NATURE IS MEDICINE

For centuries civilizations and cultures across the globe have turned to herbal medicine to address illness, and ailments, and to support wholesome healing and support. Herbal medicine promotes deep stimulation of healing mechanisms within the body and allows for balance on all levels of being (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual). There are approximately 50,000-70,000 therapeutic plant species. At some point in time, each has been used for medicinal purposes. The healing potential present within plants is widely respected, valued, and harnessed by many cultures. Notably popular within traditional Indian Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Even conventional drugs are often started using material from plants. For the majority of our existence (up until roughly the last 100 years) people have relied almost solely on herbal medicine to treat all manners of illness from minor symptoms to life-threatening diseases. The vast majority of herbs are safe to use but must be mindfully used and applied as they impact the body in various ways and can have symptoms and adverse effects. 

The Roots of Herbal Healing

For centuries civilizations and cultures across the globe have turned to herbal medicine to address illness, and ailments, and to support wholesome healing and support. Herbal medicine promotes deep stimulation of healing mechanisms within the body and allows for balance on all levels of being (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual). There are approximately 50,000-70,000 therapeutic plant species. At some point in time, each has been used for medicinal purposes. The healing potential present within plants is widely respected, valued, and harnessed by many cultures. Notably popular within traditional Indian Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Even conventional drugs are often started using material from plants. For the majority of our existence (up until roughly the last 100 years) people have relied almost solely on herbal medicine to treat all manners of illness from minor symptoms to life-threatening diseases. The vast majority of herbs are safe to use but must be mindfully used and applied as they impact the body in various ways and can have symptoms and adverse effects. 

How they work:
The chemical constituents within a plant alter its effect on bodily systems. We have been extracting and isolating chemicals from plants since the 18th century— However traditional herbal medicine is about harnessing the healing benefits of the plant as a whole and is harvested directly from nature and not made in a lab. We have evolved and changed side-by-side with plants for the duration of our existence and respond exceedingly well to treatment through them. Our digestive system and body as a whole are geared to utilizing these foods. “Food is medicine” is coined from the concept that nourishment and healing properties are not separate, but one. The way herbs are applied and used varies based on culture, herbalist, symptom presentation, desired outcome, and many other factors but the very nature of a plant stays the same. 

  • Herbal medicine works to encourage circulation through increased blood flow to the surface of the body, stimulating the heart to pump more efficiently, reading arteries, and lowering blood pressure.
  • After circulation transports nutrients to cells, waste products are made. The removal of these products can be supported through cleansing herbs. These herbs improve and support the ability to remove toxins. After the toxins are removed other herbs can increase the body’s healing and restorative processes. 
  • Herbs can assist the skin in fighting infection, clotting blood, and repairing/healing wounds.
  • The orchestra of hormones is directly correlated to the health of our nervous system. These systems together impact things like fertility, libido, mood, mental health, vitality (energy), immune function, digestive health, and so on. These systems are chemical, mechanical, and electrical by nature each with the ability to be supported by herbs. A wide range of plants help the nervous system relax, calm, adapt, etc. They work with the body increasing its ability to adapt to stressors, function efficiently, and recover from any damage it may have. 

As with everything else herbal medicine is complementary to the body as a whole. There is no singular herb that is the cure-all for every symptom, but they can be harnessed and utilized to support the body as it actively seeks to return to balance and harmony.

Active Constituents
Anthraquinones— These are the primary constituents found in herbs that have the effect of relieving constipation. (Senna + Chinese rhubarb). They have an irritant laxative effect within the large intestine that triggers the contraction of intestinal walls (leading to a bowel movement). Additionally, they loosen stools making them easier to pass. 

Cardiac Glycosides— As the name suggests— These have a strong effect on the heart. They support its strength and the rate of contraction when in heart failure. They act as diuretics and stimulate urine production. 

Coumarins— Are found in a wide spread of plants and have different purposes. The coumarins in melilot and horse chestnut support the thinning of the blood. Furanocoumarins found in celery stimulate skin tanning (melanin production), and visnaga is a smooth-muscle relaxant. 

