"By being whole and simultaneously part of a larger whole, we can change the world
simply by changing ourselves"
-Jon Kabat-Zinn
Herbalism, Health and Wellness
About Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine has been humankind's primary form of "health care" since the beginning of human culture some 50,000-100,000 years ago. In fact, the AHG (American Herbalists Guild) states that even today, 75% of the world’s population depends on some form of herbal medicine as their primary source of healthcare.Modern drugs used to be mostly derived from medicinal plants, isolating specific chemical compounds and then super concentrating the dose. While this type of "medicine" has birthed the occasional "wonder drug" it also has had its fair share of risks and side-effects which can make one sicker hence, the saying 'the cure is often worse than the disease'.
Today, modern drugs are mostly synthetic. One can only surmise that the side-effects and risks have inherently increased with the use of synthetic chemicals. In comparison, the effectiveness and relative safety of herbal medicine, or plant based medicine is related to the plant being left in its whole state. The synergy of all its chemical constituents and special properties balance its overall medicinal effect on the body and system.
Herbalism includes the study or "knowing" of plants and their effects or interactions with humans and animals. It includes but is not limited to the study of plant habitat, botany, phytochemistry, growing, harvesting or wild crafting, medicine making and administering or recommending herbs based on some kind of constitutional assessment of the patient. It is illegal for herbalists that are not licensed healthcare professionals aka "a doctor of medicine" to treat, cure, heal or prescribe. Instead, an herbalist, listens, analyzes, educates and recommends.
Herbs are considered a special kind of food and so can be applied as dietary supplements and can benefit anyone regardless of one’s level of health and can compliment and support medication therapy. Herbs are used in the following ways:
- They can help prevent disease.
- They can treat disease patterns.
- They can support and promote one’s health potential.
- They can be used to aid the relief of minor illnesses and symptoms.
Clinical Herbal Therapy
I study and practice an eclectic blend of traditional Western Herbalism with the application of the energetics of Traditional Chinese Medicine and constitutional assessment of Ayurveda (the medical system of India). Herbal therapy can benefit anybody and my practice is open to individuals, families, children and elders.
A consultation is a client-centered session based on the individuals needs and constitution. I address disease patterns in simple acute conditions (colds, flus, digestive upsets, etc) applying more short term symptomatic therapy. I also offer a health and wellness consultation for chronic patterns or conditions with a more long term path toward health.
Generally, herbal therapy candidates tend to be looking for more significant, lasting changes to their health related issues and are ready to commit to their healing process.
Specific health concerns that can be addressed and supported include but are not limited to:
- Digestive issues
- Constipation
- PMS and Menopause
- Weight loss and Cleansing/Detox support
- Anxiety, Sleep and Stress Disorders
- Simple acute conditions: colds, flus, skin rashes, parasites
Your consultation involves a constitutional (Ayurvedic) questionnaire and traditional health history intake that will include the your primary and secondary complaints, current medication and supplementation as well as dietary intake. An initial assessment is established and a pattern based analysis is discussed using Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic terminology.
Disclaimer - It is not my intention or the intention of the information on this web-site to offer medical advice, diagnose, treat, prescribe or cure disease. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your health, herbs or herbal therapy, please seek advice from your doctor or licensed healthcare provider.
Scheduling, Forms and Fees
-Sessions are by appointment only.
-Alternate currency, such as bartering or time bank hours is accepted.
-An income based sliding fee scale is available for families and individuals upon request.
- Herbal Health & Wellness Consultation
- This session is for those who are seeking a more thorough assessment of a chronic disease pattern, and for those who
are interested in learning more about their long term health. There is more time spent in determining an individual’s
constitution via an Ayurvedic assessment and a more in depth health and wellness intake.
An individualized plan will be co-created taking into account the client’s health goals and the results of the intake and
analysis and will include dietary, herbal and lifestyle recommendations. There are usually at least two or three
follow-up visits over a span of time to allow for me to do any necessary research on the case as well as to
observe/address changes and monitor the direction of therapy.
Herbs are generally dispensed/purchased at the time of consultation.
- FEES: Initial Visit $90 (app 90 minutes)
Follow-ups $30 (app 30 minutes)
Cost of Herbs
-$5 per 4oz of loose herb
-$6 per 1oz of fluid extract
-$4 per 24 capsules
Health and Wellness Package $120 (includes initial consultation, one follow- up visit and a starter supply of herbs)
Sliding fee scale and alternate currency such as barter are available.
- FEES: Initial Visit $90 (app 90 minutes)
- This session is for those who are seeking a more thorough assessment of a chronic disease pattern, and for those who
are interested in learning more about their long term health. There is more time spent in determining an individual’s
constitution via an Ayurvedic assessment and a more in depth health and wellness intake.
An individualized plan will be co-created taking into account the client’s health goals and the results of the intake and
analysis and will include dietary, herbal and lifestyle recommendations. There are usually at least two or three
follow-up visits over a span of time to allow for me to do any necessary research on the case as well as to
observe/address changes and monitor the direction of therapy.
- Distance Health and Wellness Consultation
- I offer this as an alternative for folks who are unable to make office visits or as a long distance option via phone or e-mail. Upon you request, I will either e-mail or snail mail you the forms for you to fill out and returned to me prior to a session along with either a description or picture of your tongue as well as pulse readings (full instructions will be included in your packet). Follow-ups are offered and encouraged. The in-office fees are the same for a distance consultation. Herbs, if purchased from or through me, will incur an additional fee for shipping and handling.
- The Healing with Herbs Community Clinic
- Part of being an herbalist involves creating access to herbalism for the community. This is a reduced fee clinic designed for brief consult/education on simple herbs and their preparations. People can request herbs or knowledge and/or a mini-consult for a simple health issue. For more detailed information on the clinic, please go to the clinic page or call or e-mail for a brochure. The clinic fee is $15 plus the cost of herbs.