energetics in formulation

When talking about energetics in the formulation of herbal medicines we have to consider whether we are working with an acute issue, say a cough, cold, ulcer, etc. or something more long term.

When working with acute issues we want to formulate so that they move the body's energies in a unified direction i.e. cool/heat,  dry/moisten, tighten/relax.

Herbal formulas for acute issues are going to be will be more therapeutic in their effects when herbs are combined according to common energetics or properties but if the same formulation is used long tern it can cause issues. Like dry the tissues out, or deplete the body through increasing metabolic rate passed a sustainable capacity.

That is why we choose to use more nourishing herbal formulas for long tern issues. We think about combining herbs in ways that cancel out/balance their energetic effects, so they don't move the body's energies too strongly in either direction. For example, adding a moistening herb to a drying herb to leave the formulation energetically neutral.

Have you ever thought about this in your formulations?  Now that I have told you about this idea do you see this concept being played out in your favorite tea blend or tincture.

If you are wanting to take a deeper dive into herbalism and foraging make sure to check out my monthly plant walks, the Herbal Medicine Monthly Subscription Program and my next session of the Foraging & Medicine Making Intensive.