Powerful medicine is packed into hundreds of plants and herbs around us.
Plants and people have had a long history together. For thousands of years, plants have provided people with food and medicine. We have depended on plants for survival. But as time has passed, humans have largely adapted to a lifestyle that is more disconnected from the plant world. As soils become more depleted and artificially enhanced, food becomes more processed, and chemical medications are our go-to for pain and illness, we lose the vital connection to our original and purposeful relationship with plants and what they have to offer.
Medicinal herbs have the potential to strengthen our connection to personal health and our natural environment. This connection is even stronger when we know our herbal remedies have been cultivated in organic, biodiverse gardens.
Powerful medicine is packed into hundreds of plants and herbs around us. When we begin to learn about the many unique offerings in plants, we begin to look at them in a different way. We begin to look at them with awe, reverence, and respect. We might gather wildflowers for medicine rather than just for vases in our homes. A medicinal weed will become welcome, rather than cut, pulled, or worse, sprayed with chemicals to prohibit its return. Perhaps we allow our lands to grow natural and free, welcoming the cycle of various wild plant species in order to not only witness them, but to respectfully utilize them for our own health and wellness.
The human experience is elevated through our relationships with plants. Medicinal herbs have the potential to strengthen our connection to personal health and our natural environment. This connection is even stronger when we know our herbal remedies have been cultivated in organic, biodiverse gardens.
Adaptogenic herbs are a large part of herbal medicine. Adaptogens work to counteract the effects of stress in the body and regulate balance in the hypothalamus gland (hormone and body temperature regulator), pituitary gland (regulates major body functions), and adrenal glands (regulate metabolism, immune system, and stress responses). In short, they “adapt” to what the body needs.
Extra endurance can help us go farther and longer, which brings a deeper level of satisfaction to our experience. Herbalists understand that there are plants to guide us in these areas of need.
As we begin to settle into winter, we can find ourselves presented with a mosaic of symptoms that might be challenging for us. Our immune system might not be as strong as it could be, and illness can take hold. Or perhaps our bodies cannot fight the cold temperatures as well as we would like them to, and as a result, we might have poor blood circulation, which can bring discomfort. Or maybe we want to hit the slopes, backcountry ski, or take a winter hike. Extra endurance can help us go farther and longer, which brings a deeper level of satisfaction to our experience. Herbalists understand that there are plants to guide us in these areas of need.
Herbs can be used on their own or in combination with other herbs that complement each other. They are, in general, a safe way to bring a higher level of wellness to each individual seeking their support. Most herbs are safe to take along with any medications, but always consult with a physician if you have any specific concerns.
Photo Courtesy of Starks Mountain Herbs
Some helpful herbal remedies
specific to this time of year include:
Circulation Remedy: This tincture is formulated with several herbs to stimulate the circulatory system. In winter months, one spends more time outdoors, enjoys outdoor recreation, and even in cooler indoor temperatures, which can lead to poor blood circulation. Featured ingredients include organic herbs arjuna, hawthorn berries, black cohosh, capsicum, celery seed, ginger, cinnamon, muira pauma, and adaptogenic schizandra berries.
Endurance Support: This is a single tincture, meaning only one key herb is used. This featured herb is eleuthero root (aka Siberian ginseng), which is the most studied herb in the world. It was the first plant identified as an adaptogen. It is a powerful herb that helps the body with several funtions, including increasing endurance and athletic performance, mindfulness, focus, and improved concentration.
Immune Support: This tincture is formulated with several herbs to support our immune system through the winter months, both for prevention of illness and to boost immunity when we become sick. Featured ingredients include organic herbs and adaptogens ashwagandha, astragalus, poke root, dong quai (angelica), sage, and thyme.
Lung Support: This tincture is formulated with several herbs to support the respiratory system. Whether one needs lung support during outdoor recreation or when symptomatic with illness, this medicine will support lung health. Featured ingredients include organic herbs and adaptogens mullein, astragalus, hyssop, cinquefoil, and tulsi (holy basil).
Tinctures are plant material that are soaked (macerated) in high-proof liquor for a minimum of six weeks to ensure full medicinal potency. Liquor acts as a drawing agent to the herbs, and extracts the medicinal properties from the herbs over time. The flavor of the tinctures can be described as strong and earthy. To take the tincture, it is suggested to put 10 to 15 drops (.25 to .5 mL) sublingually (under the tongue) for a fast result. If the herbal flavor is not preferred, it is also effective to add the dosage to a drink of choice. Tinctures can be taken situationally or consistently for longer periods of time, depending on the need.
We have the choice, now more than ever, to turn to ancient plants for healing in times of illness and imbalance, disease prevention, and promoting a positive mindset.
Everyone has the freedom to experiment and discover new ways to thrive in mind, body, and spirit with help from the gifts of medicinal herbs. Plants are allies that help us restore ownership of our personal path to wellness. We have the choice, now more than ever, to turn to ancient plants for healing in times of illness and imbalance, disease prevention, and promoting a positive mindset.
