The Plant Path: Herbalism, Medical Astrology & Spagyric Alchemy

Healing has always been a collaborative journey. In the past, herbalists united in their pursuit of healing, transcending cultural boundaries and traditions. This exchange of wisdom not only laid the foundation for the thriving global herbal community we have today, but also nurtured the seeds of a promising future for herbalism.    In the past, learning about different herbal traditions demanded...

Have you come across the idea of allopathic herbalism? This approach often highlights specific symptoms and conditions that certain herbs are "good for." However, it has a limitation: it doesn't address the root causes of diseases.   To achieve profound healing, it's crucial to go beyond simply matching herbs with symptoms. Embracing the traditional vitalist herbalism philosophy lets you explore t...

The vitalist approach to healing is like an ecosystem, and herbalism is only one aspect of it. At its heart, vitalism is about living in accordance with nature. This means living harmoniously with it and learning to support your body's natural intelligence through nutrition, hydration, rest, and other lifestyle habits. By understanding how vitalism extends into every corner of your life, you can m...

Science and spirituality are often painted as opposing forces. When this philosophy makes it into herbalism, you get a big divide between herbalists.   Depending on their perspective, herbalists will typically choose a scientific or spiritual approach to healing. The problem with picking a side is that you only get one half of the picture. By seeing the unity of science and spirit and the importan...

Do you wish that you felt more vitality? Many people wait until they have time to take a vacation or staycation to recharge, but postponing self-care until you truly need it can leave you feeling burned out.    Instead of seeing self-care as an uphill battle, you can take small and achievable steps that enrich your day and make you feel great. In today's blog post, I share simple yet life-changing...

Step into the enchanting world of Lady's Mantle, fondly known as the little alchemist. This captivating plant enthralls herbal enthusiasts and alchemists alike because of its profound connection with the Water Element.   Lady's Mantle's alchemical correspondences are seen through its cup-shaped leaves that collect dew, and its balancing effects on dampness and lax tissues. Lady's Mantle harmonizes...

Alchemy provides a unique perspective on health and disease that differs from conventional medicine. According to this philosophy, periods of sickness and health are as natural as the changing of the seasons.   Alchemy views illness as an initiation. From this perspective, sickness provides you with the opportunity to heal underlying patterns and undergo transformation. One of the best forms of he...

Spagyrics is the branch of the alchemical tradition that specifically concerns itself with the preparation and processing of medicinal plants. One of the unique attributes of spagyric preparations is that they are specifically designed to concentrate the physical, energetic and spiritual qualities of the plants in a singular extract. This process separates, purifies, and recombines the Three Princ...

Alchemy is a philosophy and practice that can enhance herbalism. By re-integrating spirituality with science, you can unlock the full potential of herbal medicine. This involves understanding the practical alchemical framework, which focuses on preparing and administering herbal medicine with a holistic perspective.    By integrating the philosophy into your herbalism practice,you can achieve tran...

The science and spirit of herbalism are often taught separately. The problem with this approach is that they are two sides of the same leaf, and separating them leads to a fractured and incomplete understanding of herbalism. The alchemical philosophy unites them to generate a holistic perspective that can transform your herbalism practice into one that's truly holistic.  In today's episode, you'll...

One of the most powerful ways you can potentiate your herbal remedies is through the integration of astrological techniques. Through combining the energetics and spirit of time into your medicine making, you can create the most potent and concentrated remedies possible.  In today's episode, you'll learn: The Western model for understanding the energetics and spirit of time Seven patterns for ident...

The current healthcare system focuses on managing disease after it has occurred instead of preventing its onset.   Alternatively, holistic herbalism is a wellness-first approach that emphasizes disease prevention. Through it, you can effectively address disease potentials and correct imbalances to prevent their onset.    One of my favorite tools for this is the natal chart, which is a part of Astr...

