Herbalism and the Wisdom of Energetics
By the Seed SistAs
As baby herbalists, we were fortunate to have been mentored by a wonderful wizard; the renowned herbalist, Christopher Hedley, whose approach to herbal medicine was both insightful and practical. With over 30 years of experience, Christopher made herbalism accessible and enjoyable, blending traditional wisdom with modern practice. His teaching focused on energetics, particularly elemental theory and humoral medicine, using sensory experiences, like tasting, to deepen understanding.
What Are Energetics in Herbalism?
In herbalism, energetics refer to the vital forces or life energy that connect internal and external factors affecting health. While conventional medicine often focuses on material, tangible aspects of health, traditional medicine views health holistically, incorporating the idea of energetics to account for imbalances.
Various healing traditions offer unique energetic systems:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine uses five elements (water, fire, metal, earth, wood) that correspond to different body systems and emotions.
- Ayurveda operates with five elements (air, water, earth, fire, ether).
- Galenic medicine, based on the teachings of ancient Greek physicians, like Hippocrates and Galen, uses four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, black bile), each connected to elemental forces like Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.
Sensory and Experiential Learning
Christopher encouraged us to engage directly with herbs through tasting, touching, and reflecting on their effects. This sensory approach helped us to understand the energetics of plants—their warming, cooling, drying, or moistening qualities. By tasting herbs, we could assess their temperature (whether they were heating or cooling) and their appropriations (how they acted in the body).
Elemental Medicine and Constitutions
Christopher’s teaching was grounded in Galenic medicine, which categorises health based on the balance of the four humors. This system helps herbal practitioners assess a person’s constitution (e.g., Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholic, Phlegmatic) to tailor remedies that suit individual needs.
For example, a Choleric (fire) individual may benefit from cooling, calming herbs to balance their hot temperament, while a Phlegmatic (water) person may need stimulating, warming remedies to counteract sluggishness.
The Energetic Qualities of Herbs
Each herb has its own energetic profile:
- Chilli pepper is warming and stimulates circulation.
- Marshmallow root is moistening, soothing dry tissues.
- Rose petals are toning and tightening tissues.
Understanding these qualities helps practitioners select the right herb based on the condition’s energetics—whether a person is overheated, dry, or sluggish.
Sensory Herbalism
Artist credit: Amaia Dadachanji
Inspired by Christopher’s wisdom, we continue to practise and develop Sensory Herbalism—using all our senses to connect with plants on a deeper level. This approach not only helps us understand the physical properties of herbs but also taps into their emotional and spiritual significance, fostering a richer relationship with the natural world.
Christopher’s teachings live on, encouraging us to explore, taste, and learn from the plants around us, appreciating the time-honoured tradition of herbal medicine.
beautiful and moving tribute to a remarkable being – thank you for shining such a joyous light on these vast and wild realms x