Scope and Bounds

It has been observed that when publishing scholarly information herbalists use the fewest references; self-declared holistic medicos use a medium number of references, and naturopaths use by far the most. [Thank you Conrad Richter of Richters Herbs for this observation.] In other words, herbalists, as healers, know their art form by learning from ages of consistent practice while naturopaths heavily rely upon new scientific nuance. Medicos are just inept in both realms.

Herbalists, as healers, learn their craft primarily by traditional means. Knowledge is passed across from respected elders and peers, herbs are learned from implicit familiarity and personal experience, style and practice is adapted from historical usage, and apprenticeship programs convey the success of existing practices. The art of herbalism and healing is learned as is most other art forms -- from observation, practice, and adaptation of a known body of knowledge.

When natural health care is viewed as a science only, the leading edge of knowledge is evaluated and adopted while older forms of knowledge are continually jettisoned in favour of the new. This snaking-ahead style of practice does not suit the art herbalism.

A grain of wheat is simply a healthful food source to the holistic practitioner practicing the art form of traditional natural health. But to the ever eager scientifically motivated medico a grain of wheat is something to be ever improved upon. Indeed, the simple grain of wheat has been modified over the years away from the blended food source it once was into a genetically purified high-energy carbohydrate packet. Protein content within wheat has fallen dramatically over the last century in favour of increased “food energy” carbohydrates. Isn’t science great?

That banal packet of carbohydrate-enhanced wheat has displaced natural grains and is contributing to protein deficiencies (the extreme example being starving babies with bloated bellies -- a protein deficiency disease) all over the world. Science, and its lack of respect for nature, adds yet another encumbrance upon the shoulders of mankind.

Natural health practitioners are averse to such things as radiation therapy, nuclear power plants, cosmetic surgery, or in-vitro fertilization. Herbalists go a step further and decry abortion and animal experimentation. Natural health is not all-things to all-people. It follows a belief system that is highly respectful of nature. This results in a distinct line drawn across the sands of science beyond which we do not venture. We do not “do it all” but what we do, we do well. If Rudolf, the red-nosed reindeer, was born today the medicos would most certainly bob his nose. Conversely, a herbalist would respect his individuality and the world would be richer for it.

Healer J. Mark Taylor, Medical Herbalist

5, 1922 - 9 Avenue SE.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2G 0V2