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5 Essential Tips to Master the Art of Herb Blending & Herbal Companions
Shalom family! In today's video, I'm going to explain one of the most difficult things to master as an herbalist, and that is making your own herbal blend. Herb blending is a vital part of herbal medicine, and these tips will help you become an expert at this skill.
I'll share five tips to level up your formulation skills right now!
Debunking Misconceptions: There is No Wrong Combination
The first point I want to make is that there is no wrong combination. Let's debunk that right now because that's probably the question I get asked the most often: "what you can't add together?" And you want to experiment. You really want to explore different combinations that resonate with the particular goals that you're going for. So, herbalism, it really is an art. There are unlimited possibilities. You really got to be creative without bounds.
You, as herbalists, will have your own style and that's something that can't be taught. So always encourage my students to think more intuitively than rigidly. Your personal connection with herbs and your own unique understanding of their properties is what will guide you into making formulas. So, in this way, herbalism is deeply personal, like and that's how you get that fusion of science and intuition and then your own connection with herbs.
Synergy: Crafting a Harmonious Blend
Now the second thing that I want herbalists to know about herbs is that not only do they work together in harmony, but sometimes you can make them more potent or more transformative when you pair them together.
Much like the notes of a symphony coming together to create a masterpiece, herbal synergy is about crafting blends where each herb contributes to the overall harmony.
By combining herbs that complement each other's strengths, the resulting concoction becomes more than the sum of its parts. This synergy creates a balance that amplifies the therapeutic effects, offering a profound impact that surpasses the capabilities of individual herbs.
Unlocking Potency: The Power of Enhanced Effects
Here's another fascinating truth—certain herbs possess properties that enhance the potency of others. These herbal enhancers boost absorption, improve bioavailability, and ultimately magnify the
therapeutic actions of their counterparts. A prime example is the dynamic duo of black pepper and turmeric, where the former augments the absorption of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, elevating its anti-inflammatory prowess.
Mitigating Unwanted Effects: Nature's Balancing Act
One of the most intriguing aspects of herbal companionship is the power to mitigate potential negative reactions. Some herbs may have inherent side effects or strong actions when used in isolation. However, through the artful combination of herbs with complementary qualities, these adverse effects can be offset. The result is a remedy that retains its potency while becoming gentler on the body.
Here's an example:
So if you're using like a potent herb known for its laxative properties, for instance, you want to pair it with another herb that's going to soothe your digestive tract, especially the ones that we have that are really irritating and that are forcing your body to do something. You can get a desired effect without the added negative symptom when you pair them and nullify that certain effect. This takes time and skill to be able to actually anticipate how or will respond in the body. And as a beginner herbalist, you want to make sure that this is not something that you're unknowingly doing that you're not watering down your formulas by doing this.
Ratio by Relevancy: Crafting Balanced Blends
Lastly, when you craft your blend, you want to remember that the ratio doesn't always have to be 50 50. You don't always have to split it up evenly. Instead, you should choose a ratio based on the relevance of each of the herbs in your formula. Some herbs might play more of a star role while others are more supportive. And all of them are needed, but it's all about that balance and the intention behind it.
For example, we might want to make a sleeping instant tea, which I have a whole playlist now (Mental Health, Sleep & Relaxation) devoted to sleep and relaxation. In this instance, chamomile might be the star of the show, but you might use a touch or a pinch of lavender or valerian to add on to those effects. You can use a smaller ratio of it, but you really want to do it by the relevancy and what your particular focus is.
This is an area where I feel like a lot of students get stuck and they try to get their ratios exact or they need to be in comparison to the, you know, 70- 80% for the primary 15-20% for the supportive and 5-10% for the Catalyst. That's precisely why I personally do my own method and I use parts with it instead of trying to worry about concrete numbers. I sit down, and I look at "is it visually appealing?", "how much of this herb are they actually getting in proportion?", and these are the elements that I feel like are much more important than how it looks on paper.
If you want more tips, I also want to encourage you to check out my Secrets of advanced formulations. It's a download that teaches my tea method and this is a method that I made because, I've done hundreds or maybe even thousands of blends at this point and I still feel like it's (herbal formulating) something that people really need a lot of practice with.
With these insights, you'll be formulating like a pro in no time!
Let me know how it goes in the comments.
Happy blending!
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