Pueblo Herb Lady's Background

It seems that herbalism is the latest craze and there are more books, articles, and information\misinformation around than you can shake a stick at. However, as in all things medicinal, ignorance can be deadly. I have heard some claim they have all the knowledge they need because they "have read A book" or someone's friend/neighbor/associate told them. Then when they relay their pearl of wisdom, I cringe. So, in an attempt to counter some of the mis-information and restore some common sense, I am joining the army of information givers.

I am a Native woman of one of the Pueblo nations. Since childhood I have been raised with medicinal herbs and have been taught first by my Grandmother, then by other Native teachers about my beloved "weeds." In recent years I have been reading some of the information that is commonly circulated and have found a few that practice true medicine, but many propose wild cures as a generic answer to all of humanity's ills.

Let me go on record now as saying that herbalism and conventional medicine are essential. Extremes in either are foolish. Conventional medicines are many times derived from herbs, and a true herbalist would never counter or challenge sound medical advice. In fact, many MDs are now recognizing the validity of holistic medicine and are recommending some types of herbs as an alternative to pharmaceuticals. When working together, the results can often be astounding.

Herb Reference

Each month, for those on my mailing list, I will be featuring a different herb. I'm working hard to finish the Cross Reference (explained below), then I can begin a newsletter. It will be via snail-mail, however. So I'm asking for a Membership Fee to help me cover postage costs. Meanwhile, I'm compiling the addresses of those wanting the information and will just start sending out the newsletters as soon as I can.

Through the years I have kept track of the information and lessons passed on to me, so I have compiled my own working text book. It's now hundreds of pages long with herbs and remedies from around the world. In addition to exchanging information and remedies with other Native herbalists, I have been privileged to work with a Buddist monk and an Aboriginal medicine man.

The Herb of the Month will be all the information I have on that particular herb, including some remedies and how to prepare the raw herb for use. Via snail-mail I can provide you with fully formatted, binder-ready text.

Note Regarding Exclusions: For most, I will not include pictures of herbal plants or any of the traditional Native prayers as may be applicable. As far as pictures and plant information, the texts available are exhaustive and readily available. As for traditional prayers, they are for Native herbalists to pass on to their students and not for demonstration of "coolness."

There is so much wealth and beauty in all cultures. Rather than trying to become what you are not, learn more about what the Great Good Creator has made you to be -- and in so doing, you can better appreciate the wisdom and beauty of others!

Herbal Cross-Reference

Whenever I'm at a pow-wow or some other activity where I am selling my remedies, the questions most frequently asked (other than for recommendations for ailments), is for help in identifying a particular herb by its common or local name.

This cross-reference will be alphabetized by all of the names I am aware of for any particular herb. Clicking on the name you will be forwarded to the information regarding that herb. This information will include it's Latin name, a listing of all the names it is known by (or at least that I am aware of), and some general information regarding the herb. This will make it easier for you to find what you're looking for!

Herbalist Teachers

If you are interested in becoming an herbalist -- whether Conventional or Traditional -- please keep these things in mind. A true herbalist does not dibble and dabble. This is a very serious venture that requires enormous personal sacrifices of time and money.

If your interest is conventional, you can either subscribe to any number of publications and acquire an unlimited number of texts to study, or you can enroll into course work through various universities. In my site, References and Referrals, are some schools and texts that feature herbalist course work, and some can even teach through e-mail.

If your interest if traditional, it is recommended that you learn about the type of herbalism that is unique to your culture. There are traditional teachers in every culture on this planet, and amazingly enough, these traditional teachers are not always in their ancestral homeland. Traditional teachers always teach those who can work with them on a person-to-person basis. If your interest is traditional, I can only recommend that you keep your eyes and ears peeled, keep your intent clear, and make your desire known to others. Traditional teachers have a way of appearing when you least expect!

Closing Statements

I hope this site can help you. My primary intent was to provide information to anyone -- herb user and/or herbalist. I also hope to assist those interested in self-medicating to NOT cause new problems because of misdirected use or drug interaction. Herbs are drugs and some will not react well to certain pharmaceutical medications.

I'm always happy to hear from those who have questions or comments. Thank you for visiting with me. I wish you happy days with good health!