The Magic of Herbal Medicine

My introduction to herbal medicine:

I first started studying herbs in 2013 through my grandmother/abuelas herbal book. She was someone who was multi-skilled in making homemade foods and medicine. She was very practical and would use what she had and what she could grow. I was called to carry the torch of herbalism and holistic nutrition from her.

I began studying herbs from this book and studying the plants in person as well. Working on identifying them out in nature and in gardens. I also began growing some of my own herbs. I was so amazed that these little seeds and then little plants held so much potent healing power. And they were all around us - all the time (well, more so in Spring and Summer, but still).

What to expect when you begin working with herbs:

When you begin working with herbs it is an amazing experience because you begin to notice more in nature. You begin to feel more connected to plants and start cultivating your own relationship with them. What is even more interesting is that when you start utilizing herbal medicine and specifically drinking herbal teas you become even more sensitive to the subtle qualities of plants.

For me personally it wasn't long before I started intuitively knowing which herbs I needed in certain moments. I had the intellectual knowledge from my studies, like this herb is a nervine or adaptogen so I had that working knowledge in the back of my mind, but it also felt intuitive and spiritual - that I had cultivated a communication with the plants. All this to say, it is likely you too will begin feeling drawn to certain herbs or knowing that a specific plant could support you in a certain moment or season.

Ways to Study:

Although you may be starting to deepen your connection with the plants I do suggest either intensive self-study on herbs through books, research, and teachers (as way the case for myself), or to attend an herbal school to formally study herbs. Make sure to find a school that offers in person offerings - online resources are helpful but it's important to have hands on experience with the herbs. This is important not only to learn the physical, spiritual, and emotional properties of these plants, but also to make sure you are utilizing these plants in a safe way. Not all plants are friendly (many are poisonous/toxic) and so it is really important to have a strong education in plant identification and in the preparation of medicine. Understanding which plants to work with and how to work with them is of vital importance to having a positive and safe experience working with herbs.

Sourcing Herbs:

One of the best and most straightforward way to source herbs is to grow them yourself, but if that is not available or too intimidating at this point in your journey there is good news. There are wonderful growers of medicinal herbs out there. Some sources are Mountain Rose Herbs, Starwest Botanicals, The Herb Shoppe, Hedgerow Herb Co, Secrets of the Garden, and if you're looking for excellent boxed medicinal herbs (tea bags, not loose leaf herbs) then I would suggest Traditional Medicinals or Yogi Tea.

Personal Offerings:

From time to time I offer personal herbal tea blends. For a customized blend or to reach out with any questions you have please reach out through the contact form.

Sending peace and love,

Morgan