Herbalism as an Artisan Trade:

Herbalism refers to the practice of harvesting, identifying, and utilizing plants (herbs) to create medicinal remedies, teas, tinctures, salves, and other products, often considered a skilled craft due to the detailed knowledge required about plant properties and the careful process of preparation, similar to other artisan crafts like woodworking or pottery. 

Herbalism is a healing tradition that has been used for thousands of years and has roots in many cultures. The history of herbalism is marked by a variety of skills and knowledge, including: 

• Community-based health care: Herbalists would gather plants and treat the sick in a community setting. 

• Professional practitioners: Some herbalists were among the most learned people of their time. 

• Documentation: Ancient civilizations documented their knowledge of herbal remedies in texts like the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus and the Ayurvedic Brhattrayi. 

• Integration with other theories: Herbalism was integrated with theories of anatomy, physiology, and pathology. 

• Traditional ecological knowledge: Indigenous people have valuable knowledge about managing their natural environment. 

• Alchemy: Alchemy, an early form of chemistry, led to the new science of medical chemistry. 

Here are some highlights from the history of herbalism:

• Ancient origins: Herbalism dates back to the earliest human societies, where plants were used for both food and medicine. 

• The Middle Ages: Herbalism was crucial for survival without prescription drugs. 

• The Renaissance: Herbal remedies were still used, but were often chosen based on their color or shape. 

• The 1700s: Folk and traditional herbalism was prevalent in the US, including the use of Native American herbs. 

• The 1800s: Schools began to formalize herbal education. 

• The societal shift away from nature: As science grew, there was a shift away from nature and toward technology and pharmacology