My Approach to Herbal Consultations
Catnip (nepeta cataria) that I planted, tended to, and harvested in 2020
In this post, I describe my personal approach to herbal consultations. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with me, and want to know more about my herbal philosophy and how working with me might be different than what you have experienced or come to expect in your healthcare, this page is for you! My hope is that by the end of reading this, you will have a better understanding of whether this is the type of care is what you’re looking for. If so, I’d love to speak with you more!
You can contact me with further questions here, or schedule an appointment here.
Before We Begin
Let’s make sure we’re on the same page regarding some terms I will make reference to throughout this post:
Herbalism
a system of integrative healthcare which emphasizes engaging with plants in order to promote health.
Herbalist
a healing arts practitioner who practices herbalism.
Herbal Consultations
a platform for the practice of herbalism, whereby a person receives guidance from an herbalist concerning their health care.
Allopathic Medicine
conventional modern medicine emphasizing pharmaceutical drug intervention.
Okay, now… moving on!
Herbalism is a Whole Different Paradigm than Western Medicine
I have spent over a decade working with herbs on a daily basis in many forms: namely in gardens, in my own kitchen, and while working with clients. Observing the many ways herbs grow, look, taste, smell and feel, as well as how people generally respond to them, has greatly informed my approach to herbal consultations.
If you are reading this, you were most likely raised within a Western culture, where modern allopathic medicine (refer to definition above) is the dominant form of healthcare. Because of this, you probably have some conditioning when it comes to healthcare. I know I do.
The conditioning goes like this:
Person has a problem
Person goes to someone with authority to get something to fix the problem
That someone with authority gives the person something (ie: a pharmaceutical drug) in order to fix the problem
Sound familiar? Here’s why all of that is important for you to know. Because herbalism does not work that way.
Plants are Complex, Living Creatures Just Like You
Plants have personalities. Plants have spirit. Plants get along with some people and don’t get along with other people. Plants require consent in order to give their gifts wholeheartedly. And so on, to all the things that a living being is felt to be. I do say living, because good quality herbal medicine is prepared with the life force of plants intact. Herbs are dried at temperatures that keep the plant “alive”, just like nuts may be sprouted and dehydrated so they preserve the title of “raw”. Those dried plants may infuse oils, which are also considered alive if they have been produced via low heat extraction... hence the terms “cold pressed” and “virgin”. Some herbal remedies do call for high heat, but even those remedies are prepared from the basis of living herbs. So for all intensive purposes, plants are beings, just like people… only different.
The Differences Between Working with Plants and Working Within a Western Paradigm
The approach to healthcare by way of herbalism is one of conscious relationship. It’s about working with the unique intelligence and healing properties of plants. It requires subtle awareness. And it’s also one of really getting to know the complex workings of the human body. It's one of identifying what symptoms look like, and what underlying causes may play a role in those symptoms arising. And that process may require some trial and error.
The reason why herbalism may support the healing of common health concerns is not because “this herb is good for that thing”. Plant remedies can help address and shift the underlying causes of conditions, and their symptomatic expressions… along with attention, care and effort from both the herbalist and client alike.
The practice of herbalism has a lot to do with you coming into more awareness of your body, and working with support (via me as herbalist and allies as herbs) to take care of your body. That means you will probably need to make some necessary lifestyle changes to help you become more autonomous and proactive concerning your health. Uncomfortable? Sometimes. Worth it? Yep.
How I Approach Herbal Consultations
I believe that the approach you take to your healthcare is crucial, because your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health are all equally important parts of who you are. Incorporating herbal remedies into lifestyle choices that support stress reduction, including participating in activities that bring you joy, and spending time in nature, are important factors in promoting health. Photo of me drinking my own herbal infusion remedy while being physically active in outdoor gardens and getting healthy sun exposure. 2021
I practice a unique blend of herbalism, integrating the folk traditions of my European lineages of Italy, Ireland, Germany and Scotland with both Northeast Bioregional Herbalism and Traditional Thai Ayurvedic Medicine in which I have trained. I utilize over a decade of immersive experience in counseling, nutrition, bodywork and yoga to recommend lifestyle changes which may provide additional support to your well being. You can read more about my specific training on my about page here.
