In this last section of Homage to History's Herbalists, we turn our focus to five living herbalists whose work has significantly impacted our understanding and practice of herbalism today. While this list is by no means exhaustive, as there are countless other remarkable men and women, both professional herbalists and home practitioners, making significant contributions to the field, these individuals stand out for the inspiration and influence they have had on us. It’s important to acknowledge that every cultural region has its own herbal luminaries whose work continues to shape and inspire their communities. The herbalists we highlight here reflect a rich diversity of approaches and philosophies that continue to evolve the timeless tradition of herbal healing.

Part 1: Present Day Herbalists Michael Tierra, Rosemary Gladstar & David Frawley

Present Day Herbalist:  Michael Tierra

A Leading Light of Integrative Herbalism
Michael Tierra is a herbalist whose contributions have helped shape the landscape of modern herbalism, especially through his blending of Western, Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspectives. His work stands out for its inclusivity, educational clarity and a holistic approach that integrates these traditions into a practical, accessible framework.

Unique Approach to Herbalism
Tierra’s impact stems from his ability to bridge different herbal traditions, which were often seen as separate or even incompatible. By combining the insights of Western, Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine, he created a more integrated system that acknowledges the strengths of each tradition while promoting an overall balance for the body and mind. This integration not only deepened the understanding of plants’ healing properties but also allowed practitioners to choose from a broader toolkit when treating various ailments.

Planetary Herbalism
One of Tierra’s most distinctive contributions is his concept of planetary herbalism, which emphasises that plants have healing properties not just in isolation, but in relationship to the greater natural world. He believes that herbs are attuned to the rhythms of the earth and cosmos and understanding this connection allows for more profound and effective use of herbal remedies. “Planetary Herbalism” also reflects his holistic view of health, where the individual is seen as part of a greater interconnected system. This perspective encourages not only the healing of the body but the nurturing of the soul and mind, promoting overall well-being through a deepened relationship with Nature.

Educational Contributions
As an educator, Tierra’s books have played a major role in bringing herbalism to a wider audience. His most famous work The Way of Herbs, distils complex knowledge from multiple traditions into a digestible format, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced practitioners. In Planetary Herbology, he delves deeper into his integrative approach, drawing upon his extensive study of both Eastern and Western herbology. In these works, Tierra provides clear explanations of how herbs function in the body and how they can be used to balance different systems, such as digestion, immunity and circulation. He often emphasises the importance of working with the person as a whole, rather than simply focusing on treating isolated symptoms.

Examples of His Work in Practice

~Herbal Formulations
One example of Tierra’s unique contribution is his formulation of herbal blends that combine herbs from different traditions to address specific health concerns. For instance, he created formulations that combine adaptogenic herbs (from Ayurvedic and TCM practices) with local plants that are more familiar in Western herbalism. This approach amplifies the healing effects by addressing both the root cause of a condition and the body’s response mechanisms.

~Herbs for Stress and Vitality
In his work, Tierra is a strong advocate for the use of adaptogens such as Ashwagandha, Rhodiola and Ginseng, which are common in Ayurvedic and TCM medicine. These herbs help the body cope with stress and restore vitality by supporting the adrenal glands, enhancing energy and stabilising the nervous system. His advocacy for these herbs reflects his understanding of the mind-body connection and the importance of stress management in modern life.

~Herbs for Digestion
Tierra has a particular focus on the importance of digestive health, which is central to both Ayurvedic and Western herbal practices. His work emphasises herbs like Dandelion, Burdock and Ginger, which help stimulate digestion, cleanse the liver and support gut health. He teaches that digestive health is the cornerstone of overall wellness, and many of his remedies focus on healing the digestive system to promote vitality and energy.

~Herbal Detoxification
Another area where Tierra’s impact is particularly felt is in the realm of detoxification. His holistic approach to cleansing is informed by both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, which view detoxification as a process that involves not just the body but the mind and spirit as well. Herbs like Milk Thistle, Dandelion, and Red Clover are often featured in his detox programs, which he promotes as a means of restoring balance to the body and revitalising the spirit.

