Elemental Imbalance & Disease in Traditional Western Herbalism

In part two of my series on the elemental energetics of traditional western herbalism, we’re looking at elemental imbalance and how it helps us to understand disease and discomfort. If you haven’t read part one yet, where I look at what the elements of traditional western herbalism are and their correspondences, I recommend that you do that first to help set you up for the explorations ahead.

A foundation of good health within traditional western herbalism is maintained through the harmony of the four elements within and around a person. In other words, living in ways (including sleeping, eating, moving, thinking, spiritual practice, and relating to others) and in spaces that balance the four elements within us. Being born with tendencies towards one or more elements (i.e. our inherent constitution), there are often things which we'll need to practice throughout our life to support our health. If we tend to have busy thoughts and are prone to anxiousness (a quality of excess Air), mindfulness practice might be a lifelong remedy that we use (which brings in grounding Earth energy).

Just as every person has elemental dispositions (i.e. the temperaments as discussed in part one), so too do diseases have elemental signatures. Fevers, for example, are an imbalance (and strength) of Fire, usually combined with too much Air (intermittent fever) or Earth (prolonged “bonebreak” fever). Too much cold (Earth and/or Water) might lead to issues with digestion and constipation where too much dryness (Air and/or Fire) can often manifest as skin issues. An excess of damp (Water) can show up as edema or a wet, unproductive cough. I'll highlight different elemental imbalances and the diseases and symptoms they may produce in the elemental profiles later on, but hopefully you're beginning to get an idea of how to think about diseases from an elemental perspective.

What I find useful about considering the elemental imbalance of disease is that it can help us think about the body as a living, holy space that needs to be cared for as a whole, as opposed to being overly focused on what is "broken" about a person. It is also a continuous process of recentering the healing process and the person in need of support as being of the land and seeking remedies of the land in turn (whether those remedies are simple herbal teas grown on your windowsill or complex, plant and organic material derived medicines administered by your pharmacist).

Of course, there is a lot more than considering the elemental balance or imbalance when it comes to assessing disease within traditional western herbalism. As you move further into your studies you’ll begin to encounter specific traditions within traditional western herbalism. Do you work with the astroherbalism of Culpeper? The regimens of traditional Greek medicine? The healing procedures of Unani medicine? Or the plant and spiritual guidance of Hildegard of Bingen? The medicinal traditions of the Eclectics? Those are just a few ideas, but that is beyond the scope of this post and I recommend exploring further if you're feeling inspired. 

The Elemental Correspondences of Herbs

Herbs can be categorized strictly using the systems of ancient correspondence used by the Greeks (where the heat, coldness, moisture and dryness of herbs was measured to different degrees), but these days the elemental energies of herbs are determined in a number of ways from ancient tradition to magickal correspondences and, importantly, direct experience. So it's not uncommon to see one herb assigned an elemental correspondence in different ways by different herbalists. The primary point of learning about the elemental system in traditional western herbalism is not to figure out the "right" correspondence (because that will always be subjective to some degree) but to have another way to directly connect with plants beyond a strict biomedical approach which ignores the spiritual aspect of herbalism and/or dangerously commodifying plants into cure-alls.

Knowing Ginger (Zingiber officinale) as an herb of Fire, for example, I have an instant sensory response - I can feel the heat in my body and I know that it assists with circulation which helps me better understand how Ginger would be of use when there is too much coldness in the body brought on by an illness and depletion of energy.

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As you go along and apply elemental energetics to your study and practice of herbalism, you'll also know that there is a lot of subtlety with the elements. All plants, people, and diseases are a combination of elemental energies and it's only through observation that we begin to pick up on those subtleties and begin to discern what herb would work best in what situation. I know from tradition and experience that Angelica (Angelica archangelica) is an herb of Fire, but for me it also carries with it a subtle Water energy because of the way that it moves through the body, soothing the nervous system, breaking up stagnation, and gently stimulating the imagination. 

Below I’ve created elemental profiles for each of the four elements. In addition to the aspects of the four elements we've already discussed, I've also included the Six Tissue States that each Element corresponds to depending on if there is excess or lack of an Element leading to imbalance. I've also included a summary of how we create elemental balance through working with each of the elements, magickal actions, remedy type suggestions, as well as a general overview of what each Element represents in a person's life beyond physical health.

You'll also find listed herbal actions (i.e. terms for ways an herb acts in the body and its most common properties) for each of the four elements, but I want to emphasize that these are not hard and fast correspondences, nor does any one type of herbal action defined by a single Element. The herbal actions and the four elements you see below are derived from the recorded traditional western herbalism, such as those codified during the 17th century by herbalists like Nicholas Culpeper, oral tradition and exchange, as well as my own direct experience with plants.

