7 Things To Know When Working With Herbs
Hello dear friends!
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been called to journey deeper into the plant world. This has long been a passion of mine, working with our herbal allies to heal our bodies and uncover spiritual truths. Thanks to some perfectly-timed intuitive guidance, and some fantastic herbal teachers, I’ve been diving into this realm once again. And I cannot wait to share everything I learn with you all!
I thought, today, I would perhaps dispel some myths or give more confidence around working with herbs. While the use of herbal medicine has been steadily growing, and is being incorporated more into traditionally Western medical views, there is still a ton that most people don’t know about it. Plant medicine can be a powerful tool for transformation, but especially so when you truly understand what you’re getting into.
Even as an herbalist, I am constantly learning and uncovering more things about the natural world. I certainly don’t know everything (much to the chagrin of younger Mel), but I’m enjoying the journey of deeper discovery, healing, and wisdom that plants make available to us. As I’ve taken time lately to work with more plants, and fine tune my own daily rituals, some basic truths about herbal medicine have swirled around my head.
Whether you are brand new to herbal medicine, you’re a budding herbal practitioner, or you’re somewhere else along the path, hopefully you can gain something from this post.
So, without further ago, my list of 7 things to know when working with herbs…
1. Herbs affect everyone differently
As much as the allopathic model of herbalism (x herb treats x condition) likes to tout, there is no one herb that works for everyone. Not every case of the same symptom will respond to the same remedy, and if they do respond, it may be in different ways and different intensities. This one took me a LONG time to figure out (I blame my very Western medical-style education)! I spent many years giving everyone with headaches the same remedies, and wondered why it only worked some of the time.
The truth is, all herbs affect people differently. These effects are not only dependent on people’s individual constitutions (see the next point), but also the unique growing and preparation conditions of the plant, the method of delivery, the dose, the foods the person was eating, and many more factors. So, even if you see glowing (or terrible) reviews for a certain herb for a symptom you struggle with, know that you may not have the same experience.
2. Herbs should be used in accordance with energetics/constitution, not just symptoms
In the Vitalist tradition (as opposed to the allopathic one), we’re taught to look at the person as a whole, before we make herbal recommendations. This is the truly holistic way to practice, but our current culture has gotten away from this tradition. We mostly hear about herbs that treat certain symptoms or conditions, but without any mention of their energetics. For example, there are over a dozen herbs that may treat a headache, but some of them are cooling, some are warming, some are drying, some are moistening, some are tonics, and some are relaxants. They’re not all suited for every person!
This has probably been the biggest, most important shift in my own practice as a healer, and also working with plants for myself. As someone who has a cold, dry, and tense constitution (Vata dominant dosha), I’m now more careful to work primarily with herbs that are warming, moistening, and relaxing. So whether you’re a practitioner too, or just trying out some remedies for yourself, keep this in mind!
3. Herbs require patience
One thing that I think we’ve collectively lost touch with is our patience, particularly when it comes to health and medicine. In the Western allopathic medical model, we’re given harsh drugs that work fast, that we can also pick up the same day or have shipped to our house. Herbal medicine, on the other hand, requires us to slow the F down. And this can be a huge challenge for most of us.
Herbal medicine often takes time to work (often 4-6 weeks for most people), and I see too many people give up on an herb too quickly. Give it time. Especially for chronic conditions, it may take a few months to feel the full effect. Plant medicines also take time to make. Tinctures and elixirs can take over a month to create, which can understandably be frustrating for some. I know I’ve had plenty of those moments, anxious for my medicines to be ready! But overall, walking the plant path has taught me many things, and I’m grateful for my newfound patience.
4. Herbs are not your crutch
It might be harsh to hear, but you cannot expect herbs to swoop in and save you. Yes, they are powerful remedies, but they aren’t going to single-handedly pull you out of an unhealthy lifestyle. Herbs are meant to work in harmony with other wellness tools, like good nutrition and hydration, quality sleep and rest, exercise/movement, and basic self-care. If you aren’t willing to make some changes in other areas of your life, then I don’t recommend that you work with these healing plants.
This is another byproduct of the Western medical use of herbs, and not only shortchanges us but also disrespects the plants. This isn’t a case of pop a pill and be better. Herbs work in synergy with quality food, sunlight, fresh air, mindfulness, and other vital aspects of holistic wellbeing.
5. Herbs can interact with pharmaceuticals
...but maybe not in the way that the current health magazines want you to think. First of all, ignore the fear-mongering warnings, and simply know that everything may interact with drugs you’re taking, including herbs. Your body isn’t a set of compartments- it’s a whole, dynamic, organism. Everything you put into it will likely interact at some point, in some way. This is not to say that you should take any herb, at any dose- make sure you work with a qualified professional, especially if you’re on multiple pharmaceuticals.
A lot of what we’re taught to think of as negative herb-drug interactions are merely examples of how well herbs can work. For example, hawthorn may lower blood pressure, and if you’re already on a bp-lowering drug, this may become an issue. But it goes to show that you may be able to use hawthorn instead of the drug, or perhaps lower your drug dose while using hawthorn. There are many examples of this type of double-up action in the herbal world! (Don’t make any changes to your meds without proper supervision, though)
6. Herbs have an emotional and spiritual component too
Plants are living, breathing, energetic beings, and their medicine goes far beyond their physiological and biochemical components. Many herbs work amazingly well for the emotional body, as well as spiritual enlightenment, either as their primary or secondary effect. When we work with plant medicine, it’s a whole-person journey, affecting mind, body, and spirit. I’ve found that most people need an emotional remedy just as much, if not more than they need a physical one.
I love exploring this aspect of the plant world, communicating with the spirits of plants, and noticing how my emotions and chakras respond to them. I encourage you to try to connect with this deeper level of their medicine too, even if you’re primarily treating a physical complaint.
7. Herbal remedies are part of the diagnosis
Most of us don’t get it right the first time, even when we put tremendous pressure on ourselves to do so. But the reality is, sometimes the first herb you try may not be the best one for you. How your body reacts to each herb is simply part of the journey, part of the unveiling process of your unique internal environment. If you feel like your symptoms get worse on a certain herb, it’s not something to be upset about. Try to see it as a valuable tool for your diagnosis instead!
As a practitioner, I’ve had to do a lot of healing of my inner perfectionist, so I can show up with open curiosity for each case! Sometimes the herbs I recommend don’t work for someone, but how that person reacts to them always gives me vital clues and helps me dial in tighter on the best plant medicines for their unique situation.
All in all, herbs can be our greatest allies along this healing journey. We simply need to meet them where they are, and try our best to honor their wisdom and process. For me, working with plant medicine was a game changer in my healing from Lyme/CFS, and will continue to be one of my biggest joys for the rest of my life, I’m sure!
Are you an herb-lover? A practicing herbalist? A plant aficionado? Someone who has simply heard the plants calling to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and what else you’d add to this list!
In the meantime, hoping you feel as well as possible.
