1. Do you do long-distance consultations? Yes; simply complete the consultation questionnaire and send it to me. I will then contact you to set up a time for an extended telephone discussion. If it is problematic for me to send remedies to you, I will refer you to a trusted source.
2. What kinds of issues can you help with? Herbal medicine is not an alternative medicine. It’s the original medicine practiced by all physicians up until the last century. It is traditional medicine. Much of mainstream medicine as practiced by present day physicians is based primarily on herbal medicine, since all modern medicines with few exceptions are simply synthetic, concentrated, and/or isolated components of plants. Since the dawn of humankind, people worldwide have used what was in “nature’s pharmacy” to heal themselves. While the advances of modern medicine are incredible, we frequently forget the healing power available from our plant allies. One of the neglected advantages of herbal medicine is that its practice begins with symptoms, but its application focuses on the whole person. It isn’t a one symptom, one remedy approach. Please also understand that I fully appreciate the value of modern medicine and will often refer a client to an MD for certain situations.
3. Why would I need your help if I can just go online to find what I need? Nowadays a lot of information is available online. Unfortunately, this approach doesn’t consider the variables and complexities that each person brings to an issue. Herbalists are trained to assess each person as a whole but to see what is unique to them as well.
4. Can’t you just tell me what particular herb I should use for a specific problem? Probably not. As an herbalist, I am frequently asked for advice regarding a specific ailment or condition. Although I’d like to be as helpful as possible, such questions pose a real dilemma for me. First, any symptom or condition is seldom, if ever, an isolated event. Herbalists treat people holistically. Consequently, for me to be able to respond as professionally as possible, I need much more information than I could ever get in a brief encounter. Second, unlike conventional chemical medications, herbs do not work in isolation. Many different herbs are available to treat any particular situation, and how they are prescribed will depend on a number of variables. Consequently, if you’re interested at all in considering the use of plants for health, please call me to arrange for a consultation.
5. Do you offer classes? Yes, I periodically give classes on a variety of herbal topics. Please visit my Facebook page for information.
6. Are you primarily a products-focused business? I’ve always thought of myself as a “community herbalist,” making myself available to help people (anywhere) with a variety of health and wellness concerns, primarily through consultations. The products I offer are those I’ve found to be most helpful for general health improvement, such as boosting immunity. However, I must admit that some of the items I offer I made just for fun.