Nature’s Remedies Need a little Time to Shine
By the Seed SistAs
We live in a world where everything’s go-go-go – instant streaming, next-day delivery, and quick-fix meds for every little sniffle. It’s no wonder we expect herbs to work like a magic wand too!
Herbal medicine has its own unique rhythm and melody – a healing attunement that can take time and dedication to truly dance with. But when you commit, the harmony it creates in your body is worth every single beat.
It’s not about fast results; it’s about deep, lasting transformation.
Think of it like planting a garden – you can’t toss seeds in the earth and expect flowers overnight. Herbs need time to work their magic because they’re not just slapping a Band-Aid on your symptoms, they’re digging in to discover and heal from the ‘root’ cause.
The majority of pharmaceutical medications are designed to shut down symptoms fast (that is why they get called Magic bullets) – this is a bit like hitting “mute” on your body’s alarm bells when it comes to embracing the Slow Medicine Movement.
It is always good to treat and alleviate symptoms, and we can certainly do this with the support of herbs too, but what are the underlying issues that are causing those alarms, still there, hanging out in the background? That’s why some allopathic medicines need to be taken for life just to keep the symptoms at bay yet can often initiate new or other symptoms or side effects.
Herbs on the whole or rather, the herbal approach is gentler, more supportive, and works with the body to restore balance over time. There are however moments when modern medicine is essential. Acute emergencies, such as a heart attack, stroke, severe infection, or traumatic injury, are treated with the swift, targeted action of pharmaceutical medicine which saves many lives.
We’re not anti-modern medicine at all; in fact, we deeply value its role, especially in critical care. Intravenous antibiotics once saved one of our child’s life when he contracted bacterial meningitis at 3 months old, and Kaz overcame Hepatitis C thanks to pharmacological antiviral medications. These life-saving drugs have been nothing short of miraculous for our families.
Our belief is simply that modern medicine is often overused as a first line of treatment for chronic issues where a gentler, more holistic approach – like herbal remedies – could better support the body’s natural healing processes.
What is the Slow Medicine Movement?
Most of us know about the slow food or travel movements, but what’s slow medicine? The Slow Medicine Movement began as a response to the increasingly fast-paced, technology-driven nature of modern healthcare, which often prioritises efficiency and intervention over patient-centered care. Slow Medicine advocates for a thoughtful, holistic, and sustainable approach to help people shift their perspective towards illness while improving quality of life and growing through the process of being ill.
It gained traction in the early 2000s, particularly among practitioners in geriatrics, palliative care, and general medicine, who recognised the harm caused by overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and the depersonalisation of care. The idea of slow medicine was borne by a number of different people who came up with the concept at around the same time, so there are different approaches and meanings. The overall consensus is influenced by concepts of mindfulness, ethical resource use, and the importance of practitioner-patient relationships, Slow Medicine seeks to restore balance, compassion, and intentionality to healthcare in which it considers the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—in the context of their lifestyle, environment, and community.
Plant Medicine
Herbs? They’re different to the immediate treatment using the latest technologies and pharmaceuticals of conventional medicine. They work with your body, not against it. And when you take them consistently – especially as part of a well-thought-out plan – they can help your system restore its natural balance (homeostasis). The goal isn’t to patch things up temporarily, but to give your body the tools to bring things to a full healing resolution over time.
Why Herbs Take Time to Work
Pharmaceutical drugs are designed to target specific receptors or processes in the body – think of painkillers like ibuprofen that block enzymes involved in the inflammatory process; they block pain and inflammation almost instantly. While effective in the short term, these drugs often mask symptoms rather than address the root cause.
Herbs, on the other hand, are more like gentle guides. They don’t storm in to “fix” the body but instead encourage it to restore balance (homeostasis). Why is that important? Because herbs support the underlying systems that keep us healthy rather than simply putting out fires, they can strengthen immunity to ward off frequent colds, regulate hormonal imbalances that affect mood and energy, and support digestion for improved nutrient absorption—laying the groundwork for overall wellness rather than just masking symptoms.
Consistency Builds Healing
Herbal remedies are a bit like personal trainers for your body, mind, and soul. They coach your immune system to fend off illnesses more effectively, guide your nervous system toward better stress management, and encourage your digestion to function more smoothly. Just like you wouldn’t expect to build muscle after one gym session or run a marathon after your first jog, you can’t expect herbs to transform your health with a single dose. It’s the steady dedication—showing up every day—that brings real results over time.
Herbal Personal Trainers for Health
Examples of herbs that work like personal trainers, gradually building up your body’s resilience and balance over time:
Ashwagandha: This adaptogen helps your body manage stress by supporting the adrenal glands and balancing cortisol levels, but it takes consistent use to fully experience the calming and energising effects.
Turmeric: Rich in curcumin, turmeric supports inflammation management and joint health, but the benefits are best realised when taken consistently over weeks or months.
Milk Thistle: A gentle liver detoxifier, milk thistle supports liver function and regeneration over time, helping your body naturally process toxins more efficiently.
Hawthorn: This herb strengthens cardiovascular health by improving circulation and supporting heart function, but it works best as part of a long-term wellness plan.
Herbs and the Slow Medicine Movement
Herbs remind us that healing isn’t a race—it’s a relationship. By working with herbs, we’re tuning in to the natural rhythms of our bodies and the earth. It’s about slowing down and giving our systems the time they need to restore themselves.
Can we embrace the idea that true health comes from nurturing ourselves over the long term rather than chasing quick fixes?
Herbs aren’t just medicine; they’re teachers. They invite us to reconnect with nature, honour our bodies’ natural rhythms, and practice patience. In return, they offer us deeper, more sustainable healing.
These blog articles are herbal education resources, produced by the Seed Sistas. Gain insights and join us in the evolution of healthcare, please do leave a comment or question. Wellbeing empowerment for all…
Thank you for this well written, informative article. I have been an herbalist for over 45 years. A dear friend of mine recently introduced me to your newsletter. I knew, from the first email I received, that you two are kindred spirits of mine. I often tell my students that herbs invite your body to get well and pharmaceuticals force it to do what they want. I like the slow medicine. It has worked for me for a long time. I look forward to learning more from your future articles. Thanks again…big hugs.
Thank you Cindy – lovely to meet a fellow herbalist and nature lover x big hugs back to you x