HEALING HERBOLOGY AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Chapter 96

We will be looking at the various methods of healing within Herbology. This chapter will give you a basic outline of what healing Herbology means, as well as some important safety information. It is essential that you understand the information in this lesson – Herbology can go very wrong if you are not competent in the field, and careful! Why Heal with Herbology? Ah, the Gardening Effect again! If I had a knut for every time I heard this question among Wizarding families! Just because muggles utilize plants in their medicines, doesn’t mean that we can’t too! In fact, we did it first! Before the Statute of Secrecy nearly all who worked in the medicinal trade were of Wizarding blood. While charms and other spells are used for healing, what people really remember are the potions and plants Healers (Doctors, Medicine men/women, Physicians, Shamans) Herbal medicines are preparations containing exclusively plant material. Their efficacy can be tested in clinical trials much like with synthetic drugs. However, numerous methodological and logistical problems exist. For several herbal medicines, efficacy has been established. For many others this is not the case, mostly because the research has not been done. Many consumers believe that herbal medicines are natural and therefore are safe to use. This is a very dangerous simplification to make. Some herbal medicines are associated with toxicity, others interact with synthetic drugs. The often under-regulated quality of herbal medicines amounts to another safety issue: contamination or adulteration of herbal medicines are possible and can cause harm. In order to conduct a risk-benefit analysis of a specific herbal medicine for a specific indication, we require definitive efficiency and safety data. This is currently the case for only very few such preparations. It follows that, in order to advise consumers responsibly, the gaps in our present knowledge require filling. For example, the common herb of Garlic (Allium sativum). It has the ability to lower cholesterol, prevent/treat colds (and some other infections); however, garlic also increases the risk of bleeding if a person is also consuming something which works as a blood-thinner. It is important to have a complete understanding of the herb and situation when using a plant for healing purposes. It is for this reason that I warn you with the greatest possible caution: never consume a herbal remedy without consulting a Herbologist or Healer. I know some of the information you learn this year will be very exciting, but it is important that you confer with knowledgeable authorities before using these herbs for yourself or others you know. Proper certification should be available from the person you refer to for statistics and recommendations. Another reason it is important to have a consultation with a Healer and/or Herbologist is about the dosage. You know how your mother always tells you to eat your vegetables and drink your milk? That is because of their nutritional value. It is important to get enough nutrients in your body each day. Not too much and not too little. The same goes with plants. Also, beware of the plants! When working with many plants, dragonhide gloves and other protective equipment may be necessary. As you interact with more dangerous plants, it is a good idea to have: · Your wand · Dragonhide gloves · An apron · Closed-toe shoes · A mask · Tight clothing · Antidotes or a friend nearby in case something goes wrong What About Healing? Since the focus of this chapter is healing, we might as well get into the basics of the subject. First of all, healing is an important part of working our way through life. Wizards with a magical upbringing, if you asked your mom or dad how many times you needed a healing spell or some essence of dittany growing up, the number would probably be too high to remember. Muggleborns… I am sure none of you remember how many “band aids” you have had put on you. Sometimes when we are hurt we don’t need a spell or medical treatment. Having a good night’s rest, drinking lots of water, and eating healthy food also helps our bodies recover. The word heal has been in the English language for a long time, and in Old English was spelled hǽlan. The etymology of the word goes back to Old Germanic, and literally means “to be made whole.” This implies that when we are in need of healing, we are not whole. Think about a time when you’ve caught a cold or had a fever. You aren’t really yourself anymore are you? I know when I am sick I don’t want to get out of bed, and taking care of all the flowers I love is just too much. I have to call on one of my brothers to come take care of me and my plants! Ailments don’t just occur in the body. You probably know someone who has a mental illness, or may even have one yourself. Depression, anxiety, and eating disorders are affecting society at an unfathomable rate. These illnesses are not a one-spell-cures-all sort of deal. While there are plants and potions that can help, mental illnesses take a great deal of time and effort (not only from the person who has the ailment, but those around the person too!) to overcome. If you know someone (or are someone) who has a mental illness it is important to reach out to loved ones and find support with healers, mediwitches, and other trained health professionals. Things get better. I know. Basically, there are three main types of ailments that can be healed with plants. Interior physical, exterior physical, and mental ailments. Usually, when someone is sick, plants can only be a part of the healing process. Cuts, scrapes, and bruises may have quick fixes, but headaches, fevers, and mental illnesses have exterior causes that need to be found and understood in order for the progress made by plants to be of any use. If you are getting a headache because you haven’t eaten all day, having a tea or potion will temporarily dispel the headache, but the headache is just a symptom of you needing to get something to eat! If I don’t take allergy medicine, I am going to have fever symptoms, but it is important to deal with my allergies! And like I said before, your body will make you feel it if you aren’t getting enough sleep, water, and proper food.