What is herbal justice?

I wrote this article for Railyard Apothecary recently in an effort to fundraise for their Herbal Justice Fund that I was a part of creating in 2018. I hope you learn and enjoy!

So, what is herbal justice? Herbal justice occurs at the intersection of culturally appropriate and accessible herbalism and social justice. Collective healing is essential to collective liberation. The healing of the land is intertwined with the healing of the people. There are many components that are woven into the web of herbal justice. At its core is the work of several amazing BIPOC herbalists here in Vermont.

Candace Taylor of Conscious Homestead is a Black Herbalist in Winooski creating herbal care packages and educational offerings for the BIPOC community in Vermont.

Zenbarn, a Stowe-based dispensary, has an Equity Fund for supporting BIPOC people to gain access to the industry in Vermont and nation-wide. 

Another herbal justice advocacy organization in Vermont is Rose Core Collective, a Vermont-based herbal medic project that grows, formulates and distributes herbs in solidarity with local and national BIPOC frontline organizers, healers, and local houseless people. Check out ways to contribute to their efforts.

What do we mean by culturally appropriate and accessible? In the context of herbal mutual aid, it is essential to create a reciprocal relationship with the folks receiving the support based on communicated needs. One simple example is using alternatives to alcohol based tinctures for those who avoid alcohol for personal or cultural reasons. Another example is to avoid sourcing herbs from countries, regions, or corporations that perpetuate violence or genocide, for example, the state of Israel.

Environmental healing is one of the key components of herbal justice. Railyard Apothecary strives to source as much local herbs as possible, supporting local organic farmers who care deeply for the land. The vitality of the people is directly tied to the vitality of the plants and the land. As Malcolm X conveys, “Land is the basis of freedom, justice, and equality.” Liberation of the people is directly tied to the liberation of the earth.

We cannot have herbal justice without community care. Community care allows for liberation work to thrive through the simplest acts of sharing tea, sharing ideas and sharing culture. Here at Railyard we strive to weave herbal justice into our day to day operations as well as the larger picture of our business. How do you incorporate herbal justice into your relationship with herbal medicine?

You can give to our Herbal Justice Fund today here. All donations go right to the medicine for the people!