Discussing herbal actions is where the system of four element theory and modern herbal actions can seen to be in conflict if four element theory is taken at literally (i.e. all Air herbs are hot and heating in nature such), whereas an herb like Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) carries a number of Air qualities and is generally seen as cooling in nature. This is where we must remember that four element theory is a) describing not just actual temperatures but non-temperature based energies and b) our energetic system in traditional western herbalism has continued to grow and change over the centuries. Lemon Balm is generally considered cooling and is excellent for alleviating tension (many cooling herbs are) and tradition handed down from Paracelsus honors Lemon Balm as a life restoring herb - something which aligns it strongly with the element of Air. Flexibility of thought and understanding is needed when exploring herbal energetics so that we understand that there are multiple layers of meaning to seemingly simple terms like "Hot" or "Cold."

The Elemental Profiles

background image via @billy_huy

Air

Primary Quality: Hot + Moist
Secondary Qualities: Light, thin, subtle, adaptable, porous, moves energy upwards
Humor: Blood
Temperament: Sanguine
Season: Spring
Direction: East
Signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Excess: Tension/Constriction Tissue State.
Lack: Damp/Relaxation Tissue State and/or Damp/Stagnation Tissue State

Herbal Actions: Aromatics, balances temperature, stimulants, nervous system tonics, circulatory tonics, vasodilators, astringents that support focus, opens and expands, protective against air-born viruses and bacteria.

Magickal Actions: Inspiration, communication, uncrossing, hex-breaking, blessing new beginnings and endeavors, transitions, study aid, divination (all forms but especially wind, cloud, and smoke divination), bringing out change.

Remedies: Hydrosols, room and body sprays, incense, smoking blends, essential oils.

Excess: Flighty, nervous, anxious, lack of coordination, irritable, prone to mood swings, tense, fanatical or obsessive thoughts, the nervous system is overworked and feels frayed, sharp-worded, easily overwhelmed and over-reliant on others for help, remaining superficial in interactions. Excess Tension/Constriction tissue state.

Lack: Brain fog, unfocused, difficulty breathing, poor circulation, understimulated, lack of vision, uninspired, stagnant but restless, poor memory, insufficient memory, ineffective cellular metabolism, lack of tone, easily overwhelmed by feeling under-resourced, difficulty with executive functioning. Too much Damp/Relaxation and Damp/Stagnation tissue state.

Elemental Balance: When in balance, Air strengthens our intellectual, logical, and communication capacities. The element of Air also helps us to be grounded in consensus reality while exploring beyond its boundaries without losing ourselves. Working with Water, Air is able to become more mutable, a bit more solid, and able to experience empathy better. Fire and Air make a very energizing pair which can help to move us out of emotional and physical stagnation, but typically needs to be used in small, short-term doses. Earth and Air bring about a sensation of seated flying - the visionary qualities of Air are able to be rooted and grounded with the gifts of Earth. 

Air Herbs: Air herbs are often one or some combination of the following - aromatic and/or slender in appearance, warming to neutral in temperature, tightening, astringent to neutral in flavor. Examples of Air herbs include Vervain (Verbana spp.), Lavender (Lavandula spp.), Catnip (Nepeta cataria), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Elder (Sambucus nigra), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). 

In our life and remedies Air represents the ability to think deep and connect with what we are inspired by. Inspiration is what guides us to know more about ourselves and the world. Through Air we meet our inner scholar, engaging with the abstractions of the universe, and dwelling at the boundary between our inner depths and the world around us. Air is the part of ourselves that is most visible to the world around us and so it is a place that we also learn about how we express ourselves in alignment with our values.

background image via @yucar

Water

Primary Quality: Cold + Moist
Secondary Qualities: Moderate heaviness, soft, slippery, smooth, easily adapts shape of energy, receptive 
Humor: Phlegm
Temperament: Phlegmatic
Season: Winter (traditional) or Autumn
Direction: North (traditional), or West
Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Excess: Damp/Relaxation, Cold/Depression, and/or Damp/Stagnation Tissue State
Lack: Dry/Atrophy, Hot/Excitation, and/or Tension/Constriction Tissue States

Herbal Actions: Nervines, demulcents, adaptogens, analgesics, diuretics, anti-inflammatories, anti-spasmodics, cardiotonics, galactagogues, sedatives, vasodilators, emmenagogues, febrifuges, herbs that soften and open up, and cooling herbs.

Magickal Actions: Psychic development, sacred bathing and cleansing rites, rituals of transition, ancestral connections, emotional release, water based divination such as scrying, menstruation magick, Moon magick.

