Medicines for the Earth: The Eco-Physiology of Plants

by David Crow, L.Ac.

Parallels between organic gardening and natural medicine

On the other hand, parallels and analogies can be made between the non-toxic methods used in organic gardening and farming, and the principles of natural healing. Both activities are based on the eco-physiology of plants, whether in the garden or in the body.

Building healthy soil by promoting microbial communities through composting has an obvious correlation with improving digestive function by building healthy intestinal bacterial ecology. Insects attack plants with poor immunity, just as bacteria opportunistically attack weaknesses in immune defenses. Increasing biodiversity, such as integrated pest management and companion planting, increases plant resistance; in a similar way, botanical medicine and integrated therapies strive to strengthen the body through the use of a broader spectrum of nutrients and healthy stimuli. Using aromatic plants to repel insects in gardens is similar to the use of essential oils to treat bacterial and viral infections. Increasing the availability of oxygen and nutrients to tissues by increasing circulation is similar to supplying nutrients to plants through proper aeration of soil. Providing good drainage of water in the garden is comparable to improving fluid metabolism and removing congestion.

Next: Phytoremediation: Using plants to heal the environment

Back to top