Is the person feeling too hot or too cold? Are they listless and lacking energy? The good news is there is a corresponding herb for every imbalance an individual is experiencing. This is because plants have energetics; they are warm or cool, moistening or drying, toning or stimulating in nature. So when a person is experiencing a fever, their energetics would be heat, and a cooling herb such as elderflowers would be helpful in most cases. Imagine adding some cayenne pepper to a feverish person, certainly not the right action! Consider a person who has burned their hand. Running cool water would be a sensible choice as well as using a moistening cooling herb such as aloe vera.
Herbs are complex beings with many properties, each with their own unique personalities. Truly learning to understand the plants takes a long time, because it entails spending time with the herbs to become friends. A good herbalist is a bridge between the plants and the person seeking help, as they can ask the plant allies for assistance. This does not mean you cannot ask, but an experienced herbalist can quickly figure out which plant is best for your condition.
People ask about the difference between pharmaceuticals and herbs? Drugs do not look at the ecosystem; they balance body chemicals, which is a quick fix. In some cases is the correct way to go, however, if one is looking to heal fully, they must consider finding and amend the imbalance in their entire ecosystem.
