Herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years as a natural way to treat a variety of ailments and promote overall health and wellness. For those who are self-reliant – like me – or a prepper, having a basic understanding of herbal medicine can be a valuable skill to have in our tool kits. Heck, even those who aren’t a prepper, should have the desire to at least become a family herbalist, just for the sake of their own family’s health and wellness.
Herbal medicine is created from plants and plant extracts that have been used this way for thousands of years. It isn’t a new fad. It isn’t something that is going away. It has always been a part of human survival, and in fact it is on the rise as more and more people are starting to care more about their natural health and wellness. These plants offer preventative supports to the body, along with offering natural forms of healing properties for the various health issues we deal with on a daily basis. From minor cuts and bruises to more serious conditions like infections, chronic pain, or diabetes, herbals offer supports for all. Once you start to learn about these, you will begin to understand on a much deeper level just how valuable they are to you. It will light your fire to learn more.
I did my official schooling from The Herbal Academy, but herbs have been a part of my life since I was just a little child tagging along in the footsteps of my farmer dad!
One of the key benefits of herbal medicine is the natural and holistic approach to health and healing. Unlike convential medicine, which focuses on treating symptoms, rather than addressing the root cause of an issue, when using herbal medicine we take a more holistic approach. I like to think of it and frame it as an overall lifestyle plan, taking into account not just the physical, but mental, and spiritual as well, whatever that might look like for you.
Yes, herbals have their place in first aid and emergency situations, and they fit nicely into these kinds of treatments, but they also have their place in your everyday lifestyle and holistic health. Study one herb at a time, if you want, with my herb of the month study guide.
You don’t have to know a ton about herbs to use herbal supplements or treatments. You can do a simple search on the internet so find out what you could use for certain things, but it is important to learn a basic understanding of the different types of herbs and their properties, meaning what they can do for you.
Some herbs like chamomile and lavender are known for their calming and relaxing effects and are safe for children, while others, like echinacea and garlic, are valued for their immune boosting properties.
You will find that as you start to study them, you will discover your favorite herbs, your locally grown herbs, and you will learn them well. You will listen to other’s conversations and think to yourself, “Oh, such and such could help with that!” It will truly become second nature to you. You will be well on your way to become your own “Family Herbalist” and you will just one day realize it! Embrace the journey!
As parents, preppers, self-reliant people, and neighbors, having a well-stocked home apothecary filled with a variety of herbs and herbal remedies will undoubtedly provide you with a peace of mind, and reassurance that you are prepared to handle most any health issues that may arise. (Now do not ever discount the need for doctors or other health practioners, thinking you know better. Don’t play with life and death situations, you are not trained for that!) You will be trained for health supports, body systems supports, and the wellness of a body. You will feel empowered to take control of your family’s health and well-being in a natural and sustainable way, and as you begin to study and learn more, you will understand just how important “natural and sustainable” really is!
So get to it! Start studying! You could study at places like The Herbal Academy, which is amazing! You could pick up a couple of my study workbooks, open a page and get doing some research. I also have these available as downloads on Etsy. If you search on either Amazon or Etsy you can find all that I offer. You could head on over to Amazon and purchase a book, or head to the local library and find what they have on herbs. The possibilities for learning are endless!
You can learn the basics of herbal medicine, and you SHOULD learn the basics of herbal medicine. I promise you won’t regret it!
