Safety & Ethics

This module documents traditional plant knowledge for educational and research purposes. It is not medical advice.

Important Considerations#

• Consult qualified practitioners before using any traditional herbal remedy
• Many plants are pharmacologically active and can interact with medications
• Traditional dosage knowledge was transmitted through apprenticeship, not text — written descriptions are incomplete
• Sacred plants may require proper ceremonial context and spiritual preparation
• Legal status varies — some plants (iboga, peyote, ayahuasca) are controlled substances in certain jurisdictions
• Sustainability — many traditional plants are endangered due to over-harvesting and habitat loss
• Cultural sovereignty — traditional knowledge belongs to the communities that developed it