Herbalism
It is important that we have conversations around sustainable and respectful foraging, including respect for land rights. For some of us, there are herbs that are not ours for the taking, culturally and spiritually.
When we craft, thank the land and its true stewards for the knowledge of this Medicine. These efforts of thanks require continuous action. Many ritual plants have become endangered, please be mindful of tradition and culture.
We do no harm and leave no trace.
Introduction and Benefits of Herbal Medicine
Despite the advances and advantages of modern medicine, herbs have been used since time immemorial throughout many and most cultures.
Herbal offerings are endless.
Our society tends to forget that it was only within the last 50-100 years that some have moved away from an almost sole reliance on herbal medicine for health. From early history, we have relied on plants to provide medicines for all health conditions including minor problems such as coughs and colds to life threatening diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria. Herbal Medicine is regaining more prominence. and, over the years, organisms have developed resistance to pharmaceuticals.
The herb Qing hao (Artemisia annua) and its active constituent artemisin are now being used to treat malaria in areas of the world where the protozoa causing the infection no longer responds to conventional treatment. One of the first anti-malarial medications came out of the bark of a tree in Peru called Peruvian Bark (Cinchona spp.) The isolated compound was called Quinine and was quickly introduced into tonic water that the British drank while in India to help prevent them from developing Malaria.
Herbal medicine often complements conventional treatment, providing safe, well tolerated remedies for chronic illnesses. The Herbal Medicine rebirth in Western cultures is increasing due to the nature of some of the more chronic, and somewhat untreatable diseases of the West, including asthma, arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome. Also, concerns over the side-effects of biomedicine are encouraging people to look for more gentle forms of treatments.
When using herbs wisely most common plants in herbal medicine are extremely safe to use. Some plants, however, can produce side effects and like all medicines, herbal medicine must be respected and treated accordingly. It is important to know that some plants should only be used under the supervision of a well trained practitioner, to avoid adverse consequences.
Used correctly, side-effects are rare. Always research and correctly identify the plants you forage and any cautions or contraindications. Please refer to our blog for content on ethical harvesting, herbal guidelines and herbal crafting information!