Why I Can’t Live Without These 5 Herbs

Every herbalist has their botanical besties. Those plants that they keep stocked. They know them like the back of their hand and use them for just about anything.

When I first got into herbalism, I was all about chasing the rare and exotic. Rose and chamomile? Please. They were the town bicycles of plant medicine—everyone had a ride. And while I adore a well-seasoned slut, I was a total herb snob.

But as I researched for my senior thesis, a paper on how one famous 17th century herbalist escaped trial as a witch, not once, but five times, I came across an apothecary who healed every disease with only ten plants in his cabinet. TEN!

Though I don’t remember his name now, this really struck me. You don’t need to know 1,000 plants to be a good herbalist. You need to know a few really, really well. If you’re an aspiring herbalist, I hope this brings you some reprieve.

So here’s 5 of my favorite herbs that I will use for just about anything:

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Rosemary, Rosemarinus officinale

** You will hear me talk about Rosemary so frequently I will annoy you. But I will shout it from the rooftops because Rosemary is a freaking queen. The lore is unmatched, especially if you were raised or have interest in Abrahamic religions (I’m a history nerd and religion is my speciality). Most notably used to strengthen the memory, in ancient Rome and Greece it was used in funerals, weddings, festivals, and magical spells to create lasting bonds.

Medicinally, Rosemary’s volatile oils help ease pains from gas and bloating, making it a staple with fatty meals. It supports the cardiovascular system to stimulate movement and helps to ease vasoconstrictive headaches and tension in the muscles. With its antioxidant properties, rosemary decreases oxidative stress and free radicals in the body, which can support in cases of diabetes, cancer, and arthritis.

In my personal practice, I have found rosemary to connect me to forgotten ancestry, helping to build bridges of lost information. I attribute this both to rosemary’s ability to conjure the mind, as well as my personal heritage’s use of the plant.

Mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris

One of my first loves, mugwort, is said to receive its common name from being brewed into beer before hops were used toward the end of the 15th century (more on this momentarily). But I first met this plant when I was building a deeper relationship to my menstrual cycle. Mugwort has an affinity for the female reproductive system and is used as a uterine stimulant and tonic that can bring delayed menstruation and aid in balancing an irregular cycle. The medicine of mugwort is very strong and takes care to work with, it is about finding balance. Mugwort is used preventatively and curatively for parasites and worms, so brewing too strong a dose can upset the stomach. However, a proper brew can aid an upset stomach or digestive issues.

Mugwort has become extremely popular as a dream stimulant due to its oneirogen properties, which are used to enhance dreams or to induce a dream-like state. I have personally experienced this quality many times over and is why this herb is formulated into my best-selling smoke blend.

Reishi Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum

Growing up in the forest, reishi was in abundance and a staple memory to my childhood. But I became more curious about this fungi after hearing Paul Stamets speak to its power at a festival in 2020.

Known as the mushroom of immortality, Reishi boosts energy and vitality while simultaneously combatting fatigue, illness, anxiety, insomnia, and tension. WHAT?! This fungi supports the immune system without overstimulating it, which makes it a great ally for cancer treatment. It inhibits the release of histamine, making it great for allergies, asthma, and chronic bronchial issues (my big ally healing from mold exposure). Reishi works to promote rest by reducing excess cortisol, adrenaline, and high blood pressure.

Milky Oats, Avena Sativa

During Black Lives Matter I supported the protests by providing herbal first aid. The number one plant that I administered during those times was Milk Oats. I see Milky Oats as the great resister, the silent rebellion, due its ability to nourish the overworked nervous system.

It is of great importance for the rebellious ones to maintain their nervous system so they can continue to fight for their passions and purpose. Strides cannot be made when you are unnourished. An individual who is operating in survival mode longterm can begin to present symptoms of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, poor digestion, insomnia and more. Milk Oats supports the regulation of these systems to stop further exhaustion.

Lemon Balm, Melissa officionalis

Used magically as a charm to bring lovers into one’s life, Lemon Balm has been an extremely attractive herbal remedy for centuries. Known as a “cure-all,” this herb can be used for a variety of ailments including asthma, fevers, migraines, vertigo, menstrual problems, hypertension, gout, insect bites, and skin infections.

Though my mother wasn’t an herbalist, lemon balm grew abundantly in her garden. I remember loving the smell of it in the spring. In my personal practice I utilize lemon balm to calm nerves and uplift the spirit, as it has the ability to ease anxiety and depression, but not over stimulate the nervous system.

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