What Is New Thought? How and Why Christian Herbalists Should Avoid It
Leaving a respected career in pharmacy to become an herbalist and aromatherapist was not a decision I made lightly. Since taking that leap of faith, I’ve been judged from every direction. My family struggles to understand why I would walk away from a stable career (mid-life crisis, maybe?). Some church friends assume I must be dabbling in occult practices. Meanwhile, those outside the church wonder why I would "submit to the slavery of Christianity" when I clearly "know the power of plants."
This choice had nothing to do with rebellion or recklessness—it was a step of obedience. I got into pharmacy because I wanted to help people; I wanted to help people live healthier, more informed lives. One fateful day in 2021, I faced a decision I did not think I was ready to make. I had been pondering the idea of leaving pharmacy for a few years, but there I was, in the hot seat, being forced to decide what was most important to me. I chose God.
I cried and prayed all the way home that day. Thankfully, when I told my husband what I had done, he hugged me and reassured me of his support. My passion for helping people remains, but my approach shifted from pharmaceuticals to herbalism and aromatherapy.
A Christian Approach to Herbalism and Aromatherapy
God created the heavens and the earth, and everything on it. He then put set man as the steward over the plants and animals. The earth, everything in it, and all that we have belong to God; everything, including our knowledge (Psalm 24:1, 1 Cor 1:30). Herbalism and aromatherapy—using plants for health and well-being—are not inherently unbiblical. However, for Christians stepping into this world, it does not take long to notice a concerning trend—many resources, schools, and practitioners are steeped in New Thought, Gnostic beliefs, or pantheistic spirituality. So, how do we, as believers in Christ, practice herbalism and aromatherapy without falling into these unbiblical worldviews? Let’s talk about it.
What is New Thought and Why is it Dangerous?
New Thought is a deceptive movement that falsely claims individuals can manifest their own reality through positive thinking and personal intention. Unlike New Age spirituality, which is overtly mystical and easy to spot, New Thought often disguises itself with Christian terminology, making it especially dangerous for those who lack discernment. It subtly distorts biblical teachings by blending them with humanistic philosophies, ultimately denying the sovereignty of God.
Rather than trusting in God’s plan, New Thought assigns power to human thoughts and words—similar to the teachings of Progressive Christianity, the Word of Faith movement, and the New Apostolic Reformation (e.g., Law of Attraction, "Name it and Claim it," "Decree and Declare"). These movements use familiar Christian language but redefine core theological concepts, leading to distorted beliefs.
For those who want to learn more about New Thought, its dangers, and its pervasiveness, I highly recommend these books:
Happy Lies: How a Movement You (Probably) Never Heard of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World – Melissa Dougherty
Counterfeit Kingdom – Holly Pivec & R. Douglass Geivett
God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel – Costi W. Hinn
Law of Attraction: A Gateway Drug to Spiritual Heroin – Jon Clash
Live Your Truth and Other Lies – Alisa Childers
When Culture Hates You: Persevering for the Common Good as Christians in a Hostile Public Square – Natasha Crain (Next on my reading list!)
Avoiding the Traps of New Thought in Herbalism and Aromatherapy
Gnosticism and New Thought, which have deeply influenced much of modern alternative medicine, teach that our thoughts create reality—that we can manifest health or sickness by the power of our minds. This is not biblical. Scripture tells us that God is sovereign, and while our mindset and faith are important, we do not manipulate reality through sheer mental willpower; we are not little gods.
Instead of affirmations that declare, “I am healed because I will it,” a Christian perspective acknowledges, “I trust in God’s wisdom and provision as I seek healing.” There is a significant difference.
Many terms and concepts in herbalism and aromatherapy have Gnostic origins. Gnosticism, which influenced the rise of New Thought, promotes the idea that hidden knowledge leads to spiritual enlightenment—a mindset rampant in herbal and aromatherapy communities. Some practitioners claim that plants have spirits that must be appeased or that esoteric knowledge is required to unlock their full potential.
Be cautious of these red-flag phrases:
The Power of Intention / Setting an Intention – Some claim that speaking affirmations or setting intentions over herbal remedies gives them power. Scripture teaches that all power belongs to God, not our words or thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9, Proverbs 3:5-6).
