In the age of global trade and commerce, it has became convenient and cheaper to use herbal products from outside our ecosystem. Herbs grown and harvested in other nations, that lack the labor and environmental regulations that are in place here, can cost a fraction of what it would cost to produce them here. So why use local herbs at such a price?

As a practicing clinical herbalist, I wrestle with this issue. Chinese herbs are available quite inexpensively and often have no local replacements that I understand. The issues with Chinese herbs grown today include abuse of worker rights, chemical contamination, heavy metal contamination and the unsustainable use of endangered species. The Chinese Medical industry is evolving in terms of heavy metal and contaminant testing, but the organic standards and labor practices are still in their inception. Going back to the roots of Chinese Medicine, we understand the medicine comes from aligning our health with the natural world. The ancient doctors all used local herbs, long before the advent of the modem commercialized herb trade. In the earlier traditions, there was a living relationship with the herbal medicines used that both strengthened the community, the land and the individual. This is the medicine that we seek to reconnect with.

Using local herbs, we know the source and have a better understanding of the environment that they are grown in, both human and ecological. Ecologically, it is a more efficient process as the herbs do not have to be shipped long distances. Clinically, we have found a large resonance between the conditions most commonly seen in our area and the medicinal uses of the most commonly occurring herbs, both native and introduced. On a deeper level, we feel that the local herbs have an important message to the people that live in our watershed. The teachings of the plants surpasses just treating disease, but encompasses a sense of well being and a greater health that comes from a relationship with the land that surrounds us.

My abiding love for the herbs that I interact with in my local ecosystem brings me joy that I hope I can share. Join us in claiming our birthright of health that comes when we move deeper in harmony with the natural world that surrounds us.

Analgesic - relieves pain

Anodyne - strong pain reliever Anthelmintic - dispels parasites

Antibacterial - kills or prohibits the growth of bacteria Antidepressant - relieves depression

Antifungal - prohibits the growth of fungus

Antihistamine - reduces and/or inhibits the release of histamine produced by the body Anti-inflammatory - reduces inflammation

Antilithic - reduces or dissolves mineral buildup, i.e. stones

Antimicrobial - kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms Antipyretic - reduces fevers

Antirheumatic - relieves painful joints and muscles

Antiseptic - cleans and prevents the growth of microorganisms Antispasmodic - relieves and/or stops spasms

Antithrombotic - prevents and/or lowers the chance of blood clots; may thin the blood

Antitumor - reduces and/or prevents tumor growth

Antitussive - relieves and/or reduces coughing

Antiviral - kills or inhibits the growth of viruses

Aromatic - containing volatile oils

Astringent - tightens membranes and/or dries secretions

Bitter tonic - stimulates and/or normalizes the flow of digestive secretions

Bitter - stimulating flavor of plants on the digestive system.

Cardiac relaxant - relaxes peripheral arteries, relieving back-pressure on the valves

Carminative - relieves intestinal gas and nausea

Cholagogue - promotes the flow of bile from the liver

Circulatory stimulant - increases circulation usually by dilating the peripheral arteries

Demulcent - soothes internal membranes

Detoxifying - reduces toxins with in the body

Diaphoretic - increases rerspiration, either by:

1. dilating the peripheral blood vessels
2. directly stimulating by drug action the nerves that affect the sweat glands
3. introducing a volatile oil into the bloodstream that performs both tasks
   *Herbal/Medical Dictionary -11iichael Morre Diuretic - increases the flow of urine, either by relaxing the bladder, or by irritating the tissues

Emmenagogue - stimulates the uterus, normalizes the female reproductive system

Emollient - soothes external membranes

Expectorant - promotes the discharge of mucus from the lungs

Febrifuge - reduces and/or eliminates fevers

Galactagogue - increases milk production in nursing mothers

Hemostatic - stops or slows internal and/or external bleeding Hepatic - pertaining to the liver, a direct effect on the liver, often in reference, either, to strengthening the liver or to the term hepatoprotective

