Principles of Holistic Herbalism Archives - The School of Evolutionary Herbalism

Herbal Alchemy: The Water Element

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.

What Astrology can do for you as an Herbalist

As an herbalist, you love working with plants on many levels. You might be a wildcrafter, or a gardener. You might just love making herbal medicine. You probably help your friends, family, clients and community with their health through herbs. And chances are, you actually do all of the above, right?

Part 1: NW Herb Symposium Lecture- Alchemical Theory

I had the pleasure of teaching a few workshops at the 2015 NW Herb Symposium on Whidbey Island, Washington. I decided to do a 2

The Practice of Herbal Alchemy: An Interview with Master Alchemist Robert Bartlett

One of the biggest turning points in my plant path was the moment I came across the tradition of herbal alchemy, what is referred to

Where to Begin with Making Spagyrics

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

What is “Energetic Architecture?”

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.

Intention, Alchemy, and Medicine Making

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?