How I Experienced Healing Through Herbalism
Herbalism came to me when I was at a low point in my depression. It was a moment in my life where everything made sense because I finally discovered my purpose; to become a doctor. The struggle seemed to be over for me. I was enrolled in a Post Baccalaureate Program for PreMeds at UCLA Extension, I had a full-time job where I worked from home, and I lived in a nice neighborhood very close to my school. Everything should have been perfect, right? Well, I only had time for work and school and I had no friendships in either locale. Because my job switched over to be fully remote, I lost a lot of the connections I had at work. School was a very stressful environment and instead of leaning in and asking for help, I sat in class too intimidated to even talk to anyone as I struggled in every class in silence. But I was focused on the goal, so the present was only temporary, in my mind.
“My body felt the heavy weight of stress and it triggered the depression I’ve danced with my whole life.”
In came the tiredness, hopelessness and the sadness. Outside of the house that I was living in, was a beautiful patio space and garden, where my roommates grew all sorts of flowers, herbs, and fruit. One of the herbs I recognized right away was Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus), one of my favorite herbs/spices. I also discovered a plant that I hadn’t yet seen in real life, but heard a lot about, Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis). I picked some of the leaves, tasted it, and went inside to look up how to use this herb. I learned that lemon balm had been historically used in teas to comfort those with depression and anxiety. WOW, can you believe that? There was medicine available to me, right outside my door. I called my best friend, Asia, who was an herbalist, and she told me all about the herbs growing in the garden and she put me on to my favorite herbalist, Susun Weed. I began pouring through her website and listening to her podcast, where I learned so much about the “green blessings” every week. Her generosity with teaching and her philosophy on herbalism inspired me to take it on myself. And this, my friends, is how I became an herbalist.
“But what brought me to healing was not just herbal medicine, but it was also my decision to press into community when things were difficult.”
I decided to leave school for a moment and move in with some strangers that became really great friends. The people along with the herbs nourished me back to health. In my experience, herbalism is faith that the earth will take care of us. It is the faith that the Earth has exactly what we need to adapt and move with the changes, the joy, the discomfort,and disease. Practicing herbalism is an exercise in working with change, and welcoming the dynamic. It is the understanding that there is so much beauty in movement. I really enjoy thinking of how the structure of the bones in our bodies includes both strength AND flexibility to approach an impact, weight or blow we may receive from life.
“Herbal medicine teaches us to be aware of what’s around us, who is around us.”
If I were to teach someone the first step in becoming an herbalist, it would be to go to a local park and look to see what plants are widely available. An easy plant to identify is Dandelion (Taraxacum) which is a favorite among the kiddos who are eager to touch and appreciate the beauty of the plant, but seen as a weed to adults who want to maintain manicured lawns. Dandelion is a plant in which any part of it can be used for food or medicine, especially for liver function and digestion. But more than what the plants can do for you, think about what your presence can do for the earth, for all the things around us. Remember, the plants need us just as much as we need them. We are an integral part of photosynthesis: we provide the carbon dioxide and plants provide the oxygen. Therefore, one of my self-care routines is going to a park and just laying there. I might read a book, I might type out an essay, I might take a nap. But what is most important to me is that ritual of being with the earth, and her abundance. It’s that reminder that I don’t need to cling on to any one thing, because what I need will be available to me exactly when I need it.
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that SINGLE GIRL CLUB (“SGC”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. You understand and agree that SINGLE GIRL CLUB shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
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