My Specialty and Approach to Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare
My specialties are reproductive system support and sexual healthcare, with a focus on HPV, cervical dysplasia, and dysmenorrhea. The importance of my approach to sexual and reproductive healthcare is that together, we will take a look at all of the factors that may be contributing to your sexual and reproductive healthcare concerns, such as diet, lifestyle, and emotional well being, and move forward with a protocol that is unique to your needs and meets you where you’re at.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an STI, we will work to support your immune and nervous systems, so your body can be in a more resilient place to support your healing process. If you’re a person whose interested in natural family planning, avoiding pregnancy, or addressing monthly bleeding irregularities, we can form a plan for you to track your fertility and monthly bleeding patterns effectively, so you can understand your cycle more and feel greater confidence in your contraceptive choices.
My practice is LGBTQIA+ friendly and is not heteronormative or mononormative. I do not assume anything about your sexual orientation or relationship status, and am allied with individuals who practice alternative relationship models. Please know that your sense of safety and care will be of utmost importance during our sessions.
You Effort Matters in Your Own Healing Process
Herbal consultations with me are available to anyone seeking herbal care, regardless of their background or experience. As my client, you can expect to meet both familiar and unfamiliar plants, and learn ways of working with them that may be new to you. While I consider it part of my job to make remedies as simple as possible for you to take, my clients should be prepared to put in a bit of effort towards their own healing. I strive to provide guidance that empowers but never overwhelms.
I view herbalism as a system of slow medicine, and herbal consultations as the container for a slow and steady healing process to unfold within. Herbal healthcare is a practice that requires presence and dedication from all parties invested in the process.
You can read client testimonials here for some examples how my work has helped others.
If I Don’t Think I Can Help You, I’ll Send You Somewhere Else
I believe that herbalism can be very helpful and supportive in some situations, and not as helpful in others. My job is to make recommendations that I believe will support you best, whether they be from my own skillset or from another practitioner or modality. In this way, I consider my role as an herbalist to also act as a bridge between herbalism and other forms of healthcare.
Preparing For Your Appointment
I recommend herbal remedies for each client specific to their individual needs, which may include long term or short term care.
How Many Sessions Can You Expect
Before we meet, I will ask you to fill out an intake form, which I will review in preparation for our meeting. During our initial session, we will work to develop a plan which utilizes herbs to support your health. After establishing our base, I typically recommend a follow up session within three week’s time, and every three weeks thereafter until your health has significantly improved. During follow up sessions, we’ll check on any health shifts that may have occurred, determine if remedy refills are necessary, and tweak formulae if need be. The amount of sessions will suit your comfort, of course, but please know that all of your concerns may not be able to be addressed in one session. Herbalism, fundamentally, is a journey.
My Intake Process
When you schedule a session with me, you’ll be asked to fill out a confidential intake form, as mentioned above. Some of the questions on this form may not be what you are used to being asked by a healthcare practitioner, such as details about your bowel movements or emotional health. Since herbalism is a system of holistic healthcare, the more you tell me about the whole picture of your life, the more information I will have to work with as I support you on your healing journey.
With that said, it is very important for you to communicate with me any medications you are taking, treatment protocols you are receiving, or medical professionals you are working with at the time of or leading up to the consultation. This information will help identify possible interactions or contraindications between herbal remedies and your most recent and/or current health protocol.
On The Herbal Remedies
During our consultation, I will provide recommendations for herbal remedies which may be of benefit to you. I will generally recommend one remedy per visit. Remedies may include: alcohol based tinctures; herbal infusion blends; herbal infused oils or animal fats; herbal infused salves (plant oil or animal fat based); herbal bath, steaming or soaking blends; or herbal syrups.
I work primarily with locally-grown herbs, either from gardens I personally tend to, wildcrafted herbs from locations I have come to know over time, or from other trusted local herb growers and/or herbalists, with the exception of a few plants which do not grow locally but may be beneficial to work with. All herbs I work with are organic, sustainably grown or otherwise well researched and responsibly sourced by me.
In Conclusion
Plants are energetic beings, and both their energy and your energy is important to acknowledge when practicing herbalism. When venturing on the journey of herbal healthcare, staying curious and open is key. Herbs are amazing, and they always reveal more about their amazing selves as human relationship with them unfolds. And a lot of healing comes from simply paying attention- to the plants, to the self, and to another person’s wisdom along the way.
I hope that this has given you some context and understanding for the way that I practice, so that you can determine if you want this kind of support. If you do, here’s how to schedule. If you have any questions, here’s how you can get in touch with me.
Be well,
Elizabeth