The mushroom is edible but advise is not to consume any alcohol for several days before and after eating it since it can cause nausea and hot flashes. It is referred to as having the same effects as the drug Disulfram and Antabuse used in therapy for alcoholism. While I have selected some of the most commonly appearing herbs for this presentation, you may have noted that many of them have several beneficial effects on the organs of digestion and excretion. Perhaps this is nature's poignant way of drawing our attention to the importance of maintaining healthy, efficient functioning of these systems required to rid the body of harmful toxins and wastes. Harvesting and handling herbs - a very important concern for all involved in herbal therapeutics and collection.
Courses are available at most herbal colleges in Canada.
A well illustrated book or two is a helpful, necessary companion. Naming herbs - both the common and Latin names should be used to differentiate species. The Latin name is distinctive. Locations to harvest - never in areas treated with herbicides, pesticides or other contaminants, such as lawns, fields, and roadsides. Time of collection - this may be spring, summer, fall or winter depending on the parts to be gathered.