H: Herbal Medicines

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and

TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. Also visit the IWSG blog and enjoy some inspiration for A to Z writers.

Even though I recently lost both my fantasy publishers due to their closing, I consider myself a writer of epic fantasy. Epic fantasy nearly always takes place in medieval settings. Think Game of Thrones like living conditions. During those times, many medical treatments involved the use of herbal medicines. To infuse my novels with elements of realism, I often use The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines by Charles Fetrow and Juan R. Avila. I've had this book on my desk for years and refer to it often. During medieval times, many health remedies involved the use of herbal medicines, often served as teas. Some herbal teas were imbibed daily for good health and the same is true today. This comprehensive book lists over 300 herbal remedies.

Under each listing is a short history of where it was first used, a list of what people use it for, how they use it the the dosage, possible side effects, other names for the listing and what actual scientific research says about it. Many of the listings give warnings of the danger of using that herb or plant. So if your novel includes a poisoning, Herbal Medicines would give you some ideas. And one of my favorite parts of this book is the index. I can look up an ailment such as fever or rash and it will give me a list of herbs to check out to treat that illness. Quick and easy reference. I highly recommend this book if you're writing anything that involves herbal cures and potions.

Lesson: Use reference books to add realism to your writing. Don't make things up. Lots of people use herbal teas and treatments. Someone will spot your mistakes.

If you have questions or just want to shout out what a great time you're having on A to Z, you can stop by Twitter today from 1-2 pm or 8-9 pm and join the conversation at #azchat or #atozchallenge.

I hope it's finally safe to mention the weather.

"Snow and adolescence are the only problems that disappear if you ignore them long enough." Earl Wilson (not sure I agree with ignoring adolescence but it is a little funny)

Do you use any herbal remedies or drink any herbal tea? Do you have remedies passed down from your grandparents? Ever spot a mistake a writer made that could have been avoided by using a little research? Think Wilson's quote is good parenting advice?