~Emphasis on Prevention
While Tierra’s work is rooted in healing, he is also a strong advocate for prevention. He believes that herbalism's true power lies not only in addressing illness but also in its capacity to maintain health and prevent future imbalances. His teachings encourage people to view herbs as part of their daily wellness routine, not just as a remedy when illness strikes.

Legacy and Impact
What makes Tierra’s work so revolutionary is his ability to synthesise centuries-old wisdom into modern practice. He’s often credited with helping to make herbalism more scientifically grounded, while also honouring its traditional roots. His integrative approach has influenced many contemporary herbalists, making him a key figure in modern herbalism’s evolution.

Tierra’s teachings have impacted both professional herbalists and laypeople, offering a bridge to deeper knowledge and understanding of plants’ healing potential. His emphasis on personal empowerment, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their health by using herbs in a conscious, informed way, has inspired countless people to explore and incorporate herbal remedies into their lives.
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Present Day Herbalist: Rosemary Gladstar

The Heart-Centred Herb Whisperer
Rosemary Gladstar is often hailed as a foundational voice in modern herbalism, blending traditional herbal wisdom with a deeply intuitive and more feminine approach. Known for her warmth and practical style, she has bridged the gap between ancient plant medicine and contemporary wellness, making herbalism very user-friendly to beginners while offering depth to seasoned practitioners. Her efforts have seeded a new generation of herbalists, empowering people to see herbalism as a way of life that fosters both personal health and planetary stewardship.

“Everyday radiant well-being, in mind, body and soul, is a function of everyday self-care”

Her Heart-Centred Intuitive Approach
Rosemary Gladstar stands out for her heart-centred, intuitive approach to herbalism, making it accessible, joyful and personally empowering. Unlike David Hoffman's scientific and evidence-based methodology, which emphasises clinical efficacy, Gladstar's style is rooted in tradition and emotional connection, teaching that herbalism is as much about nurturing relationships with plants as it is about healing. One of her signature contributions is her holistic and interpersonal approach. Gladstar teaches that herbalism is more than a science; it’s a way of connecting with the earth and understanding health through balance, nourishment and respect. Her method focuses on developing a personal relationship with plants, encouraging students to listen to Nature and cultivate a practice grounded in compassion. Gladstar’s approach is unique in its simplicity and community-oriented teaching, emphasising herbalism as a holistic lifestyle available to everyone. Her warmth, storytelling and joyful encouragement are woven into all her work.

Practical Joyful Learning
Her books, such as Herbal Healing for Women and Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs, and Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health are prized texts that bring practical, joyful learning into herbal studies, emphasising simplicity and the efficacy of home remedies for the family. Her books have become “must-have” references for anyone interested in a healthy herbal approach to daily life.

Gladstar is also known for co-founding the International Herb Symposium and the non-profit organisation United Plant Savers, which protects endangered medicinal plants, highlighting her environmental commitment to sustaining herbal traditions.
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Present Day Herbalist: David Frawley 

The Ayurvedic Herbalist and Scholar
David Frawley, also known as Vamadeva Shastri, is a renowned scholar and teacher in the fields of Ayurveda, Vedic astrology, yoga and spirituality, bringing deep insights into the integration of traditional Indian healing sciences with Western practices. Frawley’s work has been pivotal in popularising Ayurveda in the West, making its ancient principles accessible and applicable to modern health issues. His books and teachings emphasise Ayurveda’s holistic approach to wellness, viewing illness as an imbalance in one’s physical or mental constitution (dosha) rather than as isolated symptoms. Through his herbal advice, Frawley’s blend of traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with practical, accessible remedies always accentuates the importance of tuning into one's natural rhythms and harmonising with nature’s cycles for enduring health and well-being.

