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The Dao of Herbs

Herb Day Message From Ron Teeguarden,
Master Herbalist

   

Herbs are a miraculous feature of life on Earth. They are appreciated and used by billions of people every day in one way or another. Americans, as a society, unfortunately, have not truly embraced herbs in proportion to their value to our health and well-being. That has begun to change over the last several decades, and now millions of us are digging into herbs, especially as they’ve emerged, one by one, from around the world. The internet has allowed the wisdom of plants from every continent to reach everyday people, and that is truly fantastic. Today, most people know something about herbs like Ginkgo, Ginseng, Gotu Kola, Ashwaganda, Curcumin, Siberian Ginseng, Goji, Lion’s Mane, Maca, and Echinacea. But this is just the tip of the iceberg, as there are many, many others.

Throughout history, there have been forces that tried to prevent the spread of herbal knowledge, but truth has deep roots. Over time, herbs have grown into a part of American life. Almost everyone now uses or knows at least a few herbs. But after traveling the world for over 60 years, with my antennae always alert to the herbal field, I can tell you that Americans, by and large, remain less informed about the hundreds or thousands of health-supporting functional herbs available to us than do the people of China, India, Korea, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Africa, Europe, and other regions, where herbalism remains a touchstone with nature and a primary form of wellness and longevity care. We do grow some herbs here in the U.S., but our herbal industry is still puny compared to the ancient and deeply integrated traditions abroad.

We love our coffee and tea, both unquestionably “herbs”, and we import many other herbs from their native ecosystems, which is good and appropriate. My hope is that everyone, at some point, feels the call to study herbs in a way that deepens their appreciation. This is the golden age of international herbal access. Herbs are not just supplements, they are life-changing gifts of nature, capable of supporting every person, if selected wisely and used with care, understanding, and consistency.

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I have personally studied and used herbs for over 55 years. I know a lot about many herbs, especially about what they can do, but I also know that I will never know a hundredth of them as deeply as I’d like. Over the decades, I’ve explored herbs from all over the world, but I’ve been most drawn to Asian herbs, especially those of Chinese and Korean origin. These are living treasures, cultivated with millennia of wisdom. I know that there are some equally miraculous herbs from everywhere on Earth, but Asian herbs seem to have found me. I have made herbs my life, personally and even as my business and my mission. I am truly blessed to be in this sacred field.

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My Invitation

My colleagues and I would like to invite you to think about herbs a little more and study them a bit more. They are original, authentic beings of the earth that in fact are as evolved as we are. They are the gift of evolution of life on earth. They are much more sophisticated than most of us think and when appreciated, they serve us at an ultimate level.

I suggest that every person and pet consume them on a regular basis as a part of our health and fitness protocol. Grow one or two on the balcony. Make it a habit to consume an effective herbal tea, or elixir, capsule daily or regularly, and observe what happens. We humans evolved among the herbs and our chemistry is the mirror and partner of the herbs of the earth. They are lock and key to one another. Herbs and people (and our pets) are symbiotic keys to one another. We have “chemistry.” That symbiosis is called the Dao of herbs. You may dismiss this banter, but once you consume time-proven herbs in a relatively correct manner, you will come to a similar conclusion.

Watch our videos on Tonic Herbalism and Major Tonic Herbs:

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Three Keys to the Dao of Herbs

Guiding Principles for a Lifelong Herbal Path

I would like to offer you a few tips that may help you dive into nature, discover the amazing secrets and benefits of the truly great herbs, mostly known as the tonic herbs and adaptogenic herbs that almost unfailingly contribute to the healthy, happy, long, and successful life of those who consume them with understanding and wisdom.

1. Choose Herbs That Promote Health, Not Just Suppress Symptoms

   

True herbalism is rooted in the cultivation of radiant health, not in chasing symptoms. Herbs that nourish your Jing, support your Qi, and harmonize your Shen are the most valuable allies. When you focus on herbs that strengthen your core vitality rather than merely attempting to "treat" what's wrong, you align yourself with the ancient tradition of life cultivation. This is not about reacting to imbalance (though that is important and is therefore part of herbalism), it is more about becoming so well-supported, resilient, well-regulated, and vital that imbalance has no foothold.

2. Authenticity Is Everything — Know the Source

   

The world is now overflowing with herbal products, but not all herbs are equal. The plant itself is only part of the story; where it grew, how it was harvested, how it was processed, and who brought it to you, all these are part of the herb’s identity and energy. Where it really came from is first and foremost. Learn about the way herbs you consume are graded for quality and value. Know your source, understand the tradition, and choose herbs that are grown, harvested, and prepared with reverence. The Dao of Herbs requires integrity from seed to soul. Real herbal wisdom in an era of full international trade is risky in that some are properly sourced and are rich in their natural harmonious constituents, while others may not have been well nurtured. Real herbal benefits begin with trust in your provider.

3. Consistency Transforms — Herbs Work Best When Taken Regularly

   

Tonic herbs are not usually quick fixes – they are life partners. Their greatest benefits emerge through steady, ongoing use. The body evolves through repetition and rhythm, and herbs work best when they are part of your daily flow. Consistent herbal practice allows your body to integrate their wisdom, layer by layer, day by day. The chemistry of life is ongoing, adaptive, and carefully regulated. Occasional use can provide support or relief, but regular use brings true change. Let herbalism become a part of your lifestyle, not an on-again-off again event, but a consistent companion on your path to vitality and healthy aging.

In Conclusion

These principles have guided me for more than half a century. They are not rules to follow rigidly, but pathways to walk with curiosity and reverence. As you explore the world of herbs, let these three keys open doors, not just to better health, but to a deeper connection with life itself. Every herb is a messenger of nature’s intention, and every cup, capsule, or spoonful of an elixir (in any form) of a great tonic herb that has gained high repute over centuries and remain renowned can be a step on your own path to radiant health, vitality and harmony.

Ron TeeguardenRon Teeguarden