What is herbalism and why am I writing about it? Well, from my understanding it’s is the use of plants for health or healing purposes of the body. Now, this is my understanding so far, let’s look at a formal definition so you don’t have to take my word for it. Looking at the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, herbalism will point to “herbal medicine” which is defined as “the art or practice of using herbs and herbal preparations to maintain health and to prevent, alleviate, or cure disease.”
This is one of the reasons why I’m so curious about herbalism. I take my fair share of prescribed medications and I’d like to see if anything in herbalism can help alleviate some of my conditions. Of course, I’m consulting my doctor before I start any herbal treatment to make sure I don’t have adverse interactions with my current prescriptions, because I am not a medical professional and have no formal training in medicine. This is all just a new experience/experiment for me. This is probably a good step for anyone about to start an herbal regimen.
For thousands of years, people across the world have turned to herbs (leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, and bark) not only as food but also as medicine. This is what fascinates me about this practice. Today, herbalism continues to thrive as part of a growing movement toward holistic, plant-based living and I’m all about jumping right into it.
What is Herbalism Really About to Me
I see herbalism as building a relationship with plants that goes beyond food or decorative purposes. It isn’t about replacing pharmaceuticals exactly, but learning to listen to the body, observe nature, and understand what each plant offers. Herbalism invites us to slow down and work with nature’s rhythms, cycles, and energy. While modern medicine often focuses on symptom suppression, herbalism seems to aim to address root causes and support the body’s natural healing processes. It views health as a state of balance, not perfection.
Different Paths of Herbalism
Herbalism is not one-size-fits-all. There are many traditions and approaches, including:
- Folk Herbalism: Rooted in ancestral knowledge, passed down through families and communities
- Clinical Herbalism: Uses evidence-based practices to support wellness through consultation and care plans
- Ayurvedic Herbalism: A system from India that integrates herbs with dosha-balancing protocols
- Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine: Focuses on energetic properties of herbs and meridian theory
- Western Herbalism: A blend of Indigenous, European, and contemporary herbal practices
How Herbalism Works
Herbs can support the body in many ways. Some act as nervines to calm the nervous system. Others are adaptogens that help the body respond to stress. I’ll get more in depth about these in later articles. Some stimulate digestion, boost immunity, or support the heart, lungs, or liver.
Herbal preparations include:
- Teas and infusions
- Tinctures (alcohol-based extracts)
- Salves (ointments) and oils
- Herbal steams and compresses
- Culinary use in food and tonics
Getting Started with Herbalism
You don’t need to know everything to begin. In fact, the best way to start is with curiosity and a few common herbs like chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm, or turmeric. I’m starting out with very little a few herbs and a few supplies that I already had on hand. I started by simply making tea.
Here are a few steps to get started on your journey:
- Choose 1–3 herbs to learn deeply
- Start a herbal journal
- Make a simple herbal tea or salve
- Join a local or online herbal community
- Read foundational herbal books
Keeping a journal is one of the important ones here. This will help you document your experiences and see what works for you and what doesn’t. In addition, you can keep recipes for tea mixtures you enjoy, salves, and of course for food preparation. Also, learning what herbs grow in your region is a fun way to start off — maybe you can start a garden.
Resources for the Beginner Herbalist
- Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide by Rosemary Gladstar
- The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook by James Green
- Herbal Academy or Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine (online courses)
Final Thoughts
Herbalism is a deeply personal and empowering path. It’s not about doing it all, it’s about doing what feels aligned, nourishing, and sustainable for you. It’s about learning. Let the plants be your teachers. Let the process unfold slowly. Let yourself be transformed by the quiet, persistent power of nature and what it has to offer.