Understanding Herbs and How They Work: A Guide to Herbal Medicine

Herbs have long been revered for their ability to support the body’s natural healing processes. Rather than simply treating symptoms, herbal medicine works with the body to help it restore balance and achieve optimal health. The body’s ability to heal itself is truly extraordinary, and herbs are designed to aid and support this natural capacity for self-healing. By working in harmony with the body’s innate processes, herbal remedies empower the body to correct imbalances and support long-term wellness.

However, many who first delve into the world of herbal medicine may approach it with the same mindset they would when using prescription medications. Often, they expect immediate results or look for the same kind of quick, noticeable effects that pharmaceuticals typically provide. This can lead to discouragement when herbs don’t work the same way or as quickly as drugs do. It's important to understand that herbs work differently—they work in harmony with the body’s natural rhythms, offering sustainable support that promotes true healing over time.

Here you will learn how herbs work, why they are so effective when used in their whole form, and how they support the body’s incredible ability to heal itself—reminding us that true healing often takes time, and the process is as important as the outcome.

 

How Do Herbs Work in the Body?

Herbs contain a variety of compounds that work synergistically to support the body’s health. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, which often isolate a single active compound to address a specific symptom, herbs are designed to work as a whole. This holistic approach ensures that herbs interact with the body in a balanced and effective way. As Dr. Christopher, a well-known herbalist, often said, “The whole is greater than the part.” When using herbs, it’s essential to understand that the combined properties of the entire plant provide the most effective results.

Herbs contain many active compounds—such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, and essential oils—that can support the body in various ways. These compounds work with the body to restore balance, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. When we take herbs in their whole form, we’re allowing the plant’s full range of compounds to interact with our body, providing a more comprehensive therapeutic effect.

 

Supporting the Body’s Natural Healing Ability

The body is an extraordinary self-healing organism, constantly working to maintain balance and health. However, lifestyle factors, environmental toxins, stress, and poor diet can sometimes interfere with its natural ability to restore itself. This is where herbs come in—they don’t override the body’s functions but rather support and encourage its efforts.

Herbs aren’t meant to replace the body’s innate intelligence. Instead, they assist in areas where extra help is needed. For example:

• Echinacea supports immune function, helping the body fend off infections more effectively.
• Ginger stimulates digestion and eases inflammation, allowing the system to operate more smoothly.
• Ashwagandha, an adaptogen, promotes resilience and supports adrenal balance during times of stress.

By working in harmony with the body, these herbs help it return to a state of health and equilibrium, also known as homeostasis—without disrupting its natural rhythm.

 

The Importance of Whole Herbs

When using herbal medicine, it’s crucial to utilize the plant in its whole form. Isolating specific compounds from plants can result in the loss of their full therapeutic potential and cause more harm than good. Each part of the plant—whether it’s the root, leaf, flower, or bark—contains a unique combination of compounds that work together to enhance the plant’s overall effectiveness.

For example, when we isolate a compound like the active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, we may experience some anti-inflammatory benefits. However, we miss out on the other compounds in turmeric, such as essential oils and antioxidants, that enhance its effectiveness and provide additional health benefits. In contrast, consuming the whole plant or a whole-plant extract ensures that we receive all the synergistic compounds working together to support our health.

This concept is central to Dr. Christopher’s philosophy, which emphasizes the use of whole herbs for their healing properties. By using herbs in their entirety, we allow the plant’s compounds to work together, providing a more balanced and effective therapeutic response.

 

Working With the Body, Not Against It

Herbs help the body restore balance by supporting its natural processes rather than trying to override or block them. Each herb works in harmony with the body to enhance its inherent healing capabilities and promote overall wellness.

For example, dandelion root is a remarkable herb for liver and digestive health, thanks to its rich array of active compounds. The taraxasterol and beta-sitosterol</strong> compounds found in dandelion root have been shown to promote liver detoxification by stimulating bile production. This helps the liver to break down and process fats and toxins more efficiently. Additionally, dandelion contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports gut health by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and promoting healthy digestion. The root’s flavonoids and also contribute to reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can further support the liver and digestive system in maintaining balance. By encouraging the liver's natural detox processes and enhancing gut health, dandelion root works in harmony with the body’s own cleansing mechanisms.

Similarly, peppermint works in synergy with the digestive system to promote comfort and healthy digestion. The menthol in peppermint acts as a muscle relaxant for the gastrointestinal tract, easing discomfort like bloating, cramping, and indigestion. It also helps to stimulate bile production, supporting the liver and aiding in the breakdown of fats. Peppermint’s carminative properties assist in expelling gas from the digestive tract, relieving feelings of fullness and pressure. By working with the body’s digestive rhythm, peppermint helps maintain a balanced, smooth digestive process without disrupting its natural function.

When we use herbs that work with the body’s processes, we allow our systems to function more efficiently and with less stress. This holistic approach encourages long-term wellness, rather than short-term fixes.

 

How to Incorporate Herbs into Your Daily Routine

Incorporating herbs into your daily routine is a powerful way to support your health and well-being. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your herbal practice, there are many easy and enjoyable ways to bring herbs into your life. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Sip herbal teas: Enjoy a comforting cup of tea made with herbs like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger. These gentle brews can support digestion, calm the nervous system, or give your immune system a little boost—depending on what your body needs.
• Use tinctures for convenience: Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts that offer a quick and effective way to take herbs. Just a few drops in water or under your tongue can deliver powerful support, whether you’re reaching for echinacea during cold season or ashwagandha to ease stress.
• Take herbal capsules: If you’re on the go, capsules are a convenient option. They make it easy to incorporate herbs into your routine without needing to prepare tea or measure drops.
• Try topical herbal care: Herbs aren’t just for internal use. Oils, salves, and creams infused with healing herbs like lavender, calendula, or comfrey can be applied to the skin for relief, nourishment, and relaxation.

By choosing the methods that work best for your lifestyle, you can gently weave herbal support into your daily rhythm—helping your body stay balanced, strong, and well.

Using herbs in their whole form, rather than isolating compounds, you ensure that you are benefiting from the full range of therapeutic effects each plant has to offer. Remember, as Dr. Christopher wisely said, “The whole is greater than the part.” By embracing this holistic approach and working with the body’s natural healing power, you can achieve lasting wellness and vitality.

For those new to herbal medicine, it's important to have patience and understand that herbs support the body’s processes gradually—working with the body, not against it. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results like you would with pharmaceutical drugs. True healing takes time, and the body’s self-healing ability is worth nurturing.