Herbal
medicine is the oldest healing modality on the planet. Human beings
have always used wild plants (and later, cultivated ones) for food and
medicine. Before medical universities were established—through which
people were deemed licensed, medical professionals—healing was
facilitated by people referred to as ‘wise women’ (or men).
Village
herbalists, midwives, and wise elders were (and still are) holders of
the knowledge of the healing ways with plants, through a primarily
oral tradition. For millennia this knowledge has been passed on
through generations of common, peasant folk—often ones who didn’t,
or weren’t allowed to, read and write. This is folk medicine. Folk
are people. So, we can say that plant medicine is also people’s
medicine.
The commonest
of wild, weedy plants are the mainstay in the wise woman’s (or
man’s) medicine chest, as well as in the kitchen, because they are
readily available and grow in great abundance. Being tenacious and
refusing to be kept down, these plants can be controlled or regulated
by no one; they are wild and free. These plants tell us, through their
growing habits, that we can make use of them often, and in abundance.
We can
generalize by saying that many times plants higher in alkaloids,
volatile oils and other such constituents more likely to produce side
effects, grow further from populated areas in smaller stands. In this
way, they communicate that they are best employed during times of
acute illness, and then only administered for a short amount of time,
with more caution.
The gentle,
‘food-grade’ category of plants, such as Chickweed, Plantain,
Dandelion and others that pop up near our doorsteps, are our ‘pot
herbs’—the ones we throw right in the cooking pot and eat for
supper.
A ‘simple’
is a brew or extract generally containing only one or two common herbs
as well as very basic ingredients such as water, vinegar, alcohol or
honey to produce, teas, or tinctures, or syrups. Healers
employing these methods are traditionally known as Simplers.
Taking these plants as tonics and including them in the diet, a person
easily stays well, maintains strength, immunity, and vigor.
This is a truly
preventative approach to healing, the nourishment from the plants
working in ways mostly unseen, behind the scenes invisibly. Is there a
wise mother among us who cannot relate to that!? Indeed, it is what
every conscientious caregiver administers: basic nourishment.
Nourishment is paramount to health and is the guiding principle behind
these wise ways. We can dig into the memory of thousands upon
thousands of years of human history and find this wisdom still
residing within us.
Are you
interested in rekindling this knowledge? You might best begin by
making a connection to one
plant, preferably one that lives where you do. Having a deep,
meaningful relationship with one plant can lead to a profound opening
you might never have imagined. You might also begin to realize just
how encyclopedic a single plant is! By really communing directly with
your ‘green ally’ you can glean more information than any herbal
guidebook can offer. You may even learn to ‘read’ other plants.
There are many
ways to open a relationship with your plant of choice. To begin, sit
with a plant in its environment and breathe with it. Or, put a sprig
under your pillow and ask for vision. Research your plant online and
through books. After determining it to be non-toxic, get creative. A
simple tea can be made several different ways. Look for subtle
differences depending on preparation methods. For example, compare a
tea made from fresh or dried herb, an infusion brewed in sunlight, or
an infusion steeped in the light of the moon. Try using cold or hot
water. Sample it at different times of the year or phases of the moon.
Collect different parts of the plant.
Keep in mind
that usually whatever part of itself the plant is focusing on is a
good one for you to work with. For example, in the spring, when new
green shoots come up, that’s where the energy is concentrated.
Chances are that now would be a good time to look to the leaves for
the most concentrated medicine. When your plant is in flower, try the
flowers. In autumn, the energy descends into the roots as the plant
readies itself for winter dormancy.
There has
always been communication between plants and those people open to
learning about them. Our collective human history and wisdom lives on
within each of us. We can always awaken it through connecting to
nature and setting a clear intention to listen.
When
considering advice (from plants, just as from humans), we are wise to
consult our own inner guidance and look at a variety of informative
sources. The thoughts shared here are intended to nudge you towards
your own intuition and encourage a deeper connection with the Earth.
It is assumed that you will apply good common sense with
self-responsibility. Enjoy the bounty!
Stella
Lyn
uses tried and true methods which have been working for people
throughout history. She offers classes, private consultations, high
quality bulk herbs and herbal extracts 746-1353 (Palmer) artemis@mtaonline.net
