A Guide to Plant-based Medicine Healing Practices | Rythmia 

Plant-based medicine is the most ancient and primal healing modality, with roots stretching all the way back to the earliest days of humankind. As humans, exploring our relationships with the natural world has been fundamental to our success as a species, although in our fast-paced post-industrial societies it's quite easy to lose track of this fundamental interdependence. However, this remembrance of our ancient relatedness to our plant allies is growing in popularity in contemporary wellness, and for good reason. 

Whether you are new to plant-based medicine and plant-medicine healing practices or seeking to go deeper on your journey, this guide will provide you with all the information you need. This article covers the history and evolution of plant-based healing, the core principles shared in many systems, and how plant medicine differs from other wellness practices. We will identify some of the key plants for healing, and guide you on how to get started. Lastly, we will dive deeper into psychedelic plant medicines. This article also provides links to helpful resources. 

‍

Plant-based healing and plant medicines as fundamental cornerstones of your wellness journey

Plant-based medicine or plant-based healing are fundamental cornerstones of modern holistic modalities of health and well-being. Herbal medicine, in its many cultural variations, is a fundamental part of many time-honored holistic approaches to wellness around the world. 

Although different and radically adapted to the local ecologies and ecosystems from which they emerge, plant-based systems aim to harness the natural power of plants and fungi to promote and support the well-being of individuals and communities, while helping humans harmonize their relationship with the environment that sustains them.

Throughout human history, communities across the globe have recognized the profound therapeutic potential of various plant species. From ancient traditions like Ayurveda in southern Asia and Traditional Chinese Medicine to contemporary, integrative and eclectic systems of herbalism, phytotherapy, and psychedelic-assisted therapy, the practice of plant-based healing continues to thrive as people seek alternatives or complements to conventional allopathic medicine. 

‍

Ways to prepare and administer plant-based medicines

Plant-based medicines are prepared and administered in a variety of ways, each method designed to extract and utilize the healing properties of the plants effectively. One of the most common forms is herbal teas or infusions, where dried herbs are steeped in hot water to release their active ingredients. Tinctures, made by soaking herbs in alcohol or vinegar, offer a more concentrated form of the medicinal properties and are typically taken in small doses. Decoctions involve simmering tougher plant parts like roots or bark in water, used for extracting deeper-seated nutrients. 

Capsules and tablets containing dried, powdered herbs offer a convenient and standardized way to consume plant medicines. Topical applications, such as salves, ointments, and essential oils, are used externally for their healing effects on skin conditions or for muscle and joint pain. Poultices, made by crushing fresh or dried herbs and applying them directly to the skin, are another traditional method for localized healing. Some plant medicines are also inhaled, either as smoke or steam, to treat respiratory issues, spiritual or metaphysical ailments or for ceremonial purposes.

‍

Common plant medicines used around the world

In the lush forests of Asia, traditional healers use herbs like ginseng for vitality and balance. Turmeric, a staple in Indian medicine, is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. In the Himalayas, the mystical Himalayan yew is used in traditional remedies and has been a source of modern cancer-treating drugs. Green tea, originating from China, has gained worldwide acclaim for its numerous health benefits, including enhancing heart health and metabolism. 

Each region has its unique flora contributing to a rich global tapestry of herbal medicine. In Europe, age-old practices like using lavender for relaxation and chamomile for digestion are still prevalent. In Australia, the eucalyptus tree is renowned for its potent antiseptic and decongestant properties. Tea tree oil, derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, is valued for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities. In the deserts of Africa, plants like aloe vera provide soothing remedies.

In North America, the cultural practices of its indigenous groups are deeply embedded in popular folk medicine. Echinacea, native to the Great Plains, is revered for its immune-boosting properties. The versatile willow bark, found in various parts of the continent, has been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever, the precursor to modern aspirin. White sage is used for cleansing and purification rituals, offering not only physical healing but also reflecting a spiritual approach to health that is integral to amerindian cultures.

‍

Ayahuasca and the plant-medicines of South America

Our introductory journey to the world of plant medicine culminates in the jungles of South America. The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the "Earth's pharmacy," is a hotbed of medicinal plants. This unimaginably biodiverse region houses an unparalleled variety of plants with therapeutic properties. 

