Styles of Herbalism

There are many different styles of herbalism. Every culture evolved a style based on the herbs that grew locally, generally filtered through their worldview.

It is possible to talk about Chinese herbalism, or African herbalism, even ancient Aztec herbalism, but I want to make a much simpler distinction about herbal styles.

I want to divide herbal traditions into two very broad categories: Tonic Herbalism and Medical Herbalism. The reason I want to use such broad terms is that the distinctions that used to define different herbal styles are becoming increasingly fuzzier as information becomes more accessible.

Thirty-five years ago, when I began studying herbs, there was not much information available, a few books, some out of print, an occasional reference in a magazine, and a lot of information passed from person, not all of it reliable.

Going even further back, as the many herbal traditions were beginning and evolving, there was not much information exchange between cultures, and many of the herbal traditions evolved in isolation.

Even in specific cultures, knowledge of herbal remedies was kept secret, sometimes only passed to family members. Most cultures first used the locally available herbs. As trade increased, so did the availability of non-native herbs.

All of these factors allowed very distinct styles of herbalism to evolve.

Now, however, there is so much information available, from so many different cultures, that more and more the styles are becoming less distinct.

I do not mean that there are no longer any distinctions between herbalists and there styles of using herbal remedies. I mean only that it is harder to use the same descriptive terms when talking about herbal styles.

As herbalists deepen their understanding of herbs from around the world, and these herbs become more widely available, the styles are evolving. Rather than talk about styles such as: “Western European herbalism filtered through Chinese health paradigms with Native American and Ayurvedic herbs added in” or “American herbalism with a dash of Japanese Kanpo.”

Tonic Herbalism and Medical Herbalism

Medical Herbalism focuses on treating disease, relieving symptoms, and healing injuries. There are many traditional herbal remedies developed around the world used this way. For many people around the world, herbal remedies are their primary system of medical care. Read more about medical herbalism.

Tonic Herbalism focuses on strengthening or fortifying natural body systems and processes, tonifying or strengthening an already healthy individual. Read more about tonic herbalism.

Keep up to date by subscribing to The Herbal List