Herbal Formula Making: The Art of Balance
When we think of herbal medicine, it’s easy to imagine single herbs used for single problems — chamomile for digestion, or valerian for sleeping. But a herbalist’s craft lies in creating formulas, unique combinations designed to work together in synergy, addressing not just symptoms, but the whole person.
Each blend is a small ecosystem, where herbs support, balance and enhance each other.
No two people receive the same remedy from a Herbalist— even if they have the same condition. That’s because a herbal formula is made for you, not for your diagnosis.
The Principle of Balance
When creating a formula, the herbalist considers both the condition and the constitution of the person — whether they run hot or cold, dry or damp, tense or sluggish. For instance, someone with a hot constitution might receive cooling herbs such as marshmallow or burdock, while a cold constitution benefits from gently warming herbs like ginger, cayenne or cinnamon.
Supporting the Systems
Every formula is built on layers of support. These are some examples:
Kidney support: A kidney formula may include cardiotonic and circulatory herbs to maintain cardiovascular health, along with demulcents that soothe and protect the delicate urinary tract. Kidney infusions are often recommended alongside these formulas to keep the system gently cleansed and nourished with diuretic action.
When stress is involved in a condition: We add nervines and antispasmodic herbs in the formula to calm and tone the nervous system and ease tension that can worsen physical symptoms.
When tissues are irritated: Demulcent herbs are chosen to coat and protect the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and supporting healing.
Digestion and assimilation issues are often secondary symptoms, in that case Nutritives and Digestive herbs are included in most formulas, ensuring the body receives nourishment and can absorb the benefits of other remedies.
Autoimmune conditions: Some herbs, like Echinacea, are stimulating to the immune system and therefore not suitable for autoimmune conditions, where the immune system is already overactive, we use astragalus instead.
Liver support: A “liver bottle” may contain Alteratives — herbs that promote blood purification and detoxification — but never without first ensuring the bowels are clean first. Supporting elimination through the digestive tract is key before stimulating deeper detox pathways.
Female health: Formulas may include Emenagogues to help regulate hormonal balance and support a healthy menstrual cycle, always within the context of the individual’s needs and constitution.
Each formula is like a conversation between plants and body — a dialogue aimed at restoring the person’s balance.
This is the quiet art of herbalism: not treating disease, but supporting balance so the body can heal itself.
The holistic approach is what makes herbal medicine both gentle and deeply effective — it works with your body’s intelligence rather than against it.
Follow along on Instagram @lolalara.herbalist for herbal tips, behind-the-scenes moments and wellness musings.
Keep well and natural,
Lola
