how do i know an herb is right for me?
Trends…Sometimes you follow them, sometimes they’re just not for you. But what happens when a plant becomes trendy? A few years ago, Maca root had its moment in the sun. Touted as a ‘fertility tonic’ and ‘libido booster’, why wouldn’t everyone want to use Maca powder in their coffee, bone broth or smoothie? Currently, the adaptogen Ashwagandha is having its heyday, but again, is it indicated or safe for everyone?
If there’s one thing this clinical herbalist believes (and wants to make sure others understand), it’s that not all herbs are for every body. Your body is unique. How it functions, how it responds to stimuli, its hypersensitivities…. For example, if you’re taking a thyroid medication, you don’t want to take an herb that might either lower or heighten thyroid function. That’s where the ‘clinical’ part of ‘clinical herbalism’ comes into play. I do my due diligence and make sure that the herbs you’re taking are going to work with your current health picture. Clinical herbalism is customized and tailored for you.
In addition to maybe not being the right herb for your body, herbs have a history of becoming popular among wellness brands and then run the risk of being over-harvested. When this happens, herbs can become ‘at risk’ and sometimes have even gone extinct. Although I want my clients to use herbs and become familiar with their supportive capabilities, I also feel a great responsibility to protect the plants. What kind of herbalist would I be if I wasn’t being a steward to nature? How will future generations benefit from nature’s gifts if they’re no longer available?
Finding the right balance of using herbs sustainably is an ongoing intention for me. So, staying abreast of the herbs that are currently considered ‘at risk’ and not using those in my herbal formulations is very important. United Plant Savers is a non-profit organization I’m proud to be a part of that monitors those ‘at risk’ plants and helps to preserve their longevity.
If you buy herbs or make any of your own formulas, it’s also a good idea to stay on top of the ‘at risk’ list, which you can find here.