Herbal recipes

Does anyone have a reference cite to herbal recipes? Not any thing specific per say but one to refer to.

The reason I ask is because I was researching info on passiflora incarnata and read several places that it was good for anxiety and insomnia. Just curious how much you would need to ingest to help. I know there are lots of plants like this and I'm sure I grow several of them like most people. Every where I've looked they just want to sell you pills. Why would I need to buy their pills when I grow the plants in my yard.

Catz - you probably won't find the type of site you are looking for because there are too many variables in producing medicinals. There would be a liablity with such sites and should you find one, please crossreference and double check again, all information gleaned from it.

Herbals need to be taken in the proper dosages or problems may arise. For example, the common willow is the base for aspirin. Aspirin type medicine can be derived from under the willow bark, however an incorrect dosage can cause internal bleeding.

I have many herbal reference books and like you, find pleasure in seeing how versatile the plants that I grow can be.

If you want to try the meds, I'd suggest purchasing them over the counter. The manufactured herbals are standardized. The dosages are tested and proven. Most herbal medicines are economical also.

If you want to make tinctures or use the leaves as a compress, it is less critical. The native indians used the Passiflora leaves for poultices to heal bruising and other injuries. The fruit juice was used as an eye bath.

Meanwhile, I'll suggest you enjoy the blooms. Use them to attract the butterflies and caterpillars. And did you know you can eat the fruit (seed pods) from your Passiflora? These grow wild in these woods, the pods are a bit tart, tangy and tasty.

Thanks podster. I hadn't thought about like that.

I do take caution in purchasing OTC herbals due to the fact that they are not regulated by the FDA. That is not to say that the FDA is the be all-end all though. I am very aware that 97% of the herbal manufacturers do have the exact amounts of said active ingredients posted on their label. We did a test at work one year when we were slow and sent in several different ones to the lab for testing. None of the ones we sent in had the amount of active ingredients claimed on their label. This is not considered false advertisement because there are no government regulations in place for herbal treatments. There are some that do claim to have proof of studies proving their validity, but those are few.
The correct dosage is what I ultimately 'need' I suppose. One of the sites said to use 200mg. What makes up 200mg? 2 leaves? A flower? This is mostly for my own curiosity and 'useless knowledge'. I will not likely make up anything on my own. I am insatiable when it comes to 'useless knowledge' though. I love all things and how/why they work.
Does that make sense?

Oh yea, podster I have read that the fruit can be eaten, but I have yet to try it. Everywhere I've read it says that the fruit is yellow when ripe. Mine don't seem to make it to the yellow stage. They always fall when they are still green. Does this mean that my plant is lacking in something?

Makes absolute sense to me. I share your thirst for useless knowledge. LOL That interest has me growing some different plants that are herbal. Vitex, Scutellaria (skullcap), licorice, roselle and soapwort are a few.

I find your comments on the herbal ingredients interesting. I had read that standardized herbals are at least consistant dosages. I realize not being regulated leaves the field wide open but really hate to see the FDA get involved either.

From The Encyclopedia of Herbs & Herbalism ~ P. incarnata ~ contra-indications Sedative. To be taken only
under medical supervision.

The Herbal Drugstore states the typical dosage: 1 cup of tea before bedtime (steep 1/2 teaspoon of dried herb in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes); or 20 to 40 drops of tincture in water before bedtime. With the warning not to take this with MAO antidepressants.

Rodales Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs says 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried herb steeped in a cup of boiling water. Drink the tea every three or four hours.

I find no recommendations for dosages, sorry. I do believe if I were inclined to experiment, I'd dry the leaves and flowers and use in tea. If you should do that, please let me know how it tastes and works?

I'm not afraid to say I don't know.

I don't grow it but the birds have planted volunteers under the power lines on our driveway. It is growing out in the woods without my help.

A friend had brought me the fruit to try as he knew I have an interest in plants. I don't recall it being yellow but everything I am reading says it yellows too.

Has your plant reseeded from the dropping seed pods? Have you harvested those seed and sprouted them?

If I should get up the nerve to try it I will certainly let you know how it tastes :)

I share your feelings about the FDA getting involved as well. Thanks for the references ;)

I have had several volunteers, I don't know for certain that they are from dropped seeds, but I do suspect that is where they have come from. It is a very prolific vine isn't it ;)

Yes, but it is a hard vine to dislike when it surprises me with those beautiful blooms.

I was looking for possible suggested dosages and found a site from the Natl Library of Medicine/Natl Institute of Health. Interesting information here. I get easily sidetracked. 8 )

ihttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/871.html#Dosage