The History of Ancient Herbalism

Herbalism is an ancient practice that dates back to the beginning of our civilisation. Our ancestors were busy cultivating and foraging for different plants that would heal, uplift, and nurture.

This practice is heavily tied to shamanistic practices and dates back thousands of years.

The history of herbalism

Herbal medicine dates as far back as the neolithic era. After reading several chapters into Graham Hancock's Magicians of the Gods it is apparent that the practice of herbalism stems from further back into history — information passed down from an advanced civilization after the devastation of the Younger Dryas. This knowledge was carried on by the survivors of the Younger Dryas period, through oral tradition and mysticism. 

In our ancient history, the head shaman would travel to the spirit world to meet with ancestral spirits, usually via the means of hallucinogens, or experiences that induced a hallucinogenic state. The shaman would ask the spirits which plants would be useful for the condition of another tribe member, or in general. When gathering plants, shamans would connect with the natural and ancestral spirits to guide them to the particular herbs that would be useful.

Another way shamanistic practice in the ancient world was to tune into the energy of the plant. Our ancestors believed that everything in nature had a soul, and so this soul of the plant could be called upon to heal. This is how our ancestors rarely got poisoned from herbalism. Today in the Amazon rainforest, this practice continues today. 

In our medieval history, many people had a herb garden in their village square, or on their farm, for medicinal uses. It was considered a human right to have access to medicinal herbs.

In European languages, the allusion to herbalism remains even today. German pharmacies are called, 'apotheke' meaning 'apothecary' -- referring to the process of preparing herbs into tinctures, salves, and teas for healing. We know today that the herbs used in the past do have significant healing properties, that can help us with any condition that we face.

I’ve compiled some of my favorite herbs into a herbalism guide for you.

Horsetail (Equisetum) 

Classified as a 'living fossil' horsetail is thought to have been around since the Paleozoic era. This herb has been used in civilizations around the world, from Japan to Germany. The herb is known to clear the bladder, increase circulation and prevent against urinary infections. It is also high in silica — perfect for hair, skin, and nails. Silica helps repair body tissue and make bones stronger while increasing collagen production.

In the middle ages, people used the whole plant to clean metal pots and other instruments. Energetically, horsetail is a 'clearing' herb. Just like we used to use it literally to clean pots, so too does horsetail work to clear the body of toxicity. This explains why horsetail is a diuretic. Brew a tsp of horsetail with licorice or raspberry leaf to make a delicious drink that will make your face glow and keep your body clear. 

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae)

Sea buckthorn was widely used in ancient Greece and Rome to make horses stocky and their coats shine. In Ayurveda, sea buckthorn is used to promote circulation, aid digestion, and relieve pain. Applied topically, sea buckthorn smooths skin and heals any kind of skin scaring or abrasions -- it works best when it is extracted as an oil.

I love using sea buckthorn oil on my skin, it feels like the ocean is washing away all my skin problems. I believe that the healers long ago knew the gentle power of the plant, and called it sea buckthorn not because it comes from the sea, but because it acted in the way the ocean does. The herb gentle washes away and smooths the skin, blood, and digestive tract -- just like the waves and seafoam smooth the sand.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow has been used throughout history to heal wounds, physically and mentally. A tough herb, that grows wild throughout Western Europe and North America. Yarrow was used to soothe the nervous system and clean the blood.

In medieval Europe, yarrow was not only used medicinally but also for spiritual purposes. Yarrow was hung in houses to keep away negativity. We can see that today, yarrow helps to reinforce healthy boundaries, stop absorbing negativity from others, retain the energy of our essence and feel confident in following our path. 

Angelica root (Angelica archangelica) 

Found in Western Europe, angelica root is used to heal bloating and gas, heartburn, circulatory problems, and insomnia. Angelica provides all-round protection; acting as a barrier against negativity. Once the negativity has been cleared, the herb boosts self-confidence, calms the nervous system, and provides inner strength.

Medieval history tells us that villagers would grow angelica root outside their home, mainly in front of windows, in order to protect their homes. They sometimes hung bundles up inside the home too as an amulet.

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Nettle is a herb that grows wild in forests, and often looks like a weed. Its prickers make it a herb that many people avoid due to the itching pain it causes. Nettle does have amazing medicinal and healing properties that could be easily overlooked.

The most common application for the nettle plant was arthritis relief as it stimulated the circulation in the joint. When nettle is dried, beaten, and taken in tea, it is good for cleansing the kidneys and bladder, and getting extra iron. 

Nettle is a strong cleansing herb, that will detoxify the body and nourish the cells. In medieval history, nettle was used mostly in spring as a clearing herb. Villagers would put nettle into their pottage and teas to cleanse their whole mind, body and spirit for the coming year. Nettle can also be hung in front of doors or windows for protection. A common practice was to hang nettle near the back door to prevent negative energy from slipping in.  

I love working with herbs and learning more about them. One of my favorite things to do is buy a few different dried herbs, then grind them and make healing teas. One day, I would love to grow plants like yarrow and dry them myself. 

Another use is to burn your herbs safely in a space you would like to energetically clear. You'll feel so connected to nature by using herbs daily and appreciate their energetic properties.

Knowing the skill of herbalism can help connect you to nature and to yourself. From our ancient ancestors and their shamanistic practices comes a way to heal yourself with this wisdom from the spirit world.