The interconnected web of life becomes ever clearer as one discovers the remarkable workings of our plant allies. We are irrevocably conjoined to the earth and her myriad life forms and we cannot help but to become more attuned to the rhythms of Gaia’s dances as her cycles interplay with us and the life that surrounds us. In this awakening we realize the true importance of maintaining the health and vitality not only of our own bodies, but of the diverse ecosystems in which we find our plant companions.

            We must seek to find a balance between spirit and science. It cannot be denied that the scientific method has brought many important and intriguing discoveries. However, history and our hearts cannot be dismissed in the pursuit of this newfound knowledge. Many plants have been effectively utilized for hundreds, even thousands, of years. For example, Ginger (Zingiber officinale) was praised for its healing abilities in the Charaka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text dating to 2000-1500 BCE. Knowledge such as this cannot be discounted.

We must also be willing to give credit to our own intuitive wisdom. Working with herbs is an ongoing process and with time an intimate relationship may be built. The insight gained in this manner cannot be learned from books, but only through touching, tasting, smelling and immersing ourselves in the natural world. The healing that plants have to offer us goes far beyond the interaction of constituents within our bodies. Being in a garden or in a natural environment heals our spirits. Without this vital connection we feel lost and disconnected. Plants invite us to come home again.

            In working with herbs one must let go of preconceived limitations. It is not eccentric or foolish to communicate with plants. They can, and do, understand our intent. In the remarkable and groundbreaking book The Secret Life of Plants, Peter Tomkins and Christopher Bird discuss numerous studies and individual cases of plants clearly and emphatically responding to our thoughts, words, and emotions. Since this book was released in 1973, extensive work has been done that confirms their observations.

            Paracelsus taught that it was not enough to know the actions of a particular plant, but that in order for the herb to be truly effective one must resonate with its energies, as well. To gain this kind of alliance one must be willing to listen. In that still and quiet center Gaia will reveal herself to you and the herbs will convey their innermost natures. This is their true gift to us. We need only be willing to open our hearts and our minds to the natural abundance which surrounds us.