Thompson - The Folk Hero
Homage to History's Herbalists No. 9

Intro
Samuel Thompson (1769–1843) was a pivotal figure in American herbalism, known for championing a grassroots approach to healing that emphasised patient empowerment, natural remedies and the use of native plants. His importance lies in his development of the “Thomsonian” system of medicine, which countered the mainstream medical practices of his time, such as bloodletting and purging, which were often harsh and invasive. Instead, Thompson advocated for treatments that worked with the body’s natural processes and used herbs to stimulate warmth, promote sweating and support detoxification. Ultimately, Thompson's legacy as a pioneer of accessible, plant-based medicine encouraged people globally to see herbal medicine as a viable, empowering approach to health that fosters independence and respect for natural remedies.

His Influence Seeped Out into World
While Thompson's work was primarily influential in America, his impact gradually seeped into the wider world of herbal and natural medicine by inspiring a shift in perspectives on healing and accessibility to plant-based remedies. The principles and methods he championed became part of the broader natural health movement, influencing other nations as they sought alternatives to the often invasive, symptom-focused approaches of conventional medicine. Thompson’s populist ideals, emphasising patient self-care and herbal education, resonated in Europe and beyond, particularly as the movement toward folk medicine and naturopathy gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His advocacy for using local, readily available plants like lobelia, cayenne and ginger created a model that could easily be adapted by herbalists in different countries, encouraging a focus on locally sourced, traditional botanicals. This approach was particularly appealing to communities that valued self-sufficiency and a closer relationship with their natural environment.

Empowering Individuals
Moreover, the "Thomsonian" principles of empowering individuals to understand and treat their own ailments contributed to the philosophical foundation of naturopathy, which spread worldwide. Figures like Benedict Lust, who founded modern naturopathy, incorporated aspects of Thompson's herbal philosophy and European herbalists were inspired by his emphasis on treating the whole person and using natural remedies to stimulate the body’s innate healing capabilities. These ideas also influenced the establishment of herbal medicine schools and the publication of family health guides, which further disseminated Thompson's values internationally.

He Took Cues from the Native American 
Samuel Thompson’s “sweating cures” bear a notable resemblance to the Native American tradition of sweat lodges, although he did not explicitly reference sweat lodges in his writings. The Native American sweat lodge ceremony is a longstanding practice used for purification, spiritual connection and healing, involving intense heat to induce sweating and promote detoxification. Thompson also promoted steam baths and hot herbal teas as part of his core healing strategy, aiming to elevate the body’s internal temperature to enhance circulation and “remove disease.” His methods often incorporated cayenne pepper to stimulate warmth and ginger to encourage sweating. These approaches were rooted in the idea that stimulating the body’s vital energy could improve immune responses and expel toxins.

Thompson drew inspiration from Native American healing practices, particularly their use of native plants and natural remedies. Though he didn't formally study Indigenous medicine, Thompson observed and incorporated aspects of Native American herbal knowledge into his own work. He popularised plants already used by various Native tribes and admired the Native American profound connection to Nature.

Thompson championed several herbs for their healing properties, which were chosen not only for their medicinal properties but also because they were relatively easy to find in the American landscape, making them available for his patients to gather and use. His use of these plants emphasised his belief that the best healing tools were those that were close at hand.

Some of the Herbs He Championed

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

Thompson believed lobelia was a “cure-all” and used it extensively to promote sweating, clear toxins and stimulate the body’s healing process. Lobelia, often called "the puke weed" by Thompson, was used as an emetic to cleanse the body. This approach reflected his belief in the importance of opening the body’s “gates” to eliminate illness, emphasising sweating and warmth as essential to health. Despite Lobelia’s controversial reputation, it remains an interesting herb with medicinal uses in respiratory support and muscle relaxation.

Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
Cayenne was a cornerstone of Thompson’s treatments. He believed it stimulated circulation and generated internal warmth, which he considered essential for driving out illness. Cayenne was used to promote sweating, relieve pain and support digestion.

Bayberry (Myrica cerifera)
Known for its astringent qualities, bayberry was used by Thompson to tone and stimulate the mucous membranes, which he saw as vital for preventing infection and purging toxins. He often used bayberry as a tea for colds, sore throats and digestive issues. Modern herbalism validates its use a potent immune stimulant.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger was valued for its warming properties, aiding digestion and circulation. Thompson recommended it for nausea, stomach complaints and as part of his sweating therapies to encourage detoxification, all that still holds true.

Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)
Recognised for its astringent and toning properties, red raspberry leaf was used by Thompson for gastrointestinal and reproductive health. He saw it as helpful for diarrhoea, menstrual discomfort and for supporting general vitality.

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
Known for its bitter, stimulating qualities, boneset was used by Thompson to induce sweating and reduce fever. He recommended it particularly for colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.

Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Thompson used golden seal for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. He prescribed it for infections, skin conditions and as a digestive tonic as it is still used today.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow’s diaphoretic qualities (inducing sweat) made it another essential herb in his “sweating” treatments. Thompson used yarrow to reduce fevers, encourage circulation and support immune response, which is still relevant.

Samuel’s Populist Approach
What made Thompson particularly fascinating was his populist approach. He believed that herbal medicine should be accessible to everyone, not just the medical elite. To this end, he wrote and distributed “The New Guide to Health” or “Botanic Family Physician”, a practical manual that taught laypeople to use herbs for common ailments. He democratised herbal medicine by giving people the tools and knowledge to care for themselves, making him a folk hero of herbalism. His commitment to self-reliance, the healing power of plants and scepticism toward the harsh methods of his time left a legacy that continues to inspire modern herbalists and those advocating for accessible, natural healthcare.