"The land is the real teacher. All we need as students is mindfulness".
- Robin Wall Kimmerer from Braiding Sweetgrass
As herbalism becomes more and more of a buzzword and of mainstream interest, it has many of us herbalists wondering if this shift is actually beneficial or will become another capitalistic gain that hurts the land. And while it is absolutely wonderful to see more people developing a deeper relationship with plants and seeing the effects of plant medicine for themselves, it is important that we learn the language of plants and honor our symbiotic relationship with them that is built around reciprocity, compassion, trust and deep listening. And in doing so create a strong sense of ethics in how we source, where we source, what herbs we use and be aware of how to do so in a way that does not negatively impact the environment and leaves plenty for others, the animals and the birds who also benefit from these plants. Below I have outlined some herb buying tips, ethical places to source herbs as well as some considerations while wildcrafting and foraging.
Herb Buying Tips
1. Order only what you need and be sure to use it all. Sometimes our enthusiasm can get the best of us and we order 1 pound of an herb when 1- 4 ounces would have been plenty. Order small first to see if you like it. Remember you can always order more.
2. Go for Organic of Wildcrafted as much as possible
3. Cut and Sifted for teas, tinctures, baths
Powder herbs for - face masks, smoothies, adding to food or making capsules.
4. Store them well and use within 1 year. If there is extra after 1 year and the herb still has not been used, don't toss it. Instead try using it in a tincture, bath, smoking blend, incense, dream pillow or whatever creative endeavor you so desire.
5. Check the botanical name, amount ordered and type of herb (powdered, cut and sifted) before purchasing to make sure there's no mistakes. (A lot of companies will not accept returns)
6. Make sure the herb you are purchasing is abundant and ethically sourced by the manufacturer. There are so many herbs that have similar qualities and actions - if the herb you are choosing is rare, endangered, scarce, or not ethically sourced then choose another with similar properties and actions - a lot of herbs overlap in actions and more exotic is not always better.
7. Beware of fake and low quality herbs. Markets are not always regulated for herbs and there are a lot of fake herbs out there claiming to be one thing, but they are not. Read reviews, comments, etc and if its fake there is bound to be atleast 3 comments stating so.
Reputable Companies to Purchase From
If you can, shop local from an apothecary or Herbalist in your town. If there are no local apothecaries nearby and you need to buy online these sellers do a great job of sourcing their herbs ethically, have a large array of Organic and/or grow their own medicinal herbs. (If you're unable to find an herb there is a good chance that herb is less abundant and an alternative herb with similar properties may need to be used.) Here are some great herbal suppliers:
- Blue Sapphire Wellness - I often have extra of many herbs that I am more than happy to sample out from 1-2 ounces. Feel free to message me for inquiries.
- Mountain Rose Herbs - this is a great source for varying sizes starting around 4 ounces
- Frontier Natural Co-op
- Starwest Botanicals
- Oregon's Wild Harvest
- Penn Herb
- Red Moon Herbs
- Pacific Botanicals
- Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary
Guidelines for Wildcrafting
Foraging herbs and mushrooms has become quite the hobby these days for many. Mother nature provides so much for us and I believe it is important to honor and respect her in a similar fashion with reciprocity and responsible practices that does not pillage the land unnecessarily. Here are some practices that I find to be helpful, respectful and create pure intentions while foraging:
1. Ensure what you're harvesting is what you think it is - there are plenty of apps now to help with plant and mushroom identification. If need be take a photo, drop a pin on google maps, then check when you get home. If it is in fact what you thought then you can always go back to harvest.
2. Ask first before taking. Even if you don't feel you can "hear" nature, that's ok. When you find a patch of mushrooms or an herb you'd like to use, simply ask anyways. We all know what a "no" feels like and what a "yes" feels like. So ask, then sit, wait and feel, sense or hear an answer. This is also a great practice for connecting with plants and getting to know them better.
3. If the answer is a "no", then look elsewhere and send gratitude. You could even ask where a good place to harvest would be and see where you are intuitively guided towards.
4. If the answer is "yes", then take the time to sit with that plant, give a small offering in gratitude and make the promise to use all that you take.
5. Only take what you absolutely need and what that plant or mushroom is willing to give. There are still other people and animals who may benefit from those berries, mushrooms or leaves. Think about all life here and be kind, compassionate and intentional.
"Know the ways of the ones who take care of you, so that you may take care of them.
Introduce yourself. Be accountable as the one who comes asking for life. Ask permission before taking. Abide by the answer.
Never take the first. Never take the last. Take only what you need.
Take only that which is given.
Never take more than half. Leave some for others. Harvest in a way that minimizes harm.
Use it respectfully. Never waste what you have taken. Share.
Give thanks for what you have been given.
Give a gift, in reciprocity for what you have taken.
Sustain the ones who sustain you and the earth will last forever"
- Robin Wall Kimmerer from Braiding Sweetgrass
If you are interested in learning more about the language of plants and reciprocity through indigenous wisdom I highly recommend reading "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This is a beautiful piece of art with timeless wisdom that speaks directly to the heart and soul of what it truly means to live in harmony with nature.
Plants, like us, are living and have consciousness. My hope is that while developing an herbal practice for yourself that your symbiotic relationship with plants and nature becomes a life long journey of discovery, connection and a deep feeling of reverance, love and respect for the boundless beauty and generosity Mother Gaia so benevolently offers us all.
"Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond."
- Robin Wall Kimmerer from Braiding Sweetgrass
🌿 Blessed be and happy herbaling 🌿