Taking a Dive into the World of Herbs
What is Herbalism and What is its Role in Holistic Health?
RELATIONSHIPSMENTAL HEALTHNEWSHERBALISM
Kanaya Ryland
6/24/20265 min read
The world of herbs, herbalism, and plant medicine is a very vast world.
Stemming from the roots of the plant kingdom. You may ask, what is herbalism? As an herbalist who has been studying for 3 years, my definition is the study of the composition of plants from the roots, to the leaves, stems, and flowers combined with how they affect our bodies. The word “plant" means a living organism that is a part of the plant kingdom and what makes it an herb is usually the aromatic and/or medicinal properties that come from those plants.
There are many herbs that are commonly known and are widely used around the world. For example peppermint, a huge staple in the very vast Mint Family aka as Lamiaceae family (the latin name). Some other herbs that are in that same family are catnip, hyssop, lavender, lemon balm, sage, oregano, and many more! The Lamiaceae family alone has 236 genera with more than 7,000 different species of plants. What a vast group of plants!
Medicine grows all around us all the time like the dandelion flower but for many they may call them pesky “weeds”. Dandelion roots, greens (leaves), and flowers may have amazing healing properties. The roots may be used to decongest the liver and stimulate it by breaking down bile (which breaks down cholesterol and fat). Dandelion in general is potassium, iron, calcium, Vitamin A-D, inulin and zinc rich! SO ABUNDANT!
The leaves may be used as a diuretic to ease water retention in the kidney and the bladders. It's amazing the plants we see driving on the highway and walking in our neighborhoods that can be so useful to us. I truly believe that EVERYTHING that we could need Mother Earth already provides for us.
Studying herbalism has been so life changing for me and I really hope that these practices of studying the plants around us and the medicine that they carry becomes more widely known knowledge. But that's why I’m here! And if you’re still here reading this article that's why you are as well. There are so many different terminologies on how we can explain herbs and their uses. Today we will be talking about the difference between Acute herbs and Tonic Herbs.
Acute Herbs:
Acute Herbs are herbs that provide quick and noticeable results (faster than a tonic). These herbs are usually taken at a higher dosage less frequently. An example of an acute herb is Kava. Kava is a very safe and relaxing herb that may be used to invite the feeling of peace when worry or anxiety is present. Kava can almost instantly quiet the mind.
Though this herb is not intended for long term use, especially anyone with liver damage. With acute herbs in general, not only Kava alone, are usually taken for shorter periods of time. Each herb has its own potency so any plant medicine you are trying out makes sure to do your own research of dosage and how long they should be used for!
Another herb that is a great acute herb is Valerian Root. This herb is well known and may help with insomnia acting as a mild sedative. This herb works very well BUT can have adverse effects to those whose bodies naturally run hot as it is a warming herb. We all have different body compositions. The 4 that are mainly spoken about are Hot, Cold, Damp and Dry. Most of us have a mix of the 4, whether it be cold and dry or damp and hot.
If you do want to find out what your composition is there are plenty of quizzes online to find out. Learning is fun and trying new things as well so be open and curious to what new information you may learn about yourself!
Tonic Herbs:
Tonic Herbs are restorative Herbs that are taken daily to help tone, build and balance the organ system as a whole. These are normally very safe herbs and most effective when taken daily over a long span of time (6-8 weeks) or longer. An example of a tonic herb is Ashwagandha, an herb that has become a lot more popular these days. Ashwagandha may aid in repairing what is unbalanced in the nervous system by boosting serotonin and balancing the hormones that cause anxiety/depression.
Tonic herbs are great to help tone whichever system that they are being used for. As stated above with the acute herbs, when you are trying out plants/herbs for medicinal purposes make sure that you do your research and follow the recommended dosage and usage time frame.
Skullcap is another example of a tonic herb. Skullcap is a herb that may aid in restoring the nervous system. It usually does not cause drowsiness (unless you are burnout) and can be taken everyday to combat worry, chronic fatigue, anxiety and insomnia. Skullcaps has been one of my favorite herbs that I have been using to ease anxious thoughts. It is amazing and generally a safe herb to use. The dosage ranges from about 100 to 500 mg, 2-3 times a day.
This herb is great because I always say that it gives you whatever you need, it restores balance in the nervous system so if you’re exhausted it’ll give you the rest, if you are anxious it will ease that for you. Since it is a tonic herb though this is one that you have to be consistent with overtime to be able to see the true healing take effect. For all tonic herbs CONSISTENCY is KEY!
Striving for Holistic Healing:
All of these plant medicines/herbs work in tandem with the body to ease any dis-ease in the mind and body! Herbs alone are great BUT they DO NOT replace just how important it is to strive to live a holistic healthy lifestyle.
Holistic healing includes eating whole foods (fruits, veggies, nuts, whole grains etc.) meditation/prayer, getting rest (8-10 hours a day), laughing with friends, drinking lots of water (especially in summer months), being in nature, movement/exercising, physical connection, connection with higher self/God/spiritual connection!
All of these things including herbal remedies are the perfect way to have a happy and healthy lifestyle. Changing habits and mindsets are easier said than done! Having grace, compassion, and a support system with you are great ways to start.
Healing at times can be an intimidating word. Almost like we have to get it together all at once. But personally every single day that we wake up is a new opportunity to do right by ourselves, right by each other, and right by our planet. Everyday will not be a sunny day and some days we will do better than others but its energy of moving forward. Putting one foot in front of the other. This beautiful quote resonated with me and my journey as someone who has been wounded, has healed and is currently still healing. But overall, a human being who is doing their best everyday!
“Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.” –Robin Wall Kimmerer
We are all in this together!!!
