Disease is Rife in the Modern World

In today’s world, chronic illness is everywhere. Diseases that were virtually non-existent in early human history; autoimmune disorders, rampant heart disease, diabetes and so many cancers, now dominate modern society, diminishing quality of life and leading to untimely deaths. Ancient humans, though faced with their own struggles for survival, lived in a way that supported their vitality. They moved constantly, naturally exercising as they hunted, gathered, and built their communities. Their diet was composed of whole, unprocessed foods and when illness struck, they turned to the wisdom of plants to heal. Their gut health flourished, their immune systems were robust and they lived in harmony with their environment.

Disconnected from Nature

Compare that to modern humans. We have placed ourselves in artificial, stressful environments where we must schedule “exercise” just to stay active. We live indoors, deprived of sunlight, bombarded by artificial light that disrupts our circadian rhythms. We eat highly processed foods, drink chemically treated water and breathe in toxic air filled with pollutants and synthetic fragrances. Our skin is wrapped in polyester, our senses dulled by overstimulation and our nervous systems overwhelmed by constant notifications and digital distractions. Instead of connecting with Nature and each other, we often live isolated, sedentary lives, medicating our discomfort rather than addressing its root causes.

A Way of Living at Odds with Human Health

We wonder why chronic disease is so widespread, yet when we compare our way of life to that of early humans, the answer is clear. While modern medicine has undeniably brought us incredible advancements, such as penicillin, which has saved countless lives, it has also normalised a way of living that is fundamentally at odds with human health. We rely on pharmaceuticals to mask symptoms instead of addressing underlying imbalances. We dismiss ancient healing traditions as out-dated, even as we suffer from ailments that our ancestors, living in alignment with nature, rarely experienced.

Reclamation of What we have Lost

The truth is, returning to herbalism is not a step backward - it is a reclaiming of something we have lost. It is a way to reawaken our connection to the Earth, to realign with the intelligence of nature and to tap into our innate ability to heal. Herbal medicine is not just about treating symptoms; it is about fostering resilience, strengthening our bodies and nourishing our spirits. Plants have always been our allies and their healing properties have stood the test of time. The way we engage with them can unlock new dimensions of health, healing and wholeness, extending beyond just the physical to touch the mental, emotional and spiritual.

An Intimate Relationship with Nature

Early humans had an intimate relationship with nature, rooted in an awareness of its cycles and rhythms. They lived not in opposition to the land, but in symbiosis with it, responding to its needs and respecting its power. The wisdom of the natural world was woven into their lives, the food they ate, the herbs they used, the spiritual practices they followed - all worked together in a seamless flow. The connection to nature was immediate, felt in every breath, every step and every season. Modern life has severed that connection, replacing it with concrete, glass and the overwhelming noise of a world that never stops moving. But perhaps it is time to remember that Nature is not something we are separate from, but something of which we are deeply a part.

Stress the Prevalent Undercurrent

This disconnection is evident in our relationship to stress. While early humans experienced stress as part of survival, an immediate response to external threats such as predators or scarcity, it was not constant. Stress was momentary, its intensity linked directly to the need for action. Today, however, stress has become a pervasive undercurrent in daily life. It infiltrates our minds, our bodies, our environments and we have come to see it as a normal part of existence. But the human body is not designed to handle chronic stress in the way it is experienced today. The constant pressure, digital overload and sense of urgency we carry with us daily contribute to inflammation, weakened immunity, and disease. Herbal remedies like adaptogens, ashwagandha, brahmi, rhodiola and ginseng, can help to restore balance, soothing the nervous system and supporting the body’s ability to cope with modern stressors.

Herbalism is a Way of Life

Herbalism, in its purest form, is a way of life. It isn’t confined to a tincture or a tea but is woven into the very fabric of how we live. The practices of growing food, wild-crafting, fermenting and using plants for beauty and wellness are all part of a holistic approach that honours the wisdom of the Earth. It is an invitation to slow down, to reconnect and to return to something much more meaningful than quick fixes or superficial solutions. It offers us the opportunity to heal on a deeper level, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. In this process, we don’t merely apply herbs to treat illness; we embrace a lifestyle that supports long-term health and wellness - body, mind and soul.

Restoring the Sense of Community

Modern society, despite its incredible technological advancements, has lost something essential - connection. Early humans lived in close-knit communities, and their survival was dependent on their relationships with one another and the land. Social bonds, shared rituals and communal support were integral to their wellbeing. Today, however, many people live in isolation, disconnected from meaningful relationships and the grounding rhythms of nature. Herbalism can help bridge that gap. By learning to grow, harvest and share plants with others, we restore the sense of community that has been lost. The act of preparing and sharing herbal remedies can become a ritual of connection, reminding us of our shared humanity and our connection to the Earth.

Reawakening the Ancient Wisdom Within

Reconnecting with plants also brings us back to our inner wisdom. Early humans lived in a state of heightened awareness, attuned to their surroundings and their own bodies. This intuitive sense of knowing was critical for survival, as they had to interpret nature’s signals in real time. Today, many people have lost this connection to their intuition. The noise of modern life drowns out the whispers of the body, making it difficult to hear what it truly needs. Through herbalism, we can rediscover this inner guidance. As we learn to listen to the plants and to ourselves, we reawaken the ancient wisdom that resides within, guiding us back to health, balance and alignment with the laws of Nature.

How Healthy are we Really?

We cannot deny that the world has changed. Modern medicine, with all its miracles, has saved lives and alleviated suffering. But it is time to ask: how healthy are we really? Have we truly evolved or have we simply created new forms of disconnection? The return to herbalism is not a rejection of progress, but recognition that in our pursuit of comfort and convenience, we have neglected something vital. It is a reminder that, even in the age of technology, the Earth still holds the key to our wellbeing.

We Must Become Human Again

The path forward is one of integration - of embracing both modern science and ancient wisdom, of honouring the plants that have long been our allies and of re-establishing a way of life that honours our connection to the Earth. This is not a step backward; it is a reclamation of our humanity. To heal ourselves, we must first remember who we are. We must become human again.