All herbalists have one fear in common, and that's accidentally causing harm to someone using herbs. However, the likelihood of this occurring is lower than you might think. By understanding the pathways in which herbs affect the body, you can practice with greater safety and confidence.  In today's episode, you'll learn: How herbs affect the body physiologically and energetically Safety practices...

The vitalist approach to healing is like an ecosystem, and herbalism is only one aspect of it. At its heart, vitalism is about living in accordance with nature. This means living harmoniously with it and learning to support your body's natural intelligence through nutrition, hydration, rest, and other lifestyle habits. By understanding how vitalism extends into every corner of your life, you can m...

Blue Vervain is one of the most effective relaxant remedies in the Western Materia Medica. You can use Blue Vervain for a full spectrum approach to alleviating tension, whether that be psychological or a stiff neck. This herb acts as the conduit between your nervous and musculoskeletal systems, so you feel a sense of relief not only in the mind but in the body as well.  In today's episode, you'll...

Some client cases are straightforward, while others leave you scratching your head and unsure where to begin. If you have ever had a client with a myriad of symptoms, you might worry that you are giving them too many herbs, formulas, or are altogether overwhelming them.   Just because your client's case is complicated does not mean your protocol needs to be. Through learning techniques for working...

Chamomile is a familiar plant with an unmistakable scent and flavor. It is one of the most popularly used and loved herbs, and most folks have a box of it sitting in their cupboard.    Although sipping on some Chamomile tea at the end of the day is nice, its medicinal properties are complex, and there are different preparations you can make with it. By taking a deeper look into this plant, you can...

The urinary system is one of the main eliminatory pathways of the body. When it becomes blocked, detoxification is inhibited, and infections and kidney stones can occur.   The first step you need to take before taking herbal medicine is identifying the underlying tissue state of your unique condition. By doing so, you can select herbs with precision to alleviate painful symptoms while resolving th...

Your liver is responsible for metabolizing every waste product that your body produces, as well as everything you put into your body, good and bad. In this way, the liver is central to the health of the entire body, for it is a nutrient storehouse and makes sure everything stays pure and clean. When its functioning becomes affiliated, it can lead to a number of health concerns, both on the physica...

Asia Suler is an herbalist, earth intuitive, and founder of One Willow Apothecary, where she shares educational content about healing and developing a connection with the living earth. She recently published a book called Mirrors of the Earth which posits that self-compassion is a form of ecological and global healing.    In this week's episode you'll learn about: Asia's new book, Mirrors of the E...

An effective herbal formula does not happen on its own. While you can combine a bunch of herbs and hope they work together, the results will often lack consistency and precision.  By integrating a methodology into your medicine-making practice, you gain the knowledge and skills you need to make dependably effective formulas every time.  In this week's episode, you'll learn: The main differences be...

Although the conventional approach to lowering cholesterol often includes medication, adopting a holistic perspective and taking a multifaceted approach can help you absolve the root of the problem and allay symptoms.   In today's episode, you'll learn: What cholesterol is and the roles it plays in the body How high cholesterol impacts health The conventional versus herbal approach to addressing h...

Everyone experiences scrapes, cuts, and bruises at times. Therefore, everyone could benefit from an herbal first-aid kit at home. Simple and straightforward, herbal wound care is the best step to take if you're new to herbalism, and always nice to refresh on if you're advanced.  In today's episode you'll learn: The herbal approach to wound care The main herbal actions used in herbal wound care Spe...

Low dosing and high dosing with herbal medicine are two practices as old as herbalism itself. So which one is better, and which should you use in your practice? As you will see, there are unique benefits attributed to both, as well as circumstances where one may be favored over the other. In this week's episode you'll learn: -Low dosing and high dosing are two valid and well practiced methods in h...

As an herbalist, facing a condition you've never heard of is a rite of passage. However, how you respond is up to you. There's a universal method you can employ when treating all conditions- familiar or ones you've never heard of. By using postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) to illustrate this method, you'll learn:  How to approach a condition you've never heard of What the six tissue...