Hope is a powerful emotion.
We connect with the universe through our emotions. Hope of survival, a better life, finding love all bring us strength to keep moving forward. It is said that in times of war or crisis those who retain hope have a greater probability of surviving. I believe that it is the emotion of hope that taps us into the universal energy which is all around us. From this energy we are given strength and capabilities to help us to survive. We just need to ask for it.
Herbal remedies have been integral to human health and well-being for thousands of years. Across ancient civilizations—from the Egyptians and Greeks to the Chinese and Indigenous peoples—wise women and healers were the custodians of botanical knowledge. These women, often referred to as “wise women” or “herb women,” used their understanding of plants to treat ailments, support childbirth, and maintain community health. This tradition of herbalism, rooted in observation and experience, was passed down through generations, blending into the fabric of cultural and spiritual life.
You might ask;
Herbal Remedies vs. Pharmaceutical Drugs: What’s the Difference?
The key difference between herbal remedies and pharmaceutical drugs lies in their composition and approach to healing. Herbal remedies are derived from whole plants or plant parts, such as leaves, roots, bark, and flowers. They contain a complex mix of natural compounds that work synergistically to promote healing. In contrast, pharmaceutical drugs are often synthesized in laboratories, isolating specific active ingredients to target particular symptoms or conditions.
Herbal Remedies vs. Pharmaceutical Drugs: Do they give the same result?
While drugs can offer fast and targeted relief, they often come with side effects due to their concentrated nature. Herbal remedies, on the other hand, tend to work more gently, supporting the body’s natural processes. However, their effectiveness may vary based on the quality of the herbs, the individual’s constitution, and the condition being treated.
Is it ethical and sustainable to keep gathering natural ingredients?
For wise women and modern herbalists alike, ethical and sustainable practices are paramount when gathering natural ingredients. Overharvesting and environmental degradation can lead to the depletion of valuable plant species and disrupt local ecosystems.
To look after nature herbal ingredient gatherers need to:
Do I need to be able to connection with nature?
Herbalism is deeply intertwined with a connection to nature. Wise women view plants not just as resources but as living entities with their own energies and spirits. This bond with the natural world fosters a holistic approach to healing, where the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health are considered. By cultivating a relationship with nature, herbalists learn to listen to the land, observe the cycles of growth, and harvest plants at their peak potency.
This connection is also therapeutic in itself, providing a sense of peace and grounding that enhances the healing process. Spending time in nature, whether gardening, foraging, or simply walking in the woods, can reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a deeper sense of well-being.
Is it safe to use herbal remedies?
While herbal remedies are generally safe when used correctly, it’s important to approach them with respect and caution. The safety of herbal remedies depends on several factors, including the herb used, the dosage, the method of preparation, and the individual’s health condition.
Some herbs may interact with medications, cause allergic reactions, or not be suitable with other conditions such as pregnancy.
When working with herbal remedies, safety should always be a priority. Here are some essential precautions:
Identify Plants Accurately: Misidentifying plants can lead to harmful or ineffective remedies. Use reliable resources or consult with an experienced herbalist.
Avoid Toxic Herbs: Some plants can be toxic or harmful if not used properly. Make sure you understand the properties of the herbs you are using.
Consider Allergies: Be aware of potential allergic reactions, especially if you are prone to allergies or asthma.
Store Herbs Properly: Keep dried herbs in a cool, dry place to maintain their potency and prevent mould or spoilage.
To ensure safety:
How do you include herbal remedies in spiritual practices?
Herbal remedies can be seamlessly integrated into spiritual practices, enhancing rituals and deepening connections with the natural world. Wise women have long used herbs in ceremonies, prayers, and meditations. Here are a few ways to incorporate herbs into your spiritual practice:
Wise women and their herbal remedies offer a rich tradition of healing that is deeply connected to nature and the cycles of life. By understanding the history, ethics, and safety of herbalism, you can honour this ancient practice and integrate it into our modern lives.
Whether you’re seeking physical relief, spiritual growth, or a deeper connection with the natural world, herbal remedies can be a powerful ally on your journey to well-being. Always approach them with respect, mindfulness, and a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that these ancient practices continue to thrive for generations to come.
So often in our world the emphasises is on achievements. Loving yourself can feel like a radical act. Yet, self-love is the cornerstone of mental well-being and personal growth. But,
How do you love yourself?
