Diving into the world of herbal medicine and the traditions that have carried it for a long time oftentimes introduces us to new concepts, principles, practices, and ways of seeing the world around us that aren’t often taught to us in our modern world. And sometimes there’s something there that changes your life forever.  For me, the principles of vitalism were one of the biggest revolutionary moments in my life, not only as an herbalist, but as a human being. While I’ll share a bit more...

Have you come across the idea of allopathic herbalism? This approach often highlights specific symptoms and conditions that certain herbs are “good for.” However, it has a limitation: it doesn't address the root causes of diseases.   To achieve profound healing, it's crucial to go beyond simply matching herbs with symptoms. Embracing the traditional vitalist herbalism philosophy lets you explore the underlying energies beneath disease symptoms. This empowers you to choose herbs confidently,...

The vitalist approach to healing is like an ecosystem, and herbalism is only one aspect of it. At its heart, vitalism is about living in accordance with nature. This means living harmoniously with it and learning to support your body’s natural intelligence through nutrition, hydration, rest, and other lifestyle habits. By understanding how vitalism extends into every corner of your life, you can make choices that energize and revitalize you.    In today’s episode, you’ll learn:   What...

Science and spirituality are often painted as opposing forces. When this philosophy makes it into herbalism, you get a big divide between herbalists.   Depending on their perspective, herbalists will typically choose a scientific or spiritual approach to healing. The problem with picking a side is that you only get one half of the picture. By seeing the unity of science and spirit and the importance of each, you can become a truly holistic healer.   In today’s episode, you’ll learn:   ...

Do you wish that you felt more vitality? Many people wait until they have time to take a vacation or staycation to recharge, but postponing self-care until you truly need it can leave you feeling burned out.    Instead of seeing self-care as an uphill battle, you can take small and achievable steps that enrich your day and make you feel great. In today’s blog post, I share simple yet life-changing self-care practices you can do that are rooted in the vitalist model of healing.    In this...

Agrimony is the herb of paradox. On the one hand, it’s described as a relaxant,and on the other hand, as an astringent. How does it contract and relax a tissue at the same time?! What do you do when you find conflicting information surrounding the herb you’re studying?   Although these two aspects of Agrimony may seem contradictory at first, there’s a way that you can study the herb that connects them to form a larger whole. By learning how to study herbs in this way, you gain the skillset...

Lemon Balm, the “happiest plant on Earth,” enchants with its vibrant lemony aroma and taste. Beloved for its calming effects, this aromatic herb brings a sense of peace and serenity, along with an uplifted feeling to the spirit.   Loved for its calming and relaxing properties, this aromatic herb soothes tense digestion and eases an anxious mind. Whether sipping it as a delicious cup of tea or taking it in tincture form, there are numerous ways to enjoy this herb. Like a ray of sunshine,...

Step into the enchanting world of Lady's Mantle, fondly known as the little alchemist. This captivating plant enthralls herbal enthusiasts and alchemists alike because of its profound connection with the Water Element.   Lady's Mantle's alchemical correspondences are seen through its cup-shaped leaves that collect dew, and its balancing effects on dampness and lax tissues. Lady’s Mantle harmonizes with the water Element, thereby nurturing and revitalizing all systems in the body governed by...

Sometimes big medicine comes in the form of a small plant. Cleavers is one of those plants; humble and unassuming, yet a potent and highly useful remedy. It’s is like a water purifier for your body. It cleanses the lymphatics, flushes the kidneys, and offers pain relief for urinary tract infections.    Cleavers teaches us that it's not always best to use the strongest remedies, but rather sometimes the milder medicines yield the best results. Sometimes, it's the gentle ones that possess a...

Holy basil is a sacred plant in the Indian and Ayurvedic traditions. There is a wide range of conditions for which it is used, both physically and psychologically. Holy Basil is one of nature's panaceas, making it a powerful plant to grow in your garden and stock in your home.   In today’s plant profile, you’ll discover: Holy Basil’s unique taste and how it supports your nervous, digestive, immune system, and more  Holy Basil's unique combination of adaptogenic and nervine properties...

Alchemy provides a unique perspective on health and disease that differs from conventional medicine. According to this philosophy, periods of sickness and health are as natural as the changing of the seasons.   Alchemy views illness as an initiation. From this perspective, sickness provides you with the opportunity to heal underlying patterns and undergo transformation. One of the best forms of herbal remedies to help you with this process is spagyrics. Because these medicines work on the...

Spagyrics is the branch of the alchemical tradition that specifically concerns itself with the preparation and processing of medicinal plants. One of the unique attributes of spagyric preparations is that they are specifically designed to concentrate the physical, energetic and spiritual qualities of the plants in a singular extract. This process separates, purifies, and recombines the Three Principles of a plant, known as Sulfur, Mercury, and Salt, resulting in a uniquely powerful herbal...