Hypnotic - induces sleep

Hypoglycemic - pertaining to hypoglycemia; a direct effect on blood sugar levels

Hypotensive - lowers high blood pressure

Immune stimulant - increases the body’s immune response, by increasing white blood cell production Laxative- promotes bowel action

Nervine - calms and/or nourishes the nerves

Peripheral vasodilator - dilates the peripheral circulatory system

Refrigerant - acts as a coolant to the body

Sedative - calms motor-nerve activity

Stimulant - stimulates motor-nerve activity

Thyroid tonic - promotes proper functioning of the thyroid

Tonic - improves a specific body system and/or the body as a whole

Vasoconstrictor - constricts the peripheral circulatory system

VulnPrarv - iuniind bpal;Tia

Common Names:
Wild Lettuce, Acrid Lettuce, Bitter Lettuce, Lactucanum, Poison Lettuce, Poor Man’s Opium, Prickly Lettuce

Latin Name:
Lactuca altissima

Family Name:
Asteraceae - Aster / Sunflower family

Functions:
Analgesic, anodyne, antitussive, diuretic, expectorant, galactagogue, hypnotic, hypoglycemic, sedative

TCM Functions:

1. Relieves pain
   * headaches, muscular pain, visceral pain, colic
2. Calms the mind and relieves anxiety & irritability
   * insomnia, anxiety, irritability in all conditions, esp. Heart Yin deficiency
   * floating yang: headache, muscle tension, spasms
3. Cools the Lung, activates the Qi, stops cough and relieves pain
   * Lung heat with Qi accumulation, with wheeze, dry cough, chest oppression
   * cough and pain in general
4. Promotes urination and drains water-damp
   * Spleen damp with edema

Therapeutics:
Used for anxiety, bronchitis, cough, hyperactivity, insomnia, pain, restlessness and whooping cough.

Notes:
Wild Lettuce is an excellent pain reliever in that it is safe, effective and non-addictive. Wild Lettuce or “Lettuce opium” was widely used before the advent of synthetic pain medications and still has an excellent place in our pharmacy today. Many modern pain medications have a host of side effects running from constipation and insomnia to long-term liver damage. Clinically, Wild Lettuce is most effective in pain conditions that are accompanied by heat and excess, patients that are hot to the touch and respond negatively to heat. Wild Lettuce has an affinity for the respiratory system that makes it a useful remedy for long-term painful coughs with yellow phlegm.

Contraindications:
Avoid in cases of Allergic Hypersensitivity to plants in the Asteraceae family. Avoid use with sedatives and drugs with sedative effects including alpha-blockers, beta-blockers, anesthetics, analgesics and tricyclic antidepressants. Excessive doses may cause insomnia.

Common Names:
Uva ursi, Arbutus, Arberry, Bear’s Grape, Bearberry, Chipmunk’s Apples, Hog Cranberry, Kinnikinnick, Mealberry, Mountain Box, Mountain Cherry, Mountain Cranberry, Red Bearberry, Rockberry, Sandberry, Upland Cranberry Latin Name: 4rctostaphylos uva-ursi

Family Name:
Ericaceae - Heath family

Functions:
Anti-inflammatory, antilithic, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, vasoconstrictor

TCM Functions:

1. Clears damp heat and reduces inflammation
   * Bladder damp heat; frequent painful urination, genital discharge, venereal disease
   * Large intestine damp heat; dysentery, colitis, painful and urgent defecation
2. Promotes astriction and stops discharge
   * Blood in the urine, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, canker sores
3. Tonifies Bladder Qi
   * Bedwetting, urinary stones, prostitutes, seminal emissions, vaginal discharge, post-urinary dripping, low back pain

Therapeutics:
Used for bedwetting, bladder stones, urinary and bladder infections, bronchitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, incontinence, painful urination, pulmonary edema, urethritis.

Note:
Uva Ursi is the most commonly used herb for acute urinary tract infections. It is important that when treating urinary tract infections with herbal medicine to keep the patient on an alkaline diet, have them avoid sugar and have concurrent professional medical advice.

Tradition:
In Latin Uva means `grape’ and Ursi means `of the bear’. The plant was first documented in The Physicians ofMyddfai, a 130′ century Welsh herbal.

