What is Herbal Medicine?

Using herbs for medicinal purposes is not a new concept. In fact, herbs were the foundation of medicine dating back hundreds of years. I would suspect that as you’re reading this right now, you probably have a bottle of aspirin in your medicine cabinet. But did you know that aspirin is derived from the bark of a willow tree? Many people are quick to dismiss the use of herbs, but if you remain open-minded you will be fascinated by the healing power of plants. Herbal medicine is not intended to replace your modern healthcare, but to be an alternative, natural solution when deemed appropriate. Using plants for healing has been studied for hundreds of years and each plant offers its own unique properties and works in different ways. Many of these are common staples in your spice cabinet: ginger, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and cayenne to name a few. How do you use these herbs? There are different ways to apply herbs, depending on why you are using them. For example, a poultice or salve is used for topical application. Other ways to use herbs is with a tea or tincture which is ingested and works internally. The best way to become comfortable with herbal medicine is by educating yourself. Research, read a book, practice! Start small with something you already have on hand. Learn about it and apply it to your life. Ask a mentor. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, we are all learning!