Regenerative Herbalism
Regenerative Herbalism takes the practice of using plants to support our health and wellness a step further. By using regenerative practices in using herbs for our family, our business, our products, or our practice, we can ensure the ethical and ecologically sound use of these precious plants and materials to reduce our footprint and create better future in the face of climate change, habitat loss and destruction, and overharvesting and use.
Some elements of regenerative herbalism include growing your own, using bioregional herbs, make your own herbal products when possible, and using local ingredients as much as you can. By growing our own we are also developing a more personal and deep relationship with the plants, connecting to and appreciating the time and needs of the plants in the ecological cycle. If we only purchase dried plants online, they may travel thousands of miles to reach us. Be packaged up in layers of packaging and shipped in layers of boxes. You may not be able to identify if the plant was grown sustainably or harvested ethically. Creating deeper connections to our medicinal herbs and aromatic plants helps us cultivate a reciprocal relationship with the environment, and gives us the opportunity to also cultivate the space around the plant in our care for the soil, the water, the pollinators and beneficial insects, and our own local environment. By seeing the whole plant from seed to harvest we develop relationships with the plants and care about their future and our role in conservation.
“Regenerative Agriculture is a system of farming principles and practices that increases biodiversity, enriches soils, improves watersheds, and enhances ecosystem services. By capturing carbon in soil and above ground biomass, Regenerative Agriculture aims to reverse global climate change. At the same time, it offers increased yields, resilience to climate instability, and higher health and vitality for farming communities. The system draws from decades of scientific and applied research by the global communities of organic farming, agroecology, holistic grazing, and agroforestry.” - Terra Genesis International
So, to apply those concepts to herbalism and aromatherapy and our role as consumers, business owners, product makers, educators, and humans on this earth, is relevant if we are to protect these plants for future generations.
And, remember:
I love talking about using Permaculture Ethics and Principles in Herbalism and Aromatherapy, and teaching folks how they can make a difference whether they are herbal and aromatherapy consumers, producers, or practitioners. See topics I love to teach about.
I am planning some online courses in this subject, and am happy to present as a guest instructor for herb schools, universities, or herb clubs/guilds or aromatherapy clubs/guilds.
What are we doing at Lunar Hollow Farm to preserve our medicinal plants?
Some elements of regenerative herbalism include growing your own, using bioregional herbs, make your own herbal products when possible, and using local ingredients as much as you can. By growing our own we are also developing a more personal and deep relationship with the plants, connecting to and appreciating the time and needs of the plants in the ecological cycle. If we only purchase dried plants online, they may travel thousands of miles to reach us. Be packaged up in layers of packaging and shipped in layers of boxes. You may not be able to identify if the plant was grown sustainably or harvested ethically. Creating deeper connections to our medicinal herbs and aromatic plants helps us cultivate a reciprocal relationship with the environment, and gives us the opportunity to also cultivate the space around the plant in our care for the soil, the water, the pollinators and beneficial insects, and our own local environment. By seeing the whole plant from seed to harvest we develop relationships with the plants and care about their future and our role in conservation.
“Regenerative Agriculture is a system of farming principles and practices that increases biodiversity, enriches soils, improves watersheds, and enhances ecosystem services. By capturing carbon in soil and above ground biomass, Regenerative Agriculture aims to reverse global climate change. At the same time, it offers increased yields, resilience to climate instability, and higher health and vitality for farming communities. The system draws from decades of scientific and applied research by the global communities of organic farming, agroecology, holistic grazing, and agroforestry.” - Terra Genesis International
So, to apply those concepts to herbalism and aromatherapy and our role as consumers, business owners, product makers, educators, and humans on this earth, is relevant if we are to protect these plants for future generations.
And, remember:
- This doesn't have to be all or nothing
- Everyone can take steps towards plant and environmental conservation in our homes and land
- Even small steps can make a big impact over time
- Start small, and work your way up - grow a few pots of herbs you use most often, use reusable inhalers or glass containers, etc.
- Awareness helps make change possible
- Do the best you can, with what you have
- Be the example for your children and community - enthusiasm spreads!
I love talking about using Permaculture Ethics and Principles in Herbalism and Aromatherapy, and teaching folks how they can make a difference whether they are herbal and aromatherapy consumers, producers, or practitioners. See topics I love to teach about.
I am planning some online courses in this subject, and am happy to present as a guest instructor for herb schools, universities, or herb clubs/guilds or aromatherapy clubs/guilds.
What are we doing at Lunar Hollow Farm to preserve our medicinal plants?