Digging up some healing herbs

By Larissa Marceau Photos by Kari Hill

Dreary weather has arrived and brought with it illnesses ranging from colds to influenza. Many students simply take an Advil, but others have turned to a more natural alternative — herbs.

“My mom got me started,” said senior Amy Smith, who uses herbs like Valarian to help her sleep. “I think it’s better (than traditional medicines) for your body.”

Herbs can be taken not only to help cure sickness, but to prevent it.

“I take it (Echinacea) all the time, and I’ve never gotten a cold,” said junior Stacie Phillips.

Stores such as Withey’s Health Foods, Full Circle Herb Farm or Swan Valley Herbs offer information about herbs to ensure a person is taking the medicine correctly. A professional can help determine what to buy, said herbalist Tom Tracy of Swan Valley Herbs.

“People come in and describe their symptoms, then I am able to decide what they should take,” said Tracy, who collects most of 250 varieties of herbs in the woods with his apprentice.

Tracy said herbs have been used far longer than more modern antibiotics. He uses herbs because he says there are no side-effects.

“A major problem is that antibiotics are prescribed when they are not needed,” said Tracy. “Antibiotics can have negative effects, but it’s really hard to get hurt by herbs.”

Herbs are a good remedy for people who fear over-prescription of modern drugs.

“I think (herbs) are a good idea,” said Phillips. “With all the mutated viruses, it’s better not to run to the doctor every time you sniffle.”

Apprentice herbalist Larry Oursland at work

Herbalist Tom Tracy recommends trying these herbs for seasonal ailments:

• Echinacea to help prevent colds and strengthen the immune system.

• Valarian to promote sleep and  relaxation.

• St. Johns Wort to clear up viruses.

• Yarrow to remedy colds and flus, and also to purify blood and open pores.

• Cedar Leaf  to strengthen the immune system and help rid the body of harmful bacteria.

growing a garden

• Warm weather is fast approaching; now is the time to start planting herbs at home. Here is a quick lesson on getting started.

• First, decide what types of plants you want. Start with plants that you will actually use. Some suggestions are rosemary, sage or mint. If you buy your plants be sure they are healthy to begin with. And remember that plants purchased from larger companies are often started in warmer climates and will not be able to survive in Montana.

• Plants being started from seed should begin in January. Seeds should be put outside in May or June.

• Plants must be started inside and slowly weaned outside where they can eventually be left to grow.

• Herbs don’t need rich soil (sterile soil is suggested) and prefer to not be given lots of food. Excess food will make your plants green, but they will lack flavor. Like most plants, herbs need lots of light.

• Once you have grown herbs if you wish to dry them do so by hanging the parts of the plants you want upside down, or use a dehydrator.

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