The rubber tree, for example, has been vital not only economically but also medicinally, with its latex used in various indigenous remedies. Cat's claw, known locally as uña de gato, is revered for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Sangre de Drago or Dragon's Blood, is a tree that exudes a red sap used for its potent wound-healing and antiviral qualities. 

Perhaps the most famous of them all is ayahuasca, a brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and other ingredients, such as the DMT containing Psychotria viridis (Chacruna) or Diplopterys cabrerana (Chagropanga) used in traditional spiritual medicine to promote profound psychological and physical healing. Ayahuasca is a powerful brew known for its profound psychoactive effects, and as a gateway to spiritual awakening and healing. 

This mysterious brew, which has been a central part of a wide array of medical, social and shamanic practices and traditions for centuries or perhaps millennia, is increasingly being sought out to address a wide range of physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments. As the age-old wisdom of Ayahuasca is finding its place in modern healthcare, being well-informed about its risks and benefits becomes increasingly crucial. If this is something that has been calling your heart, please check out our guide to choosing the perfect ayahuasca retreat following this link. 

‍

Understanding Plant-Based Medicine

Plant-based medicine is underpinned by a set of core principles that emphasize a holistic approach to health. This approach values the healing power of nature, positing that plants have inherent medicinal properties and that the human body possesses an innate ability to heal itself when supported by these natural remedies. 

Furthermore, plant-based healing brings us into relationship with the natural rhythms of the environment that sustains us, drawing our attention to the ebb and flow of the seasons, the growth cycles of the plants that we use, and even the phases of the moon. Ancient cultures knew, for example, when to harvest a particular root: they understood that certain plants store different nutrients in different places as the seasons change. 

Many plant-based healers know that certain roots should be harvested in winter, as to maximize their healing potential; today we can validate this ancient knowledge by comparing the concentration of different alkaloids in roots harvested in different seasons, growing in different soils, or sometimes even when harvested at night and not in the daytime. Incorporating plant medicines is not only about the incredible pharmacy plants have to offer but also about being in right relationship with the natural world. 

‍

The difference between Plant Medicine and Conventional Medicine

Plant medicine differs significantly from conventional medicine in several key aspects. The most notable difference lies in its foundation; plant medicine relies on natural, botanical elements, utilizing the inherent healing properties of herbs and plants, whereas conventional medicine often depends on synthetic drugs and targeted chemical compounds. The approach to treatment also diverges: plant medicine typically adopts a holistic strategy, treating the whole person — body, mind, and spirit — and focusing on the root cause of an ailment rather than just the symptoms. 

In contrast, conventional medicine often emphasizes symptom management and specific disease treatment, primarily through isolated active ingredients. Prevention is also a key component, with an emphasis on using plants not only for curing ailments but also for strengthening the body to prevent illness and maintaining overall wellness, a perspective that is gradually being integrated into conventional medicine but has not been its traditional focus. 

‍

Holistic Plant Medicine Systems: Blending traditional wisdom and modern science 

Systems of plant-based medicine often represent a blend of traditional wisdom and modern scientific understanding. The science and evidence supporting plant-based medicine is an evolving and growing field, combining traditional knowledge with modern research methodologies. Scientific studies on plant medicines often focus on identifying active compounds within plants and understanding their pharmacological effects. For instance, the discovery of salicylic acid in willow bark laid the foundation for developing aspirin, a widely used synthetic drug. 

Many plants used in traditional medicine have been found to contain bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties, such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and antimicrobials. Clinical trials and epidemiological studies are increasingly being conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these plant-derived treatments. However, the complexity of plant medicines, which often contain multiple interacting compounds, presents challenges for standard scientific testing, which is typically designed for single-compound drugs. 

Additionally, the holistic approach of plant medicine, treating the whole person rather than isolated symptoms, can be difficult to assess using conventional clinical trial methodologies. Despite these challenges, the field is gaining recognition in the scientific community, with an increasing number of studies validating the therapeutic benefits of various plants and herbs. 

‍

Beyond the individual: plant-based healing as collective healing 

The biological and pharmacological science is often supported and complemented by a strong focus on the importance of sustainability and ethical sourcing of plants. As our personal healing journey unfolds, it will increasingly reflect and embrace a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and our environments. 

