What is Materia Medica?
The Latin phrase “materia medica” means “healing materials.” Materia Medica is a collection of knowledge that that has been added to for thousands of years, from ancient times to modern, describing how plants have been used therapeutically throughout the ages. Many herbalists keep a materia medica of their own experiences with the botanical beings of this world. It’s like joining in on a 60,000 year conversation.

The Flaws of Materia Medica
So much of herbal history has been lost and tangled in time. Western Herbalism is based on ancient herbal practices that have been brought to the western world. Today, it’s almost impossible to identify a the true origins of a particular remedy or wellness practice.

Note: Below is my personal Materia Medica. A majority of the information comes from the two books referenced below and personal experience.
Any additional references will be cited in text.

-Holmes, Peter. The Energetics of Western Herbs: a Materia Medica Integrating Western and Chinese Herbal Therapeutics. Snow Lotus Press, 2007.
-Skenderi, Gazmend. Herbal Vade Mecum: 800 Herbs, Spices, Essential Oils, Lipids, Etc., Constituents, Properties, Uses, and Caution. Herbacy Press, 2004.