“Maximize Your World”
![]() Listening to a podcast recently, I was delighted to hear this metaphor: Essentially, most of us put as much stress and strain on ourselves as high-caliber athletes do, without the benefit of training or strict diet and sleep routines or a team to support us. We ask our bodies to act like superheroes, so we need to support ourselves to live at that level! But in our culture, we’re much more likely to push on, blame ourselves for not keeping up, and simply cover up the symptoms of our sub-par support, rather than going in and addressing the root causes of our perceived "failure" when we're exhausted, sick, and unhealthy. That's why we find ourselves chasing symptoms, only stopping the pain or discomfort that's right in front of us, and repeating those patterns over and over. Chasing symptoms is a never-ending, zero-sum game. |
Addressing problems, not just moving on from them, takes time, determination, practice, and quite often a guide. As an Herbalist, that's something I offer- guidance as you do your healing work.
Prevention Really is the Best Medicine
So how do you go about finding the help you might need? Set up your health care team now before you have troubles, or more troubles. Get recommendations, try introductory appointments, interview professionals, attend events like health fairs. Vet everyone on your team, including your GP, OB/GYN, Dermatologist, Therapist, Chiropractor, Massage Therapist, Herbalist, Nutritionist, Acupuncturist, Fitness Trainers, and whoever else helps you feel better. You should always feel supported and empowered by our team.
What is Herbalism?
Today, I see Herbalism as one branch of a lifestyle that has plants as wellness partners, instead of pills (or alongside them when necessary), and views western medicine as the outsider- it’s good for lots of big problems, but not very good at improving our day-to-day existence. Plants are everywhere, and they’re much cheaper than drugs, so I also think of Herbalism as an equal-opportunity system. Herbalism is people’s medicine. As Dr Nicole LePera (@the.holistic.psychologist) says, “In the old paradigm, we relied on 'experts' to tell us about ourselves and our bodies. In the new paradigm, we take accountability and advocate for our own healing. If we choose to have someone guide us, it’s a part of a large puzzle.” We get to be responsible for ourselves, if we choose.