Remedies: Infusions and water based extractions of all kinds including teas, herbal baths, flower essences, hydrosols, glycerites, and spiritual waters (such as Moon or Florida Water).

Excess: Lack of willpower, easily overwhelmed, oversaturated emotionally, poor digestion due to weak digestive fire and to much damp in the system, lack of tone, water retention, tends to be cold, easily influenced by others, difficulty setting healthy boundaries, tendency to addictive habits and thought cycles, chronically self-sacrificing. Too much Damp/Relaxation or Damp/Stagnation tissue states.

Lack: Lack of empathy, underdeveloped emotional intelligence in regards to themselves or others, unyielding and inflexible, unable to adapt or change plans, aloof and disconnected from the needs of others, dismissive of the feelings of others, belief in invulnerability and avoidance of display of vulnerability. Excess Dry/Atrophy and/or Tension/Constriction tissue states.

Elemental Balance: When in balance, Water strengthens our emotional intelligence, reflective abilities, and capacity to empathize. With Water we expand our perception and are able to feel and resonate with the complexity of life. Working with Air, Water is able to dry up excess damp, think a bit more critically, and begin to communicate effectively in the world. With Fire, Water warms up and aids in metabolic function as well as strengthens willpower and self-confidence. With Earth, Water begins to take form, toning water-logged body systems, and helping rooting dreams and desires into real-world action and manifestation.

Water Herbs: Water herbs are often one or some combination of the following - water-rich and/or oily, sea and water growing plants, cooling to neutral in temperature, softening, gentle, sweet and/or neutral in flavor. Examples of Water herbs include Chickweed (Stellaria media), Cleavers (Galium aparine), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Mugwort (Artemisia spp.), Milky Oat (Avena sativa), Aloe (Aloe barbadensis), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Willow (Salix alba), Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica).

In our life and our remedies Water represents the ability to feel deeply and connect to our dreams and other beings. We are able to evolve as a species through the empathy we develop with Water. Through Water we meet our inner mystic, distilling wisdom from simple and complex experiences, and learn how to dissolve the boundaries which keeps us separate. Water is the part of ourselves that can be most hidden from the world, because it represents how we feel and what we know to be true. So with Water we learn how to bring these stories to the surface or dive deep with them as needed.

background image via @tengyart

Fire

Primary Quality: Hot + Dry
Secondary Qualities: Absolute lightness, bright, very rare, transforms and transmutes energy into other qualities
Humor: Yellow Bile
Temperament: Choleric
Season: Summer
Direction: South (Northern Hemisphere) or North (Southern Hemisphere)
Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Excess: Heat/Excitation and Tension/Constriction Tissue States
Lack: Cold/Depression, Damp/Relaxation, and/or Damp/Stagnation Tissue States

Herbal Actions: Stimulants, diaphoretics, anti-depressants, rubefacients, carminatives, cholagogues, cardiostimulants, herbs that stimulate digestion, herbs that help us reconnect to the spark of life and our willpower.

Magickal Actions: Candle lighting spells, fire and smoke magick and divination, fire-based cleansing rites (such as jumping the fire, burning sacred herbs), carrying prayers and spells via smoke, energizing all forms of spellwork, sex magick.

Remedies: Incense, herbal bundles for fumigation, herbal oils and rubs, liniments, alcohol extracts.

Excess: Prone to anger, short-tempered, restless and impatient, accusatory and quick to blame others, bullying and cruel, egotistical, overbearing, intolerant of differences, lack of empathy, self-centered, prone to burnout, overheats easily which can cause intense or chronic fevers, dry skin, poor digestion from lack of moisture, brittle hair, and chronic inflammation. Excess Heat/Excitation and Tension/Constriction tissue states.

Lack: Lack of willpower, prone to depression and pessimism, difficulty connecting with joy, creative lack and blocks, conservative mindset and lack of creative thinking when it comes to other ways of doing things or imagining possibilities, rarely excited, possessing an imagination deficit, lack of heat can cause poor digestion, circulation, and inability to fight off illness and infection. Excess Cold/Depression, Damp/Relaxation, and/or Damp/Stagnation tissue states.

Elemental Balance: When in balance, Fire strengthens our creative capacity, our love of life, and our inherent vitality. With Fire we realize ourselves as participants in shaping the world we live in and yet to come. Working with Air, Fire is fed and brings life and enthusiasm to all situations. With Water, FIre is tempered and taught empathy so that it can warm and not burn out or become destructive. With Earth, Fire is held and focused bringing heat and light where necessary and helping shape raw material into invaluable tools and skills.