The respectful and sustainable use of natural resources is crucial in our plant-based healing journeys. Health is, in many ways, a collective effort just as much as an individual one. Health is not exclusively something that pertains to the individual, but also to communities, societies, cultures and ecosystems. The health of the relationships between these layers of human organization, from the individual to immediate social group and expanding outwards into the delicate web of life that inhabits this planet, are just as important to consider as our own individual health. 

Plant medicines play a significant social role beyond their medicinal properties, often serving as integral components of cultural, spiritual, and community practices. In many societies, the use of plant-based remedies is deeply woven into social rituals and ceremonies, marking significant life events like birth, marriage, or death. They often foster a sense of community and shared knowledge, as the cultivation, harvesting, and preparation of these remedies often involve communal efforts and the passing down of knowledge through generations. They are used in spiritual practices for purification, healing, and connecting with ancestral wisdom, as seen in the use of Ayahuasca in Amazonian tribal rituals. 

‍

Starting your plant medicine healing journey 

‍

Assess your health needs and goals

Making your first steps in a journey into plant medicine healing involves a combination of education, consultation, and personal exploration. Start by assessing your health needs and goals, considering any existing conditions or ongoing treatments. It is essential to consult with healthcare professionals or experienced herbalists, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications, to avoid potential adverse interactions. Engaging with local herbalists or joining herbal medicine communities can provide practical insights and guidance. Starting with common, well-documented herbs for general wellness, such as chamomile for relaxation or peppermint for digestion, can be a safe way to begin. 

‍

Understand the risks and proceed with care

If you’re using essential oils, tinctures or extracts, make sure you know the right dosage and the right mode of delivery. Remember, just because it's natural it doesn’t mean it cannot harm you! When it comes to plants, like everything else, it's always about the right balance. Like Hippocrates said, millennia ago: “the main difference between medicine and poison is simply the dose.” Concentrated preparations can contain concentrations of alkaloids and other compounds that can be toxic if taken in excess. It's also important to listen to your body and observe how it responds to different herbs.

‍

Keep learning and be curious to ensure safe exploration and improve results

Educate yourself about various plants and their medicinal properties, either through books, reputable online resources, or workshops. It's always a good idea to start with your local environment and try to source as much as you can locally. Community gardens are good environments to become involved with fellow herbalists, and there are sophisticated apps that can help you identify wild plants with high accuracy, although you still need to be extremely careful while foraging to avoid possibly dangerous mistakes! If you’re unsure, consult an expert before trying out any wild specimens. If you prefer, cultivating your own plants or sourcing them from trusted suppliers ensures quality and deepens your connection to the healing process. Remember: a plant medicine journey is not just about treating ailments but also about embracing a holistic approach to health and wellness, where you become more attuned to your body and the natural world.

‍

Helpful Books to Support Your Plant Medicine Journey

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Revised and Expanded, by Valerie Ann Worwood. This book is a great resource to learn about essential oils, one of the most common and useful plant medicine preparations available today. Furthermore, learn about the curative and healing properties of scent, one of the quintessential sensory properties of plants and plant preparations, and how different smells and scents can help with a wide range of conditions, moods, and mental states. 

Another classic book to support your journey is the  Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine New Edition: 560 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments by Andrew Chevallier. This is a comprehensive and magnificent resource that can help you identify your local herbs and plants, while also learning about the impressive pharmacopeia offered by the plant kingdom. 

For learning about psychoactive and psychedelic plants more in detail, a great place to start is  Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers. This is an absolute classic written by three powerhouses of the early psychedelic movement: Richard Evans Schultes, Albert Hofmann and Christian Rätsch. This book is a must-have for anyone learning about psychedelic plant medicine, complemented with beautiful and detailed illustrations and images. 

Lastly, The Art & Practice of Spiritual Herbalism: Transform, Heal, and Remember with the Power of Plants and Ancestral Medicine by Karen M. Rose is a powerful book that takes us beyond the purely material and into the spiritual properties of plants, helping us to take a step forward into our unfolding plant healing journey and spiritual awakening.

