The Greek physician, Hippocrates, has long been attributed with the quote, “Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.”
There is a lot of wisdom in this saying because back in the day, when someone had a headache, they did not reach for the ibuprofen or aspirin.
Instead, they’d brew some chamomile or peppermint tea and might add a dash of valerian root to ease the pain.
Herbal remedies were used for a variety of purposes from cleansing the blood (chickweed) to easing congestion (white sage).
These remedies were effective and have stood the test of time.
However, with the advent of technology and the massive influence by pharmaceutical companies, there’s a pill for just about every ill you could think of.
Very often, these pills merely treat the symptoms but don’t address the root cause. So, the issues keep reoccurring.
Plant medicine is holistic in nature and aims to fix the problem at the source.
What is plant medicine?
Using herbs and plant foods to improve your health and treat physical issues is known as plant medicine.
A knowledge of herbalism is required to get the most out of this traditional practice.
How do I use herbs?
Herbs can be used in your cooking or be brewed as teas.
It all depends on the type of herb you’re using. Some herbs can be made into ointments to treat burns, bites, etc.
Making herbal tea is pretty straightforward.
But making a salve/ointment is a bit trickier.
You’ll need to use an oil and infuse it with the herbs by warming it in a slow cooker.
It’s best to study this process well before trying it out.
Are they safe?
Almost all herbs are safe… but individuals are different. Some may be allergic or have side effects when consuming a few of the herbs.
Ideally, you should speak to your doctor first before trying out any herbal teas, etc.
Initially, consume them in smaller quantities.
If you notice no side effects, you may consume more.
This will make any possible repercussions less severe.
However, do not be overly worried. Plant based medicines are natural remedies and most people will only benefit from them.
Only a very small minority will see allergies/side effects.
What herbs should I use?
It all depends on what your goals are.
If you wish to boost your health, you may consume Asian ginseng.
To treat insomnia or anxiety, kava-kava and valerian work wonders.
The herb you use must treat the health problem you’re currently facing.
Specificity is crucial for addressing the problem effectively. (E.g. drinking peppermint tea if you have digestion issues)
For general health, you can just make a different herbal tea daily and sip on it.
This will allow you to get a variety of benefits from different plants.
Can I grow my own herbs?
Yes, you can… if you know how to.
If you have a green fingers your herbs will flourish and you will have the satisfaction of knowing exactly how they were grown.
This will also save you some money in the long run.
Should I use organic herbs?
Generally, organic foods cost more.
If you have the budget for it, always go organic. If you don’t, then the usual herbs will do.
It is better to work with what you have than to not at all.
If you’re growing your own herbs, you can use good soil and grow them organically. Having an herb garden is a fantastic way to always have a supply of organic herbs.
Is it safe to pick my own herbs?
Yes… but once again, you MUST have a good knowledge so that you identify the plants correctly.
There are poisonous plants out there! Caution is crucial.
Always leave some herbs behind so that more can grow.
When picking herbs, make sure you’re a distance away from main roads, etc. Exhaust, runoff and other pollutants can adversely affect herbs growing close to lots of traffic.
Plant medicine is NOT complicated.
All you need to do is some research to make a list of plants/herbs that can boost your health or treat any issues you may have.
Then it’s a matter of procuring the herbs and using them in your teas or your cooking.
It’s an interesting and fun process which is also a for of healing… and will reap health benefits many times over if you make it a part of your daily life.
Get started today and your health will improve remarkably.