Cyanogenic glycosides— Based on cyanide (potent poison). In small doses, they are sedative and have a relaxing effect on muscles + the heart. Some plants with these constituents suppress and soothe dry coughs (wild cherry bark & elderberry leaves). 

Flavonoids— Widely utilized these are polyphonic compounds that act as pigments. They often impart yellow or white colors from flowers and fruits. Their uses + benefits are vast and include Antioxidant properties, circulation support (strengthening capillaries), anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and liver-protective. Some are estrogenic and are of value in treating menopause and other hormonal symptoms. 

Phenols— A varied group. They are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant, and antiviral. They range from salicylic acid to phenolic glycosides. 

Proanthocyanins— Closely related to tannins + flavonoids. These compounds give flowers & fruits a blue, red, or purple hue. They are rich in antioxidants and do an excellent job of attacking free radicals. They offer support and protection to our circulatory system (especially in the heart, hands, feet, and eyes). 

Tannins— These are polyphenolic compounds that bind to precipitating proteins and thus lead to the contraction of tissues within the body. They are capable of helping the loss of blood and preventing infection. Their contracting properties make them useful for tightening overly loose tissues (varicose veins) and help dry up watery bowel movements. They protect damaged tissue (like eczema or burns). Oak bark + black catechu are high in tannins. 

Volatile Oils— Extracted from plants to create essential oils. They are complex and composed of 100 or more compounds. These essential oils have an extensive list of healing properties. 


Unlocking Herbs & Their Diverse Benefits

*This information does not constitute medical advice. It is recommended to seek guidance from a qualified herbalist or consult with your healthcare provider. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have underlying medical conditions, please consult your provider before using any herbs to ensure the safety of both yourself and your infant.*Please note that the list provided here is just a glimpse of the numerous medicinal herbs available. 

Aloe Vera: Versatile and soothing. It is therapeutic for wound healing, and digestive ailments. 

Key benefits: 
  • Expedites wound healing
  • Prevents infection
  • Stimulates bile secretion (effective laxative)
  • Great for burns, scrapes, sunburns, etc
  • Soothing internally. Helps with ulcers, inflammation along the GI tract, and restoring the intestinal wall
  • Bitter properties stimulate and support digestion. 

Astragalus: Warming & invigorating. This is widely used in China especially suited for young, active individuals because of its ability to increase stamina and endurance.

Key benefits:

  • Adaptogenic
  • Stimulates the immune system
  • Diuretic
  • Antiviral
  • Warms and tones Qi (energy that circulates throughout the body)
  • Effective for building resistance to the cold
  • Encourages blood flow 
  • Supportive of excess sweating (including overnight)
  • Supports fluid retention
  • Beneficial for the kidneys
  • Has been used for supporting prolapsed organs (uterus and uterine bleeding specifically)
  • Beneficial to anemia because of its ability to tonify the blood 

Buchu: Stimulating. This traditional South African remedy is used primarily as a stimulant, diuretic, and for digestion support. 

Key Benefits:
  • Uriniary antiseptic
  • Dieretic
  • Stimulant
  • Relieves gas, bloating, and indigestion 
  • Helpful in toning and healing the urinary tract. Commonly turned to for urethritis, cystitis, and UTIS. 

Burdock: Detoxifying. This is a commonly used herb to support the burden of accumulated toxins. The roots and seeds help cleanse the body of waste products. 

Key benefits:

  • Eliminating heavy metals
  • Cleansing detoxification systems, pathways, and organs
  • Supporting infections 
  • Soothes the throat
  • Supports skin irritation, acne, boils, and rashes (especially those stemming from toxicity) 
  • Mild diuretic
  • Antibiotic effects
  • Antiseptic 
  • Anti-inflammatory 
  • Useful for kidney stones (helps to break them down and remove them)
  • Fever support

Calendula: Soothing and cleansing. This versatile herb is utilized regularly throughout herbal medicine. 
Key benefits:

