Medical Philosophy and Holistic Principles

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.

Silvery Leaves: A Lunar Materia Medica (Renaissance Medicine Conference 2017)

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

The Elements in People and Plants (Part 2)

In part 2 of The Elements in People and Plants, we explore some the Elemental patterns as they exist within the botanical kingdom.

The Art of Distillation

Distillation is one of the primary alchemical processes used in the production of true spagyric extracts. The 2 primary methods of distillation used are for

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?

Spagyric Pharmacy for the Practitioner of Botanical Medicine

Many modern practitioners of herbal medicine have a calling to heal not on the body with plants, but also the more subtle levels of the

Plants, Planets and Evolutionary Medicine

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

Interview with Kami McBride

I think one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves as herbalists and healers is “why do we get sick?” This is the

2015 Renaissance Medicine Conference

Early this May I did a few classes at the Renaissance Medicine Conference in Portland Oregon that I thought I’d share with you. This is

An interview with Robert Bartlett

When we talk about herbalism and alchemy, it can often seem like we talk only about the past. We know herbalism and alchemy have been

Spagyrics: Ancient Medicine for the Modern World

There’s something that I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. I’ve been looking at the state of the world and everything that’s been going on politically and culturally. With the fires that we’ve been having out here on the West Coast, it feels like things are heating up—literally—on planet earth right now.

Your Herbal First-Aid Kit

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