Discover Herbs

I worked in science research for decades but I always wondered why the path to health and longevity was so expensive, technology dependent, difficult to achieve and in the hands of so few. Surely we came into existence with more accessible tools for health and survival? If the birds and little creatures in this world have everything they need to thrive, why not us?

I have a science background in agriculture and applied botany, worked in pharmacology research and then Information Technology for many years. I always believed however, that everything we needed to be healthy should be readily available in nature. Early on I knew about using dandelion as a tonic in spring, coltsfoot for the lungs, plantain leaves for bleeding and chamomile for sleep. I had expected that western medicine would draw on the wisdom of plant medicine, but in modern pharmacology, it was more about discovering compounds to affect biological processes. Partly as a result of my interest in natural medicine, I eventually switched careers again, became an Acupuncturist and opened a healing clinic.

I closed that clinic after a decade in 2020 and took up writing full time. However as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner, I have had years of first hand knowledge of the uses and benefits of herbal medicine. Classic Chinese Herbal formulas work hand in hand with acupuncture because of the common medical framework and diagnosis. If you were diagnosed as having Liver Qi Stagnation, for example, there would be a specific point prescription that you could build based on these underlying conditions. Then there would also be a matching herbal formula such as Xiao Yao San that could be employed to enhance the treatment. I usually found that acupuncture was sufficient but stubborn or chronic conditions or cases, where the patient was depleted, I found herbals were extremely beneficial.

I have a number of formulas that I still rely on for my own use. I use the classics because they have been developed and used for thousands of years, have a wide range of herbs and therefore are well balanced, gentle and safe. For example Bao He Wan is a good choice for an upset stomach and diarrhea. For the first signs of an oncoming cold or flu, I find that Yin Chiao (with a soar throat) or Gan Mao, is excellent. These will stop the virus from developing further if caught soon enough. For infections especially for the chest, I use Andrographis. It is a powerful antibiotic and antiviral. For injuries like sprains, to accelerate healing and reduce swelling, Zheng Gu Shui as a liniment, is a go to.

The number of Chinese formulas is extensive. There are volumes of ancient Materia Medica that you could spend years perusing. To use most of these however, it is advisable to first have a TCM pattern diagnosis done by a qualified TCM practitioner. Each formula is well balanced and draws on the healing abilities, properties and synergies of a number of plants. Many of these plants have never been heard of in the west. At one time, my shelves were lined with largely unknown, natural antivirals, antibiotics, painkillers, immune boosters, digestive strengtheners, cholesterol reducers, cough suppressants, menstrual regulators, diuretics, anti-allergenic, anti-diarrhea formulas, fertility boosters, blood builders, energy boosters, calming herbs to regulate anxiety and herbs to improve and combat vision loss, to name many but not all of them. Now I just keep what I need for personal use.

We also have a strong western herbal tradition here in North America and many health food stores now carry herbal remedies. Our own natural food and supplement stores are growing in popularity and much more can be ordered online. Western Herbology also has a national treasure of tradition that needs to be promoted for a healthier, sustainable and affordable way to keep ourselves well. There are many knowledgeable herbalists. It is always best to consult a qualified herbalist to help you select the right herbs.

However there are also many beneficial herbs that you can grow in your garden or sustainably harvest from the wild or your own yard. Spring is a good time to start looking at the emerging "weeds" to find your own treasures of supplemental nutrients, immune boosters or the foundations for balms. Common plants like dandelion, yarrow, plantain, heal-all and clover all can be used in various ways to improve health. There are many resources online to show you how to use these. Even better, leave part of your yard to grow wild and do your own research as new plants emerge. It is always interesting to see what grows naturally in the environment closest to you. This also supports a healthy ecosystem and the bees will thank you for it.