Identification, collection and preparation of medicinal plants
Identification
Make sure that you know exactly which plant to use to treat a
problem. The names of plants vary from one place to another. Different plant
species may have the same local name. The botanical name of each plant used in
these manuals is given with each remedy, except for the most common plants. Here
are some things to check to make sure you use the right plant.
Type of plant
· Approximate size of the
plant.
· Type: tree, woody, shrub, vine,
grass.
· The position of flower or fruit in
the plant (such as on the ton of stem. in the branches).
Leaves
· Approximative size
· Shape (number of leaflets or lobes, with ridges or
not) and color.
· Texture (smooth or rough,
with hair or not).
· Position and arrangement
of the
Leaves
Flowers
· Type of flower; type of
inflorescence.
· Size, color and shape of
flowers and bud.
Flowers
Fruits
· Approximate size.
· Shape, color when young or ripe.
· Seed present or not.
· Size, shape and color of seeds.
Fruits
Bark
· Present or not.
· Color and texture (smooth or rough).
Collection
Know which materials to collect and what time to collect them.
The content of the active ingredient may depend on the plant part, stage of
growth, season of harvest, method of handling during collection, physical
condition of its collection place and storage.
Leaves and stems are best collected during daytime and when the
plant is about to bloom.
Flowers that have a smell are best collected when the flower
buds are just about to open and in the morning when the sun is still low. Other
flowers should be collected when they are in full bloom. Sometimes, collection
should be done in batches since flowers do not bloom at the same time.
Unless the recipe says that unripe fruits will be used, fruits
should be collected when they are ripe. Fleshy fruits which deteriorate rapidly
should be gathered when they are somewhat ripe, preferably in the early morning
or at nightfall.
Seeds are usually collected from thoroughly ripened fruits. Some
dry-textured fruits fall off the plant or split open easily when fully ripened.
As a result, seeds are easily scattered and lost. It is advisable to collect
such fruits as soon as they start ripening.
Barks should be collected when the plants are in bloom or in
vigorous growth. Barks should be collected from the trunk and branches.
Roots and other underground parts (e.g., rhizome, rootstock,
stem tuber, bulb and stolon) are best collected when the plant is in full
growth.
# Reminder
Avoid collecting plants in a way that kills the plant or damages
its surroundings. Before collecting any, determine first how much of the plant
and what parts are needed to prevent wastage. Collect only the plant parts you
need. For instance, if you need only the leaves, take only the leaves and only
the number that you need. Medicinal plants should be conserved to ensure their
continuous supply.
After collection
Sorting and cleaning
Clean plant parts of soil and dust.
Plants that may have been exposed to pesticides should not be
used. If you have no other choice, they should be washed properly in clear
water. Clean and wash plants as quickly as possible to avoid damaging them.
Drying
Air-drying is the best way of drying herbal plants. Drying at
high temperatures will destroy plant ingredients. Spread the plant materials
thinly and evenly over an old newspaper, a bamboo mat, or chicken-wire screen.
Put in the shade until the materials are dry. Drying can be done through
artificial heat, especially in the rainy season. Heating devices vary from one
place to another.
Cutting, trimming, grinding, chopping
These are done for various reasons:
· To increase the
efficacy of the plants materials.
· To allow
more active ingredients to go into the preparation.
· To reduce the toxicity or adverse effects of certain
drugs.
· To shorten the duration of
drying.
· To make the plant material more
convenient to store.
Storing
Medicinal plants should be properly stored to preserve their
quality. Otherwise, they may be attacked by insects, mites and fungus. Storage
can also ensure the continuous supply and availability of the materials whenever
they are needed. Dried plants should be kept in covered plastic containers or
bottles. These should be covered tightly and kept in a cool, dry place away from
sunlight. Label the container properly with the name of the plant and the date
when it was collected. Do not use any stored herbal plant which has molds or is
discolored.
Preparing herbal medicine
Plant materials can be either fresh or dry, depending on the
need and preparation. If dried plants are to be used as a substitute for fresh
parts, adjust the quantity or the weight since water is lost during drying.
Decoction
Boil the plant parts in water, preferably for 15-20 minutes from
the time the water has started boiling. Some healers recommend boiling the plant
materials until the original volume of the water is reduced to one half. Some
plants are soaked or moistened. Ideally, plant materials should be decocted
twice in order to extract their active ingredients thoroughly. Strain or filter
the liquid either while it is still hot or after cooling.
Decoction
Infusion
Pour hot or cold water onto the fresh or dry plant material and
allow it to stand. Cover the preparation tightly to stop important ingredients
from being lost. The length of time needed to prepare an infusion depends on the
type of plant material and whether the water is hot or cold. In general, hot
infusions need to stand for only 5-15 minutes; cold infusions may require up to
24 hours. Filter the preparation (and allow hot liquid to cool) before
administering to the sick animal.
Infusion
Powder
Pound and grind the dried plant materials into coarse,
intermediate or fine particle sizes. Sift the powder (once or several times)
through coarse or fine sieves to get the required particle size.
Powder
Juice
Pound the fresh plant materials, then pass them through a
cheesecloth or any fine piece of cloth in order to get the juice. Or you may
just squeeze the plant parts to extract the juice.
Juice
Poultice or paste
A poultice is a moist, semisolid preparation which is applied
directly on the skin. Prepare it by grinding the plant materials (either fresh
or dry), sometimes with a little oil, water, molasses, honey, or other liquids.
Poultice or paste
Bolus
A bolus is made by pounding fresh or dried plant material' and
adding sufficient binding agent such as honey or molasses. Roll it or shape it
with your hand to make a round or oval ball
Bolus
