Much of the unforgiveness we struggle with is directed at ourselves. We brood for years over what "they" did, without zoning in on the fact that we hold it against ourselves that we "fell for it" in the first place. Though it may seem our grudges against another are justified, the fact remains that underneath it lies a grudge against yourself for being played for a fool. "What was I thinking?!!" Growing beyond our own naïveté is just one of life's many learning curves whose waves we are riding, and sometimes it's a bumpy ride. So let it go for your own sake, and chalk up some wisdom earned, with sincere thanks to the petty tyrants who showed you your weak spots, but didn't manage to kill you. "Be gentle as lambs, and wise as serpents." Forgive yourself so you can move on. - Gil Headly
Notes on herbal guide for vulnerability by
ANA
Since our topic today is “Vulnerability”, I thought it apropos to talk about herbal plants that are considered vulnerable, due to over-harvesting and loss of habitat. Many of these plants are slow-growing and can also be rare or sensitive by nature, which can contribute to smaller plant populations.
Goldenseal, American Ginseng, and Black Cohosh are plants that many of us know and love for their benefits.
Unfortunately, these herbs face an uncertain future.
Most herbalists know how important it is to look out for our collective future. Some herbalists actually choose not to use these vulnerable plants in their remedies at all.
Herbalism is inextricably linked to nature, and we must protect the plants that have given so much to us.
Plants that are vulnerable include:
• American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
• Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
• Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa L.)
• Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)
• Cascara Sagrada (Frangula purshiana)
• Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
• Eyebright (Euphrasia spp.)
• False Unicorn Root (Chamaelirium luteum)
• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
• Lady’s Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium spp.)
• Lomatium (Lomatium dissectum)
• Osha (Ligusticum porteri, L. spp.)
• Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)
• Sandalwood (Santalum spp. Hawaii only)
• Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
• Sundew (Drosera spp.)
• Trillium, Beth Root (Trillium spp.)
• True Unicorn (Aletris farinosa)
• Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula)
• Virginia Snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria)
• Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa, D. spp.)
Herb Pharm is a company that I often suggest and encourage people to support as they are very conscientious of this issue. They work to help protect these plants and others is by establishing land as botanical sanctuary, which is lovingly tended by their resident Master Gardener, landscaping crew and Herbaculture interns.
Their sanctuary ensures that they’re helping protect and restore these fragile plant populations for future generations.
Another great way to use these plants responsibly is to grow your own, or find a place to harvest small amounts, always asking for permission, and making your own tinctures, infusions, or concoctions.