Energetic Herbalism: A Guide to Sacred Plant Traditions Integrating Elements of Vitalism, Ayurveda, and Chinese Medicine
This book brings together many traditional healing methods including Traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic and Western Herbalism, it also highlights all are based on energetics and the need to connect with nature which needs healing also.
The author has over thirty years’ experience in herbal practice and has met many others that have a passion for herbs. She explores twenty-five herbs that are widely available and not endangered in this book, detailing information through the lens of energetics and her personal relationship with these herbs. Knowing the person not the disease also comes across well here, highlighting the need to look beyond symptoms.
I particularly like how she explains no herb has one category, just like a woman may be a sister, mother, artist, scientist etc, herbs like people have many roles.
As many people use herbs in the kitchen, they already have a connection as food and medicine. Some also grow herbs, therefore getting an understanding of how the weather, climate and conditions affect us and our plants.
The elements of Earth, Air Fire and Water are recognised as energy, and foundations in transforming thinking. The Energetics of plants takes us on a journey of discovery about healing and how to be human in this world. The author talks about simplicity and that to improve as a herbalist, an understanding of energetics helps us read people and plants matching them for wholistic healing.
The book contains some recipes to reflect the seasons and has chapters on The Wheel of the Year and Kitchen Apothecary Practices, with delights such as: oxymels, vinegars and glycerine extracts etc.
The Five Phase Theory is explained along with the Indigenous teachings that the earth and all creations are imbued with a sacred spirit. This inspiring book is one I dip into frequently, enjoying it like a comfort blanket, as it speaks to the soul and leaves me often deep in thought and in a happy space.