Yum Vaj, Thaj Tshuaj Ntsuab - Herbal Altar

Herbal and medicinal healing holds significant importance in our Hmong culture. It is the oldest form of healing, surpassing shamanism and spirituality. In Hmong traditional medicine, herbs are utilized for treating various ailments and maintaining overall well-being. In Hmong culture, individuals who employ herbs for medicinal aims and possess expertise in herbal remedies are also regarded as healers.

Yum Vaj is recognized as tshuaj ntsuab, signifying expertise in herbal and medicinal healing. Many traditional practitioners also maintain a thaj Yum Vaj, which serves as a herbal shrine or altar. This smaller altar is typically found adjacent to or integrated within the larger shamanic altar. It is believed that individuals must be born with an inherent healing ability, as medicinal herbal spirits, or Yum Vaj, select individuals to become herbal healers. While one doesn't necessarily need to be a shaman to practice herbal healing, both roles are esteemed as ancient healers and hold significance in the healing process. Herbal healers utilize a variety of herbs and plants for medicinal purposes, with these remedies often being passed down through generations. They are considered effective in addressing a wide array of ailments, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, fertility concerns, skin conditions, blood disorders, and more.

As previously mentioned, a Yum Vaj altar (thaj tshuaj ntsuab) is typically smaller in size. For many shamans, there is a distinct section on their main altar reserved for Yum Vaj, as depicted in the image of my altar. However, if an individual possesses herbal healing spiritual abilities but is not a shaman, they must establish a separate small altar or shrine. The only person permitted to create this altar for them is someone who already possesses a Yum Vaj altar.

The knowledge of herbal healing is typically transmitted orally within Hmong families and communities. Elders pass down their knowledge of herbs and their uses to younger generations, ensuring the preservation of traditional healing practices. However, akin to shamans, herbal healers can also receive divination and spiritual messages or dreams from spirits. Some herbal healers experience dreams revealing which plants to use for specific ailments. For instance, if a family member falls ill, I might dream of a spirit showing me the appropriate plant to utilize for their recovery. I recall my early experiences during my shamanic journey when I dreamt of embarking on hikes with various elderly Hmong individuals dressed in traditional attire. Our excursions often led us to mountaintops and grand waterfalls, where we would gather herbs, plants, and medicinal substances. In these dreams, they would impart knowledge such as, "This particular plant is intended for XYZ. If you observe its green, pointed thorns towards the bottom rather than the top, it is meant for XYZ."

For plants and herbs to be fully effective, a spiritual herbalist must seek their consent before using them. Indeed, we must first obtain permission by asking it before harvesting and utilizing them for their healing purposes, even if we only take a small snippet from the whole plant. Here's a brief and simple saying (in Hmong) that I recite when gathering a plant for its medicinal properties. Begin by stating the first line before proceeding to collect the plant. There's no requirement to burn incense or offer spirit money.

LINE 1: Siv Os, thov txog koj mi Yum Vaj, koj mi Yum Kab Yeem Kab Tshuaj

LINE 2: 99 lu rooj, peb yuav thov koj 99 hauv koob

LINE 3: 88 lu hav, peb yuav thov koj 88 hauv kuab tsa

LINE 4: Yum Vaj li kuab tshuaj ntsuab, Coj mus siv koj muaj kuab

LINE 5: Yum Vaj li kuab tshuaj zoo, Coj mus siv koj muaj hmoov

LINE 6: Yuav haus koj kua muag tshuaj, coj mus taw ko sawv ncaj li yees [or list the type of healing you need, for example, fertility]

LINE 7: Yuav noj koj kua muag tshuaj, coj mus taw ko sawv ntseg li hlo [or list the type of healing you need, for example, fertility]

LINE 8: Siv Os, thov txog koj mi Yum Vaj, Yum Kab Yeem Kab Tshuaj

Herbal healing is not new but is the oldest form of medicine and healing. We also owe it to our grandmothers for being keepers of herbal healing. In ancient herbal healing practices, Hmong women played significant roles, as leaders, as healers, caretakers, and guardians of medicinal knowledge. My paternal grandmother (pog) practices herbal healing. She utilized her remedies and also applied her hands to massage individuals, offering healing for the body, muscles, and bones. Although she retired long ago due to old age, she continues to share her expertise in medicinal healing with others.

My hope is that our Hmong culture can continue to preserve herbal healing as an addition to modern medicine. When we talk about healing in our culture, we also include those with herbal healing abilities in the conversation. We remember our grandmas and mothers, who serve as medicinal knowledge keepers, cultivating techniques and healing rituals from one generation to another through oral tradition and practical demonstration.