Introduction to

herbal concepts & the chakras

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The Merriam Webster’s definitions of an herbalist are…

herb·al·ist /ˈ(h)ərbələst/

  1. One who grows, collects, sells or specializes in the use of herbs, especially medicinal herbs

  2. A therapist who heals by the use of herbs

  3. A person whose life is dedicated to the economic or medicinal uses of plants and skilled in the harvesting and collecting of medicinal plants

  4. One versed in herbal lore and, in regard to therapy, an herb doctor

In this Module, we’ll discuss all the herbal concepts, approaches and terminology you’ll need to be successful in this course. Be sure to download any necessary handouts for this module so you can take notes and start building your Materia Medica! Within your workbook, there is contact information should you need to reach out to me with any questions. Do not hesitate to reach out! I will do my best to respond in a timely manner.

Materia Medica

As a personal learning tool, the materia medica is a cross between an herbal journal and a study aid, and it grows slowly as each herb is studied in-depth. The list that follows will help you create a framework for your materia medica, but as learn more about a specific herb, you can include as much information as you desire. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed with the process, though – take each herb a little at a time and work at it over several sessions. It may be best to leave room in your materia medica so that you can add more information later on as you gain more hands-on experience with your herbs.

Information To Include In Your Materia Medica

Herb Identification: Latin binomial; common names; parts used; growing information or preferred habitat; how and when to harvest. A visual reference is great for this section, and you may want to include a botanical description, too.

Actions and Energetics: The actions of an herb are the traditional pharmacology notes that describe what the herb does (like whether the herb is astringent or diuretic); Energetics are descriptions of how the herb behaves in the body (These take constitution into consideration- an herb can be cooling, moistening, warming, or drying.)

Specific Indications: Sometimes, you may read about or discover times when an herb is particularly well suited to a specific purpose. Whether the herb is appropriate for a specific kind of individual or a detailed circumstance, this is the place to note this information.

Clinical and Contemporary Use: This is the place to add notes from modern news sources and references to scientific literature and clinical trials.

Traditional Use and Folklore: This section is perfect for the interesting historical uses and lore associated with an herb.

Safety Issues and Precautions: Any known side effects should go in this section; cautions regarding use by children or use during pregnancy; potential drug interactions or allergies.

Combinations and Similar Herbs: Recipes or formulas (historical, or of your own devising); other herbs with similar uses (These become a great tool for cross-referencing.)

 
 
 
 

Handouts & Articles:

 

Ground yourself

Grounding Yourself

When you work with energy, it is important to ground. Grounding means connecting your personal energy to that of the and allowing a rebalancing of your energy to occur. If are If you nervous or excited, you may be running too much energy through your earth is a good place to shunt that extra energy. If you are lethargic or dizzy, you may be suffering from a lack of energy, and the plenty to share with you. Once you are grounded, you can absorb the energy of the earth to replenish your low energy levels. To ground yourself, follow these steps:

1. Take three deep, slow breaths.

2. Next take a moment to feel your own energy through your body. Focus on a point in the center of your chest and visualize a small green glowing light there. This is your energy center.

3. Now visualize a tendril of green energy growing from thar energy center down toward the earth. Let it reach down past your Visualize it growing into the itself, spreading into roots and twisting through the soil. Take a moment to feel how solid and stable your root is in the earth.

4. Now that you have formed a connection with the earth, you can either allow your excess energy to flow down to mingle with that of the earth or draw some of the earth's energy up to replace the energy you are missing.

Grounding is good to do when you get up in the morning, thing at night, before you do any energy work, or whenever you feel a little out of sync with the world around you.

exercise #1

When observation is done with intent, you will discover more about your neighborhood. For this exercise, first choose a stone or a plant that you're familiar with. Allow yourself to experience it again as if for the first time. Answer the following questions. Write your answers in your herbal journal.

What does this stone or plant feel like to the touch?

• How does it smell?

• What does it look like?

• What sounds does it make?

• How does it taste? (Caution! Never place an unidentified plant or object in your mouth).

Once you've done this exercise with a few plants or stones you're already familiar with, try one you've not experienced before. Notes on these exercises will serve as the basis and become the heart of your personal practice.

exercise #2

If you live in an urban setting, then that city's energy is the energy to must open yourself in order to be in tune with your d and your environment. It is crucial to interact with your natural environment it actually is, not the nature you imagine or idealize. The environment knew yesterday or last month is no longer the environment that surrounds you: energy is in a state of constant change. Thus, the green witch must also be aware, and always adjusting her knowledge. neighborhood on

You may think you know your neighborhood, but it's useful to take the time to see it in a new way. Use all your senses to explore where you live. Ask yourself the following questions. Answer them honestly:

How do the seasons change where you live? What changes can you see and feel?

• What influence does the moon have on you? What is the phase of the moon right now?

• What wild plants are common to your neighborhood? Name at least ten local plants.

• Of those ten plants, which are indigenous to your area and which were imported? When were they imported and by whom?

• What trees are most commonly found in your neighborhood Again, which are indigenous and which were deliberately introduced? When and by whom?

• What wildlife is native to your area?

• Is the water that's channeled to your tap hard or soft?

What type of soil does your neighborhood have? Is it chalky, clay, sandy, or other? Is it alkaline or acidic?

What you don't know may surprise you and perhaps disappoint you, too. You may know the name of the street that crosses yours, or what park is nearest to you, but what is basic and integral to your natural environment is often unknown or unrecognized. Taking the time to learn more about your neighborhood will give you a good solid base from which to learn more about how your natural environment functions.

Make a point of finding out the answers to the previous questions. Write the answers in your herbal journal.

Walking around your neighborhood with enhanced awareness can teach you more than you thought you knew. Engage in the following exercises, which are designed to help you observe as much as you can and make the most of each experience as you gather information.

 

Questions & Comments - Intro Module