Humans have been using plants since the beginning of time. Archeological excavations, dated to 60,000 years ago have found medicinal plant remains.
Some of the oldest written uses of plants come from Egypt and India between 1500-700 BCE. Indiginous cultures have used plant medicine in healing rituals for many millennia. Shamanism, which is just as old, from many cultures around the globe, has a direct link to plant use and knowledge.
So how does this ancient knowledge apply to our modern world? Many people have returned to a more holistic approach to their health and lifestyle, through exercise, whole foods, yoga, meditation, vitamin and mineral supplements.
Many are seeking out natural forms of healing, from acupuncture and massage, to chiropractic. Yet, we still rely heavily on pharmaceuticals for what ails us.
These days, the word "herbalist", may conjure up images of long haired nature folk, living off the land. In the modern world, plant medicine may be thought of as an 'outdated' healing modality reserved for only the hardcore nature enthusiast.
The truth is, herbal medicine is more relevant than ever to our modern lives. Plants are excellent at helping with a multitude of ailments including, stress, headaches, pain, PMS, colds, flus, anxiety insomnia, acne, and more!
Since the mid 1990's the use of botanical medicine has been on the rise in the United States. The World Health Organization reports that 75-85% of the world's population continues to rely primarily on plant medicine used and dispensed by traditional healers. Scientific evidence for the safety and efficacy of botanical medicine is increasing as scientists have renewed efforts to study how the plants work in the body.
Five important reasons to learn about and use herbal medicine:
1. Pathogenic organisms (bacteria) are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics
15 years ago bacteria took about 2-3 years to become resistant to antibiotics. Now, it only takes 6 months to a year. After 2012, no new antibiotics are being researched because there is no money to be made on antibiotics that are ineffective due to resistant organisms.
Herbs support the function of the body and immune system and bacteria do not become 'resistant' to them.
2. Plants help us live better lives
They can help prevent disease and support the body's internal mechanisms to work more efficiently. They connect us to the natural world around us and to the thousands and thousands of years of plant wisdom. There are herbs that help with vitality, herbs to boost libido and herbs to help us calm our nervous system, herbs for skin and beauty and herbs that can help boost our energy, among many other beneficial uses!3. Stress
Our lives in the modern world are busy and hectic. The pressures of this fast pace means we are often in a perpetual state of fight or flight. Our bodies get addicted to the stress hormones released and over time we begin to feel depleted. Herbs can help us re set our internal balance, relieve stress, calm anxiety and feelings of overwhelm.4. Herbal medicine is empowering
There are some very simple and effective ways to integrate plants and essential oils into our everyday lives. Perhaps you are already using some of these: chamomile tea, to help with sleep, lavender essential oil on burns, or peppermint tea to ease digestion. Easy home remedies are an empowering way to take charge of your health.Its been proven that an important aspect of our healing is having control over the process. Learning how to use everyday herbs to help support health is highly empowering.
5. Plants connect us to the natural world
As you now know, plants and humans have a long and beautiful history together. The modern age can sometimes make us feel disconnected, to our own rhythms and cycles as well as those of nature. Plants and herbal medicine are direct ways to honor that history and to reconnect.Try this:
Next time you are chopping basil for your dinner, buying fresh thyme for a recipe or are sipping on a hibiscus iced tea, stop for a moment to remember that you are from the earth, the plants are from the earth and no matter what you are inextricably tied together. Breathe into this wisdom and bring the knowledge forward into your body awareness. Feel the connection.
If you would like to learn more about herbal medicine and its benefits come take a class with us!
March 14:
6:30-8:30 PM Cost: $25
Relax and Revive! Plants for Healing and Stress Relief
Come unwind and relax. We sill sip a soothing herbal tea, lounge in circle and learn some calming self care techniques. Discover herbs and essential oils to help soothe the nervous system, and release tension. Leave feeling rested and restored!