UpS Alternatives:
Use cultivated Uva ursi as an analog for endangered species Pipsissewa (Chimaphila spp.)

Contraindications:
Uva Ursi is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the fact that it promotes contractions and can initiate labor. Uva Ursi is generally not used in children as it is a fairly potent remedy.

Common Names:
Usnea, Old Man’s Beard, Sung-Lo, Song-Lo, Sun Lo Latin Name: Usnea barbata

Family Name:
Usneaceae - Lichen family

Functions:
Antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, antiviral, expectorant, hemostatic

TCM Functions:

1. Clears Heat and reduces toxicity and drains damp
   * Respiratory infections, painful skin conditions
   * Fungal and bacterial infections; athlete’s foot, urinary tract infections, sinus infections, strep throat, bronchitis, ringworm
2. Relieves Lung Qi constraint
   * Coughing with yellow sputum, sore chest, bronchitis , asthma
3. Promotes tissue regeneration
   * Ulcers, eczema, cervical erosion, recovery from surgery, burns

Therapeutics:
Used for bacterial infections, bronchitis, candida, diarrhea, dysentery, flu, lupus, pneumonia, staphylococcus, and sinusitis.

Note:
Usnea is a key herb for the treatment of pathology residing in the mucous membranes. Clinically, we have found Usnea extremely effective in treating upper respiratory infections and asthma, especially when the conditions are aggravated from air pollution. Modern research points to the fact that Usnea may be more effective than penicillin in inhibiting the growth of streptococcus, pneumococcus, and various strains of tuberculosis.

Tradition:
Usnea is a lichen found residing in the branches of pine trees around the world. The Doctrine of Signatures denotes the resemblance of the usnea thallus to the tissues of the lung. Usnea works much like an air-filter in the forest, cleaning the air and strengthening the overall health of the forest.

UpS Alternatives:
Use Usnea as an analog to endangered species Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and endangered species Goldentread (Coptis sp.).

Contraindications:
Contraindicated in pregnancy by traditional use.

Common Names:
St. John’s Wort, Amber, Fendigedig, Goat Weed, Hardhay, Herbe de la St. Jean, Klamath Weed, Johnswort, Johannaskraut, St. Joan’s Wort, St. John’s Grass, Tipton Weed, Qian Ceng Lou

Latin Name:
Hypericum perforatum

Family Name:
Hypericaceae - St. John’s Wort family

Functions:
Alterative, anodyne, antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, cholagogue, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, sedative, vulnerary

TCM Functions:

1. Activates the Qi, releases constraint and relieves pain
   * Liver-Spleen disharmony, Liver Qi constraint with dysmenorrhea
   * bedwetting, menstrual cramps, painful urination, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression, fatigue
2. Transforms phlegm, dispels wind and stops spasms
   * wind-phlegm channel obstruction with spasms, muscle tension, neuralgic pains
3. Transforms Heart phlegm-damp, restores the mind, and relieves depression
   * Heart phlegm-damp obstruction with depression, sleep disorders, psychosis
4. Stops bleeding and dispels wind-damp-heat in the skin (topical & internal use)
   * cold sores, herpes, chicken pox, skin rashes.
5. Reduces contusion, swelling, heat and pain (topical & internal use)

Therapeutics:
Used for AIDS/HIV, anxiety, cough, depression, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, fatigue, flu, gout, grief, herpes, hydocephalus, incontenence, insomnia, irritability, jaundice, menopause, neuralgia, rheumatism, SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), ulcers and viral infections.

Notes:
Today, St. John’s Wort is the primary drug or herb used in Europe to treat mild depression and nervous tension. The herb has been shown effective in numerous double-blind studies to have both anti-depressant and sleep-regulating functions. St. John’s Wort initially was theorized to be effective through selective serotonin uptake reinhibition, like many of the popular antidepressants. This pathway has been disproved, and my personal theory is that St. John’s Wort effects serotonin balance through adjusting the body’s sensitivity to light. Clinically, depression has also been shown to be treated through increased exposure to natural light sources. Clinically, we have also found St. John’s Wort an effective remedy for bedwetting in children, especially when the children are undergoing stressful life circumstances. One case in particular, involving a Spinabifida child, saw significant improvement with urinary incontinence on a low, regular dosage. Much to our surprise, we have created a following of individuals that keep an emergency bottle of St. John’s Wort tincture handy, for bruises, acne, hives, and many other miscellaneous mishaps.

