Herbalism

“The path of the herbalist is to open ourselves to nature in an innocent and pure way. She in turn will open her bounty and reward us with many valuable secrets. May the earth bless you.”

Cantin & Tierra

Having a friendly relationship with the earth is cyclic in its benefits – when we sow seeds and take care of the ground we walk upon, we in turn receive plants, growth, and a healthy environment. This relationship is for the good of the earth and ourselves, so taking the time to understand the elements can help us and heal us more than we may know.

Naturally, if you’re kind to the earth, the earth will be kind back. You don’t have to commit your life to studying herbalism, botany or natural medicines to take advantage of its gifts. Simply learn what you can and be respectful. It may also be a nice idea to give as much as you take – perform a soft sacrifice, if you will. If you are picking a plant you didn’t grow, plant something yourself, leave a seed in its place, or give water to the earth in a time of drought or need. Now you are creating an understanding between you and the earth. Friends, business partners, two entities that both have needs and wants to be fulfilled.

Herbs can grow indoors in containers and then can easily be used in the kitchen or in medicines, teas or baths. You can pick them to use fresh or dry them in a dark, dust-free space either in an envelope or hanging on twine or string tied up by the stem. If you have a garden, herbs can easily be incorporated with flowers and vegetables as well!

For getting started in adapting herbs into your lifestyle, you should first have an understanding of the different attributes brought to the table by each of them. Herbs can serve many different purposes – blended into teas, used in cooking, bathing, skincare, mental wellness, meditation, and can aid in mood transformations – the list goes on.

Here is a brief rundown of herbs and their realm of healing:

• Sagebrush: Good for headaches, colds and infected wounds. Is also symbolic for bringing change.
• Sage: Digestion, depression, and memory loss. Sage is a very cleansing herb and can be dried and burned to promote calming feelings and to rid any negativity in a space. Can be dried, crushed and steeped to make a tea for a sore throat.
• Sweetgrass: Wards off anxiety and can also be beneficial for a sore throat and cough
• Lavender: An excellent balancing herb – brings peace and serenity. commonly used in essential oils. Lavender can also be used in skincare for blemishes and to aid in sleep.
• Cedar: Another great cleansing herb to be burned in the home, is available in the form of incense. Can ease muscular aches and pains.
• Mugwort: Mugwort is a dream herb – steep some in tea before bed and you will have a visionary sleep for sure. Mugwort is also an energy booster and can help with stomach/intestinal conditions.
• Juniper: Very purifying and is an excellent antioxidant.
• Rosemary: Rosemary is good for the immune system, muscle pain, the circulatory system, menstrual cramps, concentration and hair growth.
• Bergamot: An antibacterial that can lower a fever, headache and colds. Represents peace and prosperity.
• Alfalfa: Good for kidney or bladder infections. Also used to attract money and wealth.
• Chamomile: Sleep, lowering anxiety, treating ulcers and inflammations, and has calming properties.
• Parsley: Can treat hives. Also a great treatment for Urinary Tract Infections – toss in a hot bath to soothe the pain.
• Peony: This flower can help with cramps and is also used for protection against misfortunes.
• Elderflowers: Clear skin treatment, good for a cold, and can ban negative energy and emotions attached to the past
• Marjoram: decongestant and muscular pain. through in a hot bath with Epsom salts to soothe aching muscles.
• Mint: Eases indigestion and can alleviate symptoms of a cold or flu. Good for peace in the home and body.
• Hyssop: good for easing a cough and the respiratory issues. Can be used to rid you of regret and clear your worries.
• Garlic: Add garlic to your meals for its ability to lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure.
• Echinacea: battles the flu and colds by helping to stimulate your immune system. Drink an infusion to get rid of a sore throat or an ulcer.
• Comfrey: when made into a paste can be used to treat cuts, scrapes and bruises. It is also a grounding herb and can help build structure and form in your life.
• Bay: Can be used in tea or a bath for soothing effects. Represents nobility and wealth.
• Tarragon: Chew the fresh leaves to temporarily relieve mouth/tooth aches and pains. Helpful for herpes outbreaks. A protection herb.
• Valerian: Can treat insomnia and calm nerves and has cleansing/harmonious properties.

There are so many herbs that have health benefits, healing properties, or are useful in the kitchen, and these are just a few of them!!

To make a tea out of herbs you must first dry them, crush them, and steep them in hot or boiling water. To add to a bath, you can do these exact same steps! you can sprinkle the herb in as it is, or even put it in an empty tea sachet as to not have to clean any leafy residue out of the tub later.

Remember to take care in identifying your plants before ingesting them or applying them to your skin – some plants can be quite harmful to the body so if you’re unsure, don’t use them. However, there are lots of great resources on the internet for which plants are safe, how to grow and use them ad how to identify them. This will ensure you get the best out of your herbal treatment experience.

Stay tuned because within the next few weeks I will be writing up some home remedies for specific issues that you can treat naturally, like cold sores, sore throat, migraines, menstrual pains, anxiety, and maybe even some DIY body and skin care recipes. I hope this was helpful and I hope the earth blesses you!

-Tams