How AmishWays Approaches Herbal Information
Amish Ways exists to document, explain, and preserve traditional herbal knowledge associated with Amish and Anabaptist communities, while clearly distinguishing between historical use, cultural practice, and modern scientific understanding.
We do not claim to replace medical advice. Our goal is clarity, context, and accuracy.
Our Primary Information Sources
Our content is developed using a combination of historical, ethnobotanical, and modern reference materials, including:
1. Historical & Cultural Sources
We reference documented Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch traditions as recorded in:
- Historical accounts of Anabaptist and Amish life
- Pennsylvania Dutch folk medicine records
- Early American herbal texts commonly used by rural communities
- Oral tradition summaries recorded by historians and ethnographers
Hostetler, John A.
Amish Society. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Used for understanding Amish values, self-reliance practices, and non-industrial approaches to daily life.
Kraybill, Donald B.
The Riddle of Amish Culture. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Provides sociological background on Amish traditions and decision-making related to health and community practices.
Bronner, Simon J.
Pennsylvania German Folk Culture. University of Pennsylvania Press.
Referenced for documentation of Pennsylvania Dutch folk remedies and rural herbal traditions.
2. Ethnobotanical & Herbal References
To understand plant identity, preparation methods, and traditional uses, we consult:
- Ethnobotany reference works
- Classical Western herbal texts
- Botanical identification guides
- Traditional preparation manuals (teas, tinctures, salves)
- Grieve, Maud.
A Modern Herbal. Dover Publications.
Consulted for traditional Western herbal uses, preparation methods, and historical plant descriptions. - Wood, Matthew.
The Earthwise Herbal. North Atlantic Books.
Used for ethnobotanical perspectives and whole-plant herbal traditions relevant to rural communities. - Tilgner, Sharol.
Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth. Wise Acres Press.
Referenced for traditional preparation styles and herbal philosophy.
3. Modern Scientific & Educational Sources
Where applicable, we review:
- Peer-reviewed research summaries
- Pharmacognosy and botany resources
- University extension publications
- Government or academic plant databases
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
Educational resources on herbs and supplements
Used for general safety information and modern perspectives.
University Extension Services (Penn State, Cornell, Ohio State)
Cooperative Extension publications
Referenced for agricultural, botanical, and historical plant use information.
4. Botanical Identification & Plant Databases
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
PLANTS Database
Used to verify botanical names, plant families, and native or naturalized status. - Missouri Botanical Garden
Plant Finder & botanical reference materials
Used for plant identification and non-medicinal botanical context.
How These Sources Are Used
These materials are used to:
- Confirm historical use and cultural relevance
- Verify plant identity and preparation forms
- Provide context for traditional claims
- Distinguish folklore from modern interpretation
They are not used to make medical diagnoses, treatment claims, or guarantees.
Citation Philosophy
Amish Ways follows a conservative citation philosophy:
- Historical claims → historical sources
- Botanical facts → botanical databases
- Modern interpretations → modern educational materials
- Opinions → clearly labeled as interpretation