Tradition:
St. John’s Wort blooms around the time of the summer solstice, and in medieval Europe it was considered to have powerful magical properties in the Wise Woman tradition. It was a common remedy in the Middle Ages for the treatment of “bad spirits”. The name Saint John’s Wort is also said to be in honor of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem who used this herb to treat battlefield wounds. A Native Indian custom was to dry the plant and grind it into a meal, and were also known to eat the fresh leaves for their soothing effect.

UpS Alternatives:
Use St. John’s Wort as an analog to endangered species Lomatium (Lomatium dissectum) and endangered species Arnica (Arnica sp.)

Contraindications:
Avoid in pregnancy due to its emmenagogue and abortifacient effects. St. John’s Wort has anecdotal evidence of causing photosensitivity in light-skinned individuals. St. John’s Wort has had numerous medical studies showing that it can interfere with western pharmaceutical drugs through increasing the liver’s metabolism of the pharmaceuticals. Caution and supervision by a medical professional should be obtained if taking this herb concurrently with pharmaceuticals. An interesting addendum to the discussion of contraindications is that the majority of the major negative research against St. John’s Wort was paid for by pharmaceutical companies who manufacture anti-depressants.

Common Names:
Passion Flower, Apricot Vine, Flower of the Five Wounds, Maypop, Passiflora, Passiflore, Passionskraut, Passion Blume, Waterlemon

Latin Name:
Passiora incarnata

Family Name:
Passifloraceae - Passion flower family

Functions:
Anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, hypnotic, hypotensive, nervine, sedative

TCM Functions:

1. Calms spirit, relieves anxiety
   * tonifies heart yin and sedates floating yang. Insomnia. Palpitations, irritability, hypertension, overall muscle tension
2. Regulates the Qi and relieves constraint. Pacifies internal wind. Sedates hyperactive Liver Yang.
   * tremors, convulsions, seizures, spasms, mental/nervous tension, anxiety, agitated depression, abdominal/kidney sacral pain
3. Circulates Lung Qi and opens the chest
   *dry nervous cough, throat irritation, wheezing, whooping cough
4. Reduces inflammations
   * skin inflammations, burns, sores

Therapeutics:
Used for anger, anxiety, convulsions, dysmenorrhea, epilepsy, headache, hyperactivity, hypertension, insomnia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, muscle spasms, nervous breakdown, neuralgia, pain, Parkinson’s disease, restlessness, stress, tachycardia, toothache and whooping cough.

Notes:
Passion Flower is an amazing remedy to treat insomnia, anxiety and pain. It is specific for these conditions when the underlying disorder is due to internal wind from hyperactive Liver Yang and the corresponding symptoms of twitches, dizziness, vertigo and tinnitus (high-pitched).

Tradition:
Passion Flower’s name comes from its beautiful flowers, thought to represent Christ’s crucifixion - 5 stamens for the 5 wounds, 3 styles for the 3 nails, and white and purple-blue colors for purity and heaven.

UpS Alternatives:
Use cultivated Passion Flower as an analog for endangered species Lady’s Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium spp.) and endangered species Kava (Piper methysticum).

Contraindications:
Not for use during pregnancy due to its potential abortifacient effects.

