That is a great question! There are so many terms for practicing herbalism. If I had to narrow my personal efforts down to one particular type of herbalism that is recognized as a stand-alone sort, it would be Folk herbalism. Mostly, this is due to my love of going out to forage for locally growing plants and fungi. But what is it? Folk herbalism is a type of traditional herbalism that involves the use of plants and natural remedies for healing and health maintenance. It is based on the practices and knowledge of local communities and is often passed down through generations by word of mouth and personal experience. It also involves this knowledge being passed down to the community through a class format.

Folk herbalism differs from mainstream herbalism in that it focuses on using readily available herbs and plants that can be found locally, rather than exotic herbs that are sourced from distant locations. Additionally, folk herbalism often involves using whole plants, including roots, stems, leaves, and flowers, rather than isolating specific chemical compounds from these plants.

The practice of folk herbalism can be seen as intertwined with cultural beliefs, folklore, and spirituality. Practitioners of folk herbalism may incorporate rituals or prayers into their practice, and may use herbs for purposes beyond physical healing, such as spiritual or emotional healing.

One of the strengths of folk herbalism is its emphasis on community knowledge and shared experiences. Practitioners often share information and remedies with each other, creating a rich network of knowledge that can be passed down through generations.

However, because folk herbalism is not based on scientific research, there are potential risks associated with its use, particularly if plants are misidentified or used improperly. I think I have to say, it is always important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies. I cannot stress the importance of positive id on plants and fungi. If misused these can make people really sick and sometimes worse. Plus, there can be interactions with medicines you may already be taking. Don’t get me wrong, there are SOME people doing research and more and more, herbal remedies are being considered as great partners in bolstering and protecting our health. It’s just that the FDA is a totally different beast and comes with a LOT of hurdles and bias.

I choose to arm myself with knowledge and know-how. If you feel the same then I highly encourage you to pick up a book, attend a community class or join a local foraging group to start learning! You will find a treasure trove of valuable information attached to a bunch of super cool people that you’ll probably want to know for life!

https://amzn.to/3Lj9mVR – Folk Herbalist Book

https://amzn.to/424GjeD – Kitchen Herbalist Book

https://amzn.to/3ZAku50 – Rosemary Gladstar Book, the Godmother of Folk Herbalism