Ancient Herbalism meets Modern Medicine ?
It is said by many, naturalist, spiritualists and researches alike, that there is a botanical cure for every ill. Botanical researchers continue to search for plants with medicinal properties that hold promise for a cure. This research continues in far away places like the Amazon Rainforests, SE Asia, Africa, Eurasia etc. The race is on to find more botanical cures before some of these botanicals become extinct and remain undiscovered as our natural habitats begin to dwindle under the heavy hand of human interference. Plants are essential to all life on earth and yet one-third of all plant species are threatened with extinction. We hope to find these healing wonders that Mother Nature has to offer and perhaps one day find a cure for cancer and more.
Let us not forget that the foundation of medicine evolved with the assistance from our natural botanical wonderland. Many pharmaceutical drugs have been replicated via the blue print of many botanicals found in our natural world. So to disregard the power and sometimes subtlety of these healing plants would be ignorant. Learning, embracing and understanding the way of herbs can be very rewarding and empowering. Plants can be an integral part to maintaining a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle. Herbalism may carry the reputation of being a bit mystical or far reaching for some and for others it the very foundation that maintains their healthy lifestyle and good nature.
There is still much to be discovered and understood by scientist about the human body and our natural world. Thus, herbalists have relied on historical herbal legacies and centuries of herbal knowledge passed down from the ‘wisdom keepers of the ancients’. This wisdom of the elders is comprised of years of observation which has become the basis for many herbal home remedies available in the market today. Furthermore, in the lab, over the last century, scientists have been able to validate and prove many of the historical botanical health claims passed down from generation to generation. This has created an awakening and confidence in the evolution of herbalism in our society that should not be over-looked.
The power of botanicals, teas and other natural remedies are being accepted as they were long in our past before the modernization of our world. Modern medicine has made leaps and bounds in our health care. However, in doing so, it has also separated people from the ‘nature’ of healing. We the people have given our control away to the power of medicine. Mostly due to the society influences that surround us that breeds the attitude of following the masses. Ignorance and greed has separated us from what is healthy, natural and our divine right to be whole. Modern medicine certainly deserves its bounty of recognition; and so too, the power of herbs deserves its place in our homes to empower us in ways for preventive health. This may allow one to escape the all too common need for intrusive medicine.
If one may be so lucky to take responsibility for their health, to understand, learn & navigate their body, mind & spirit freely with the knowledge of herbs there may be less suffering in our world. Furthermore, if we were in need for medical intervention, we would be so grateful that modern medicine did have its hand in ours. Thus, we hope that modern medicine and natural healing collide somewhere along the path; so that their individual genius’ may collaborate to create something truly healing and supportive to the human body and spirit. Epidemiology (the study of health-event patterns in a society) tends to clash with nature per say; free from political or financial influences to create medicine that is truly amazing.
For now, the way of herbs can assist us in supporting our specific health needs in this changing world. For now, I am grateful for the herbs that we do have to at our fingertips without having to trek up a muddy mountain, as the elders did so long ago, to find just the right remedy in season to suit them; while instead, we may waltz over to our local store, in the modern way, to pick up the botanical of the day. We are so fortunate ~
Laureen Grenus
