what is herbalism?
Herbal medicine, also known as herbalism, is the study and use of medicinal plants, and is the foundation of traditional medicine as we know it today. The materials used for herbal medicine can be sourced from the leaves, flowers, roots, or bark of plants. The use of plants as medicine predates written human history. Archaeological evidence indicates that humans were using medicinal plants during the Paleolithic era, approximately 60,000 years ago! While the use of herbs today has been overshadowed by prescription medications, if used correctly, herbs can support your health and longevity.
Although herbal medicine has been practiced by many people all over the world, rebel + dart draws from are western herbalism, Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Western Herbalism consists of herbal traditions from Europe and the Americas, and emphasizes the study and use of European and Native American herbs in the treatment and prevention of illness. Western herbalism is based on physicians' and herbalists' clinical experience and traditional knowledge of medicinal plant remedies preserved by oral tradition and in written records over thousands of years.
Ayurvedic Medicine is one of the world’s oldest lifestyle systems that has been traditionally practiced in India for more than 5,000 years. Ayurveda emphasizes holistic health, or viewing the body and mind as a whole. Ayurveda focuses on prevention and treatment of illness through daily lifestyle practices (such as massage, meditation, yoga, and dietary changes) and the use of herbal remedies.
what does an herbalist do?
An herbalist is someone who uses plants for healing or for supporting long-term health. Herbs can be used for so many things from wound healing to sleep support, the list is endless! A few of the most common preparations you’ll see used in herbal medicine are:
Teas (herbs infused in water)
Tinctures (herbs that are infused in alcohol)
Food (spices and herbs are great additions to meals.
Rosemary, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne
are just a few.)
Electuaries (powdered herbs combined with honey)
what’s the difference between a community herbalist and a clinical herbalist?
There is currently no regulated certification or licensure in the United States for being a clinical herbalist. However, it’s important to know what constitutes a family or community herbalist and the level of training and comprehensive study involved to become a clinical herbalist.
Community herbalist vs. Clinical herbalist.
Community herbalism is largely focused around traditional folk preparations and historical uses of herbs, but of course is also informed by modern uses and research. Common backgrounds of study in Western herbalism include Native American, wise woman, and folk, among other traditions. Community herbalists can be trained through traditional or non-traditional methods such as self-study or apprenticeships (American Herbalists Guild, n.d.).
Clinical herbalism is a more specialized practice of herbalism which requires professional education with specific clinical application and training. In general, clinical herbalism programs focus on the study of anatomy, basic biochemistry and phytochemistry, traditional uses of herbs, herbal formulation, specific diseases and imbalances, symptom pattern assessment, and clinical tools for supporting wellness with herbs (American Herbalists Guild, n.d.).
