Herbs - A Different Sort of Apothecary...

As a society, we in the United States must collectively reframe our idea of health. Our concept of what constitutes ‘health insurance’ must change. Documentary movies, politicians and insurance companies hold forth the idea that if we simply provide ourselves with low- or no-cost medical intervention, all our health problems will abate. Our society has medical interventions aplenty. It also has obesity, chronic illness and fear of death. It does not have health. In fact, it has declining health. For the first time in centuries, the current generation of children is expected to have a shorter life span and poorer overall health than the generation before them. As a parent, and a nurse, I find this unacceptable.

Herbalism, phytotherapy and herbal medicine are all terms used to describe employing the properties of plants in healing. Herbs have been used as medicine by humans since prehistoric times and they are used today by millions of people across the world. Plants are the pharmacy of the people. They can be used by anyone, for anything, without prescription or guidance. In our country, that means it is not unusual for some people to take dozens of herbal supplements in much the same way other people take dozens of drugs.

To be more effective, it can be helpful to work with someone who can integrate scientific medicine and the healing power of nature. A nurse master herbalist is such a person. Herbal healing is not about popping pills and getting instant results. The effects of herbs are usually slow, gentle and sustained. The herbal apothecary is vast and complex. And, it is the basis of becoming truly well.

Traditional herbalists speak of learning one herb a year. It takes time and persistence to learn deeply about a plant and its medicine. The student must give special attention to where and how the plant grows, what properties it offers for healing, and methods of proper collection, preparation and use. Tea, Camellia sinensis, was my first herb. Before I began my formal study of herbs, I studied tea. A versatile healing plant, tea can be the cornerstone of a healthy daily ritual.

Tea has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Only in recent decades have some of the secrets of tea been unlocked by medical research. These studies examine the relationship of tea to cardiovascular heath, dental health, weight loss, immunity, aging, and certain diseases like diabetes and cancer. We now know that tea is rich in several types of antioxidants. Tea contains the only plant-derived source of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and stimulates immune system function.

The mystery of tea is in no way diminished by scientific study. The ritual of preparing and drinking tea is a calm oasis in a busy life…a delightful practice that nurtures body, mind, and spirit.