experience
that practitioners can rely on in the midst of a busy and that of my colleagues—the tips and techniques that
patient day. In this “information age,” it is not hard to grab attention at medical conferences year after year.
track down volumes of information about an herb, a
medical condition, or even a single molecule isolated The Information Sourced in This Book
from a plant. The difficulty lies in remembering and The source of the information in these volumes is based
synthesizing it all. While this text doesn’t pretend to on classic herbal folklore, the writings of the Eclectic
synthesize the “art” of medicine in one source, I believe physicians, modern research, and my own clinical experi-
it will help health professionals quickly recall and make ence. Because this book is designed as a guide for students
use of herbal therapies they already know or have read and a quick reference for the busy clinician, the sources
about by organizing them in a fashion that is easy to and research are not cited rigorously, but enough so as
access quickly. to make the case for evidence-based approaches. When
Naturopathic physicians are a varied lot. Add in I offer a formula based on my own experience, I say so.
other physicians and allied health professionals, and the I also make note of formulas I’ve created that are more
skill sets are varied indeed. I rely on my naturopathic experimental, either because of lack of research on herbs
colleagues to inform me about the latest lab tests, my for that condition or my lack of clinical experience with it.
allopathic colleagues to inform me about new phar- My emphasis is on Western herbs, but I also discuss
maceutical options, and my acupuncture colleagues to and use some of the traditional Asian herbs that are
inform me as to which conditions they are seeing good readily available in the United States. In some cases,
results in treating. This text allows me to share my own formulas based on Traditional Chinese Medicine
area of expertise. I have included a large number of (TCM) are featured because of a significant amount of
sidebars that feature some of the in-depth research on research on the formula’s usage in certain conditions. I
the herbs and individual molecular constituents, helping readily admit that TCM creates formulas not for specific
to provide an evidence-based foundation for the present diagnoses, but rather for specific energetic and clinical
era of medical herbalism. situations. However, I have included such formulas, per-
I realize that not all clinicians, not even all naturo- haps out of context but with the overall goal of including
pathic physicians, specialize in herbal medicine. I hope evidence-based formulas, with the expectation that
that this formulary will serve as a handy reference readers and clinicians can seek out further guidance
manual for those who can benefit from my personal from TCM literature or experienced clinicians where
experience, formulas, and supportive discussions. possible. In reality, TCM is a sophisticated system that
addresses specific presentations, and I have borrowed
Creating Energetically Fine-Tuned Formulas from this system where I thought such formulas might
Much like a homeopathic materia medica, this set of be of interest or an inspiration to readers. I admit that
formularies aims to demonstrate to clinicians how to listing just one formula for a certain condition based on
8 || H e r ba l F o r m u la r i e s , Vo lu m e 4

the fact that there have been numerous studies on it is such as severe head trauma, acute stroke, and epilepsy,
somewhat of a corruption of the integrity of the TCM although mention is made of formulas for stroke
system, which is aimed at precise patterns and energetic recovery and depression following stroke, and details
specificity. Nonetheless, I chose to do so with the goal on historic and modern research are offered on the use
of creating a textbook to help busy clinicians find infor- of essential oils to manage seizural disorders. Another
mation quickly, while still encouraging individualized limitation of this text, as mentioned earlier, is that for
formulas for specific presentations. best results, herbs to manage mental-emotional disor-
While I have endeavored to create herbal formulas ders are always best paired with cognitive approaches,
to address as many different conditions and presenta- which are not covered here.
tions as possible, this volume does not cover in-depth
protocols for schizophrenia, reflecting my strong belief How to Use This Book
that individuals with schizophrenia are often best Each chapter in this book details herbal remedies to con-
treated with pharmaceutical approaches, or at the very sider for specific symptoms and common presentations
least by a team of psychotherapists and psychiatrists of various diagnoses. Don’t feel that you must be a slave
and experts in the field. This volume also does not delve to following the recipes exactly. When good cooks use a
deeply into the conditions best treated by neurologists, food recipe, they are always at liberty to alter the recipe
to create the flavor that best suits the intended meal—the
big picture. A formula listed should not be thought of as
the formula to make, but rather as a guide and an exam-
ple, inviting the clinician to tailor a formula for each
Unity of Disease individual patient.
(Totality of Symptoms) To create an herbal formula unique to a specific per-
son, the clinician should first generate a list of actions
The concept that any health issues a person that the formula should perform (respiratory antimicro-
may experience are actually one disease, as bial, expectorant, bronchodilator, mast cell stabilizer,
opposed to a number of disparate diagnoses and so on) and then generate a list of possible herbal
to be treated individually, is a core tenet of materia medica choices that perform the desired actions.
naturopathic medicine and the philosophical If these ideas are new to you, you may want to begin by
underpinning of holistic medicine in general. reading chapter 1, “The Art of Herbal Formulation,”
Any one symptom does not provide the full before you start generating lists.
story, and just because you can label the Look to the formulas in chapters 2 through 4 that
symptoms with a Western diagnosis and offer address specific symptoms for guidance and inspiration.
the established therapy for that diagnosis (These formulas are grouped within the chapter by a
does not mean you are really helping a person general diagnosis, such as “Formulas for Parkinson’s
to heal. A careful consideration of the totality Disease” or “Formulas for Migraines and Other Head-
of all symptoms is important to reveal under- aches.”) Regard the lists and formulas I have provided as
lying patterns of organ strength or weakness, starting points and build from there. In my commentary
excess or deficiency states, nervous origins on the individual formulas and in sidebars that focus on
versus nutritional origins, and, of course, a specific herbs, I offer further guidance as to whether
complex overlap of all such issues. The most the formula or individual herbs are safe in all people,
effective therapies will address all issues in possibly toxic in large doses, intended for topical use
their entirety and involve an understanding only, or indicated only in certain cases of that particular
of the entire energetic, mental, emotional, symptom. Once herb and formula possibilities have
nutritional, hereditary, situational, and other been identified, the reader should then review “Specific
processes, creating a complex web of cause Indications” at the end of the chapter to focus on which
and effect—the unity of any given individu- herbs would be most appropriate to select and to learn
al’s “dis-ease.” more about how those herbs might be used. Herbalists
can narrow down long lists of herbal possibilities to
just a few materia medica choices that will best serve
I n t ro d u c t i o n || 9

