What is herbal medicine?

The difference between using herbs and practicing herbal medicine

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So you’re interested in herbal medicine. 

Whether you’re new to herbs or an herbalist in the making, you’re probably still in the process of understanding what the difference between using herbs and actually practicing herbalism is. Or maybe you’re just wondering what people mean when they talk about “energetics.” Or maybe you’re wondering where to start, or how to deepen your knowledge.

If any of this sounds like you, then you’re in the right place.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Some of the history of “western” herbalism and medicine in the US
• Why asking “what herb is good for…” is a very limited perspective
• How herbal commerce perpetuates a superficial view of what herbalism is
• Why it’s important to know if your herbs are at-risk or endangered
• Ways to start looking at herbs from a more nuanced lens
• How practicing herbal medicine requires deeper knowledge of both herbs and people
• Ways to start to think through individualizing herbs for yourself and others

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal health concerns.

References

Smith, T., Fajid, F., Eckl, V., & Reynolds, C.M. (2021). Herbal supplement sales in US increase by record-breaking 17.3% in 2020: Sales of immune health, stress relief, and heart health supplements grow during Covid 19 pandemic. HerbalGram 131, 52-65. http://herbalgram.org/media/16783/hg131-hmr.pdf

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