For me, the key things to embrace are;
The very first step in loving yourself is to acknowledge your value. It is not about your successes or failures but more about your inherent worth. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses no matter how small you feel they may be. Sometimes being that person in the family who notices when someone needs a helping hand has enormous worth.
Don’t underate yourself.
Practicing self-care is about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Most of this is simple and basic such as ensuring you get enough sleep, eat nutritious food, and engage in regular physical activity.
Prioritise activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Examples might include reading, gardening and spending time with those you love.
Loving yourself means respecting your own limits so you need to define your boundaries and hold them. Learn to say no to things that drain your energy or compromise your values. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Setting healthy boundaries protects your well-being and fosters better relationships.
No-one is perfect. We all have imperfections so rather than berate yourself, accept that making mistakes is a natural part of life. When you make a mistake be kind to yourself as you would for a friend. Do remember….
It is alright to be work in progress.
There are things you can do to help you with self-love such as,
These approaches to living your life help you to love yourself more easily.
Mindfulness helps you to feel your emotions and let them go, not to judge yourself and gives you strategies such as deep breathes to help you manage yourself. This will help you to increase your self-awareness and reduce stress.
Negative self-talk can seriously affect your self-esteem. Try to replace it with positive supportive messages. What would you say to a dear friend who is struggling? Say this to yourself. Overtime this wonderful inner kind person can help to transform your life.
You are a wonderful person so embrace what makes you unique. It is those things that make you who you are. Don’t compare yourself to others.
Your journey is yours alone and you get to decide the pace at which you want to go.
Holding onto past mistakes or regrets can hinder your ability to love yourself fully. Be kind to yourself;
Forgive your mistakes, learn and move forwards.
If all of this becomes overwhelming, know it’s alright to seek help whether it is from trusted and loving family, a friend or a professional. Talking is so good to help you gain perspective on your life, strengthen your self-love and to decide how to move forwards.
Loving yourself is a lifelong journey, not a destination.
Be patience, practice, and be persistent. You can cultivate a deeper sense of self-compassion. Know you are deserving of love, kindness, and respect—especially from yourself.
On the whole, other people are not very interested in what you do. Yet naturally humans are tribal. They feel happier and safer living in groups, be it family or a community.
Are you or any of your loved ones lonely?
With population movement becoming common for career opportunities and to find affordable housing, family groups are becoming scattered.
People are becoming more dependent on community or good neighbours.
It takes time and effort for a community to form and grow. Community is not only your local area but can embrace groups of likeminded people such as an interest in yoga, football, history and many other interests.
Since the pandemic volunteering has dropped by 7%.
Volunteers are often the backbone of charities and not-for-profit organisations. Yet volunteering is also beneficial to the volunteers who feel more life satisfaction. It is also an opportunity to connect with other people and feel you are making a contribution. There is no upper age limit to volunteering.
An epidemic of loneliness has generated the misguided idea that romantic love is the only solution to loneliness.
Loneliness is generated by insufficient social contact and there are many other solutions than a romantic partner. Yet I know how painful loneliness can be. Unexpectedly widowed in my 40s, I fell out of the married club. Dinner parties and outings with three can be awkward and often don’t work. As a widow, I had to find myself again and seek out communities that I could comfortably find a place in.
Remember there are many solutions to loneliness.
Smart people struggle with loneliness like all of us.
In my experience, I have seen smart young people throw so much of their energy and time into their careers that there is little left for their social life. The individual finds the invites to gatherings fall away leaving them isolated.
Of course, many of us have made mistakes in managing our own well-being and ensuring sufficient human contact each day. Recognising it is the first step to fixing it.
Loneliness can hit us at any age.
Loneliness often happens when change occurs in our lives. This can include a change in school, going to university, leaving home for the first time, new job, becoming a stay at home parent, move of home, retirement and old age.
None of us are immune to loneliness
Each of us needs to take ownership of ensuring we have friends, neighbours, community members or family to chat to.
Each of us can also consciously help someone who is lonely to feel less alone. A chat with a stranger in the street might be the only conversation they have that day. It is amazing what a smile and a friendly comment can do to break the ice. It is surprisingly powerful.
Becoming a great listener is an amazing contribution to the wellbeing of humanity