Frequent Queries
What is a clinical herbalist?
There isn’t a single definition of a clinical herbalist. Herbalists practice in many different ways depending on their education, philosophy, and traditions. Broadly speaking Cliffnotes version: a clinical herbalist is someone who works with plants to help support their clients’ needs. Beyond that, approaches vary.
Our approach is explained throughout this site because we’d rather describe how we practice than pretend all clinical herbalists practice the same way.
Why would I consider clinical herbalism?
Everyone comes to herbal care for their own reasons. Some people are looking for additional support alongside conventional medical care. Others want help navigating a chronic condition in a different way, some people are just curious about how herbs may be able to fit into their lives and what impact that would have. Herbalism isn’t about rejecting conventional medicine, it’s another way of approaching your care needs.
Why herbs?
Why not herbs? ‘Herbal medicine’ has been around for thousands of years and there’s a reason these traditions and knowledge have survived, as well as evolved with new research and scientific exploration. Herbs are not magic, they are simply another avenue available to help support you.
What happens at an herbal consultation?
All of the talking. From the rooter to the tooter.
We will talk about your health history, your current concerns, your medications, supplements, and herbs, your goals, your sleep, digestion, stress, diet, daily routine, your bowel movements, your support systems and community, your job, what you’ve tried and whether or not it worked, your healthcare team, and anything else that helps us to understand the bigger picture.
We take into account your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health (a broad category that includes everyone from atheists/agnostics to the devoutly religious to the metaphysical/spiritualists). Sometimes the things that seem unrelated are actually connected.
And then we’ll talk some more.
We will work together to come up with a plan that makes sense for you and your life. It may include herbs, nutrition, lifestyle changes, more movement, outside referrals or we may come to the conclusion that you don’t need herbs but something or someone else may be more beneficial.
We meet you where you are and we work together to try to get you where you want to be.
What kind of conditions can a clinical herbalist help with?
Herbs can be used to support a variety of health concerns either alone or alongside pharmaceuticals, but whether they’re appropriate depends on the individual, the condition, and their goal(s). Some common concerns involve digestion, sleep, stress, mood, hormones, immune function, skin care, cardiovascular health, respiratory health, musculoskeletal discomfort, healthy aging, general wellness, recover from illness or injury and more. There are also people who simply want support navigating lifestyle changes or maintaining their health. Some people come with specific diagnoses, and others because something doesn’t feel right or they’re just curious. Herbs are amazing but they are not always the right tool. If we believe another practitioner or modality would better serve you, we’ll tell you. Our goal is to help you find what works for you.
Can't I just go to the health-food-store, get some supplements, and be on my way?
How long will it take for the herbs to "work"?
It depends. It depends on the person and what they are hoping will change. Some herbal formulations may produce a noticeable difference within a matter of days or even with the first dose. Others will take weeks or months to achieve their therapeutic goals. Herbalism will not always be a quick fix
How long will I have to keep taking the herbs?
It depends. It depends on the person and what they are hoping will change. Some herbal formulations may produce a noticeable difference within a matter of days or even with the first dose. Others will take weeks or months to achieve their therapeutic goals. Herbalism will not always be a quick fix
How often do I need to see my herbalist?
It depends. Some people benefit from more frequent visits and adjustments to formulations and other people find fewer appointments are sufficient. Typically a new client will have another appointment anywhere from 2-6 weeks after the initial appointment depending on their needs. After that it depends on their individual condition and needs.
What does the process look like for a new client?
The first step in the process, after you decide this is something you want to do, would be to book a consultation and pay online. The initial consultation is typically from 90 minutes to 2 hours.
After booking, you will receive the necessary intake, consent, questionnaire, and policy information that will need to be filled out prior to your session. The intake form is very in-depth so we recommend taking your time and allowing yourself a few days to go over everything so as not to be overwhelmed.
The initial consultation will either take place via video call through our HIPAA compliant software or in your home if you are local. Soon we hope to have an office space for people to visit as well.
After your consultation, you will receive your personalized plan via your client portal, which may include herbal recommendations, diet changes, exercise, or something else.
Then we will schedule a follow-up to check in and see how things are going.
I live in a different state, how will I get my herbs?
Depending on where you live, we have options: We can find an herbalist in your area who will be given the formulation and make them for you, there are online herbalists who will send you the herbs, or for certain things, I can teach you how to make them and direct you to reputable sources for your herbs. And, if all else fails, I will send you what you need.
Do you sell herbs?
Not in the traditional sense. I provide custom herbal formulations tailored to your specific needs. I do not sell stand-alone products.