new hope blogger

I think it’s fair to say that there’s been a systematic denigration of the use of herbs in America in the last few decades. Part of this stems from the very fact that herbalism has been in use since the dawn of humanity, and if it weren’t for herbs being used medicinally, I seriously doubt humans would have lasted long enough to have achieved the medical technological advances that we have now. That extraordinarily long history means herbs are tied up with myth, religion, and spirituality, as are all things from the ancient world. The world was not divided as it is now, with spiritual leaders, artists, scientists, politicians, and on and on all leading separate existences. Herbs fed humans daily, kept them alive and healthy, as well as kept vermin and germs away, so of course they were also part of the spiritual customs and traditions of each culture. They were both daily allies and miraculous magic workers. This intertwined ancestry is sacred still to many, but unfortunately others see it as a reason to label herbalism as just ‘old wives tales’ and consider it all ineffective, despite thousands upon thousands of years of use. It’s important to note that other parts of the world still embrace herbs as part of their medical system. According to the World Health Organization, around 75% of the world’s population still depend on herbal medicine for basic health care needs, and we aren’t just talking about third world countries. European doctors regularly prescribe ‘phytomedicines’ alongside other modern medicines, with German doctors reporting along the lines of 80% of them regularly using medicinal herbs in their practices, and in England and Australia both, herbalists are recognized health care providers. Also according to the World Health Organization, Japan leads the world in highest per capita consumption with 80% of Japanese doctors prescribing a traditional Chinese medicine within the last year. This shows that herbs are indeed effective, and they were seen as such in the U.S. too until the 1920s when the pharmaceutical industry really got going. (The numbers quoted above are from a book published in 2007 but seem consistent with what I’ve heard in the last couple of years.)

Another reason that herbs are often discounted is the fact that herbs exist in a different paradigm of health than our modern western view. In our culture today, if we don’t have a disease, that constitutes ‘healthy’ for the most part. We go to a doctor if we are unwell. The doctor runs tests and either offers us a procedure, or a pharmaceutical, or further testing, or if nothing is found than we are told to watch the symptoms and come back if need be. There is not much support for the in-between time in the modern American system, but that is the space where herbs (and other natural medicines) thrive. Herbs work to balance the body’s imbalances before reaching disease state. In this paradigm, health is a state of homeostasis, where minor issues are clues to overall body tendencies, and those can and should be addressed gently and consistently with herbs, and those medicinal herbs also provide beneficial side effects. This is a sharp contrast to what we are used to thinking of as medicine, and the truth is that most people are not in the habit of being self-aware enough to regulate their health before a disease state. Once a disease state has been reached most people want the fastest ‘cure’ which often means a relief of the symptoms, not a cure of the underlying imbalances that caused the issue in the first place. Not that every disease can be avoided with the proper herbs and care, but most people are at least vaguely aware of their personal patterns, genetics, and their weakest body systems that are apt to lead to sickness, so it is not such a far leap to start looking for ways to build weak areas up with herbs, nutrition, other natural products, and activities. It certainly beats knowing your genetic predisposition to certain weakness and yet doing nothing. There are always options. Self awareness leads to self care and self advocacy, and that is a healthy long-term outlook.

Speaking of a healthy outlook, my book club is now reading a book on Blue Zones (thanks to Lani for picking it!) which is a concept that’s interested me for some time so I’m excited to delve into it. Since I haven’t actually gotten the book yet though, I got familiar with the topic through this Delicious Living article that gives the quick and dirty on what makes a community a Blue Zone. Below are 9 pillars from the article to give you an idea of Blue Zones, but for the whole article, click the link above or the map below. Also, if you want to join our book club and read the book I linked to, let me know what you think!

The Power 9 are the nine lifestyle principles, as outlined in The Blue Zones, that Buettner and his team documented during extensive research trips to the world’s five blue zones—Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Okinawa, Japan and Icaria, Greece. These principles, he explains, are common elements of the lifestyle and diet habits and overall outlook the centenarians share in each location he visited. They’re a recipe for longevity, he says. “But it’s an à la carte menu; you don’t have to do all of them.”

Here’s how you can incorporate these proven principles in your own life and home—or even your community.

1. Move naturally

Be active without having to think about it.

2. Hara Hachi Bu

Painlessly cut calories by 20 percent.

3. Plant Slant

Avoid meat and processed foods.

4. Grapes of Life

Drink red wine (in moderation).

5. Find Purpose Now

Take time to see the big picture.

6. Downshift

Take time to relieve stress.

7. Belong

Participate in a spiritual community.

8. Loved Ones First

Make family a priority.

9. Right Tribe

Surround yourself with those who share your values. (End of article info.)

These seem to be pretty simple concepts that make sense. We all want the same things, to be happy and healthy, to stress less and enjoy more, to be around loved ones and feel our time here is significant in some greater way. Let’s try to make it happen. And if you are wanting to add herbs to your life but are unsure of where to start, adaptogens are a great place. They help the body adapt to stress, and who isn’t overly stressed these days? Check out my free mini-course for more information on adaptogens and keep an eye out for my longest course yet which will be dropping soon. It’s where most of my energy has been going lately and just for a little hint, it’s especially for the makers and creators out there. Take care my friends and remember that you are your own best advocate. Please subscribe (top right) for weekly posts about herbs, natural health, and green beauty, and please share with anyone who might benefit from this article.