Happy National Herbalist Day!
Long before it had a name.
Long before it became something you could study.
Herbalism has always been a part of everyday life.
An herbalist is someone who understands plants and how they can be used to support the body.
Herbalists can be called by various names depending on cultural, regional, or traditional contexts. Herbalist could be known as folk healers, village healers, medicine men/women, “Bush Doctor” ,“Root Worker” , “Curandera/o”, “Ayervedic Practitioner” to name a few.
For many communities, especially within the African diaspora, herbal knowledge was never something separate.
It lived in kitchens, gardens and backyards. It was passed down through grandmothers, elders and everyday people who cared for their families with what was available. Much of this knowledge wasn’t written down but it was remembered and it was used.
Since COVID, there’s been a quiet return to herbalism. More and more people are looking for natural ways to care for themselves while also reconnecting with the knowledge that’s always been part of their culture. And if this has been your path, we honor you today for the role you play in keeping this practice alive.
Today, herbalism continues in new ways. You’ll find it in:
- classes
- apothecaries
- books
- and shared spaces where people are learning together
But at its core, it hasn’t changed; it’s still about:
- learning the plants
- understanding how to use them
- and building a relationship with what grows around you
National Herbalist Day isn’t just about recognizing the practice.
It’s about honoring the people who carried it forward …often quietly and without recognition.
Today is also about acknowledging that this knowledge is still here. Still being practiced. Still being learned.
And it is still available to anyone willing to begin.
If you’ve been feeling called to learn more, spaces like What Grandma Said offer classes that help you build a foundation in herbalism in a grounded and accessible way.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your understanding, it’s a place to learn, ask questions, and reconnect with the practice one plant at a time.
Happy National Herbalist Day!
