Summary

The website content provides an introductory exploration into the world of herbs, discussing their potential benefits, uses, and precautions, while emphasizing the importance of education and mindfulness when incorporating them into one's lifestyle.

Abstract

The article "An Introduction toooooooo… Herbs" delves into the multifaceted nature of herbs, touching on their definitions, uses in various forms, and the significance of understanding their properties for safe and effective application. The author, who identifies as a 'baby' herbalist with a background in health coaching and massage therapy, aims to share knowledge and personal experiences to encourage a healthier lifestyle through the use of herbs. The piece highlights the potential of herbs for healing and support, the importance of careful usage due to potential toxicity, and the misconception that all herbs are unpleasant in taste. It also previews upcoming topics such as the origins of herbalism, the role of phytochemicals, and the importance of herbs for personal and planetary health. The author emphasizes the educational and entertainment purpose of the article, noting that the information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Opinions

The author believes that writing, studying, and teaching about herbs will enhance their own understanding and confidence in the subject.
They express a personal commitment to living a healthy lifestyle and encourage others to do the same with compassion and love.
The author suggests that herbs can be a gentle and natural alternative to conventional medical treatments, with fewer side effects.
They advocate for the enjoyment and fun that can come from incorporating herbs into daily life.
The author shows a deep appreciation for herbs as a connection to the world, ourselves, and each other.
They quote Ralph Waldo Emerson to convey the idea that plants considered weeds may have undiscovered virtues, implying a broader value to all plant life.
The author is enthusiastic about expanding their knowledge and sharing it with others through various formats, including research, reading, experimentation, and writing.
They emphasize the importance of trusted resources and education when working with herbs, given that some can be toxic.
The author is passionate about herbalism and hopes to inspire and help people through their writing, expressing a desire to achieve a lifelong dream of being a successful writer.

An Introduction toooooooo… Herbs

What are they? Where are they found? Why use them? How to be careful/mindful of/with them, and more to come!

A Background.

So, I consider myself a ‘baby’ herbalist. I have taken an apprenticeship, read books and articles here and there, learned a bit in massage, yoga, and health coaching training, etc. but there is SOOOOOO much!

Just like probably any other topic, the amount of information is overwhelming. And, just like many other topics, there is still so much we do not know or are learning, not just as individuals or groups or what-have-you, but as an ‘intelligent’ species and/or in ‘provable’ scientific and/or measurable ways.

Why this topic?

Well, I figure one of the best ways for me to learn more about a topic and feel confident in it, is to write, study, teach… and so here is a brief introduction with hopefully much more to come, both specific and broad.

As I tend to try and live as healthy a lifestyle I can and know how to at the time (constantly evolving), I try to help encourage anyone and everyone I meet to as well, with love and compassion. I try to educate my clients on hopefully simple (or sometimes complex, depending on what they need and where they are in their own journey), and easy to implement ways to add to their life.

For instance a simple tea before bed to help calm and perhaps detox your system (or aid in and/or support the body’s natural detoxification/cleansing processes and/or organs) can make a world of difference not in just how they sleep but how the body repairs itself during that time…

Also, I recently purchased some new herbs that I have been excited about for a long time and I want to ‘get to know them’ better. What better way than to share them with others in a format I love — researching, reading, experimentation, and WRITING!!!

Okay, first off, what the heck is an herb anyway?

Ask 100 different herbalists and everyday people this question, and you are bound to get a wide range of various answers, but to start, an herb is a plant that contains potential spiritual and/or physical ‘healing’ properties, otherwise known as constituents.

An herb can absolutely be toxic or poisonous, and so it is best to be very careful and educate yourself — start slowly and cautiously. Find resources and/or teachers you trust.

Also, an herb is a plant that is used often as a flavor enhancer and is not considered part of the macronutrient food pyramid. A quote I just LOVE:

`What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.’ — Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Common Misconception about Herbs:

Although true that all herbs do not taste good… not all herbs taste bad — even the ‘weird’ ones. Also, it is a matter of personal preference and taste — literal taste not style ;p

What part or parts of the plant is used and how?

Leaves, roots, flowers, bark, berries, etc., or even the whole plant. Can be used raw, fresh ‘plucked,’ or dried. Used to make teas, decoctions, tinctures, infused beverages and/or oils for cooking or topical use, etc. Used for flavoring food or simply as food, for/as perfume, and medicinally.

Herbs can be used internally or externally, aka aromatically and/or topically. Also they can be used chronically as a tonic — as in toning the nervous system daily for over stress, or acutely as in from injury or illness.

*Keep in mind this is a brief introduction and is over-simplified. As time and interest permit, I will expand upon this topic.*

Why/how are herbs important — in other words, why should I (you) care?

For starters, herbs are an important part of the planet and ecosystem to start; however, so much more than that, they are a connection to this world, ourselves, one another, and all the living beings in such a profound, magical, healing, and beautifully gentle, or sometimes abrasive, way.

Secondly, herbs are a wonderful and delightful way to take better care of yourself naturally, healthily, holistically, and easily with fewer side effects and risk than most over the counter and/or prescription drugs, surgery, injections, etc., AND from the convenience of your home or local food store.

Thirdly, it can be fun :) and so many other great reasons!

Stay tuned for More about Herbs answering questions like:

What is Herbalism & where does it originate from aka, is Herbalism ‘which craft’?
What are Phytochemicals or Phytonutrients, do they exist in herbs and why are they important?
What are Micronutrients and what micronutrients (or trace minerals) might herbs contain?
Some Common Herbs for Common problems
Other Common Misconceptions about Herbs
More about: What part or parts of the plant is used and how?
More about: Why/how are herbs important — in other words, why should I (you) care?

Disclaimer:

Although I have personal and professional experience in the health and wellness field, including nutrition, I am not a certified/licensed nutritionist. I am a Certified Integrative Health Coach, Herbalist, LMT, Health & Wellness Enthusiast, etc.. The information contained in this, or any, article is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The contents of this article are not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disorder disease. I, the author, am not a medical advisor, as with any and all recommendations, please do your own due diligence.

Note: This article is a compilation of my own life experiences, research, testament, opinion(s), etc.. It is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, legal, or clinical services. Although I, the author, have personal and professional experience in the health and wellness field, including health coaching, am not a certified/licensed nutritionist. I, the author, am not a medical advisor, as with any and all recommendations, please do your own due diligence.

With love light blessings, and a prayer for a brighter happier healthier tomorrow…

Your Idealistic HolisticNerd ~ Mind. Body. Spirit/Soul. ~

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