HERBALISM
What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF HERBALISM
Herbalism is a medicinal practice based on the use of plants and plant-based substances as treatment against a broad range of ailments. It could also utilize include minerals, fungi, bee pollen, royal jelly, and some animal products. Herbalism is based on nature’s ability to balance the systems of the body and help it heal in a more natural way.
What is it used for?
CONDITIONS HERBALISM MAY HELP
Herbal medicine is an adaptable method of treatment which is capable of assisting both internal and external ailments. It has proven to be an effective treatment for almost any disease or health complaint.
Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF HERBALISM
It is likely that the use of herbs as medicine has been around for nearly as long as humans have. Herbal healing may have existed even before human existence. This is suspected because healers have reported gaining knowledge of herbal uses by noting the food choices of ill animals. They observed that an ill animal will chew on bitter herbs they normally would not be interested in. This pattern was a presumed means to healing.
Cave paintings discovered in France first reflected the use of plants and herbs for medicinal purposes. These cave paintings have been radiocarbon-dated to somewhere between 13,000-25,000 BC. A frozen man of over 5,300 years old was discovered in the Swiss Alps, and with him medicinal herbs were found. Researchers believe he utilized them to address intestinal parasites. Instances such as these give much credence to the ancestry of modern herbalism.
The first written record of herbal medicine was made over five thousand years ago by the Sumerians, in ancient Mesopotamia (present day Iraq). Clay tablets indicate that they utilized herbs such as caraway and thyme. These writings were later translated by European monks who grew and tested many herbal remedies during the middle ages.
The first European explorers in America noted that the Native Americans already had sophisticated knowledge of uses of indigenous herbs. Native American healing beliefs incorporate the theory of an invisible spirit plane, and a tribal shaman would use herbal remedies as well as call upon the spirits to perform healing. Central and South American tribes and civilizations were also discovered to have similar knowledge of their own local herbs.
These cultures, and their traditions, have made countless pieces of herbal knowledge available. Scientific researchers have examined the curative potential of herbs and many have shown to have significant effects.
What is it based on?
THEORY OF HERBALISM
Although the use of herbs as treatments is quite ancient, many of our modern medications are also manufactured from herbal extracts since the chemical structures of the herbs have their own healing values. However, whereas modern medicine attempts to isolate the useful chemical substance and recreate it, herbalism utilizes the entire plant or herb in the healing process. Herbalists believe that the plant’s existence in nature indicates that it is perfect and whole in its present form, and that healing is best attained when this innate harmony is retained.
Another difference is seen in that traditional Western medicine wishes to obtain a single ingredient from the herb to obtain better control over dosages. Herbalists have a different perspective, believing that utilization of the entire herb containing numerous phytochemicals will strengthen the medicine effect and lessen potential toxicity. Herbalists feel that this herbal synergism cannot be duplicated with synthetic chemicals.
How is it done?
WHAT A SESSION WITH AN HERBALIST IS LIKE
Though it will vary depending on the herbalist, the initial session will typically act as a consultation.
During this first session, several things may be discussed including:
- Type and severity of symptoms, the length of suffering, and what medical or other care, if any, has been received.
- Medical history illness or injury that can be recalled.
- Lifestyle assessment including stressors, sleeping patterns, and eating habits. The herbalist will often offer advice on diet and exercise alongside treatment.
- Emotional state and habits may be covered as imbalances and illnesses are exacerbated by emotional trauma or upset.
The initial consultation can last about one to two hours. The herbalist will then prescribe one or a combination of several remedies tailored to suit the individual. The most common forms of remedy include tinctures, capsules, lozenges, ointments, and creams. Many herbalists are happy to work together with the client's local physician, especially when the client is already receiving conventional medical treatment.
Subsequent follow sessions will be scheduled as needed to assess changes and to update herbal formulas.
Who does it?
HERBALISM PRACTITIONERS
A career in herbalism can be pursued formally or informally, there are no specific regulations or certifications regarding herbalists in the United States. Informal training can include self study and on-line courses. Formal training can be a stand-alone correspondence or in-person program or included in any Traditional Chinese Medicine or acupuncture training. Apprenticeships are also still quite common. Herbalism can also be an adjunct modality for nutritionists, or homeopath or naturopath practitioners.