What is Herbalism?

Herbalism is simply working with plants to aid in supporting oneself. Using plants as a healing tool requires looking at the whole body versus looking solely at the main issue. And let's be real, it's usually never just the one issue ;)

Plants are not new as they have been used for centuries, and continue to be used, all over the world. Many cultures have long relied on designated healers for guidance and have utilized the land around them to create remedies.

The beauty of plants is that they offer so much wisdom and knowledge for us to apply to our personal lives. The best part? You don't even have to consume plants to get the tea (ha, get it?); just by touching a plant or being in its very presence can you give all the information and healing you need.

Reasons to Work With Herbs

People look to herbs for many reasons:

• Relief from chronic stress, burnout, or fatigue
• Natural approach for daily wellness
• Reconnection to ancestral wisdom
• Discover the root cause of ailments to support the mind, body, and spirit

Whether someone wants a gentle approach to issues they’ve been dealing with or they want to connect more deeply with themselves (healing trauma, receiving messages from ancestors, clearing creative blockages, etc.), there are herbs and protocols suitable for most scenarios.

Ways to work with herbs

There is no one-size-fits all approach when it comes to working with herbs. Plants can be used in many ways, including:

• teas
• tincture
• salves
• compress
• steam
• bath
• spray
• incense
• floor wash
• touching and smelling
• sleeping with an herb under your pillow

How you use the herb you need is up to you, or your clinical herbalist, it all depends on your needs or your protocol.

Teas are wonderful for when people need to slow down and for those who just love a good cup of tea. Tinctures are great for those on the go and for faster acting support. 

Salves, oils or infused tallows are recommended for skin issues and sore muscles. Steams are nice for sinuses issues and tending to your vagina.

Other herbal remedies such as a floor wash, incense, spray are go-to's for spiritual cleansing, whether it's yourself, your home or sacred space. These could also be good options for when you don't feel like making a cup of tea or out of a tincture.

Simple Herbal Remedies 

When working with herbs you don't need to take a million at once (and you should not). Ease into it with some of these herbal ideas:

• Sip on a calming lemon balm tea at bedtime
• Sleep with lavender and chamomile your pillow for dream protection
• Try a few drops of an oatstraw tincture to support your mood
  

If you are interested in incorporating herbs into your life, book an herbal consultation with me to get one-on-one guidance and support. Not sure what an herbal consultation is? Click here to read more about my approach!

Herbalism doesn't have to be intense or used for the sole purpose of physical healing. Herbs can be used for protection (through sipping tea, hanging them up around your home, cooking with them), for connection to your ancestors, for helping you recover from those heavy lifting sessions, clearing your space...this list goes on! An herbal consultation will help guide you in the proper direction.