Instead of thinking in terms of this plant is good for that symptom, by understanding the essential nature and properties of plants we can use them holistically and effectively. Taste is one of the most important sensory means that informs us of the medicinal properties in a plant. Sweet is moistening and building, pungent is warming and moving, sour is cooling and constricting, bitter is cooling and draining, salty contains minerals and penetrates, and astringent tightens tissues. Then each remedy has specific affinities in the body, each plant influences specific tissues, organs, or systems. Each plant also has specific actions, this is related to its chemical constituents and causes certain results in the body such as stimulating circulation, hydrating mucosal membranes, or increased detoxification processes. Essential and often missed in herbalism are the energetics, each remedy has a unique combination of hot or cold, damp or dry, and tightening or relaxing, and this must be in alignment too. Then there is always the special qualities that are the spirit of each plant that are beyond logical understanding.

Then comes the art of creating a herbal formula, a harmonized medicine that helps the vital force return to normal, oftentimes there are multiple actions needed, it must be balanced, directed to the right areas, taste good, and be in a form that it will actually be consumed. Extensive study is essential to ensure herbal medicine is safe and effective, and herb to drug interactions must be considered and modifications made. Herbal medicine can help support people in most situations and conditions. We typically only recommend custom herbal medicines after a consultation, although we do also offer some basic prepared blends for common issues.