It’s said you’re doomed to repeat history class if you don’t pass. Or something like that. Herbs have been used for millennia, which is plenty of time to learn (even the hard way) which ones are safe, what they do, and their degree of effectiveness. And we rely upon this wealth of accumulated herbal know-how. But their usage is only half of herbal history. The other half is a chronology of legislative battles!

Early in my studies with the School of Natural Healing, I eagerly awaited level 2000 - Jurisprudence. As a recovering political junkie raised in a home where the Constitution was part of my religion, I was excited for that level, to say the least. I gnawed on those delicious legal guidelines like a mutt. Along with that juicy, constitutionally-sound bone was the frequent insistence to “do your own research” and a barrage of history lessons. History teaches many recurring lessons, including one oft-repeated by my dad: “If you don’t learn to control yourself, someone else will.”

In the sixteenth century pride and jealously ran rampant among physicians, surgeons, and barbers resulting in laws regulating each other, and especially those lacking the education of the elite, all in an effort to secure themselves in their professions. At times, they ganged up on apothecaries and any unlicensed practitioners, including mothers giving children water to help relieve cankers of the mouth (Extreme? So is being fired for not taking experimental drugs, a result of fear-driven mob mentality). Ironically, throughout history, when these elite types criminalize competition, they create enough unity among the liberty-minded to rebut their tyrannical monopolies, or even prevent it (the AMA wanted to “contain and eliminate” the entire chiropractic profession, but they caught wind of it and got active).

We have an advantage for which herbalists throughout history could only dream: the Constitution! As opposed to a democracy (mob rule) where majorities can sway to extremes, a Constitutional Republic (rule of law) protects the rights of the ultimate minority, the individual, from the whims of the majority (or the powerful few). Learning about the legislative battles throughout herbal history made my heart swell with gratitude for our inspired United States Constitution. It is a powerful safeguard for our rights and liberties, but not if it’s ignored!

How do you protect, let alone enforce, what you don’t know? Ezra Taft Benson, an ardent defender of the Constitution, once asked, “Have we read The Federalist papers? Are we reading the Constitution and pondering it? Are we aware of its principles? Are we abiding by these principles and teaching them to others? Could we defend the Constitution? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound?”

Since being ratified on September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution has inspired other countries to adopt similar constitutions. This liberty blueprint can serve as a helpful guide to making a difference in whatever country you may reside. It’s an uphill battle for many countries, including the likes of Canada and New Zealand, both of which have brand new laws regulating the use of anything for one’s health, including herbs, with suspiciously near-identical wording in certain parts.

Herbalists here in the United States are currently not regulated by any licensing body, though they’ve had to dance within the ever-changing legislative tune in order to aid others in healing. The legislative battles of the past are bound to repeat, but why wait for things get dicey before we get spicy for our rights? Networking helps us stay up to date on federal, state, county and city laws/ordinances, including bills like S4090, which wraps enough FDA red tape on “dietary supplements” (herbs included) to turn producers into accidental criminals, while doing nothing to protect the consumer.

Staying informed is daunting and stressful, but the New American’s “Freedom Index” can help. It’s my go-to resource to find the scoop on federal and state legislators, including their contact information, their voting record, and a brief Constitutional analysis of their votes. Contact your local legislators and urge them to support bills that protect liberty and oppose bills that limit it. 

The presidential campaigns are intensifying. If that doesn’t raise your heart rate, Valentine’s Day just might. Either way, some corny poetry and a D’Light formula just may take the edge off stress. Some say it tastes like chocolate. Others say that’s not possible. Jurisprudence says make no claims. Enjoy.

The Liberty seed was planted, 

Our rights flourished. 

It’s on us to ensure 

Freedom Fern is nourished.

O’Dale Johnson is a Midwestern jack of all trades and master of none. That is, until graduating from the School of Natural Healing as a Master Herbalist, where he met his 10^th and 11^th cousins, David & Fawn Christopher. As a lover of brownie points, plants, and politics, he has studied the big, beautiful world of natural healing and the proper role of government for over a decade. With a belief that everything is connected, he unites his passions for the Constitution and herbs to help inspire others to learn how God designed their bodies to heal and protect their God-given rights to do so.

References:

Griggs, Barbara. Green Pharmacy: The History and Evolution of Western Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts         Press. 1997. pp. 57-58.

Lisa, P. Joseph. The Assault On Medical Freedom. Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc. 1994. pp. 17.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1987/10/our-divine-constitution?lang=eng#p20

https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-2003-196/index.html

https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2022/0204/latest/whole.html

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4090

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_Efk6_f0ZU

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/npa-vs-dick-durbin-s4090

https://thenewamerican.com/freedom-index/