‍

A few powerful and approachable plant medicines to get you started on your plant-based healing journey

‍

Ten of the most common non-psychedelic plant medicines to start your exploration:  

• Aloe Vera: commonly used to treat skin irritations, burns and wounds 
• Chamomile: known for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects
• Echinacea: supports immune health, it is used to reduce the duration of colds and respiratory infections
• Eucalyptus: used to relieve congestion and support breathing
• Ginger: a go-to root to help with nausea and inflammation
• Lavender: commonly used to help with calming and relaxation, and promote sleep
• Peppermint: used to help with indigestion and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) 
• St. John’s Word: may influence mood and help with moderate depression and anxiety 
• Turmeric: an antioxidant, also known for aiding inflammation and conditions like arthritis 
• Valerian: used to promote relaxation and sleep

‍

Expand your exploration to discover the healing benefits of Ayahuasca plant medicine 

With growing awareness of the benefits of psychedelic plant medicine highlighted through scientific research and public figures openly sharing their transformational journeys, many Westerners are now seeking deeper self-awareness, growth, and healing at Ayahuasca retreat centers. Used by indigenous amazonian people for thousands of years, the active ingredients in the ayahuasca brew are Harmaline and DMT, known to produce transformative healing and spiritual experiences. 

Our Ayahuasca Retreat Guide: Your Gateway to Healing and Spiritual Awakening is a comprehensive resource that provides everything you need about ayahuasca, from its origin, history, expansion, and popularization to modern research and how to choose the right Ayahuasca retreat for you. Ayahuasca plant medicine can bring tremendous emotional and spiritual benefits, but as discussed below, it’s essential to work with highly skilled medical and healing professionals.     

‍

Work with a seasoned professional or center for optimal care and results 

Many plant medicines are available over the counter and are safe for home use when following the directions. However, that does not mean that they are without risks. Not because something is natural, it means that it is always safe. Working with a professional who can assess your personal situation, identify any contraindications, and adapt your program based on your response to the medicine is beneficial whenever possible. 

When it comes to psychedelic plant medicines, expert care is not only beneficial, but essential. Psychedelic medicines can unleash powerful emotional, psychological and physiological processes, and having a trustworthy and skilled professional present can make a huge difference, both in minimizing risks and maximizing benefits. Here, we’ll give you an idea of the kind of practitioners and professionals who could be helpful in your journey, and what are the key considerations to take into account when working with psychedelic plant medicines. 

Practitioners to support your personalized journey

Naturopath: Depending on where you are, naturopaths may or may not be licensed medical doctors. For the most part, a naturopath will have a sound understanding of western medicine, while at the same time adhering to a particular understanding of healing. Naturopathic medicine sees the body as inherently self-healing, and most treatments are meant to boost the body’s own healing powers. 

Functional doctor / Holistic medicine practitioner: Functional doctors and holistic doctors are often interchangeable terms. Functional and holistic doctors often treat people using a whole-body approach. That means they focus on your body, mind, spirit, and emotions when diagnosing and treating you. Holistic doctors use traditional medicine and also consider factors such as your lifestyle, diet, sleep habits, and stress level. They are less likely to exclusively treat symptoms and more likely to encourage you to dig deeper and go straight for the roots. 

Ayurvedic practitioner: Ayurvedic practitioners are people who studied and practice Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine originating in southern Asia. Ayurveda has been practiced for millennia, and it is based on ancient writings that rely on a natural and holistic approach to physical and mental health. Ayurvedic medicine is one of the world's oldest medical systems and remains one of India's traditional healthcare systems.

Integration coach: Integration coaches are people who specialize in supporting others during journeys of healing, growth and transformation, with or without psychedelic plants and substances. Integration coaches can help you create a plan to ground the things that you learn into measurable lifestyle changes to achieve positive, gradual change.

Psychedelic facilitator: Psychedelic facilitators are people who have skill and experience in holding space for psychedelic experiences. Ideally, they have a background as caregivers and significant personal experience of their own with a wide array of psychedelic plants and substances. Psychedelic facilitators can do their work privately in a designated space or can be part of a larger team of people working together, oftentimes in a well-established and reputable retreat center that specializes in psychedelic plant-medicine healing. 

