98 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TOALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
The Absolute Minimum
■ Plants are the original pharmaceuticals. Herbal therapies seek a return to the
unprocessed curative properties of plants.
■ Plant components called phytonutrients are believed to be the source of the
healing properties of herbs.
■ Herbal preparations can be administered in the form of raw herbs, tinctures,
extracts, or even poultices. Care should be taken with all herbal therapies,
though, as many plants can have toxic side effects or trigger allergic
reactions.Resources
■ American Botanical Council
http://www.herbalgram.org
■ American Herbalists Guild
http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com
■ East/West School of Herbology
http://www.planetherbs.com
■ FDA Consumer Information Line
http://www.fda.gov
■ HerbaSway
http://www.herbasway.com
■ Herb Research Foundation
http://www.herbs.org