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Introduction - The Novice Herbalist: Experimenting with Herbal Remedies

  • Writer: Lyndsey Paprota
    Lyndsey Paprota
  • Feb 5
  • 3 min read

Hi, I'm excited to embark on my herbalism journey is both exciting and empowering. By integrating herbs into my daily life, I aim to create a natural medicine cabinet, deepen my understanding of individual herbs, support pregnancy and postpartum health, and explore remedies for specific health conditions (ISS and MTHFR).


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Here's how I plan to begin:


1. Building My Herbal Medicine Cabinet including purchasing product options

I plan to start by selecting versatile herbs that are easy to use and have a range of applications.


Here are some herbs I'm considering:


  • Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)Known for its calming effects, chamomile can be used as a tea to promote relaxation and aid sleep. It's also beneficial for digestive issues and has mild sedative properties.

  • Peppermint (Mentha piperita)Peppermint aids in digestion and can be enjoyed in various forms, from a refreshing tea to a cooling rub. It's also known for its ability to relieve headaches and muscle pain.

  • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)Lavender promotes relaxation and restful sleep. It can be used as an essential oil for aromatherapy or added to baths to soothe the mind and body.

  • Ginger (Zingiber officinale)Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate nausea and support digestion. It's commonly used in teas and as a spice in cooking.

  • Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)Echinacea is often used to boost the immune system and may help reduce the duration of colds. It can be taken as a tea, tincture, or capsule.


I personally plan to make these into tinctures and teas, since these are things I'm familiar with.



*I'm sure there are more great companies and I had never heard of these until I entered the Mom Groups on Facebook.


2. Understanding Individual Herbs

I plan to develop a basic knowledge of each herb's properties, uses, and potential side effects. Creating a plant profile for each herb will be a helpful practice. This involves documenting the herb's name, medicinal properties, uses, and any precautions. Organizing these profiles in a physical or digital format will allow for easy reference.


3. Supporting Pregnancy and Postpartum Health

Herbal remedies can be beneficial during pregnancy and postpartum, but it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before use. For instance, nettle tea is rich in nutrients and can support overall health, but pregnant women should avoid it.


4. Exploring Remedies for Specific Health Conditions

If I have a rare disease, it's essential to work closely with a healthcare professional when considering herbal remedies. While herbs can offer support, they should complement, not replace, conventional treatments. For example, ginger has been studied for its potential to alleviate nausea and support digestion.


Additional Resources

To further my herbalism journey, I plan to consider the following resources:


  • Herbalism 101: How to Get Started with Natural Remedies: This guide offers a comprehensive introduction to herbalism, including how to begin my herbal journey with trusted herbs.

  • Medicinal Herb Garden (Planning and Growing): This resource provides insights into planning and growing a medicinal herb garden, helping me cultivate herbs for personal use.

  • The American Herbalists Guild (www.americanherbalistsguild.com)

  • The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (www.nccih.nih.gov)


Embarking on this herbalism journey is a step toward holistic health and self-reliance.

I plan to approach each herb with respect and mindfulness, and always consult with healthcare professionals when integrating new remedies into my health regimen.


I can't wait to share my progress! Thank you for reading


❤️LP

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