Trial and error are part of life. The same goes for herbalism. I'm often asked, "How do you know which herbs work and which don't?"
I don't always know because what works for me may not work for someone else. Everybody reacts to herbs differently. For me, Ashwagandha works, but for a friend of mine, it makes her violently ill.Â
With anything I have approached, whether it is homeschooling, herbalism, writing, death work, or aromatherapy, there is always trial and error, which also weaves into my digestive conditions, autoimmune disease, and neuropathy.Â
Some therapies are accepted, and others, my body stomps her foot and says, "Nope."
But I keep moving forward because, yes, doing nothing has zero risk of error, but what does that truly accomplish?Â
I'd rather take the leap, experiment, and listen to my intuition even when I give her side-eye than whisper regrets with my final breath.Â
My Dad reminded me daily, especially in his final weeks, that the guarantees we believe we are entitled to are, in fact, a mirage.Â
Fleeting.Â
In the ambulance, while my brain and nervous system were collapsing, Phil followed behind us in his car, fearing the worst.Â
It changed him.Â
Watching my Dad's stubborn and beautiful soul unravel from his broken body.
It changed me.Â
Those significant life-altering experiences changed us.Â
Death has forced us to slow down. We need to seek the happiness and calm, not the hustle and pressure. Â
My Dad told me, "You have all this knowledge and experience. Do something with it. Who cares what people think? Screw 'em"
He's right.
Changes are on the rise.Â
Not just here but in my community.Â
I am furthering my education in a 12-month clinical herbalism program focusing on somatic/grief herbalism, which is tethered to my death work.Â
Grief has settled into my bones, and when a memory, song, or thought consumes my nervous system, my flare-ups rear their little nasty, ugly heads.
This tea concoction has aided in my inflammation, pain, and spasms. Due to my neuropathy, I enjoy mine iced, but it can also be drunk hot. I steep it for 10 minutes after I bring it to a boil. It’s tart, so I add a bit of maple syrup, or you could honey.
Slippery elm contains antioxidants that help relieve inflammatory bowel conditions. It stimulates nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract through reflux, increasing mucus secretion. The increased mucus production may protect the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers and excess acidity. It also helps with constipation due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can soothe the lining of the stomach and intestines and reduce irritation.
Hibiscus (use whole flowers) contributes to the normal function of gut digestive enzymes. It is also an effective but gentle natural laxative and diuretic, helping to support regular bowel movements.
Due to their astringent properties, Juniper Berry is particularly effective at relieving heartburn and other digestive upsets.
Schisandra Berry supports Liver, Kidney, Spleen, and Digestive health.
I use a good 'ole pot for boiling/steeping my herbs because I do large batches. A loose leaf is best. It should be organic and from a trusted source. You can also grow your own (a closet is my drying room).Â
As I continue my trial and error, you will see shifts here because as I welcome and love this new version of myself, I also want my spaces to reflect that. This is for me, and if I can help just one person, then the trial and error was worth it. Â
Love to you all.
Andrea
xÂ