The Essence of Herbalism
Sometimes I fear that the essence of herbalism has been lost to TikTok, mainstream media, and the ever-confusing health and wellness industry.
Rather than focusing on what herbalism is NOT (which I could go on about for quite some time), I want to share the reminder that came to me as I pondered this on my back porch, watching the sun rise over the
East Coast.
Herbalism is an ancient art, one that has existed for as long as humans have walked this earth. Since the beginning of our time, we have lived alongside plants, animals, and the natural world. Through observation, experience, experimentation, and relationships passed down through generations, we learned to recognize the nourishment and medicine growing all around us.
This sacred art has allowed us to explore not only the land we inhabit, but the extraordinary complexity of our own bodies.
Herbalism is about connecting to the body - understanding how it works, recognizing its many patterns through different seasons, and learning to listen for what it needs.
Herbalism is about being stewards of the earth - caring for and protecting the soil that grows our medicine. Understanding that the health of our bodies is deeply connected to the health of the land, the water, the air, and the countless living organisms that sustain them.
Herbalism is patient and pays attention - watching how a plant grows, where it is able to thrive, how it responds to the seasons, and how it interacts with the life surrounding it. It is about recognizing that there is wisdom to be gained from observation.
Herbalism is about relationships - the relationship we have with ourselves, with the plants, with the earth - and very important - the relationships we have with our community. With the people that we work with and offer medicine to, or receive medicine from.
Herbalism offers sovereignty through responsibility. When you understand your own body, recognize its patterns, and learn to trust your ability to observe and question, you become harder to manipulate and control. When you develop a relationship with the land and learn to recognize the resources available to you, you become less dependent on systems that do not always serve your best interests.
Sovereignty does not come without responsibility (and accountability & grace).
Tuning in to the essence of herbalism requires effort, discipline, patience, and above all, devotion.
This devotion leads to liberation - when you have the courage to seek truth, ask questions, think critically, and sacrifice the people, places, and things in your life that no longer serve you, you free yourself from the shackles of a sick society.
Herbalism is a beautiful way of life and I am honored to have the opportunity to share this magic with the world each and every day.
If you feel inspired to share what herbalism means to you - please do so in the comments below!
If you’d like support in stepping into this way of life - I am here to help.
Click HERE to read of my different offerings and choose the one that speaks to you.
Stay True,
Cameron Jewell
Thank you for your visibility and voice especially in Fl- for the people and plants, waters. I appreciate your work and sharing your experiences. To me, plants are our very much our relatives. They are rooting for humans and life giving, literally. Giving Air, food, shelter, tools, medicine. Even so, they are invisible. overlooked. Most people can barely identify a handful of plants. I’m a trauma therapist, long time yoga practitioner teacher and wildcrafter. . I think people who experienced severe childism and abuse understand this invisible/overlooked dynamic on a different level- and benefit greatly from getting to know plants. Plants heal, physically, emotionally, mentally and maybe most, spiritually. They are our ancestors and relatives. They are our neighbors …