Herbalist in a pandemic

Now that I am an herbalist in a pandemic I have been finding it hard to write.  I think actually I could shorten that sentence to “I have been finding it hard.”  I am so grateful for the many blessings of my life.  I know that others are struggling far more than I.

My desk is littered with drafts of different posts.  A post that rants.  A post that talks about how beneficial fevers are as an immune response.  A post about cramp bark.  I told my Mom that writing was like trying to start a fire with wet wood.  There have been walks in the woods and that is the same as before.  Yesterday I saw a moose!

I have a craving for nettle soup but all the nettles are mere inches tall.  My partner has been making fun of me because each day I check the garden to see if the nettles there have appeared. I’ve spotted one so far.  I came across this biscuit recipe the other day and will be giving it a try as soon as the nettles are up to a decent height.

I always thought it would be the end of oil that made us look to those herbs that grow in our bio-region.  Turns out a pandemic is responsible.  Hasn’t changed human nature though. Maybe thrown it into relief?  I am not sure.  Those who have hearts full of compassion still have those loving hearts and grifters gotta grift.  There is misinformation aplenty out there.

Hold on I think I might be about to rant.

Herbal Wisdom

Herbalists are trained in the use of herbs for healing.  The key word in that sentence is TRAINED.   Let me say briefly that yes herbs are people’s medicine.  At the same time though, using herbs for healing is a skill that requires education and experience.  I can change a light bulb.  Anyone can make a cup of peppermint tea to soothe a bad tummy.  An herbalist asks questions to understand why a person has a bad tummy.  If I need to rewire my electrical panel I call an electrician.

Herbalism (my herbalism) is not about leaping to take an analgesic herb instead of an aspirin when you have a headache.  It is, rather, investigating a person on a mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual level to find out why they have headaches.  It is thinking about what herbs could work together to help shift the pattern that has resulted in a headache.  It is about knowing what herbs are local and sustainable. It is about knowing about possible interactions between herbs and pharmaceuticals.

If there can be any good to come out of this pandemic I am hoping a return to an appreciation for expertise may be part of it.

If you need herbal healing – make contact with an herbalist.  They have the skills and wisdom to make your healing happen.