A Ritual for the Wild-Crafting of Medicinal Plants

I was preparing a handout for a walk I was leading and decided that I needed a handout on the Tibetan medicinal approach to collecting herbal medicines. Gathering medicinals requires a sense of sacredness, respect, and gratitude but most importantly a way to connect with the inner energies of the plants.

Connecting to the inner energies of a plant can only occur by quieting the mind, being still and listening with the heart. Below is one way of gathering, as taught to me by my Tibetan Medicine teachers. I have incorporated some aspects of indigenous, shamanic and western herbalism.

1. When you arrive at the area you are going to collect, pause – listen, see, smell.

2. Ask the protectors of the area for permission.

3. As you wonder around, note the plants that attract you the most. What plants do you enjoy looking at? What plants catch your eye?

4. Touch the plant. Smell the plant. Be open to feelings and visions. Listen as you touch.

5. Extend aspirations of well-being to the plant and the community. You can visualize warm light surrounding you and the community of plants.

6. In succeeding days and nights be open to visualizing and meditating on the plants image and energy. Be open in sleep and dreams as well.

7. Ask permission to harvest.

8. If you sense a no, honor this.

9. Harvest softly, ethically.

10. Make an offering, mantra, song, prayer, scent, water or other.

11. Chant the healing mantra, as you harvest.

12. Extend gratitude to the plant and the community.