The Wise Woman Healer
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In a world increasingly driven by technology and fast-paced living, the ancient art of herbalism offers a sanctuary of wisdom and healing. As a Wise Woman healer and herbalist, I draw upon a rich tapestry of knowledge that encompasses nurturing care, community connection, and a deep respect for nature. This site explores the characteristics and practices that define Wise Women Herbalists highlighting our compassionate approach to healing and the importance of local plants in our remedies.
We will explore the historical context of herbal traditions, including Jewish and Christian influences, while also examining modern practices that integrate ancient wisdom with contemporary health innovations. Through this journey, you will gain insights into specific herbal studies and applications, empowering you to harness the healing potential of nature in your own life. Join me as we celebrate the transformative power of herbs and the timeless wisdom of the Wise Woman tradition.
Wise Woman herbalism has deep historical roots that intertwine with the practices of village healers, community midwives, and family herbalists throughout various cultures. This tradition emphasizes the use of local plants and folk medicine, which has been passed down through generations, primarily among women.
Historical Context
- Indigenous and Earth-Based Roots: Wise Woman herbalism is grounded in ancient practices that connect to indigenous earth-based traditions. These practices focus on using local plants for health and healing, with knowledge shared from mother to daughter, forming a lineage of women healers who relied on nature’s bounty for remedies.
- Role of Women in Healing: Historically, women have been the primary caregivers in their communities, often acting as healers for childbirth and child-rearing. They utilized herbs and plants found in their immediate environments to create remedies, which were integral to their communities, especially in rural areas where access to formal medical care was limited.
- Impact of the Witch Hunts: The decline of Wise Woman practices can be traced back to the witch hunts in Europe from the 1300s to the 1600s, where many women who practiced herbalism were persecuted. The term “witch,” originally meaning “wise one,” became associated with scorn and fear, leading to the systematic eradication of women healers and their knowledge.
- Cultural Shifts: As medicine became more formalized and scientific, the role of women in healing diminished. Men began to dominate the medical field, and women were often excluded from formal education and practice. This shift marginalized the traditional roles of Wise Women, despite their continued importance in community health.
- Modern Revival: Today, there is a resurgence of interest in Wise Woman herbalism as individuals seek to reclaim the knowledge and practices of their ancestors. This revival emphasizes self-care, holistic health, and the empowerment of women through herbal knowledge, fostering a reconnection with nature and traditional healing practices.
In summary, Wise Woman herbalism is rooted in a rich historical context that honors the contributions of women healers throughout time, emphasizing the importance of community, local plants, and the nurturing aspect of healing.
White Magic
Ficino’s “purely natural” white magic could be framed as the study of “natural” phenomena in general with no evil or irreligious intent whatsoever. ~ wikipedia
Recommended Resources
Websites of Wise Women
- Rosemary Gladstar
- Margi Flint
- Jill Stansbury, ND
- Aviva Romm, MD
- Tieraona Low Dog, MD
- Sharol Tilgner, ND
- Rosalee de la Forêt
- Maria Noel Groves
- Kiva Rose Hardin
- Robin Rose Bennett
- Corinna Wood
- Susun Weed
- Melissa K. Norris
- Carolyn Thomas
- Sally Fallon Morell
- Kat Maier
- Heidi Villegas, MA, CA
- Juliet Blankespoor
Books By Or About Wise Women and Herbalism
- Healing Wise, Susun Weed
- The Herbal Lore of Wise Women and Wortcunners: The Healing Power of Medicinal Plants, Wolf D. Storl
- Wise Woman’s Way: A Guide to Growing Older with Purpose and Passion, Berta W. Parrish
- Master Self-Care for Wise Women: An Empowering 30-Day Self-Development Guide to Enhance Holistic Well-Being, Deepen Self-Reflection and Find Your Pathway to Inner Peace, Nonie Adams
- Hildegard von Bingen’s Physica: The Complete English Translation of Her Classic Work on Health and Healing, Pricilla Throop (translator)
- Hildegard of Bingen’s Medicine (Folk Wisdom Series), Dr. Wighard Strehlow and Gottfried Hertzka, M.D. (Authors)
- Evolutionary Herbalism: Science, Spirituality, and Medicine from the Heart of Nature, Sajah Popham
- Herbal Healing for Women (A Guide to Holistic Healing), Rosemary Gladstar
- Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use, Rosemary Gladstar
- Body into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self-Care, Maria Noel Groves
- Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients into Foods and Remedies That Heal, Rosalee de la Forèt
- Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine, Rosalee de la Forèt and Emily Han
- Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health 2nd Edition, Aviva Romm, MD, RH(AHG)
- Women’s Health in Complementary and Integrative Medicine: A Clinical Guide, Tierarona Low Dog, MD, Marc S. Micozzi, MD PhD