Herbalism 101
Disclaimer: I am not an herbalist, nutritionist, or doctor.
But: I do love all things witchy and herb related.
Plants are nature’s medicine. They are our original medicine. Both of my parents are well versed in the healing properties of plants, and so I have, gratefully, been comfortable with plant medicine my entire life. As an adult, I have worked with and researched more. I am a firm believer that when we look to Mother Earth, she has everything we need to heal, from the inside out.
I am by no means an expert, but I thought it would be fun to share with you an introduction to using herbs as teas. Tea is an “easy” bridge into the herbalism world. Teas are generally more diluted and therefore the dosage of herbs is safe for most people. And tea is delicious. Add some honey and it’s a treat for the whole family.
Before reading on, I will ask you this, if you have any questions, concerns, diagnosis, medications, etc, please consult your doctor or a certified herbalist before consuming any herbs, especially as medicine. Big thanks to my dear friend, Dr. Sarah Jeffrey, ND, for sharing some of her wisdom with me. She is a wonderful reference if you have questions, or are looking for a consult with a naturopathic physician. She is my go-to doctor!
What are my top 5 herbs to keep in the pantry for blending teas and why?
Nettle: is loaded with nutrients such as Vitamin C, magnesium, B vitamins, chlorophyll, iron and more, making it a bit of a “super herb.” It is also known to balance inflammation and to help heal the kidneys. Some sources also recommend nettle to regulate hormones. And I drank it regularly after 20 weeks of pregnancy (consult your midwife or doula). It is said to help tone the uterus (do not take in concentrated doses until after 39 weeks as it may induce contractions, in my experience, a gentle tea is safe), as well as prep the body for lactation, help maintain iron levels, and ease digestion.
Peppermint: is wonderful to blend with other herbs, if for no other reason than the taste. Besides the smooth flavor, peppermint is great for digestion, headaches, and even muscle pain. It is both calming and uplifting, helping to soothe the nervous system and promote a sense of peace.
Rose: has the highest vibrational frequency of all plants. It is believed that when smelled, consumed, or just by being around them, roses can help to raise your own vibrational frequency. If that isn’t enough reason to add a little rose into your life, it also is a course of Vitamin C, is an anti-inflammatory, and can lower blood pressure.
Tulsi (Holy Basil): is a sacred herb in Hinduism, which I didn’t know much about until Dr. Sarah introduced me. Tulsi is full of benefits! It protects the body from industrial pollutants, heavy metals, and physical stress. It is a powerful adaptogen (a plant that works with the body to control the body’s stress response and to maintain balance). It does wonders for the skin, helps with metabolic health, and calms anxiety. Why isn’t Tulsi in everyone’s pantry already!?
Wood Betony: is another one that was new to me until recently and I am in love. According to Dr. Sarah, it is one of the strongest “grounding” herbs in the medicinal plants; it helps pull you back into your body. It calms muscle spasms, releases trapped gas, supports nerve function, releases tension especially from around your solar plexus, and is even used to boost confidence. Recently, I have recommended this plant for those that are having a hard time getting to sleep due to an over active mind. Those that have taken it as a gentle tea before bed have reported some of the best sleep they’ve had in a while!
Now that you’ve got my top 5 recs, it is important to make sure that you are buying quality herbs. Depending on where you live, you may be able to plant and easily grow each of these herbs which would be my number one choice.
If you don’t live in an ideal climate, or a have green thumb, here are a few links to sources that I have grown to trust:
When you start to play with blending your teas, start with a small batch or even just one cup. See how the smell and flavor make you feel. Then you can adjust, maybe a little less peppermint and a little more tulsi. Once you’ve found a blend that works for you, remember to write it down!
Teas also make a great gift. Create your own custom tea blend and share it with friends and family for the holidays. Put it into a nicely sealed kraft bag, add a tea strainer, and a ceramic mug and you’ve got a gift anyone would love!
Always remember to reach out to those who know if you need guidance.
Beyond the joy of learning more about plants and blending teas, this is a small step in remembering our interconnectedness with nature. Herbalism brings us back to our roots and our original way of healing and being.
This is the start of a very deep rabbit hole that I encourage you to dive into!
Big hugs,
Loren