Herbal medicine is the study of the medicinal use of plants, typically based on their traditional uses throughout history. Excluding a few exceptions, herbal medicines are actually quite safe, the majority are non-toxic at appropriate doses and many are accessible as neighborhood weeds. Many of us experience the power of herbal medicine on a weekly basis, whether that be through culinary herbs, essential oils in our cosmetics and skincare products, or that simple chamomile tea you drink which unbeknownst to you is effecting your autonomic nervous system. Humans evolved alongside plants and there are many extensive and intelligent interactions that have been created due to our history together.
Herbs can be used alone as the primary treatment or work effectively in combination with other therapies. Herbs, as dynamic organisms, work on every level of human healing – physical, emotional and spiritual. I have used herbs to treat many different pathologies, including emotional problems, fatigue and trauma. They can be taken as food or seasoning, as a vinegar or honey infusion, in a tea or decoction, in an alcohol or glycerine tincture or topically in a salve or poultice. Plant medicines are found in every ancient system of medicine and many of today’s drugs are derived from plants.
My favorite thing about herbal medicine is its accessibility! Many of our great plant medicines are common weeds. Anytime I see someone digging dandelion roots out of their lawn, I can’t help but tell him what good medicine he’s harvesting. It is always important to know your herbs before harvesting and to respectfully and sustainably harvest. In addition, many of the common medicinal herbs can be affordably found at a local herb store (the Herbalist is one of my favorites) or at our local co-ops.
Try this tea, perfect to stimulate the brain and tastes sweet too. The first 3 ingredients can be found growing throughout Seattle but requires some excellent observation skills and intentional timing; happy foraging! If you don’t trust your harvesting skills, visit a local herbal dispensary and ask for help to their bulk herbs.
- 3 Tbsp Tilia americana dried flowers (also called Linden or Lime blossom, it blossoms in June, smells delicious, okay to substitute Tilia cordata species)
- 2 Tbsp Rosa spp. dried petals (any rose, not sprayed with chemicals, try the Seattle-native Rock Rose)
- 2 Tbsp Centella asiatica dried leaf (Gotu Kola, best to harvest leaves in fall either before or after they change color, but its okay to use younger spring/summer green leaves too)
- 1 Tbsp Cinnamomum spp. bark (Cinnamon bark, buy at local co-op)
- 1 Tbsp Elextaria cardamom seed (Cardamon, buy at local co-op)
In 32oz of water, add cinnamon bark and cardamon seeds, bring to boil and simmer covered for 10 minutes, add remaining ingredients, turn off heat and cover for another 4 minutes. Strain, serve and enjoy!