To become a great herbalist, there are foundational principles and practices we have to understand and ultimately master. These posts focus on core holistic principles of herbalism, vitalism, and herbal traditions of the world.
When we’re thinking about herbal medicine making, some of the topics that generally come up amongst herbalists are linear in their approach to how we prepare herbal medicine. What part of the plant do we use? Should it be fresh or should it be dried? What percentage alcohol should we use? Is it better as an infusion or a decoction? What are the chemicals in the plant, and how do we best extract them?
From anti-spasmodics and nervines, demulcents and emmenagogues, there are a wide category of herbal medicines which are considered to be ruled by the Moon. As
When you’re studying alchemical herbalism, the first step towards making spagyric medicine is with making what is called “the seven basics.”’ This process is achieved
Most people think the first step in creating a spagyric herbal extract is the separation of the volatile Sulfur of the plant. To translate that
The synergy of astrology and herbalism provides a truly holistic framework that unites the physiology, psychology and soul of the person, with the physical, energetic
Learn how to use the Elements as a lens for classifying and using herbal remedies. The Alchemical herbal perspective involves looking at the planetary rulerships of different herbs, their organ and tissue affinities, as well as providing a sophisticated and refined way of preparing herbal medicines according to astrological influences. In this video, I reveal how the common herb Cleavers (Gallium aparine) relates to the water element, as well as Venus and the lymphatic system.
There’s one critical key to truly understanding healing & herbalism that has nothing to do with what you’ll read in a book. This foundational element will deepen your connection to herbs and your understanding of how they work, which overall will make you a better herbalist (which is what you want, right?!)
In part 2 of The Elements in People and Plants, we explore some the Elemental patterns as they exist within the botanical kingdom.
Alchemical philosophy and practice radically changes our approach to herbal medicine. By re-integrating spirituality with science, you can unlock the full potential of herbal medicine
I use the term “energetic architecture” a lot in my work- for it’s a phrase that to me truly encompasses the concept in alchemy of correspondences, or the philosophy that everything in life is interconnected, related, and the above and below are ultimately One. But what does that mean? And how do we use that philosophy practically? Energetic Architecture is a universal pattern of energetics that weaves together science, religion, and medical traditions from around the world. Essentially, it consists of three primary layers, or patterns, of energetics: the 7 planets, the 5 elements, and the 3 philosophical principles (Alchemy) or doshas (Ayurveda). When one looks at traditional models of the world, there is usually always some form of a 3 fold pattern, a 5 fold pattern, and a 7 fold pattern.
In this video I elaborate on the essential oil distillation process in the spagyric method. This example here is a little different from standard, as we were doing both a hydrodistillation and steam distillation at the same time (we had a lot of plant material!).
One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that the science and spirit of herbalism are commonly taught separately. The problem with this approach is
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