‍

Finding a reputable and safe retreat center to heal and grow through psychedelic plant medicines

Psychedelic plant medicines are some of the most powerful natural healing technologies we have at our disposition. It is important to keep in mind that working safely, effectively and respectfully with psychedelic plant medicines requires a high degree of skill and expertise. While the emotional and spiritual benefits can be life-changing, it is important to make sure that we are in the right place and working with the right person, well-supported by someone who is able to help us through whatever challenges may arise. 

To begin, certain psychedelic plant medicines require a comprehensive medical screening, as certain health conditions and certain medications can be contraindicated. It is important to make sure that you’re communicating clearly and transparently, to avoid potentially challenging medical situations. It is also important to make sure the place that you choose employs skilled and properly trained medical staff and provides access to well-equipped medical facilities in the rare event of an emergency. 

Beyond medical and safety concerns, it is also crucial to look at the curriculum or program that is on offer. Before booking yourself into a retreat center, ask yourself the following questions: what kind of support do they offer to help me prepare for my journey? What kind of support do they offer to help me integrate my experience afterward? How will they help me process my experience during the retreat? 

If you're unsure, dig into the website. Look through guest testimonials, find a contact point to email, or make a call to ensure they are knowledgeable and have reassuring answers to all your questions. Be sure to ask about their safety protocols, the diverse skills of their healing team, the supporting modalities they offer, their integration support plans, accommodations, and extra amenities. Always remember that set and setting are key factors to your experience, so you want to make sure you are choosing the very best.

If you’re still curious, going straight to social media reviews is a great source of information. Read what other people have to say about their experience. Furthermore, many retreat centers offer client testimonials on their websites. With psychedelic plant medicine becoming more and more popular every day, new retreat centers keep popping up all the time. 

And if you are looking for a little nudge, exploring the 7-day Rythmia Way program is an excellent starting place. Rythmia is the only medically licensed plant medicine center in the world, with safety and comfort being a top priority. Rythmia sets the bar offering premium accommodations and amenities, a time-tested multi-modality program, and is the #1 customer-rated transformation retreat with over 2,400 five-star reviews on Tripadvisor.  

Emotional and spiritual well-being: the role of psychedelic plant-medicines

To wrap everything up, optimal health is not only about the individual physical body, it is also about our emotional health, our mental health, and our relational health. Psychedelic plant medicines, like ayahuasca, can be very helpful in this regard. Ayahuasca, like all other psychedelic plant medicines, are in a different category than non-psychedelic plants and herbs because of the powerful non-ordinary states of being that they facilitate. As we’ve seen in this article, drinking ayahuasca is unlike taking a chamomile tincture or a cup of tea: you need to prepare for the experience, and make sure you are in a safe environment facilitated by skilled and resourceful shamans and helpers. 

The ayahuasca experience, one could argue, is the pinnacle of plant-based healing. A truly holistic, powerful experience that helps align our spirits, minds and bodies. It works its way through all the layers of our being, from the physical to the sensory to the emotional, cognitive and spiritual. It is truly a miracle of indigenous ethnobotany and one of the most potent tools we have to treat root causes. 

While this article focuses mostly on plant-based medicine and healing as a whole, the world of psychedelic plants in general and ayahuasca in particular is so vast and interesting that it would require a much more detailed and comprehensive guide, beyond the scope of this short article. Luckily, we are extremely passionate about psychedelic plant medicines, and we are excited to introduce you to them too, with all the depth and nuance that it deserves. 

‍

Ready to Go Deeper in Your Exploration of Ayahuasca Plant Medicine?

If you answered yes, our Ayahuasca Retreat Guide: Your Gateway to Healing and Spiritual Awakening is for you. It’s the ultimate guide to help you determine if an Ayahuasca retreat is for you and, if so, to find a safe and reputable retreat for your journey. And, if you’re ready to take the next step, arrange a free consultation with a Rythmia guest consultant. As the only medically licensed plant medicine center in the world, and with over 97% of the 15,000 guests who have completed the Rythmia Way program reporting a profound shift in perspective, Rythmia is the top choice for individuals looking for safety, exceptional care, and life-changing results.

‍