Herbalism is one of Ayurveda’s most powerful methods of treatment.
Each and every day in practice the Ayurvedic practitioner designs herbal formulations, modifies formulations made previously, alters dosages, and assesses the effects that the herbal medicines are having on their patient. Proper knowledge is essential.
The world of herbalism offers the student and the practitioner a never-ending journey into the mysteries of Mother Nature. Depending upon the inclination of the student, one may drift toward the research chemistry aspect of the science, another into the clinical usage of herbs, and yet another into the cultivation of herbs. There are of course as many plant medicines as there are plants. Hence, it is unrealistic that knowledge in any of these areas will be exhausted any time soon. Most students of herbalism spend their lives getting to know their plant friends.
“The emphasis of this text is on the clinical usage of herbs. As there are many millions of herbs, it is not realistic for the clinical herbalist to know the uses of even a small fraction of them. Hence, the intent of this text is to explore the principles the student must know in order to understand and intelligently use the herbs in a clinical setting. These principles will then be applied to a small number of herbs and formulations” – From Principles of Ayurvedic Medicine by Dr. Marc Halpern (Learn more about our Principles of Ayurvedic Medicine Program)
Herbalism appears to be magic but is the alchemy of life itself.
The connection, combination, and integration of the herbs and the person taking them. Their effect on the body and mind are not only biochemical but consciousness-based.
