Endangered Herbs and Their Substitutes

   So I felt it necessary to discuss the fact that since the pharmaceutical world has taken off, believe it or not they do take from key herbs and so do people who prefer a holistic approach to medicine. The problem is that some folks are uneducated about how to harvest herbs correctly and more importantly, which ones are sensitive and on the decline.
   With that being said, I wanted to display a list of current popular herbs that are considered endangered and provide you with some substitutes you can use instead.

1. Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)- is an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and analgestic and is most useful for its ability to reduce dull aching pain. It also provides relief for the reproductive organs. It has a powerful effect on the nervous system and sedates the perception of pain. However, it is an at-risk plant. A recommended substitute is Baneberry root (Actea rubra) for relieving pain, use at a reduced dosage.
2. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)- Use Echinacea only organically cultivated. It is an immune stimulant, assisting the body to resist infection more efficiently; it is anti-microbial and increases cellular resistance to virus, and activates the macrophages that destroy both cancerous cells and pathogens. Avoid using wild Echinacea or any commercial products that use wild-crafted or wild-harvested Echinacea in their ingredients. Three species are used commercially: E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida. All three species of Echinacea are disappearing rapidly. 
3. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)- is hepatic, cholagogue, a bitter digestive stimulant, and a primary anti-microbial for acute infection. Use only when the plant's overall specific indications are absolutely required. Otherwise, use plants such as Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), or Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium), or least dilute Goldenseal whenever using it; mixing 1 part Goldenseal to 4 parts Barberry or Oregon Grape root. 
4. Pipsissewa (Chimaphilla umbellata)- is diuretic, wonderful for treating bladder infection, gravel, or a stone in the kidney. In place of Pipsissewa when treating urinary tract inflammation, substitute Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) for its excellent diuretic, antiseptic, and astringent properties. 

While there are many many more, these are some of the most popular sought for medicinal purposes. For a complete list of endangered herbs and at-risk herbs, visit the United Plant Savers website and for more information on how you can take part in protecting these herbs and plants.

http://www.unitedplantsavers.org/