Herbalism 101: The Power of Herbal Medicine

In an awakening world, there is a burning desire to return to nature to heal the body. Herbal remedies are versatile and plentiful—a whole plant preparation contains thousands of medicinal benefits. Quality herbal preparations, when used intelligently, have the ability not only to relieve symptoms but also to address the underlying condition. This is because they provide optimum nourishment to rebuild tissues that increase the healthy function of particular body systems or organs.

Fun Facts About Herbs:

1. God designed herbs and gave them to us! 

   1. "And God said, "See I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food." -Genesis 1:29

   2. "He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth." -Psalm 104:14

2. They have been found in ancient texts. 

   1. Herbal medicine has a written history dating back more than five thousand years.

   2. Some of the earliest books contain writings about the uses of medicinal plants.

   3. Emperors, kings, and rulers have been recorded using herbs:

      1. Chinese emperors

      2. King Tut

      3. Alexander the Great

      4. King Henry VIII of England

      5. Hippocrates, known as the father of modern medicine

3. Recently, the WHO (World Health Organization) estimated that 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicine for some part of their primary healthcare. 

4. Thousands of tests have been performed on herbs – equal to the extensive tests done on pharmaceuticals. These have proven the validity and substantial healing benefits of herbs.

The Basics:

1. Components of herbs: roots, barks, berries, leaves, stems, flowers, etc.

2. Medicinal compounds in herbs: antioxidants, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, acids, terpenes, coumarins, tannins, polyphenols, etc.

3. Organic and wildcrafted herbs:

   1. Organic: produced without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial agents.

   2. Wildcrafted: grown in the wild without human intervention.

4. Isolates vs. full-spectrum: We look for full-spectrum herbs in their most natural state. This will ensure that more of their medicinal and nutritional compounds are still available. 

5. Different ways to use herbs: raw, powders, capsules, tinctures, teas, salves, steams, cooking, etc.

 Best Herbs for Beginners:

1. Turmeric: anti-inflammatory, great for liver and brain health

2. Ginger: aids digestion, increases circulation

3. Cinnamon: helps balance blood sugar, high in antioxidants

4. Holy Basil: lowers stress hormones, helps balance blood sugars

5. Chamomile: nervous system calming, stomach-soothing, reduces muscle spasms

6. Lavender: nervous system calming, promotes healthy skin

7. Maca: hormone balancing, energizing

8. Ashwagandha: immune strengthening, reduces stress/anxiety

9. Astragalus: immune enhancement, supports the adrenals, increases vitality

10. Lemon Balm: nervous system calming, soothes the digestive system

11. Ginkgo: helps improve brain and nerve function