Fire Herbs: Fire herbs are often one or some combination of the following - warming and dry, warm to hot in temperature, irritating and stimulating, strong or spicy in flavor. Examples of Fire herbs include Basil (Ocimum spp.), Ginger (Zingiber officinalis), Blessed Thistle (Cnicus bendictus), Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), Nettles (Urtica dioica), Rose (Rosa spp.), St. Joan’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum).

In our life and remedies Fire represents our spark of life and how we engage with the creative energies of life. Without Fire there would be no life, no joy, and no open-hearted hope. Through Fire we meet our inner optimist and change-maker, learning how to find possibility and bravery in the most dire of situations. Fire is our source of energy and shapes the way that we pass on wisdom and knowledge to those around us, including the generation to come.

image via @sebastian_unrau

Earth

Primary Quality: Cold + Dry
Secondary Qualities: Heavy, firm, stable, dense, sustained and enduring energy that centers and moves downwards
Humor: Black Bile
Temperament: Melancholic
Season: Autumn (traditional) or Winter
Direction: West (traditional) or North (Northern Hemisphere) or South (Southern Hemisphere)
Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Excess: Cold/Depression, Damp/Relaxation, and/or Damp/Stagnation Tissue States
Lack: Dry/Atrophy (think poor soil quality) and/or Hot/Excitation Tissue State

Herbal Actions: Alteratives, carminatives, expectorants, bitters, anti-parasitics, anti-catarrhals, hepatics, nervines, food staple plants like Oats (Avena sativa), tonic herbs that can be taken over a long period of time.

Magickal Actions: Rituals of transformation, death rites, stone and rock magick, rituals acts of burying, garden magick, dismantling systemic oppression, strengthening community, body magick, and rituals of self-discipline.

Remedies: All forms of cooking with herbs, powders, herbal salt rubs, compresses, salves, decoctions, herbal pills, suppositories, herbal sachets and plants worn on the body.

Excess: Too much Earth can lead to stagnation in issues of health and in life in general, stubbornness, cynicism, workaholism, overreliance on systems of hierarchy, being loyal to an idea, cause or person beyond reasonableness, dictatorial behavior, decrease of mobility physical, emotional, and mental, self-indulgent, over-valuing the acquisition of material objects or "perfecting" the body as a sign of self-worth. Excess Cold/Depression, Damp/Relaxation, and/or Damp/Stagnation tissue states.

Lack: Difficulty being present in the body (everything from being spacey to dissociation and beyond), inability to manifest dreams into reality, demonstrate follow-through in projects, under-developed survival skills, a dislike or disinterest of "nature", lack of stamina and vitality, unreliable, over-promises and under-delivers, prone to posturing in place of actual self-reflection, stuck in one part of life and not growing and developing as a person. Excess Dry/Atrophy and/or Hot/Excitation tissue states.

Elemental Balance: When in balance Earth helps us to be embodied in all aspects of our life. With Earth we see ourselves as part of the world and in a deep interconnectedness with all other beings. Working with Air, the steady and slow nature of Earth can find a bit of speed and mutability, warming up what can be a cold element. With Water, Earth can become a rich and fecund place of growth, helping to bring empathy to embodiment. With Fire, Earth is warmed up, becoming a greenhouse where the spirit and body can thrive throughout the year and all kinds of experiences.

Earth Herbs: Earth herbs are often one or some combination of the following - nutrient dense and/or oily, cold to neutral in temperature, toning, strong, earthy, and/or bitter in flavor. Blessed Thistle (Cnicus bendictus), Chickweed (Stellaria media), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Elder (Sambucus nigra), Elecampane (Inula helenium), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Rose (Rosa spp.).

In our life and remedies Earth represents our ability to manifest, ground and center, and to be embodied in the physical world. Without Earth there would be no growth, no sensations of life, and a lack of shared experience. Through Earth we meet our animal self which has never forgotten that we were born of wild places and that from Earth we emerged and to Earth we shall return. Earth is our source of physicality and the way we experience all our sensation in the world, gleaning wisdom from a very real and felt journey through life, death, and rebirth.

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In the next part of our series we’ll be exploring the four elements theory in practice including simple remediation techniques. If you’re head is buzzing with all this information and paths of study to follow, may I suggest a cup of Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) tea?

A practical exercise you might do to help you integrate some of this knowledge about elemental energetics is to think about a recent health issue you had and begin to describe it from an elemental perspective? A cough that was damp and persistent? That sounds like too much Earth and Water. A rash that’s red and dry? Lots of Fire and Air happening there. It’s one simple way to begin to think about yourself and the world from an elemental perspective.

Until next time, friends!

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