Meet your herbalist

Becoming an Herbalist

Unlike the fortunate herbalists who began their journey into herbal medicine as children and in nature, I had a typical American childhood growing up without natural medicines, coming to plant medicine only as an adult driven by a desire to find alternative ways to promote and sustain healing and health. As a healthcare attorney, representing physicians, hospital and other healthcare providers, I saw the gaps in care and outcomes and I was glad to be able to assist in some of the fledgling efforts to create complementary care clinics. I also sought better health for myself and my family, with my search encompassing all types of alternative care, including, finally, herbal medicine.

I was awed by the rich history of medicinal plants, the colorful folklore, the deep and compelling traditional use information going back centuries, and the enormous surge in scientific inquiry into the uses and efficacy of plant medicine. In 2000, I enrolled in a 3 year masters of science program at the Maryland University of Integrative Medicine, graduating in 2003 with an M.S. in Herbal Medicine.

One of the more wonderful things about herbal medicine is that there is always more to learn. I continue to expand my understanding of herbs and my scope of practice through engagement with the herbal medicine community, research, classes, mentorships, and, most importantly, through the wisdom and experiences of my clients.

How I use medicinal plants everyday

Herbs are the mainstay of my effort to live a centered and mindful life. I am not always successful at that but I couldn’t achieve what I do without herbal medicine. The rituals of tea making are particularly powerful as a grounding and healing exercise. And, as I have learned from my years studying with the best and most honored herbalists, I know that the intention and love that goes into growing, harvesting and preparing herbs is almost as important as the medical value of the herbs themselves.

And, although it is sometimes hard to believe, medicinal herbs actually work. They are especially good at balancing and restoring and there are many situations where herbs are our best allies, such as digestive imbalances, stress, and sleep. For my own health, I tend to use teas but I also use tinctures and capsules depending on the purpose and the best form for absorption of that herb. Sometimes time and convenience dictates the form and, in our busy lives, often capsules and tinctures are the way to go. Even when I do take a capsule, I try to remind myself that it is a plant, co-evolved with humans, multi-dimensional in its impact, and designed by nature to nourish and protect us, just as it does the plant itself.

My practice philosophy

Although my studies in herbal medicine began with an interest in evidence-based knowledge, ironically, the more I learned about the science of herbal medicine, the more I appreciated the wisdom of traditional use. Traditional herbal medicine is typically based on a whole body, integrative perspective that incorporates an understanding of the complexity and interactions of single herbs and formulas of different herbs, a knowledge that is gained primarily through use and experience. While more clinical trials and studies are helpful in providing new information about the specific actions of various plant constituents and potential contra-indications, the best of what we know about medicinal herbs today is still based on experiential knowledge.

My practice is a blend of approaches: traditional knowledge and awe of the innate, complementary and complex power of plants guides much of what I do; modern science is my indispensable aide.

My Scope of Practice

It is important for me to know that my clients understand that I am not a licensed health professional as there is no state licensure for herbal medicine practitioners in the United States. I do not diagnose or treat any disease or illness and do not provide services that can be considered the practice of medicine under state law.

Herbal medicine is a holistic approach to health, based mainly on traditional use of plants, and it is not a substitute for allopathic modern medicine. I always encourage my clients to keep an open dialogue with their physician or other health care provider about the herbs they are taking and I am happy to work with a client’s healthcare provider at any time.