what to look for in an herbalist

How do you choose who to work with?

The most important thing is that you're safe. The next most important thing is the vibes.

1. Check their educational background.

There's no right way to study herbalism, but there are ways that might be more right for your specific situation. If you're on pharmaceutical meds, you need to work with someone who understands herb-drug interactions. That's basic safety.

A clinical herbalist will have undertaken a multi-year study of herbalism that has included knowledge of creating herbal formulas, herb-drug interactions, herbal safety and contraindications, and supervised work with clients.

Of course, not all herbalists need those things. But if you have a complex health picture and/or are taking meds, I recommend them.

Folk herbalists or community herbalists may have different types of education, and that's fine. But do some research so that you can make an informed decision based on your needs.

2. Do you like them?

A simple vibe check -- do you want to work with them right now? There are many amazing herbalists out there. There might be one who's right for you now and one who's right for you five years from now.

Not sure if someone is right for you? Ask the plants ;)

3. What else do they incorporate?

Herbalism is just one healing modality. Many herbalists are trained in additional modalities, such as reiki, acupuncture, shamanic practice, yoga, hypnosis, etc.

Do you want to work with someone who brings other modalities to the table?

4. How do they approach the plants and healing?

In the herbal world you'll find a spectrum of approaches, from purely clinical/materially focused to more spiritually focused. What do you prefer?

That said, here's my info:

I completed three years of clinical herbal education with David Winston, which covered all the things I mentioned above, including supervised work for clients.

Prior to that, I studied with Lupo Passero at Twin Star Tribe. This was my formal introduction to herbal medicine and working with the plants spiritually.

I have also completed a shamanic apprenticeship, my 200-hr yoga teacher training, and Usui Reiki Levels I and II. Through various programs I've also studied with Rocio Alarcón, Rosemary Gladstar, Tammi Sweet, and Carolyn Elliott.

My herbal practice incorporates working with plants spiritually and magically as well as medicinally. I'm happy to incorporate that into consultations (or not) as you desire.

Even if we don't delve into plant magic in a consultation, my perspective of wellness and health issues is just as informed by spiritual understanding of plants as it is by my phytochemical understanding of them.

And the plants are always chattering away in the background.

So, am I the right herbalist for you right now? Only you can say.

If you decide that I am, you can schedule a consultation.