Hello! Andrew and I have been working with plants for over a decade. What began as a casual exploration has blossomed into our passion and life's work. From crafting herbal formulas for each other to launching Other Plants, we want to share some key insights we've learned along the way about cultivating an effective herbalism practice.
Wellness: A Holistic Spectrum
Herbs are powerful, but they are just one piece of a larger puzzle. The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as "the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to holistic health." In our practice, we emphasize four core areas to enhance our overall well-being:
- Nutrition: Choosing the right whole foods.
- Sleep: Prioritizing restorative rest.
- Stress Reduction: Removing triggers, cultivating healthy habits.
- Movement: Incorporating consistent daily movement.
Understanding Herbal Support: Food Allergies and Digestion
If you're exploring herbal remedies for digestive issues, you're on the right path! Herbs like chamomile, catnip, and ginger can absolutely soothe digestion. However, it’s crucial to identify any food allergies that may be at play. No amount of herbal intervention can remedy symptoms if you're still consuming allergens. Start by pinpointing the problem foods, then consider an herbal regimen to help repair any digestive damage. Also remember that maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, minerals, and hydration is vital for optimal health. This last part requires a great deal of intention that is easy to underestimate.
The Importance of Quality Sleep
You can engage in all the mood-boosting activities you like, but your body requires quality sleep to repair itself. Persistent sleep deprivation can be debilitating. Understanding the root causes—be it stress, lack of exercise, or pain—will guide your choice of herbal remedies. Implementing a calming nighttime routine can make a significant difference:
- Dim the lights after 8 PM.
- Avoid eating several hours before bedtime.
- Steer clear of stressful media in the evening.
- Use tools like a white noise machine or sleep mask.
Incorporate relaxing herbs such as ashwagandha, passionflower, or wild lettuce in tandem with these strategies for impactful results. Also, early morning sunlight exposure is an important rhythmic cue. Go outside and soak it up.
When Your Nervous System is Stuck in a Sympathetic State, Everything is Stressful
Accidents, illnesses, and natural disasters are stressful. Spilling coffee, traffic, or having to wait in a line shouldn't be enough to derail your peace of mind. Get your sleep sorted, and that will make a huge improvement in your ability to cope with all of life's cute surprises and frustrations. We also feel more calm when we limit caffeine and reserve it for the early morning hours.
Within the broader category of stress management, we feel these subcategories deserve a lot of attention:
- Hobbies: Engaging in activities you love can shift your nervous system into a calmer state, fostering creativity and productivity.
- Nature Therapy: Spending time outdoors, often referred to as forest bathing or nature therapy, has been shown to reduce stress and enhance well-being. Quick nature breaks can effectively reset your mind and improve mood. Plus, going outside is the only way to learn your native plants!
- Relationships: Maintaining strong social connections is crucial for emotional health. Studies indicate that isolation can lead to depression. Call a friend.
Movement: A Key Component of Wellness
When we talk about movement, we're not referring to pumping iron or posing like a tree. We're talking about moving the way hunter gatherers did to secure food —walking, reaching, bending, stretching, and squatting. These actions are essential for health and immune function. Your lymphatic system, responsible for detoxifying your body, requires movement to function effectively. Lymph is not pumped the way that blood is - if you're not moving, its not doing it's job. If you’re feeling out of shape, look up “polarity therapy” on YouTube and start with gentle exercises on the floor.
Plant Medicine Is Personal
We hope you'll try these strategies and that they'll resonate with you. When combined with the herbs, real change becomes palpable sooner. Don't pressure yourself to incorporate them all at once, start with what's easiest for you. Remember, learning plants is a marathon, not a sprint. Finding what works for you is going to take some experimentation. We recommend starting with a few herbs at a time, observing how they make you feel, delving into their cultural histories, and exploring them in the wild. The beauty of herbalism lies in its infinite depth—we will always have more to learn.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to embark on your herbalism journey, or if you have questions about integrating herbs into your wellness routine, we’re here to help! Join our community for more insights, resources, and support as you explore the world of herbalism.