de Materia Medica

Abstract

Until the development of conventional medical practices, more commonly known as Western Medicine, or Allopathy, the practice of herbalism has been used for thousands of years throughout many cultures around the world. Herbalism supports the human body and encourage balance between the body, mind and spirit. While not as "quick and easy" as more conventional forms of medicine, the action of preparing a salve, tincture, decoction, or even a simple cup of herbal tea can also be a form of medicine. The process of creating an herbal preparation with care and purpose can also relate to the action of fabricating a tool meant to prepare or administer that preparation. The tools and jewelry pieces I make as a metalsmith and an herbalist, along with the research and evidence provided in this paper will work to describe what herbalism is and how we can use herbal methods to incorporate wellness into daily life.