Quality in Herbal Medicine: Why You Should Care
Approaches to Herbalism
When it comes to Herbalism there are many approaches. Many different ways to access the natural world, but all have at their core whole plant medicine, learning from the gifts provided by nature. Accepting the essence of these plants into our bodies and allowing them to work their magic within us. But one thing that should be valued in all approaches is quality. And it’s not just as simple as using quality herbs in your extractions. It’s about consistency and assurance that your extracts are reliable. This is the only way to make effective herbal remedies time and time again.
Scientists, like me, will spend their lives in search of the why, the how. Trying to parse out the chemical composition or the mechanisms of action that these plants elicit. And we are successful! New compounds are identified every year adding new complexities to our understanding of the natural world. But it is only one way to approach the vast expanse of Herbalism. Others connect to these plants in their kitchens, choosing to use tastebuds and instinct to guide their hands. Feeling the plant's effects and letting that guide you in their usage.
Dedication leads to Transformation
However plants come into your life the fact remains true that they will heal while they are there. With the plants themselves, yes, but also with dedication and commitment that comes with undertaking this journey of knowledge. If you let them, plants may heal not only your body but your mind and your connection to the living things around you, including people. So we find that the plants themselves, and their study Herbalism, connects us. It bridges the gap between us whether you are a chef, a mom, a researcher, we are all humans seeking to understand the medicines of the natural world.
Which brings me to our topic today: quality in Herbalism. If we expect to use plants in any manner then we must treat them with respect in their life. And it only seems true that if we want something to provide healing after its death, for many plants its harvest means death even for just a season, then in life the plant must thrive in order to optimize itself. Only then will it truly provide healing. This might seem abstract but think of it this way healthy plants make us healthy.
Quality Control in Herbalism
So what does this mean? What can you do to ensure you are sourcing quality happy plants? Well for one, if you are wild harvesting do so where plants are cared for or at least left alone. Avoid areas where people may have applied round-up, or where road runoff could leech into the soil. The soil next to highways for instance tends to have a lot of gasoline/diesel from engines leaking as they drive and the rain washing it into the ground. Conditions like these are not ideal for medicine harvesting. Instead look for places touched by wild, where natural symbiosis has begun to return.
Sourcing from Quality Vendors
When searching for vendors of herbs, say online for instance, look for those you think you can trust. I personally love to support local agriculture so I tend to seek farms in my vicinity that are growing quality herbs. Places like these you can place your trust in. And there is something to be said about plants coming from your community. If this seems far-fetched, I encourage you to Google “herbs farms near me” and see what you find. You may be surprised! But always look for those who seem committed to the craft, those who you may trust to find quality sources themselves if they are not in fact growing the plants.
Handling to Ensure Quality
Quality not only means how the plant lived before it becomes medicine, but also how it was handled in that process. Herbs that have been processed incorrectly lose their effectiveness. It does not matter if the plant was grown in the best conditions creating the best possible plant if it is processed incorrectly it may be completely unusable. This mainly happens when plants are not cleaned and dried correctly. More often than not humans are not the only species that take an interest in the herbs we harvest. Bugs in particular love to dwell in the leaves and blossom that we so commonly harvest. If plants are not rid of these critters they may eat through the entire harvest while it's sitting in the storage container! I know this has happen to me on more than one occasion… Or if the plants are not completely dried mold may grow once again taking a harvest. Both preventable with the appropriate handling.
How to Prep Your Herbs for Use
If you are preparing your own herbs here are a few steps that I use!
Thoroughly clean the plants, whatever part is to be used, remove all soil and organisms.
Chop to the desired size, if at all. I like to leave flowers and leaves untouched and cut roots and bigger stems into small pieces.
Then dry slowly and completely, making sure not to apply excessive heat. i recommend a dehydrator, but if you do not have that on hand then simply time will suffice! Spread your plant matter evenly on a tray and place it in a cool area with plenty of air circulation. Alternatively hang your herbs from a string and hang to dry. Drying this way takes time so be patient and check frequently.
Once thoroughly dried the plant matter should be crisp, a stem breaking, leaves ground into a fine powder. It should not be spongy at all, if it is simply continue the drying process. Store your dried herbs in airtight containers for later use!
I encourage you to check on your herbs frequently to make sure they are maintaining their quality.
Remember healthy plants make healthy people.