02/11/2021
Sometimes people have asked me why I choose herbals, homeopathy, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine ) and natural remedies when there are so many medicines available today? Apart from personal choice and having a love for the natural world and plant species, I answer them that I view food and plants as medicine. A gentler way of balancing the mind-body and knowledge that has helped me on my healing journey to wellness.
Ah, but can plants really "do anything" to heal our bodies, balance our energies or create positive effects in health and vitality? Yes, indeed they can!
A quick little example of the power of herbs and how they work.
Herbs work on three levels:
1. As Food/Nutritional : nutritional building blocks, to stimulate body processes,cleansing and nourishing.
2. Vibratory : to help open pathways for energy flow,harmonizing,to bring the mind-body into balance(example: homeopathic, flower remedies)
3.Catalytic: acting on the body through the nervous system, body systems, stimulating, soothing,relaxing,consolidating.
As Food, herbs can help with nutritional optimization, provide fuel for physical energy,cleanse and purify, can strengthen assimilation.
As Vibratory, aid in harmonizing the body's vibrations and qi, which can affect our emotional state.
As Catalytic, acting upon the structure and function of the body systems to promote wellness and vitality.
There are Five basic classifications of herbs.
Astringent, Demulcents, Aromatics,Bitters,Nutritive.
Let's give examples of each:
Astringents are herbal agents that diminish fluid secretions of the body and have a drying effect, they tone and contract. (example: Yarrow is used for its astringent properties to reduce swelling for external wounds.A poultice of fresh leaves can be applied to a wound. Also, brewed as a tea and cooled it can be used on the face to tighten pores.)
Demulcents/ Mucilaginous herbs nourish, soothe, lubricate,soften. (example: Mullein helps soothe irritation and dryness of the lungs and is used to enhance respiratory health. )
Aromatics stimulate, purify,activate (example: Capsicum in cayenne pepper to aid in improved circulation and blood flow, used in topical remedies for muscle pain.)
Bitters cleanse, alkalize, dissolve, loosen, relax and cleanse/purge (example: Dandelion is used to stimulate the liver and kidneys, promoting healthy digestion and is helpful as a diuretic.)
Nutritive herbs are used for the nutritional value they provide to the diet in the way of protein, carbohydrates,fats, vitamins and minerals. (example: Spirulina, which is a good source of protein and a powerful antioxidant.)
So, you can see that there are many ways plants and herbs can be beneficial to health.
In the next post I will share an immune enhancing recipe with items that you can mix from your own kitchen.
Until next time...walking the spiral of wellness~ Kamala