"True healing involves not just the body but the mind and soul, requiring a shift in our inner awareness and our connection to the universal consciousness. When we learn to work with the energies of nature, we begin to heal at a fundamental level."

Combining Spiritual Wisdom with Herbalism
One of Frawley’s significant contributions is his work on Ayurvedic herbs, where he explores the medicinal properties of plants in connection to dosha balancing, seasonal adaptations and mental and spiritual wellness. His explanations of herbs like ashwagandha, turmeric and brahmi reveal their specific roles not only as remedies for physical ailments but also as tools for achieving mental clarity, vitality and emotional resilience. Frawley also integrates Vedic philosophy, especially the concept of prana (life force), into herbalism, illustrating how herbs can enhance this vital energy and support the path toward self-awareness and spiritual growth.

Healing the Person Not the Disease
David Frawley has illuminated Ayurveda's deeper dimensions by revealing the spiritual and psychological roots of health, offering a unique lens through which herbs support not only physical healing but also mental clarity and emotional strength. His works, like “Ayurvedic Healing” and “Yoga and Ayurveda”, go beyond conventional herbal applications by encouraging practitioners to consider each individual's constitution (prakriti) and imbalances (vikriti) when recommending remedies, creating a very personalised approach to healing.

Herbs as Catalysts for Mental Clarity
Frawley advocates using herbs as catalysts for mental clarity and as gentle remedies for stress and anxiety, reflecting his belief in the mind-body connection as essential for complete healing. In promoting emotional health, Frawley suggests herbs like ashwagandha and shatavari for those experiencing burnout or chronic fatigue. These herbs are restorative adaptogens but also grounding, helping to anchor individuals in calmness and resilience. By focusing on adaptogens in times of stress, Frawley encourages a pathway to replenish both physical and mental energy.

He often recommends herbs like gotu kola and brahmi for their subtle, pure (sattvic) qualities that enhance meditation and concentration. These herbs, he explains, strengthen mental focus and aid in dispelling mental fog, which is particularly valuable for those pursuing spiritual practices or needing greater emotional resilience in their daily lives.

Digestive Health is Foundation
Frawley sees digestive health, as foundational to overall wellness and prescribes remedies that activate digestive fire (agni). Herbs such as ginger, cumin and pepper stimulate digestion, prevent toxin build-up, and maintain balance among the dosha. He advises taking a mixture of these spices in warm water before meals to invigorate digestion, promoting nutrient absorption and vitality. Frawley recommends Triphala for digestive health and longevity: Triphala, a combination of three fruits, amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki, is a staple in Frawley’s Ayurvedic remedies. He advocates triphala for its gentle laxative effect, promoting regular elimination and cleansing the digestive tract without causing dependency.

Some of Frawley’s Herbal Advice

~Ashwagandha for Stress Relief and Nervous System Support: Ashwagandha, a powerful adaptogen, is one of Frawley’s go-to herbs for managing stress and enhancing physical endurance. He recommends combining ashwagandha powder with ghee and a small amount of honey or milk, taken in the evening, to promote restful sleep, nourish the nervous system, and improve resilience to stress. This preparation is especially beneficial for Vata types who experience anxiety or sleep disturbances.

~Turmeric with Black Pepper for Anti-Inflammatory Support: Turmeric is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties, but Frawley emphasises the importance of combining it with black pepper to enhance absorption. This combination is particularly effective for joint pain, arthritis and muscle soreness. Frawley suggests a paste made with turmeric, black pepper and warm ghee or honey, taken daily or applied as a topical poultice to soothe inflammation.

~Brahmi and Gotu Kola for Cognitive Enhancement: Frawley frequently suggests these two herbs for their cognitive benefits, highlighting their ability to support memory, concentration and calmness. Brahmi, traditionally used for meditation, is cooling and enhances sattvic (pure) qualities, while gotu kola provides grounding energy. He often recommends combining these herbs in powder form with milk or water as a tonic for students, meditators or those seeking enhanced focus.