What Is Herbalism?

A gentle introduction to the healing path of plants

Herbalism is one of the oldest healing traditions in the world, an art and science rooted in the relationship between people and plants. It is the practice of using herbs for food, medicine and connection. But more than that, herbalism is a way of seeing the world. It invites us to slow down, pay attention and remember that healing is woven into the land around us.

Whether you sip a cup of chamomile tea for stress, infuse oil with calendula for your skin or sit quietly beside a nettle patch listening for its wisdom you're practicing herbalism.

🌾 Herbalism Is...

• Folk Wisdom passed down through generations-simple remedies made from garden weeds, kitchen spices and plants gathered in season.

• Clinical Practice, grounded in science, dosage and physiology-often used in integrative or alternative health settings.

• Spiritual Connection a path of remembering, where herbs are seen not just as remedies, but as allies, teachers and kin.

At its heart, herbalism is both deeply personal and profoundly collective. It can be a quiet home practice or a professional vocation. Some herbalists are healers, some are farmers, some are medicine makers, and some are simply curious humans who fell in love with the scent of lemon balm in summer.

What Herbalism Isn’t

It isn’t a quick fix or a cure-all.
It isn’t just about products or potions.
It’s not a substitute for emergency medical care.
It’s not one-size-fits-all.

Modern herbalism also isn’t limited to just “natural” alternatives, it’s a living tradition that can be both intuitive and informed. We honor ancestral knowledge while also leaning into current research, safety guidelines and sustainability.

Different Paths Within Herbalism

🌻 Folk Herbalism
This is the kind of herbalism practiced in kitchens and gardens, passed from hand to hand, story to story. It's accessible, experiential, and deeply rooted in tradition. Think wildcrafting, salve-making, herbal teas and remedies from what’s growing right outside your door.

🌿 Clinical Herbalism
A more formal approach that incorporates anatomy, physiology, herb-drug interactions, and detailed client intake. Clinical herbalists often work alongside other healthcare professionals or in private practice, tailoring protocols to individual needs.

🌼 Spiritual or Intuitive Herbalism
This path emphasizes the energetic and symbolic aspects of plant work. It includes flower essences, dreamwork, ritual, plant spirit communication and seasonal living. For many, this is where the soul of herbalism lives.

Each of these paths can overlap and blend. You don’t have to choose just one. Your herbal practice can be a braid of science, story and spirit.

Why Herbalism Still Matters

In an age of overwhelm and disconnection, herbalism offers something essential:

• Connection to the rhythms of nature

• Empowerment in our own self-care

• Respect for traditional knowledge

• Slower, more intentional healing

It reminds us that health is not just about fixing what’s broken - it’s about nourishment, balance and relationship.

🌕 A Personal Note from me

At Willow Moon, my journey with herbalism began over 30 years ago with a deep need for gentler, more nourishing care for my children's and my skin, my spirit, and my home. It started with simple things: a pot of salve, a tea for cramps, a bath with lavender. Over time, it grew into a life woven with seasons, scent and soil.

I invite you to walk with me in this Herbalism 101 series. Whether you’re brand new or returning to the plants with fresh eyes, there’s always more to learn and always more magic to remember.