Accessible care

Written By iris stapen

One of the best parts of this job is finding herbs that work for a person and watching them feel better. That’s literally how herbalism got me hooked! I started making basic herbal preparations for myself and dove into it more. The older I got, the less accessible health insurance became. Doctor’s visits weren’t accessible to me. I started trying herbs for basic colds, then rashes, and it shocked me! The more I learned the more I realized how some things were accessible, but no one was shouting it from the roof tops. If I had this little accessibility with two jobs, I knew I wasn’t alone. 

I got into herbalism by wanting to connect with plants and help others. It’s difficult not seeing accessible care for everyone. Not everyone needs an entire apothecary or 100 tinctures; most don’t have access to that. Sometimes, the best simple medicine is something small and accessible from a grocery store! Yes, I said it.  Sometimes we work with what people have access to. I’m realistic about the best options with limited availability. My biggest value to keep in my practice is to keep it the people’s medicine. I am not a doctor, so please take these suggestions and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions. These are merely suggestions of some of my favorite low cost, accessible resources.

  • Ginger root- This deliciously spicy root is used in so many herbal preparations. From teas, adding to a broth, a foot soak, honey candies, or adding to the meal you were already going to make. The options are kinda endless. Ginger’s benefits range from helping with overall immune health, upset stomach to circulation. The point is, you can grab a huge root for a couple dollars and stretch it to be used in so many ways.

  • Vicks- Yes, I said it! Vicks Vapor Rub has become one of my all time favorite accessible resources when coming down with something. My best friend used to cover my chest and bottoms of my feet (with socks) and the amount of mucus that would leave my body was impressive. This isn’t an organic or heady product but its very inexpensive. I have also used the Dr. Bronners version and it works very similarly. If you want something organic you can make your own mentholated salve!

  • Bone broth- Straight tip: we are talking reuse/recycle here, y'all! All of those veggie scraps, SAVE THEM! Got a chicken carcass, or some beef bones? I like to freeze a lot of my veggie scraps and when I’m ready to make broth I have almost all of the veggies needed. This is where creativity can be unhinged. Maybe grab some foraged greens or your local food bank may have some extra veggies you can use for your broth. I use bone broth in recovery, in my postpartum work, or when I feel like I’m coming down with something. You can sip on the broth or add to your favorite dish. Freeze the remaining in ice cube trays so you have some on hand.

  • Chamomile tea- A box of chamomile tea bags or loose leaf. That simple, sleepy time tea is so much more. Chamomile is a bitter herb so it helps aid digestion and may help settle that tummy ache. It also is a gentle nervine and little contradictions (unless allergic to Aster family plants) so its given to children and adults. There’s something soothing about a simple cup of tea. Also if I have puffy, itchy eyes or an inflamed skin irritation, I make a cup of tea and then use the tea bags and put it over the affected area.

  • Garlic- I have an infinite love of garlic! Forever and always, me and garlic will be best friends. This immune boosting flavor of love can be made into tea, added to dishes, mixed with honey, added to broths, vinegars, or oxymels. Garlic is also about 50 cents to a dollar per bulb- so very cost effective.

  • Oats - oats are phenomenal and so multipurpose. From soaking in oats for a rash or itchy skin conditions, to just eating oats for a fiber infused and easily digestible meal. Other types of oats are used medicinally but I am only talking about store bought oats in this instance.

  • Witch hazel- not all brands are created equal with this. I prefer Thayers. Though in a pinch or on a lower budget, witch hazel provides relief in hemorrhoids and different skin conditions.

  • Apple cider vinegar- unpasteurized apple cider vinegar has many uses from used in hair/skin washes, oxymels, infused vinegars, added to bone broth. The great thing is its very versatile and most of the time it is diluted. So a little can go a long way.

  • Kitchen spices- by just cooking your daily meals and your favorite high spiced teas (like golden milk and chai) you are adding herbs into your diet. I love adding fresh herbs as often as possible. I encourage others to grow simple culinary herbs and dry them in the summer. This could cut cost and give you spices that are way more fresh anyway. Most culinary herbs are pretty low maintenance and can be done in a window box. Don’t discredit all those amazing meals you make with those aromatic spices. Most of those spices have lots of benefits. This is a great place to see what’s in your cabinet and do some research. This could be a whole blog in itself.

There’s so many other cost effective tricks. These are only a few. I would love to do a part 2 on this blog in the future. Even with all of these suggestions I know there will still be people that a lot of these options are unavailable to. I’m listing below a few local, regional and national resources and places where those with an abundance can also donate:

https://www.instagram.com/avlsurvival/?hl=en

  • Beloved Asheville- https://belovedasheville.com

  • Manna Food bank-https://www.mannafoodbank.org









iris stapen
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