Lessons from Herbal Medicine
Some of you may know I have begun studying medical herbalism. I just finished the first part of the course and was assigned a short essay of my learnings so far. If you're curious, read my essay below; coming from a western nursing background it has been invigorating to see medicine be used in a way that supports and nourishes the human experience.
Completing Course 1 has provided me with profound insights that I am still processing and integrating. The knowledge I’ve gained is not only valuable to my personal journey but also something I envision sharing with my community.
One of the most foundational lessons for me was the concept of Vitalism. As a registered nurse, trained and indoctrinated within the Western medical model, I often encountered aspects of “healing” and “sickcare” that caused significant frustration and eventually led to a certain mistrust of the system. Ultimately, these disillusionments played a role in my decision to leave conventional nursing. Vitalism represents what I had always imagined medicine could be: a practice rooted in deep relationships with the human experience, encompassing an understanding of our bodies, our environment, and the ways we can align with them to activate the natural healing potential that resides within us. This concept provides a language and a framework that honors the life force and vitality inherently present in each person. It reminds us that healing is a natural, human power that we have the responsibility to nurture and protect.
Our bodies possess remarkable abilities to heal themselves, given the right tools and space. This idea has always resonated with me: true healing is a process initiated and completed by the body itself. Western medicine, at its best, can only facilitate or support this process, though, in many cases, it inadvertently suppresses the body’s natural healing mechanisms in the pursuit of symptom relief. During my nursing career, I attempted to incorporate elements of this philosophy by working in functional medicine, focusing on lifestyle education and encouraging patients to reduce their dependence on medication. It is incredibly refreshing to discover that the vitalist’s approach is already rich in community and wisdom—a philosophical framework that aligns with me deeply and embodies what I have long felt to be a more holistic and effective path.
Delving deeper into the practical aspects of herbalism, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of building a personal relationship with each plant. Much of my Western medical training emphasized memorization and exam preparation, leading to knowledge that was quickly forgotten. However, this approach to herbalism has demonstrated the power of experiential learning and the value of honoring each individual’s unique experience with each herb. While there may be tendencies and common experiences, every person may have a distinct interaction with the same plant, reflecting the diverse nature of human physiology and individual circumstances. This reinforces the importance of understanding the entire spectrum of the human experience, recognizing that health is not a one-size-fits-all model, but a complex, nuanced journey.
Looking forward, I plan to integrate these lessons into my personal and professional life. Vitalism and herbalism offer paths to a more holistic, compassionate approach to health—one that I believe can profoundly benefit those seeking healing and wellness. I am eager to continue exploring this philosophy and applying it to empower both myself and my community to harness our natural capacity for healing and well-being.