Metaphysical Concepts – Many holistic practitioners use the term "metaphysical" to describe the "spiritual" aspects of herbalism. However, Christians must be cautious and ensure their understanding aligns with biblical truth rather than mysticism or gnosticism.
Energy, Vibrations, and Frequencies – Certain phrases like 'vibrational medicine' borrow scientific terms but assign them esoteric meanings. Nikola Tesla, for example, spoke about energy and frequency in the context of physics, but his words have since been misused by metaphysical movements to justify spiritualized concepts of healing and manifestation.
God is in Everything – Some herbalists embrace pantheism, the belief that God is in all things and connected to all things. The Bible teaches that God created all things, is omnipresent, and is sovereign over all, but He is not synonymous with His creation (Genesis 1).
Several well-known herbalists and aromatherapists promote esoteric teachings. While they may share useful information, their spiritual philosophies are incompatible with biblical truth, approach their teaching with caution and discernment:
Sajah Popham (Evolutionary Herbalism) – Integrates astrology and mystical interpretations of plant properties.
Evan Sylliaasen (Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine) – Focuses on resins and incense, incorporating esoteric Earth-centered wisdom.
Kami McBride – Teaches effective herbal techniques but also promotes plant communication, a concept tied to Gnostic belief in hidden knowledge.
Aromatics International – Partners with Aromahead Institute. While Aromahead focuses on the scientific application of aromatherapy, Aromatics International’s YouTube content often interweaves New Thought teachings.
As Christians, we reject these notions. We do not need secret wisdom—we have the Word of God. Using herbs and oils does not require rituals, the right thoughts or vibrations, or spiritual ceremonies.
Honoring God in Herbalism and Aromatherapy
The concept of gnosis (hidden spiritual knowledge) was central to early Gnosticism, a heresy that the apostle Paul strongly refuted (1 Timothy 6:20-21, Colossians 2:18-19). The Bible also warns against practices that resemble divination or occultism, even if they are presented in scientific terms (Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Isaiah 8:19-20). As Christians, we are called to test all things with discernment, weighing them against Scripture. We can approach herbalism and aromatherapy in a way that honors and glorifies the Lord by keeping these principles in mind:
Stay rooted in Scripture – Just because something is popular or labeled "Christian" does not mean it aligns with biblical truth. Read the Bible daily, pray, and seek understanding, wisdom, and discernment (Romans 12:2).
Stick to Evidence-Based Practices – Many herbal remedies have scientific backing. Seek information that relies on biology, chemistry, and truth rather than mystical or astrological interpretations.
Be mindful of terminology – Words carry meaning, yet not everyone uses the same definitions. Establish clear definitions when communicating with others.
Remember That Healing Is in God’s Hands – Herbs and oils are tools; they are not full of ancient sage energy, or stardust, or in possession of god-like power, or anything meta-mysta-physical. Know that healing comes from the Lord, whether through natural means, medical intervention, or His divine will.
God is the Ultimate Healer
The Bible makes it clear that all healing comes from the Lord:
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases." (Psalm 103:2-3)
Herbs and essential oils are not magical; they are part of God’s creation, designed with properties that can support our bodies. Using plants for wellness isn’t “woo-woo” or inherently mystical—it’s science. It’s about using what God has already placed on earth in a way that honors Him.
Final Thoughts
Being a Christian herbalist or aromatherapist requires discernment, and an unwillingness to compromise the faith. While herbs and oils are valuable resources, they must be used with a heart that seeks to glorify God, not self. By staying vigilant and discerning, filtering everything through biblical truth, we can avoid the spiritual pitfalls of New Thought and walk confidently in faith, knowing that our hope and healing come from the Lord alone. Herbs are not mystical. Oils do not hold supernatural power. The real power is in the Creator who designed them for our benefit. Let’s use them wisely and for His glory.
If you would like to connect with other Christian herbalists, check out Christian Herbal Community on Circle, they also have a neat magazine, the Christian Herbal Magazine, and if you prefer in-person conferences, there is Seeking Whole Health Conference will be in Ohio on May 1-3, 2025.
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