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As 2020 approaches, my big goal for the coming year is to really immerse myself in herbalism. It’s something I am so passionate about that I am actually looking into taking courses for it and maybe doing it professionally.
The more I learn about any topic, though, the more I realize how hard it is to find the right words to learn more. Sometimes you just don’t know what you don’t know.
Herbalism as a topic is vast and the knowledge held within this topic is both wide and deep. It’s easy for a new person researching herbalism to drown in this knowledge without ever learning much at all!
To help not only myself but others that are considering becoming herbalists, I have compiled a list of topics and terms I want to learn more about this year. Because of how vast a topic herbalism is, this list cannot possibly cover everything we need to learn, but it’s a good place to start.
Without further ado, the beginner herbalism guide to research topics!
Things That Every Beginner Herbalist Should Research
- Herbal actions
- What are adaptogens?
- What are alteratives?
- What are aromatics?
- What are astringents?
- What are bitters?
- What are nervines?
- What are carminatives?
- What are diaphoretics?
- What are diuretics?
- What are emollients?
- What are expectorants?
- What are tonics?
- What are common delivery methods for herbal remedies?
- How do you use a compress?
- How do you use an essential oil?
- How do you use a decoction?
- How do you use an extract?
- How do you use an infusion?
- How do you use an infused oil?
- How do you use a liniment?
- How do you use a poultice?
- How do you use a salve?
- How do you use a syrup?
- Necessary and helpful tools for herbalists
- The history of herbalism
- Local, state, and federal laws of herbalism
- Common local plants that can be harvested for remedies
- What plants are common in your area?
- What are the home remedies in your local area for certain ailments?
- The theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- The theories of Ayurvedic medicine
- The theories of plant spirit medicine
- The theories of Indigenous or Tribal Medicine
- The theories of Western herbalism
- The theories of the Eclectics
- Plant identification skills
- How to wildcraft ethically
- How to grow and harvest your own herbal remedies
- Dosages of specific plants for specific ailments
- Herbal nutrition
- How to use kitchen herbs as medicine
- Herbalism for preventative health
- How specific cultures use herbs
- How to understand scientific names of plants
- The use of fermentation in herbalism
- How to make a materia medica
- Herbal remedies as beauty products
- Herbal remedies for female issues
- Herbal remedies for male issues
- Herbal remedies for children
- Herbal remedies for the elderly
- What extraction medium is best for specific plants
- Where to find herbs locally, either in the wild or in stores
- Common herbalist vocabulary
- Language to avoid using as an herbalist
Where To Learn More About Herbalism
There are so many books and articles online about herbalism. Where does someone even start?
I compiled a list of books for herbalists some time ago. I’ve also been enjoying Llewellyn’s 2020 Herbal Almanac so far.
I am finding more and more as I research herbalism that Wikipedia is a surprisngly good place to begin research. The articles there give you direction when you feel like you may be at a research dead end. For that reason, I recommend looking through some Wikipedia articles about herbalism now and then.
Here are a few articles to start with:
Each topic you research will, without a doubt, lead you to 10 more. It’s important to understand and accept that you will never know everything about herbalism! Those who have come before us, like Rosemary Gladstar and David Hoffmann, don’t know everything either!
Herbalism is a craft that requires a community that you can turn to when you need more information. So my biggest piece of advice for any beginner herbalist reading this blog post right now is this: Make friends. Seek the advice of others. You are not competing with them, you are working with them to reveal the secrets of plants and heal those around you.
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During the full moon, we call upon Hekate to assist us in clearing our past, releasing our fears, and opening ourselves to new possibilities. We ask her to help us gain clarity in our lives, to help us transform our inner worlds, and to allow us to move forward with courage and confidence.
It is said that Hekate helps us to overcome obstacles and challenges that stand in our way, and to achieve our goals. In addition to being a benevolent Goddess, she is also a fierce warrior. When we summon her, we invite her to help us take charge of our lives, to lead us into battle, and to fight for justice.
I am an eclectic witch - I've been practicing since 1974. As a student of the occult, working with astrology, tarot cards, runes, and numerology, I found that this was a very comprehensive and well written text on working with Hekate during the full moon. Highly recommended. - Gail Sager
Great read - a must have for anyone interested in working with the Goddess during the full moon! Highly recommended! - Luis Meyer
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Find the perfect magic spell for your every romantic need. From first meeting a lover to breaking up or getting married, the perfect spell is in this book!
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This intermediate level guide includes:
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The different styles of simmer pots I will cover in this ebook are:
Take your moon magic to the next level with Full Moon Witchcraft. In this book, you'll learn how to work with the powerful energy of the full moon to create positive change in your life. From choosing the right moon phase for your spellwork to understanding how the full moon influences you based on your natal moon sign, you'll be equipped with all the information you need to work successfully with this potent lunar force.
You'll also find tips and tricks for working with full moon energy for love, money, healing, and even hexes and curses. So whether you're a novice witch looking to take your first steps into magical practice or an experienced practitioner looking to deepen your understanding of this vital component of witchcraft, Full Moon Witchcraft has everything you need!
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Learn the deepest secrets of your moon sign in this comprehensive guide!
By understanding your moon sign, you can get a much deeper insight into yourself – both on an emotional level and in terms of your true inner desires. With this knowledge at hand, you'll be able to make more informed choices about all areas of life that impact you, from relationships to career paths.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about moon sign astrology – from the basics of each sign to how it affects your moods and emotions. We'll also explore what your unique moon sign means for your spiritual journey and witchcraft, and how you can use this information to create the life you've always wanted.
So whether you're just getting started with learning about astrology or you're a seasoned pro, this guide will give you the insights you need to understand your moon sign like never before.
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This book will lead you on an unforgettable journey of full moon energy, teaching you how to select the right ingredients, master the art of tea-making, and create your very own personalized blends.
Immerse yourself in the magic of full moon tea ceremonies and discover how to incorporate them into your spiritual practice. Whether you're a tea lover or a seeker of spiritual growth, "The Magic of Full Moon Tea" is the perfect companion to help you unlock the secrets of the universe, one sip at a time.
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Unearth Your Wealth: Harness the Power of Saturn and the Earth Element for Abundant Prosperity
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Are you called to the mystic arts of the sea? Do you feel a deep connection to water and long to learn from the endless wisdom of the oceans? Then this comprehensive guide to sea witchcraft is for you.
