Welcome to
Hebalism 101
Herbalism means that no matter who you are and where you are in the world you have access to a dynamic system of healing because of the fresh and dried herbs around you. Herbalism is a gateway to the past, present, and on-going innate healing relationship between people and medicinal herbs.
Herbs
Some Key Herbs to Start
Echinacea
Linked to many healthbenefits, such as reduced inflammation, improved immunity, and lower blood sugar levels. High in antioxidants.
Ginger
Loaded with antioxidants, compounds that prevent stress and damage to your body's DNA. May help your body fight off colds and relieve nausea.
Holy Basil
(aka Tulsi) Helps to protect against infection, lower your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, ease joint pain, and protect your stomach.
Wormwood
May help to ease inflammation, improve digestion, treat skin infections, and eradicate intestinal parasites.
What is Herbalism?
Herbal medicine, also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine, has been around for centuries as one of the most ancient forms of healing. You can see the practice of herbalism in China through Chinese medicine and India through Ayurveda. Its been an incredibly important form of medicine for indigenous cultures and is therefore a tried and true practice with ancient roots. It is these cultural roots that have formed what we know as western herbalism today and we acknowledge and respect those founding cultures that have shaped Herbalism today.
Plants have been around much longer than humans. They are intelligent, alive beings that have adapted to environments, communicating with their surroundings and nourishing the world.
So put simply, Herbalism is the practice of working with plants for their healing and medicinal purpose. Through the lens of herbalism, herbs are defined as any part of a plant, including seed, root, stem, leaf, flower, that can be used for medicinal purpose.
Why use Herbs?
Herbalism allows us the freedom and autonomy to choose how to heal ourselves. It provides the options outside of western mainstream medicine which may not always align with our needs and values at the time.
Educate
Key Herbalism Terms
As herbalists, we use many terms to define the actions and constituents of herbs. And we want you to have the power to understand these terms, so we’ve compiled a small glossary to help to demystify some of the more herbal-minded language on our site
THE WAY IN WHICH HERBS CAN AFFECT THE BODY BOTH PHYSICALLY AND ENERGETICALLY.
Herbal Actions
Herbs that have a calming effect on the nervous system. Helpful
for reducing anxiety, promoting overall relaxation and improving quality of sleep.
Examples include Passionflower, Lemon Balm and our beautiful Mucuna Pruriens.
Herbs that help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. They help to increase energy, reduce fatigue and support the overall
immune system.
Examples include Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Gynostemma and Mucuna Pruriens.
Herbs that increase urine production and reduce water retention. Can be helpful for reducing fluid and assisting with kidney function.
Examples include Dandelion Leaf, Parsley, Nettle Leaf and Zeally Herbs Zingiber Zerumbet Smith.
Herbs that have a bitter taste and stimulate digestive secretions. Helpful in improving digestion, reducing bloating and supporting
liver function.
Examples include Dandelion root, Burdock Root and Wormwood which is a key ingredient in Zeally Herbs Parasite Cleanse.
Herbs that have a soothing and protective effect on irritated tissue. Helpful for reducing inflammation, soothing sore throats and supporting digestive health.
Examples include Marshmallow, Slippery Elm Bark and Licorice Root.
THE ACTIVE COMPOUNDS FOUND WITHIN PLANTS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR HEALING EFFECTS.
Herbal Constituents
Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing compounds, such as caffeine, nicotine, and morphine. Alkaloids can have a range of effects on the body, including stimulating the nervous system, reducing pain, and affecting mood.
Alkaloids can be found in Zeally Herbs Blue Lotus Tea; The flower's potential psychoactive effects are most often attributed to two alkaloids, apomorphine and nuciferine.
Tannins are natural compounds found in plants that have the ability to firm and strengthen body tissues. These plant constituents work by providing a tightening and toning effect on the tissues. Many classes of tannins have antioxidant properties, which have been found to lower total cholesterol, lower blood pressure and stimulate the immune system. Tannins can be found in black tea and raspberry leaves.
Zeally Herbs Gynostemma tea is rich in Tannins and used for its anti-inflammatory and vitality boosting benefits.
Flavonoids are plant constituents that are rich in antioxidants and help to protect our cells from damage. They neutralise free radicals and help to maintain the integrity of our cells. Flavonoids can be found in chamomile and elderberries.
Zeally Herbs Mangosteen Hibiscus Tonic contains the rind (pericarp) of the Mangosteen and is rich in Flavonoids, helping to reduce oxidative stress and nourish the body with antioxidants.
Terpenoids are plant constituents that have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties and can also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Terpenoids can be found in rosemary, lavender and our Zeally Herbs Parasite Cleanse, featuring wormwood, black walnut and clove. These key ingredients are known for their anti-fungal and anti-parasitic qualities.
Herbs that have a soothing and protective effect on irritated tissue. Helpful for reducing inflammation, soothing sore throats and supporting digestive health.
Examples include Marshmallow, Slippery Elm Bark and Licorice Root. Zeally Herbs Mangosteen Hibiscus Tonic contains Hibiscus which is brimming with Demulcent Compounds. Due to their soothing (demulcent) and astringent properties, the flowers and leaves of Hibiscus have been traditionally used to treat conditions such as cancer and gallbladder attacks, to lower blood pressure, to relieve dry coughs, and topically to treat skin afflictions.
Where to start?
Chamomile is our favourite herb as a starting point. It uniquely contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in your brain to help promote sleepiness and relaxation. Its a safe, family friendly herb - perfect as a baseline to start your herbalism journey!