Alchemy is a philosophy and practice that can enhance herbalism. By re-integrating spirituality with science, you can unlock the full potential of herbal medicine. This involves understanding the practical alchemical framework, which focuses on preparing and administering herbal medicine with a holistic perspective.    By integrating the philosophy into your herbalism practice,you can achieve transformative healing for yourself and your community.   In today’s episode, you’ll learn:   ...

The science and spirit of herbalism are often taught separately. The problem with this approach is that they are two sides of the same leaf, and separating them leads to a fractured and incomplete understanding of herbalism. The alchemical philosophy unites them to generate a holistic perspective that can transform your herbalism practice into one that’s truly holistic.  In today’s episode, you’ll learn: About alchemy’s roots and how it led to the modern scientific system used today  How...

One of the most powerful ways you can potentiate your herbal remedies is through the integration of astrological techniques. Through combining the energetics and spirit of time into your medicine making, you can create the most potent and concentrated remedies possible.  In today’s episode, you’ll learn: The Western model for understanding the energetics and spirit of time Seven patterns for identifying the planetary ruler of an herb How to choose the best time day and time to harvest your...

The current healthcare system focuses on managing disease after it has occurred instead of preventing its onset.   Alternatively, holistic herbalism is a wellness-first approach that emphasizes disease prevention. Through it, you can effectively address disease potentials and correct imbalances to prevent their onset.    One of my favorite tools for this is the natal chart, which is a part of Astro-Herbalism. By shifting the focus from disease management to disease prevention, you can...

The term “holistic” is simply buzzing in the holistic healthcare system today. However, what does this word really mean? A holistic practitioner, according to the Evolutionary Herbalism model, is someone who unites the physical, energetic and spiritual properties of a plant together with a person to facilitate deep, transformational healing.  Medical astrology is one of the most potent tools you can use to develop a refined, precise, and effective system of holistic herbal medicine that...

Medical astrology is one of the most misunderstood assessment tools available in herbalism, with many flat out rejecting its usefulness or efficacy because of preconceived notions of astrology in general. Despite its spiritual or “woo-woo” implications, astrology has pragmatic applications in therapeutic practice. By learning how to use this tool correctly, you can pinpoint an imbalanced organ system, tissue state, or constitutional pattern and develop greater accuracy in your herbalism...

Elecampane has become one of my personal favorite respiratory remedies over the years, not just for its medicinal benefits for many of the common respiratory woes people face today, but as a choice restorative agent. Whether you make it into a tincture or enjoy the syrup, Elecampane is a remedy every herbalist should know.    In today’s episode, you’ll learn:   Elecampane’s pungent and aromatic taste and how it corresponds to its core respiratory properties Why this herb is a primo...

Hyssop is an ancient herb with biblical references and spiritual indications. This herb is also an important part of the Western Materia Medica. This combination of information from ancient sources and the modern scientific model lends a unique perspective on this plant and how you can use it in your herbalism practice.   In today’s episode, you’ll learn:   Hyssop’s ancient and biblical roots The medicinal properties of Hyssop’s aromatic bitter taste Hyssop’s unique application as a...

I know the beginning of the year is when a lot of us take a step back and look at our lives from a greater perspective.  Perhaps we're looking back on the past year and thinking about what we'd like to change or do differently...   ... Or we're looking forward and planning out how we want our lives to look and resolving to make it that way.   Hopefully as an herbalist, you're thinking about your plant path as well, and considering how you plan on taking your understanding of herbalism,...

We’re in the slow quiet days of winter when the snow is deep and the plants are resting in the earth, the bees are clustered together staying warm in their hive, fed by the nectar and pollen that was gathered in the bright days of blooming flowers. As we’re celebrating the longest night of the year and the returning light, this Winter Solstice we’re gathering around the hearth sharing stories, myths and lore about the honeybee and the magical work she does to sustain life and make the world...

Evergreen trees are revered around the world for their medicinal properties, rich folklore, and uplifting symbolism. Although you might be familiar with these trees from your walks through the forest or the holiday seasons, this year you can take your knowledge to the next level by learning how to use them medicinally at home and for your loved ones.  In today’s episode, you’ll learn: How the aromatic, pungent, and sour tastes correspond to Evergreens’ herbal actions  The Evergreens'...

Mugwort is a plant famed for its effects on dreaming, but its medicinal properties and actions do so much more than that. With a distinct effect on the nervous, digestive, hepatobiliary, and reproductive systems, Mugwort navigates, regulates, and balances the highways that connect them all.   In today’s episode, you’ll discover:   Mugwort’s unique flavor profile and how this leads to its complex actions How Mugwort impacts the nervous, digestive, and reproductive systems  Why this is a...