In times past, herbalism was a communal practice, especially for women of any group. Traditionally, they were the keepers of the home, midwives, and family healers. Hence, community members came to them when it came to the health and vitality of their families and neighbors. Herbal knowledge was gathered, collected, and held together in circles, where there was support and encouragement to ensure the learning was maintained throughout generations. However, as those who practiced herbal healing were persecuted and separated from their herbal community, the knowledge became isolated. Those who held the knowledge were less apt to share it, so much was not passed on.
In the past decade, there has been increased interest in the making of herbs and herbal products. Herbal knowledge is again being used and shared, particularly by Home herbalists, people using this information to maintain the health of their families. As these home care providers seek more knowledge, they turn to other community members, near and far, to learn practical solutions. Community herbalists who have completed study with a mentor and extensive personal study provide classes, blogs, and social media opportunities. There are also Registered Herbalists who are recognized by the American Herbalists Guild and have completed rigorous study. They share a vast wealth of knowledge in a variety of ways – one on one support, classes and workshops, books, and of course, on the internet. Over time we have become acquainted with a few herbalists who share their knowledge in the community and have become trusted teachers and healers. They are working to build an herbal community, and so we share a little about a few of them so that you can add them to your herbal learning circle.
First and foremost on our list is:
Rosemary Gladstar. With over 45 years as an herbalist, Rosemary is often called the godmother of American herbalism, helping to awaken the love of plants in a new generation. Her numerous accomplishments include founding the California School of Herbal Studies, cofounding the Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center, co-founding the Traditional Medicinal Tea Company, authoring 11 books (several of these are on our herbal bookshelf!), founding a non-profit organization called United Plant Savers, and founding and organizing several herb associations, conferences, and symposiums.
Second is:
Rosalee de la Forêt. She is passionate about helping people discover the world of herbalism and natural health. Her teachings make herbs practical and straightforward for everyone. She is the Education Director at Learning Herbs and a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild. Rosalee is the author of Alchemy of Herbs and co-author Wild Edibles, both books on our bookshelf. She also has online courses, The Taste of Herbs and Herbal Cold Care, the latter of which we have taken & greatly enjoyed.
If you are interested in learning more about herbs and growing your knowledge and experience, consider starting your own herb circle! Gather friends and family with the same interest, in person or virtually, to make something together. The cooler months are a great time to make a batch of fire cider – first shared widely by Rosemary Gladstar. Want more info on getting your herb circle started? Check out herbalist Kami McBride’s blog post about it.
There are many other herbalists sharing their wisdom, too. You can find groups, both in-person and virtually, for herbalists where people of many levels of knowledge share and build an herbal community. Of course there is Green Living magazine which gives us an opportunity to share our knowledge and build a larger herbal community. Enjoy!
Erin Harwood & Eloyce O’Connor are co-owners of Garden Delights Herb Farm in Brush Prairie, WA, where they grow a variety of herbs for culinary, medicinal, pet, home, and garden use. They also offer classes.
For more info: www.gardendelightsfarm.com
