An Introduction to Systematic Herbalism

Herbalism is the study and utilization of plants to aid in the health of our mind, body and spirit. Through the ages this practice has been known by many names, used by many cultures, and brought assistance to an unnamed number of individuals in need. There are many ways to approach the practice and none of them are wrong! The goal is simply to connect yourself more with nature and maybe find some healing along the way. One of my favorite ways to learn about plants is to learn how they affect us when we ingest them. I find this way super interactive as you can actually try out the remedies you are learning about and see if you can feel the effects. In this post I outline the different systems of the body and how plants may effect them.

Plants affect our bodies by eliciting actions within ourselves. Some are gentle and therapeutic in their actions while others hold innocently disguised toxins, just a drop of which can stop a human heart. Differentiating between the two takes a skill finely tuned to minute details. Nowadays herbs and therapeutics may be purchased online or directly from experienced growers. But in the past where foraging and experimentation were key to the practice, knowing the subtleties of nature was the difference between life and death.

What is Systematic Herbalism?

The term Systematic Herbalism is just another one of these lenses to view herbal-based medicine. Imagine the health of the body and mind as a holistic undertaking. In order for the whole to be healthy each system of the body must be supported. Modern medicine segments the body into twelve interconnected systems and this is actually quite a useful distinction when it is kept in mind that each system affects one another. They should not be thought of as separate entities for they are deeply causal to each other. Sometimes an issue with one is the cause of a symptom in another. That of the skin and the digestive system for instance. When there is an imbalance in the digestive system it may present itself as rash or acne on the skin. Therefore treating the rash would not solve the root of the issue, the problem in the digestive system!

Life is not stationary, it is ever changing and therefore the relationship between these systems is ever changing. We can use these observations about our bodies to notice when something is out of balance. By taking note of the actions of our bodies we can figure out the action and then herb needed to restore balance. Let us now define the systems in just a bit more depth!

Digestive System

Our Digestive System is extremely vital to our existence, it is responsible for the conversion of food into energy and nutrients that we need to survive. Beginning with the mouth and including the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, and the gallbladder, our digestive system is intricate. Plants may interact with our digestive system by monitoring its microbiome, easing cramps or nausea, and aiding in the digestive process.

Respiratory System

The lungs form the core of our Respiratory System, they are intimately connected to our blood and heart as oxygen is pumped from the lungs to all organs in our body. Herbs that act on the Respiratory System do so by clearing chest congestion or easing nasal and sinus inflammation. They may loosen tightened airways to allow for ease of breath or treat respiratory illness cause by microbes.

Cardiovascular System

The heart is a vital part of our Cardiovascular System, it pumps blood back and forth from our extremities and our lungs. Blood is the conduit of information in the form of chemical signals, it transports all hormones, oxygen, and nutrients. It is intimately tied to the immune system as it transports disease-fighting cells throughout the body. Herbs that assist this system do so by acting on blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels, and the heart itself.

Nervous System

A complex network including the brain and spinal column, with branches of nerves reaching out to all extremities. Neurotransmitters and hormones relaying messages to all of these connected neurons. Herbs that affect the Nervous System work to balance neurotransmitters and hormones. By doing so they may alleviate stress, soothe anxiety, fight insomnia, relieve headaches, and treat depression.

Cognitive Health

Just as it is important to keep our bodies healthy it is just as important to heal our mental health. To do so make sure that stress is handled and released in order to prevent anxiety and make sure to give yourself sleep so you may recover. Keep your mind sharp by promoting neurogenesis and provide all the necessities for preserving the neural networks gained. Plants acting as adaptogens can assist in stress management while nootropics can help maintain cognitive health. Look to herbs when assistance with sleep is needed, they may calm the mind and provide sedative properties.

Urinary System

The kidneys are essential to the functioning of the Urinary System. They are responsible for filtering your blood of waste while regulating your body's homeostasis with water by maintaining electrolyte levels. Herbs that act on this system may be diuretics that promote urination, or may help treat urinary tract infections.

Endocrine System

The Endocrine System regulates all; it is responsible for the creation and distribution of hormones throughout the body. It controls metabolism and blood sugar levels, it controls the growth of the brain, nervous, and reproductive systems. When this is out of balance many other systems feel the effect and may get thrown out of whack themselves. Herbs that assist in balancing the endocrine system may assist in hormone balancing, help with hyper/hypothyroidism, or remedy adrenal exhaustion.

Lymphatic System

The Lymphatic System is responsible for drainage of lymph or plasma that has undergone nutrient extraction and now contains waste products. Due to its nature it is a part of the immune system, able to identify and fight the numerous microbes that make it into our bloodstreams everyday. A key part of this system are lymph nodes, of which you have about 600 throughout the body! As well the spleen is responsible for all filtration and production of white blood cells. Herbs that work with the Lymphatic System can be cancer fighting, anti-inflammatory or anti-microbial. Usually swollen lymph nodes are a sign that a little assistance may be in order.

Joints, Muscles, and Bones

The Skeletal and Muscular Systems are vital to our mobility and our stability. Joints especially tend to degrade with age making our mobility decline with them. No movement could be achieved without muscles though so keeping our joints and muscles in tip top shape will ease our aging process! Our bones form the foundation of these systems, themselves being the anchor of many muscles. Smooth and skeletal muscles are the key to all movements of the body, from walking and digesting, to the pumping of our blood through our veins. Herbs that aid in joint, muscle, and bone healing do so by treating inflammation, easing muscle pain, and slow the propagation of degenerative diseases.

Hair, Skin, and Nails

The skin is the largest organ in the human body with hair and nails extruding from the skin to protect it from the environment. All three together form the Integumentary System. The skin protects us and our organs from environmental damage but may be bruised, cut, or burned in the process. Our hair is an accessory organ made of keratinocytes that shields against UV damage and provides warmth. The nails are made of the same material as the hair and reinforce our digits. To strengthen and rebuild our hair, skin and nails we may turn to plants! Our diets are the main cause or abnormalities in this system and maintaining internal health reflects in our external health. Herbs may be used as a source of nutrients to supplement this health or in remedies for skin conditions.

Female Reproductive System

The Female Reproductive system does not solely include that necessary to create life. It also encompasses the menstruation cycle and the process of menopause. The vagina and vaginal canal, ovaries, uterus (womb) and fallopian tube make up this complex system. Heavily influenced by the hormones that control our female cycles, herbs may be used to assist in the symptoms that arise from these fluctuating hormone levels.

Male Reproductive System

The Male Reproductive System houses the penis, testes, prostate, and scrotum and is responsible for sperm and testosterone production. Just like the Female Reproductive System this one is dependent on hormones to function. Herbs that assist with this system may do so by regulating hormone production and distribution or by increasing male fertility.

Join me in the coming months as I dive into the nuances of each of these systems. Hopefully we both learn something together!