What Is Herbalism?

Hi everyone, 🙋‍♀️

I am super excited to share with you a blog interview with Val of Woodspell Apothecary, who kindly answered my questions and provided great insights into “What Is Herbalism?” I personally find herbs to be super powerful and important elements for my wellness and I am so happy to be able to share Val’s insights and knowledge with you in this post.

Disclaimer: No content in this post and on this website should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

So, let’s get started…

How did you became interested in the power of herbs?

My journey to becoming an herbalist has been a long winding journey. I've always been deeply connected to the earth and its magic, though I pushed it aside in my younger years to "fit in". When I began experiencing chronic health issues that no conventional doctor could give me answers for, I went searching for another way. Working with a naturopathic doctor taught me how to choose foods and herbs that would support my body in its unique healing journey. After these practices actually worked, I knew I had to pursue this full time. So I reconnected with my roots and my love of plants to get to where I am today. It's been a complete honor to do and share this work.

How would you define “herbalism”? 

Herbalism I would say is the study and practice of the medicinal properties of plants. But really it is so much more. Many people in the modern Western herbal world forget that there is a strong spiritual aspect to herbalism. Our ancestors have been working with, worshipping and healing with plants for thousands of years. There are much deeper ties to herbalism than just the chemical compounds and constituents of a plant. It is the stories, spirits and ancestral memory that lives within each plant too that determines how it wishes to be used and in what way. So in totality for me, herbalism is the communion of plants, intuition, ancestry and science to balance the mind, body and spirit.

What does “wild wellness” mean?

“Wild wellness" plays a bit on what I mentioned in the previous question. To be truly "well", I believe we need to return to our roots away from societal expectations and the modern pressures we put upon ourselves. To be "wild" is to be free. And while we most likely will never be truly free from the responsibilities and constraints of the modern age, we can reclaim some of that wildness through communing and healing with plants. When we start to heal these deeper imbalances of the mind and spirit, the body seems to follow suit, hence wild wellness.

What happens during the “moon infused” period? 

I love the term "moon infused" because everything we do here is biodynamic. From the first seed we plant, to how we fertilize, harvest, and process, the positions of the moon and stars play a big role. We study the stars to determine when the most favorable time to do each task would be in accordance with the cosmos. So it isn't particularly a moon infused "period" but rather just how we live, grow and formulate.

What do you recommend to someone who is brand new to herbalism to get them started?

I think when most people start diving into the study of plants they immediately get overwhelmed. There is a lot to take in and it can be hard to know where to start. What I recommend to everyone who is interested is to start with the plants growing around you. I don't believe it is any coincidence when a plant catches the eye or pops up unexpectedly in the garden. Study every plant you can in your yard, neighborhood or park. Know their names, how to identify them, how it feels when you rub their leaves, what aroma their flowers have, when they bloom, all of it. Once you know as much as you can just by being around it, then you can begin exploring its medicinal properties. I hope we all remember that plants are beings first and medicine second. We must honor them in this way, and then their medicine will come easier to us. If this still seems overwhelming, I suggest finding a local herbalist in your area who offers plant walks so that you can get to know the plants growing around you first hand from an expert.

Tell us about your Woodspell Apothecary shop.

Woodspell Apothecary is this beautiful thing that has manifested into the world to share the love and power of plants no matter where one lives. I like to call the tonics and teas we formulate "practical plant magic" because they are both practical as they work with troubles like digestive issues, and magical at the same time in that they are a communion with the wild as they come straight from the Woodspell gardens. I formulate my blends not just to be effective but also to enchant the taste buds as well. Because no one wants to feel like they're actually taking medicine.

Tell us about your other future offerings/services/projects.

While I currently only offer physical products, I'm *secretly* working on a 9 month online apprenticeship for those who want an in depth study into the magical world of plant medicine. In this apprenticeship we will follow the seasons to design and create a dream medicine garden (no matter where you live), learn how to harvest and make potent plant medicine, and connect to the deeper mystery that we are all a part of here on earth. This is an intimate offering for those who don't do well simply memorizing facts and methods or getting tested on their relationship with the plants. It is much more intuitive in a way that helps the student truly understand the essence of a plant so that they can respectfully and confidently create healing rituals for themselves and their communities. 

Less urgently, I'm also designing a tarot deck and moon planner for those who also want to grow and harvest to the cycles of the moon.

The best ways for people to contact you for your services, information, collaboration, etc.

You can find me on Instagram where I spend the most time, and find our more about our offerings at woodspells.com.

Anything else you would like to talk about.

If I could say one final thing, it would be to never underestimate your own power to heal. Most people venture into herbalism because they had a health situation that was only remedied by plants. The body is capable of amazing things, including healing even when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. Exploring not only the healing powers of plants but our relationships with them is an indispensable super power.

Much love,

Val

Woodspell Apothecary 

https://www.woodspells.com/shop

I hope you have found “What Is Herbalism?” to be useful on your plant-based vegan journey. I would super love to hear your feedback in the comments below. In future blogs, I'll share more awesome wellness tips, information and inspiration, so stay tuned! 🍉 

Meanwhile, I am here to help you to thrive on plants from head to toe in your diet and lifestyle, so come along and join “A Yummy Vegan Diet & Lifestyle Coaching Circle For Women’s Wellness From Head To Toe” and I invite you to have a look at my new books to add to your library here.

See you soon!

Bon appetit  & bon voyage! ✈️

Best wishes,

Angel 😍