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Practicing Herbalism

The Art of Practicing Herbalism

When the situation is not an emergency, take your time to get to know the person.

Remember that the first rule is to treat the person. Find out what is going on with them. Make them feel comfortable. Find out which constitution they are and whether they are sama or nirama. Inquire into their lifestyle and diet to see if anything is majorly contributing to their condition. Consider what season it is and what kind of environment they spend a lot of time in. Ask if they have had any interesting dreams lately. Touch their hands to see if they are warm or cool, dry or moist. Ask them if they are usually this way. 

Healing is usually taking place during the interview. Your interest, your concern and well directed questions will make the person feel better. When you offer suggestions based on your knowledge, you will usually find people receptive as it targets what they are needing. When you tell a wind person to get a massage once a week or take a hot bath at the end of the day, they usually respond positively. 

Energetics: First you will need to decide whether to:

   tone                         eliminate

   heat                         cool 

   stimulate                  sedate 

   dry                          moisten

   lighten                     increase

Preparation: Preferably use a blend of the main targeting herbs and helpers. This blend could use different herbs blended as a tea, tinctures or capsulated.

   Choose the right herb or herbal combination.

   Select the highest quality herbs.

   As a general rule, take the herbs 1 month for every year that you have had the
     condition you are working on.

   Take herbs for the colon, bladder or lower extremities 1/2 hour before meals.

   Take herbs for the stomach, liver, gall bladder, kidneys or mid-section with meals.

   Herbs for the lungs, bronchial, head or upper body are taken 1/2 hour after meals.

For a rejuvenating effect, take medicine in the morning, before breakfast, with soy or goat's milk.

Amount:

   Wind - less e.g. infusions, minimum dosage, homeopathic

   Fire - moderate e.g. regular dosage 

   Water - strong e.g. maximum dosage, strong decoction

Frequency:

   Wind processes food and herbs quickly, give small amounts every 2 hrs.

   Fire processes moderately fast, give every 4 hours.

   Water processes slowly, give every 6 hours.

Carriers:

   Alcohol is good for transportation

   Take capsules or pills with warm water.

   Soup is good for people who needs lots of nutrition.

Important: 

   Make it as simple and easy as you can. 

   Play with making the herbs that become your allies a part of your life. 

   Think of the nutritive herbs as food and include them in your diet. 

   Imagine them saturating your cells with their wonderfully rich nourishing energy.

   Learn to use them seasonally.

   Find out what works for you and use it. Listen to your body and your intuition.