Monographs … but where to begin?
You may just know that a monograph, according to Collins English Dictionary, is
(ˈmɑnəˌɡræf-ˌɡrɑːf) noun
a treatise on a particular subject as a biographical study or study of the works of one artist. A highly detailed and thoroughly documented study or paper written about a limited area of a subject or field of inquiry.
treatise on a single genus, species, etc. of plant or animal
One would think that all herbal monographs would be the same, embracing the details of an herb, from A to Z. However (!), this is not the case, and personally, I think the heterogeneity is absolutely marvelous.
Why? We each connect differently with the plants that surround us, the plants that we work with, and their spirits. Yet certainly, there are similarities found across many a monograph.
Monographs come in all shapes and sizes. Let’s talk nettle, Urtica spp. Let’s explore how different people working with Urtica present a monograph, from both within the USA and beyond.
First, let’s look at the work of Pierluigi Campidoglio of Italy. Pierluigi is associated with the Italian Chapter of Herbalists without Borders.
First, we’re introduced to the Order, Family, and genus of nettle before looking into its primary and secondary functionalities (or planetary affinities). Pierluigi then moves on to discuss taste, tropism, and humoral actions as well as clinical actions and, of course, the parts of the plant that are used. An elegant description ensues before diving into the properties of nettle – like taste and temperature, tissue phases, and nettle’s signature.
Image from Pierluigi Campidoglio Nettle Monograph - Download his full monograph here.
Pierluigi spends considerable time discussing actions and indications from a humoral perspective as well as tropism before delving into indications for the mind and multiple systems.
He goes on to describe differences between species and how nettle might be administered to an individual as well as contraindications and the care required to collect this plant. It’s an enchanting portrait of an often-used ally. I chose this monograph as an example because Pierluigi gives us a sense of this herb, as if he knows the plant personally. Indeed, he does.
This presentation is in stark contrast to a monograph of nettle offered in 2012 by the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products, an arm of the European Medicines Agency which focuses, in tablature, on the “name of the medicinal product”, its composition and pharmaceutical form, therapeutic actions, posology (that’s dosage), administration, contraindications and pharmacological properties. I find this is a very sterilized approach to plant medicine and I come away with not an ounce of feeling for the plant.
Here's another example of a monograph, offered by Thorne Research, Inc. It is a medicalized style of monograph, published in Alternative Medicine Review. The monograph came out in 2007 and contains a color image of the herb, a brief description and a section focusing on constituents and mechanisms of action as well as clinical indications. Of course, the allopathic flavor focuses on specific conditions and double blind placebo controlled trials.
Image from Thorne Research, Inc. - Download full monograph here.
While this experimental approach has saturated western science, double blind placebo controlled trials can be antithetical to a holistic approach to health- and wellness- care, if only because we do not work with every individual in the same manner. The monograph touches on benign prostatic hyperplasia, neuralgias, cardiovascular concerns, allergic rhinitis and, “other traditional uses” as well as dosing.
Additionally, there are comprehensive, reputable and highly valuable monographs available for purchase, such as those from the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia on any number of herbs, and yes, including Urtica spp.
I think what is most important when building a monograph is that it is accurate, however broad or focused the piece. I like too that a monograph embraces traditional use.
Monographs as Tools
I think of monographs as tools, valuable tools for the author. It is an enriching experience, for both mind and body to bring all that we know together in a single space in a way that accurately represents an herb. My aim is always to end up with a meaningful, useful working tool.
Some authors write for others, either as offerings for the herbal community at large, or for specific subsets. I often write monographs for myself as they help me focus my thoughts into a cohesive whole.
Writing a monograph
If a person has not written a monograph, it’s both a challenge and an opportunity rolled into one. Deciding what to include, the flavor of the monograph, whether or not it will include images (line drawings or watercolors, for example), digital prints (photographs) and if these will include near-growing neighbors, as herbs rarely grow in isolation, is also a question to ponder.
There is no single template, just as there is no single style of practicing herbalism.
Thinking of writing a monograph
If considering taking up the challenge of writing a monograph, some of the key points that are worth considering include: common name(s) as there may be many, the plant family, botanical/scientific/Latin names, parts used, whether the herb is used fresh or dried, constituents, as well as taste/energy (and this may vary by part, of course and geography).
Additional considerations include actions (again, these may vary by part), the materia medica or medical materials which refers to a particular system of herbalism, and of course, indications.
We might then think about preparations and dosage. It’s worth noting sources of recipes/formula, including country as adjustments to measurements may be necessary. How a medicinal is to be delivered is also key, for example as a decoction, poultice, tea, tincture, etc.
As someone who has an interest in the mouth, and inflammation, I’m interested in moving beyond whether or not an herb is simply “antimicrobial” as I like to know if there’s evidence (historical or contemporary) to support its use as anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, etc.
Safety considerations are key. There is oodles to consider, including whether or not there are herb-herb interactions, herb-drug interactions, health status interactions (eg pregnancy/lactation), not to mention personal allergies and sensitivities. I’ll often explore an herb’s [numeric] classification, as well as whether or not it is used for culinary purposes. The latter offers an indirect assessment of safety.
From a formulaic perspective, I am often curious to explore what traditionally pairs well with an herb. For sure, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) resources are often more likely to mention this than North American sources.
Other important considerations for me include are an herb’s native regional availability and its variability within my own growing zone, not to mention any growing and harvesting tips.
Notes are always useful, as are references and yes, of course, recipes. Lots of recipes!
This paired down list of parameters is just a starting place. Some may be of interest, others not. Any materia medica monograph is but a tool. Tools need to be appropriate for the task, our unique and individual task.
Happy monographing!
