You may not realize it, but you likely already have medicinal plants all over your home. Perhaps you have an aloe vera on the counter, ginger in the pantry, or an orange in the fridge. Each of these has unique and specific medicine that can support your wellbeing, without a prescription. That’s the power of plants! We take for granted how something as simple as aloe gel can be the best possible thing for a sunburn. Bonus points because we don’t even have to go to the store.
When I was a kid, my Grandma LOVED aloe vera. Nobody believed in the power of plants, more than her. It became a running joke in our house because aloe vera would “cure” anything that ailed you. Have a cut? Rub on some aloe vera. Got an upset tummy? Drink some aloe juice. Compound fracture? Splint it with an open aloe leaf. I’m just kidding about the last one. However, my Grandmother was to aloe, what the the Dad in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” was to Windex. I still believe my Grandma was a bit optimistic about aloe, but I never forgot about her reliance of plants for medicine. I have no doubt it influenced the path I’m on today. Also, I still use fresh cut aloe for sunburns and minor cuts and scrapes – there are few better things.
What is plant medicine
Simply put, plant medicine is the use of plants for healing purposes. You may hear it by different names such as herbalism, phytotherapy, and pharmocognosy. Each applies to different specific practices, but they all fall under the generic term, “plant medicine.” Plant medicine involves leveraging the natural properties of plants to support health and healing. From the chamomile tea that gently relaxes us before bed, to the turmeric that quells our inflammatory fires. The list of medicinal plants is as long as the day, at budget time (IYKYK).
Understanding the evidence
The relationship between humans and plant medicine is as old as history itself. However, scientific research into their efficacy and mechanisms is relatively young. We can find studies back from the 1600s, albeit lacking the rigor of our modern-day studies. However, 400 years of studying doesn’t compare to the way we’ve leveraged plant as medicine for millennia. We are seeing more data all the time, though. It shows great promise in the space of chronic issues.
One of my favorite things about plant medicine is that it’s not only people that have been studying plants. Animals have relied on plant medicine even longer. In fact, many of the traditional native uses we have today are from First Peoples observing animals in the wild. Take “Bear Medicine,” for example. The First Peoples on Turtle Island observed bears using Osha Root (Ligusticum porteri) for wounds. They would chew the roots and then slather the mess on the wound. They used this for snakebites and other type injuries. Bears in captivity even love it and they behave like cats with catnip when they interact with it! That’s how Osha got the name “Bear Medicine.” In fact, bears are known as “nature’s herbalists” because they have one of the largest repertoires of plant medicines, along with monkeys.
Common plant medicines you already have
You probably already have plant medicines in your kitchen but didn’t realize. Take a moment and open your spice cabinet – see the power of plants already in your home. If you see things like garlic, black pepper, sesame seed and oregano, you already have medicinal plants in your pantry. Let’s look at a few:
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
This bright orange rhizome has been having a moment for a while now. While curcumin is the most studied constituents, it is full of medicinal properties. It has things like sesquiterpenes, shown to have anti-tumor and anti-ulcer properties, and monoterpenes with anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer effects. Turmeric has long been touted as a super food for those battling chronic inflammation or looking to support recovery post-exercise. Turmeric is great, but it’s more about eating the whole food as a spice, rather than taking a supplement.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Not just for a calming scent, inhaling lavender oil has been shown to alleviate anxiety. Rich Mandelbaum, registered Herbalist and founder of Arbor Vitae school for herbalism in New York has described lavender as “a carminative for the mind,” which you can think of as a soothing herb that reduces noise. I’m fortunate to call Rich one of my esteemed teachers.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Beyond freshening breath, early research showed peppermint oil to be almost as effective as simethicone (Gas-X) for treating infant colic. There is a reason restaurants give you a peppermint after dinner and it’s not just about your breath.
There are so many other medicinal plants you may already have but don’t even realize. Things like thyme, rosemary, roses, fennel seed, and coriander have been shown to have medicinal properties. We could spend years going through the research, documenting medicinal plants, and we learn more everyday.
Safety first
It’s tempting to run to your local health food store and load up on supplements, but buyer beware. The power of plants is great, but so is the risk if used carelessly. While many food herbs are generally safe in food, that isn’t the case with everything. One of the popular herbs that spends a lot of time in the news is St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum). St. John’s Wort (SJW) is absolutely incredible medicine for nerve pain, but it interacts with many different medicines including SSRIs, digoxins, blood thinners like Warfarin, and even the famous Omeprazole. As a result, it has gotten a bad name and also struck fear into many doctors about other medicinal herbs. Reactions differ depending on the drug, but some can be fatal if not taken seriously. It’s important to talk to your doctor and a trained herbalist before getting on an herbal regime.
Not so fast…
As an herbalist in training, one of the thing that worries me is the cavalier use of supplements and herbs. From weight loss to hair loss, there’s an “herb or supplement” for it. Unfortunately, this industry isn’t regulated, making it ripe for abuse. Supplements and magic pills harkens back to the days of “patent medicines,” which is mildly terrifying. There was a time when cocaine was a magical ingredient in everything, if that helps. A major issue is that many people aren’t properly trained in the use of herbs. From Chiropractors, to Functional Medicine doctors, many lack training in the proper use of herbs. T
The other challenge I see is that it’s easy to call yourself an herbalist these days. Every where I look, there are courses to become an herbalist in 3 or 6 months. Take your time and understand your herbalist’s background and experience before walking into plant medicines. I personally love the power of plant and herbs in my own healing journey, but I use them as an adjunct to my own pharmaceutical interventions. For people suffering from chronic illness, it’s not one or the other. In many cases it can be both, and learning how to use them both to help you achieve your highest wellbeing. I would be remiss if I didn’t also guide you to speak with your healthcare provider before jumping into an herb regime. There is a lot of bad information out there, so take is slow.
Integrating plant medicine into your wellness routine
Incorporating plant medicine into our lives can be as simple as swapping our afternoon coffee for green tea, rich in antioxidants and offering a gentler caffeine lift, without all the irritating tannins. It could also be chewing a piece of orange peel before you eat, to help increase digestive juices. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to counteract the impacts of achlorhydria, or low stomach acid, as it can help increase stomach acid production. Even better – it’s cheap, it doesn’t require a prescription, and it’s darn near impossible to overdose on orange peel. Simple things we take for granted like putting turmeric and pepper in our food, or cinnamon in our tea, all provide health benefits. These tiny steps can lead to significant changes in our overall wellbeing, provided we listen to our bodies and stay open to learning.
The simplicity of plants
The power of plants is remarkable. It’s beautiful because so much of it can be really simple, or you can find complex protocols from supporting lyme disease, to easing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. By engaging with plant medicine thoughtfully and responsibly, we honor the wisdom of those who have gone before us and contribute to a healthier, more balanced future for ourselves. Don’t forget the journey toward wellness is personal and unique. Plant medicine can be a valuable companion on this journey, provided we approach it with care, respect, and a commitment to ongoing learning.
How are you using power of plants in your life? Are you ready to start sprinkling a bit more healing on your dinner? If you are ready to find more ways into personal wellbeing, let’s chat. If you are looking for more inspired content, check out Wellspiration or join me on Substack where I share personal stories, recipes and even more about my own plant medicine journey. Wishing you abundant health and limitless joy!