We Are Seeds - Practicing Anti-Oppressive Herbalism

we are

seeds

practicing antioppressive herbalism

herbalism is all about healing through balance but let’s face it: our world is all out of whack. herbalism itself has more than a few power problems.

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We need a

RAdical recentering this zine is a tiny look at fighting oppression in herbalism and beyond

resources

the title of this zine comes from a dicho: "intentaron enterrarnos, sin saber que ĂŠramos semillas"

la loba loca

queering . herbalism

quercus agrifola tumblr

from the ground up zine

dandelioness herlbals

big ideas there are so many valid forms of knowledge 1. passionflower has been used by healers in what is now mexico to treat high blood pressure since at least 1100. While once dismissed as “superstitious,” this effect has now been “proven” by researchers 2. many ancestral healing practices have oral traditions and may not be written down 3. in many communities, there are no visible herbalists because the hierarchy we are used to doesn’t exist; people heal their families in their kitchens and gardens there are structural barriers to health 1. health insurance is unavailable to thousands of people and even so,

herbalism is not covered by insurance 2. Devon G. PeĂąa discusses how the resurgence of curanderismo is tied not only to a rich history, but also to systemic denial of health and mainstream health care services 3. classroom-based herbal education and workshops can be prohibitively expensive and relegated to certain geographic areas colonization + male + white supremacy have massively impacted herbalism 1. ayurveda is often cited as the "most advanced" herbal practice due to british legitimization 2. european invaders outlawed most indigenous herbal practice and continue to impede modern practice with unauthorized practice of medicine laws 3. midwives, parteras, and other birth workers continue to have their work called into question

Practice what you preach be aware of power dynamics between healers, clients, + systems there are certain types of healers who are seen as more legitimate and certain kinds of people who are viewed as desirable clients. Challenge these assumptions educate yourself knowing about bodies and plants is important, but being up to speed on ancestral healing and current Black, brown, trans, and queer practices is just as essential as marginalized healers are often unduly discredited don’t sell what’s not yours stealing, making a passable copy, and selling knowledge of products is a particularly nasty form of cultural appropriation. selling isn't just about money, though,

it's about selling yourself as something you're not. admit what you don't and can't know offer your services to changemakers herbalists send their lipbalms and antibacterial ointments to organizations like no mas muertes/ no more deaths that support people crossing the u.s./mexico border. offers offer first aid and throat sprays to activists and organizers. collaborate instead of competing since no one is an expert in all things, make intentional space for new (and old) voices. rejecting capitalists structures keeps the balance in home healing. advocate for accessibility work in the footsteps of The Black Panthers and The Young Lords: ask and listen to your communities to find out if they're being

denied healthy food, quality herbal or mainstream medicine, or language access to education or other services, then speak up, loudly. call your representatives, their funders, or DIY. support Black, brown, trans, and queer businesses it might take a little extra effort to find them and they may cost a bit more, but they’re out there. buy from them when you can (and consider making “suspended purchases” when you’ve got extra cash) and spread the word when you can’t. cite sources attributing work good for creators and helps other learners take charge of their education practice wildcrafting ethics wildcrafting is already a fraught practice. keep plants around for the next generations by giving back more than you take.