My interest in herbs was seeded in a garden tended years ago in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Mt. Hebron Rd. It began as a field and unfolded to become a friend of sorts. The centerpiece of the first section was a 3’ wide, egg shaped bed, 40’ from top to bottom - edged with rocks, gathered from the many nooks and crannies of neighboring counties. From its birth, that bed was earmarked for “herbs and perennials.” And although they were never used (purposefully) as “medicine” during that time, many did impart their healing essence in subtle, fragrant ways on countless evening walks through the garden, not to mention the fascinating gift they offered one another merely by companionship.
In time, life called me away from Aleph’s Garden, eventually to Eastern Tennessee, where my path crossed that of an Herbal school just beginning in Johnson City - Herbalachia. It seemed conditions were ripe for the creative process, begun in Virginia, to take a turn from seed to flower - where the herbs once tended began yielding their leaves, flowers, and roots - arising as teas, tinctures, decoctions, and more.
Since then, each step of study reveals new vistas – hints to the expanse of the world of herbs and plants. Many of these herbs have taken center stage in the supplement world. Turmeric is highly regarded as a powerful anti-inflammatory. Echinacea finds its way into folks’ cupboards as a solid immune system booster. The list is substantial, but expands even more when you consider the fact that each herb may have multiple properties and applications. Wonderful examples of such diversity can be found as close as your kitchen – herbs that seem to have been relegated to recipes, end up being potent medicines as well. Take something as basic as black pepper – found on most dinner tables across the land, it is also recognized for being: carminative, antipyretic, diuretic, antihelminthic, anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic – as well as being recognized as the essential partner for turmeric, enhancing the latter’s absorption.
The herbal world is certainly filled with many wonders - and possibilities for assisting “us” in our journeys - but as well, when taking this path, there is one particular consideration to keep at the fore. Herbs ARE medicine – and because of that, it is vital to respect them. It is for that reason that I recognize my level of expertise, study to show myself approved, and proceed with caution. As well, I’m consistently reminded of a simple phrase brought by Julia Thie (L.Ac.) during a presentation: “sometimes it only takes a nudge” – referring to the recognition that it may only take “a bit” (of an herb – in whatever form) to have a profound impact.
This world offers many gifts intended to assist us. Of some we are aware, but there are many others that still await discovery. In this moment, my desire is to continue growing in awareness of what others have already discovered - to understand them - to use them effectively - and to allow that knowledge to solidify into a strong foundation. From that point, who knows where the path may lead?!
CONSULTATION — and the future!
For now, consultations will be limited to the use of herbs in teas, syrups, ciders, infusions, decoctions, and topicals. As well, folks will be welcome to peruse the many resources in my library.
In time, perhaps even this year, it’s quite possible that “Subtle Pathways” will begin offering some ciders and syrups of its own! There’s been a small circle of folks enjoying them for the last couple of years, so it seems the time is drawing near to “spread some love!”