Common Names:
Osha, Bear Medicine, Chuchupati, Colorado Cough Root, Empress of the Dark Forest,
Indian Root, Mountain Ginseng, Mountain Carrot, Nipo, Porters Lovage, Wild Lovage

Latin Name:
Ligusticum porteri

Family Name:
Apiaceae - Parsley Family

Functions:
Anesthetic, antibacterial, antihistamine, antiviral, aromatic, carminative, circulatory
stimulant, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hypotensive, immune stimulant

TCM Functions:

1. Releases the exterior, dispels wind-cold and opens the sinuses
   * Lung wind-cold with cough, sinus congestion
2. Expels phlegm, regulates the Qi and stops coughing
   * Lung phlegm-cold with sputum, cough, wheeze
3. Warms the Spleen-Stomach and relieves pain
   * Spleen-Stomach cold with abdominal pain, stomach ulcers
4. Warms the uterus and promotes menstruation
   * uterus cold with amenorrhea

Therapeutics:
Used for allergies, amenorrhea, bronchitis, catarrh, colds, cough, emphysema, fever,
flatulence, flu, herpes, indigestion, rheumatism and sore throat.

Notes:
Osha is strongly antibacterial and antiviral. It is an incredible remedy for most upper respiratory infections, especially coughs accompanied by chills and an aversion to wind. Osha is also a strong medicine for digestive complaints and skin infections.

Tradition:
Osha grows high up in the mountains in the run-off from snowmelt, flourishing above 7000 feet. Osha was one of the major plant medicines of any tribe who had access to where it was grown, it in considered Bear medicine and used both in ritual and in healing. The natives considered the bear a primary healing animal because it used plants such as Osha for its own healing. In a controlled study, botanist and scientist Shawn Sigstedt, created a two hour video documentation of several bears interacting with Osha in a medicinal-like manner.

UpS Alternatives:
Osha is an endangered plant species, both due to the habitat destruction of high alpine ecosystems and its increased use in western herbalism. Osha is difficult to cultivate and is very much a plant of the wild. Osha’s powerful root is fairly slow growing and easily prone to over harvesting. Osha can be responsibly wildcrafted if the land is in a long-term stewardship agreement with the wildcrafter. Harvesting Osha from any but the most inaccessible public lands is irresponsible and could lead to the loss of this valuable medicinal species. As development encroaches on high alpine ecosystems, it is often possible to harvest Oshd from land that is in the path of development. Though this is responsible wildcrafting, it does little to ensure long-term viability of this species. Beware of irresponsible wildcrafting, as Osha has been confused with poison Hemlock by more than one poorly educated herbalist.

Contraindications:
Avoid during pregnancy.

Common Names:
Oregon Grape, Jaundice berry, Daruharidr, Mountain grape, Mahonia, Oregon Barberry

Latin Name:
Mahonia repens

Family Name:
Berberidaceae - Barberry family

Functions:
Alterative, Anthelmentic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, bitter tonic, hepatic, immune stimulant, laxative and a thyroid tonic

TCM Functions:

1. Promotes detoxification, clears heat, dries damp and opens the bowels
   * damp-heat in the skin with eczema, acne, psoriasis, dandruff
   * Large Intestine damp-heat (mild) with hemafecia, diarrhea
   * Stomach damp-heat with hypochondriac pain and distension, nausea, constipation, appetite loss
2. Liver/Stomach Qi stagnation
   * food allergies, subcostal pain, acid regurgitation

Therapeutics:
Used for arthritis, candida, conjunctivitis, diabetes, dysentery, eczema, herpes and staphylococcus.

Notes:
Oregon Grape contains berberine, the yellow alkaloid which is found in Goldenseal and the ‘Huang sisters’(Huang Lian, Huang Qin and Huang Bai) from the Chinese Materia Medica. Berberine has been widely researched in the Traditional Chinese Medicine for both its anti-infective properties and its ability to stimulate hepatic function. Each of the “Huang sisters’ has a specific location in the body which it is superior to the others in its ability to treat effectively. Oregon Grape is no different, it’s ability lies in treating dermatological disorders characterized by dry, inflamed skin often with cracking of the underlying skin layers.

Tradition:
The natives made a root tea prepared for use as a blood tonic, cough medicine, and for kidney ailments.

UpS Alternatives:
Oregon Grape is listed by United Plant Savers as a `to watch’ plant. Please only use organic cultivated sources or wild-crafted sources from private land that is in a long-term stewardship agreement. Use cultivated Oregon Grape as an analog for endangered species Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis).