Eye of newt and toe of frog,
Wool of bat and tongue of dog
Sounds like a recipe for mayhem, but those witches might have actually been onto something. All these ingredients are just creative names for plants, most of which can have just as many healing properties as bewitching ones. For example, “eye of newt” really refers to mustard seed – a powerful source of antioxidants and protector against infection and chronic disease. Who knows, perhaps Macbeth would have fared better with a few sips of that concoction. Herbalism is a well-established practice in most of the world, but the current Western medical system does not utilize nature’s medicine much for physical or mental health – for better or worse is for you to decide, but I’d like to make a case on behalf of Mother Nature.
Basics
Brews are not the only option available for using herbs, and they might not always be the best. Sipping on some afternoon tea, tossing fresh rosemary into your dinner, and even packing a bowl can all be forms of treatment. The main ones used by herbalists are teas, tinctures, topical remedies, aromatherapy, cooking, and smoking/inhalation. Each has its place depending on the herb, reason for use, and patient-specific needs. Medicine derived from plants can work for a myriad of reasons. Of course there’s the herbal remedy itself, but the herb can also help to support the overall system and illness is attacking or simply ameliorate some of the surrounding symptoms. The experience/how you use it can also be a form of treatment. Have you ever tried deep breathing to help with anxiety? Well deep breathing is intrinsically part of smoking.
I also can’t forget to mention the cultural and spiritual aspect of herbalism, which is so central to most non-modern approaches to medicine. While personal beliefs vary, using herbs can create a strong sense of community and support as well as incorporate spiritual healing in a way that many other forms of treatment cannot. The approach to herbal remedies is a little different than what most of us are probably used to when we think about seeking healthcare. It is intrinsically holistic in nature, meaning that creating an herbal blend is meant to support your whole system, ease symptomology, and prevent future ailments from occurring.
Mental Health
Anxiety/stress, mood, and cognition are three areas of mental health and distress that are commonly experienced. Herbs can assist and/or treat all of these categories, and I will describe some of the ways in which they can do so. Those experiencing high anxiety and stress usually have significant muscle tension, so sedative herbs will help ease some of that pain and physical symptoms of stress (Valerian root, Kava). Stomachaches and digestive issues are also seen frequently as somatization of anxiety, so digestive support and stomach settling herbs may be helpful (Ginger, Chamomile). If someone is experiencing more acute symptoms like panic attacks, it is likely that their respiratory system is affected. Herbs like Pushkarmool and Peppermint can help open airways to help you breathe a little easier, which can do wonders for the onset of panic. Passionflower has also been shown to increase GABA activity, which is directly correlated to decreasing anxiety.
Dopamine and serotonin levels are essential to mood disorders, and John’s Wort and Mucuna have been found to assist in increasing and/or balancing them. Headaches are one of the most common somatizations of mood disorders, so pain-relievers like Poppy can be helpful in the short-term if someone wants an alternative to pills for any reason. Albizia is known as the “herbal Prozac,” which can be especially helpful in cases of trauma, and immune supports like Turmeric and Echinacea can be included to help ward off other illnesses during periods in which taking care of ourselves in other ways seems impossible. Memory is a basic function of cognition, and while there are almost unlimited sources of memory-related issues, Gotu Kola and Gingko have been shown to increase function significantly. Ginseng might serve to increase someone’s energy levels on a more stable level than drugs like caffeine, and Lemonbalm is known for its versatility but especially for its function in heightening attention and focus. Adaptogens like Rhodiola are also a helpful component of any herbal blend, as they support the body’s ability to handle stress and strengthen the immune system overall.
Limitations
One of the most dangerous parts of herbal medicine is how much the strength of herbs can be underestimated. The same degree of harm can be done as help, so it is imperative to ensure you are being guided by someone who has the necessary training and knowledge. Access can also sometimes be a major barrier to herbal treatment. Herbalists are not usually covered by insurance the way other options are, not to mention geographical barriers regarding climates in which certain herbs naturally grow.
Lastly, some limitations apply to everything – herbs can’t treat everything, and the placebo effect can be at play any time; however, the amount of support shown for the benefits of using herbs medicinally cannot be ignored. Herbalism may even fare better than (or be added to) more conventional options for some individuals for many reasons, like side effects of medication, distrust of the medical system, cultural and spiritual components, etc. Like any treatment, it’s up to the patient to decide what is best for them.
-Allison Vermiglio, Assessment Team Member