  • Calms and soothes inflamed & angry skin: Rashes, wounds, bruises, burns, acne, sunburn, and fungal conditions all benefit from calendula. 
  • Thrush + athletes foot
  • Bites & stings
  • Hives 
  • Varicose veins
  • Breast tenderness 
  • Diaper rash
  • Nursing nipples
  • Soothes inflammation 
  • Addresses underlying toxicity and supports detoxification 
  • Supportive of gastritis, peptic ulcers, and colitis
  • Cleansing and supportive of the liver + gallbladder
  • Estrogenic properties make it helpful to reduce menstruation pain

Dong Quai: Invigorating. This is the main herb utilized in Chinese medicine to support conditions women suffer from. 

Key benefits:
  • Tonifys the blood (makes it useful for conditions such as anemia)
  • Improves circulation and blood flow
  • Menstrual cycle support 
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Thins the blood
  • Eases muscle spasms

Galangal: Warming & soothing. Produces a warming effect internally and is useful for conditions that benefit from heat. (think yang in TCM).

Key benefits:

  • Gas relief
  • Soothing to the GI tract
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Supportive of nausea and vomiting 
  • Anti-bacterial 
  • Antifungal (especially Candida albicans) and antitumor  
  • Abdominal pain relief
  • Fever support 
  • Arthritis support

Garlic: Comprehensive support across many systems. 

Key benefits:
  • Antibacterial 
  • Antiviral
  • Decreases inflammation
  • Incredibly supportive of respiratory distress, chest infections, colds, flu, asthma, and ear infections 
  • Increases sweating (supporting fevers)
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Great for cold sores
  • Supportive to fungal infections (yeast infections)
  • Reduces blood clotting (thins the blood)
  • Anti-parasitic 

Neem: Purifying & soothing. This is one of the most valued herbs in Indian and Ayurvedic medicine. 

Key benefits:
  • Calming the skin: Eczema, rashes, hemorrhoids, and irritated skin benefit tremendously from the application of neem
  • Antifungal: An incredibly effective herb to use for yeast (yeast rashes, cradle cap, etc)
  • Antimicrobial 
  • Preventative of scabies and ringworm
  • Aides in wound healing
  • Antiparasitic (exceptional for intestinal worms)
  • Antimalarial 
  • Anti-inflammatory 
  • Reduces fevers
  • Lowers blood sugar and supports conditions related to imbalanced blood sugar (diabetes)
  • Conjunctivitis support (applied topically to eyes)
  • Sweet Annie: Clearing & rejuvenating. This herb rose to fame because of its powerful effect on treating malaria.
  • Key benefits:
  • Reduces fever and helps with fever chills
  • Antimalarial
  • Antiparasitic
  • Anti-cancer
  • Cooling— Used in TCM to support conditions brought on by heat (fever, headaches, dizziness, sensations of constriction around the heart)

Sweet Flag: Rejuvenating & soothing. This is an excellent remedy for digestion and nervous system function. 

Key benefits:
  • Gas relief
  • Muscle spasm support
  • Antioxidant 
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Tones + strengthens the nervous system
  • Visnaga: Soothing & theraputic. This herb is specifically useful for alleviating pain associated with kidney stones. 
  • Key benefits:
  • Eases muscle spasms
  • Relaxant: Its ability to relax the muscles of the ureter eases the pain that comes from trapped kidney stones and helps move the stone down to the bladder. 
  • Its impact on muscle spasms makes it effective and useful for asthma and helps to lessen the occurrence of asthma attacks.
  • Supportive to respiratory health in general including bronchitis, emphysema, and whooping cough.

Wormwood: Tonifying and therapeutic. This herb does a wonderful job of supporting digestion specifically the gallbladder. 

Key benefits:

  • Bitter (digestion support)
  • Stimulating bile secretion 
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Soothing to the intestinal lining 
  • Eases stomach pain
  • Mild antidepressant
  • Antimicrobial 
  • Antiparasitic 
  • Helpful for GI issues such as Crohn’s
  • Beneficial in increasing stomach acid
  • Helps with gas, bloating, constipation, and nutrient absorption
  • Natural insect repellent