the individual. In many cases, the reader/clinician will herbs in many kinds of formulas. Such foundational
be drawing upon herbal possibilities from a number of herbs can be made more specific for various situations
chapters and organ systems as the clinical presentation by combining them with complementary herbs that
of the patient dictates. Thus, you are not making a are energetically precise. Notice how the herbs are
formula by throwing together all the herbs listed as cov- formulated to be somewhat exacting to address specific
ering that symptom or symptoms, but you are studying symptoms and make a formula that is warming, drying,
further and narrowing down the list of possibilities to cooling, or moistening and so on. Also, note how acute
consider, based on the totality of the symptoms. In some formulas may have aggressive dosages and include some
cases, you will rule out herbs on the list for a particu- strong herbs intended for short-term use, while formu-
lar symptom after reading the specific descriptions of las attempting to shift chronic tendencies are dosed two
those herbs at the end of the chapter. In some cases, you or three times a day and typically include nourishing and
might decide to put one herb in a tea and another in a restorative herbs intended for long-term use. Also notice
tincture because of flavor considerations. In other cases, how some potentially toxic herbs are used as just a few
you might decide that you will prepare only a topical milliliters or even a few drops in the entire 2-ounce (60
remedy. And in other urgent situations, you might come ml) formula. These dosages should not be exceeded, and
up with a topical, a pill, an herbal tea, and a tincture to if this is a clinician’s first introduction to potentially toxic
address the situation as aggressively as possible. Aim to herbs, further study and due diligence are required to
select the best choices and avoid using too many herbs fully understand the medicines and how they are safely
in one formula. Larger doses of just a few herbs tend to used. Don’t go down the poison path without a good deal
work better than smaller doses of many herbs, which of education and preparation. Given the focus in this
can confuse the body with a myriad of compounds all at volume on treating pain and neuropathy, more of the
once. The use of three, four, or five herbs in a formula is formulas in it include low-dose botanicals than the ones
a good place to start; this approach also makes it simpler in other volumes do, because most such herbs are toxic
to evaluate what works when the formula is effective as precisely because they may affect nerve conduction and
well as what is poorly tolerated, should a formula cause other cellular mechanisms involved with pain phenom-
digestive upset or other side effects. ena. I am able to prepare all the formulas in these texts
upon request, but I can offer those containing the “toxic”
Learning from the Formulas in This Book or low-dose herbs (Atropa belladonna, Aconitum, Con-
In reviewing the formulas in this book, notice how vallaria, Digitalis, and so on) only to licensed physicians.
specific herbs are combined with foundational herbs to
create different formulas that address a variety of ener- It is my sincere hope that this book helps you in your
getic presentations. There are a handful of all-purpose clinical work and efforts to heal people.
immunomodulators, all-purpose alterative herbs, and
all-purpose anti-inflammatories that can be foundational Dr. Jill Stansbury

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