After ten years of working one on one with clients, I have created a list of frequently asked questions. They are here to help you decide if you would like to work with an herbalist or seek a herbalism training.
What is the process like working with a herbalist?
Each herbalist has their own unique approach. When working with me, first we start with an initial consultation. I'll send you an intake form to fill out ahead of time. We'll discuss your goals, reasons for contacting me, herbal protocols and if other services may be wise such as acupuncture, chiropractic, craniosacral, massage, etc. My intention is to best serve you by listening, taking detailed notes and coming up with a plan that you are comfortable with which may include herbal teas, tinctures, or topicals. If anything does not feel right, let me know immediately. I then send you a wellness protocol with herbs and we can check back in to follow up in a few weeks.
Is it better to take one herb a time or a combination?
I get asked this a lot in my practice. It depends on the person as we are all unique and our bodies handle herbs differently. Some people prefer to take "simples" or one herb at a time. If that is the case, I can put each herb in a bottle and you can determine which herbs to take when and how often. This is a great way to see how your body interacts with each herb if you are sensitive. Other people prefer to have me make them a custom formula designed to target various issues. My training is in Traditional Chinese Medicine which uses several herbs in one formula, like a community working together inside your body. I usually blend between 3-12 herbs in one formula with a warming herb to harmonize them together such as licorice, ginger, cinnamon or turmeric. If you want to get to know one plant really well, take it on its own daily for a month, but only do this with tonic herbs that can be taken every day as some herbs are really potent and not meant to take in large quantities every day.
What if I can't take alcohol - don't tinctures have it?
I can make any tinctures in alcohol free options either: apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerine. $5 extra for these because they take more time to make.
What about herbs and drugs interactions?
This question is really important. Many herbs and drugs are contraindicated for certain health issues making them worse. Herbs and medications can negatively interact together. Thus, it is always best to consult a clinically trained herbalist who can cross check each herb with medications.
What if you can't help me with my reason for contacting you?
I'm more than happy to refer you to another practitioner, doctor or energy healer who may be better able to assist you. I want what is best for you and have no attachment to working together. I think it's really important to like your herbalists, doctors, all health practitioners. Find someone that is a good fit, you deserve it.
How will I know if we are a good fit to work together?
I offer free 15 minute intro calls to see if we want to together. They can be booked online easily.
What role does a herbalist play?
An herbalist is an educator and guide who supports the body, mind and spirit to find balance. Everything you share is confidential. I am a holistic health coach trained as a clinical herbalist and make all the products in my apothecary with intentions to support you. I will never offer unsolicited advice or say you "should" be doing something. I trust you know your body best and I am here to offer suggestions with the intention of best serving you on your path of wholeness. You have the capacity to heal and it can challenging to do it alone. I don't recommend self-diagnosing (intuition is great, but careful of the WebMD rabbit hole). When I have a health concern, I see a herbalist because I think it's important to have someone else's eyes on my healing journey who can see things I may not see yet. It's wise to ask for help and recognize when you need support.
Are you licensed to practice herbalism?
While there is not formal license program for herbalism offered in the U.S. other than Acupuncture, I trained with clinical herbalists for 7 years before opening my practice. I have been seeing clients for 10 years since completing those programs in 2013.
How often do we meet?
This is up to you. Your health is in your hands so when you are ready to meet, reach out. Either we can schedule follow ups every 2-4 weeks or seasonally every 3-4 months. For more acute health concerns, I suggest meeting at least every 2-3 weeks until you are feeling better. For preventative and general health maintenance, I recommend every 2-3 months.
How long until I notice the herbs working?
Each herb functions differently in the body. Some herbs for acute pain can take affects in as little as 10-20 minutes. For chronic health issues especially adrenal fatigue and deficiencies, I suggest taking herbs for at least 6-12 months, perhaps longer if it is a really chronic issue.
Some herbs can even make us feel worse for a while especially if they are killing bacteria and viruses and we have a Herxheimer reaction or die off of bacteria or viruses. That's when I suggest taking diaphoretic/lymphatic herbs to support flushing out metabolic waste and die off along with hot baths to promote sweating.
We are complex beings and it can be confusing if you are new to herbalism - that is why I suggest finding a practitioner who can support you!
What does it cost?
My consultations range from $40-120 depending on the length of our session. Herbs are not included, they can range from $25-100 depending on what you need. Unfortunately, herbalists in the state of Massachusetts do not take insurance. That is why I am open to finding a price that is more accessible to you, just ask.
What if I can't afford your services?
If funds are ever a determining factor preventing you from seeking herbal support, please reach out to me and we can work something out most likely. Or, I can refer you to a free clinic where I volunteer each month. Herbalism is rooted in the earth and has been around for thousands of years. It is medicine for and by the people. Let's keep it that way!
What kinds of health issues do I have experience with?
I work with any and all issues - but if it is out of my scope I will be honest and refer you elsewhere. To name a few...
Menopause
Hormone Balance
Digestion
Lungs/Respiratory
Lyme Disease & Con-infections
Menstrual Irregularities & Discomfort
PMS
Male and Female Reproductive
Stress/Anxiety
Depression
ADD/ADHD
Grief
Liver & Gallbladder Pain
Kidney Stones
Cancers
"Itis" symptoms
Fibroids/Cysts
Chronic Fatigue
Adrenal Fatigue
Allergies
Sleep & Insomnia (falling asleep / waking up in the night)
Where do you source the herbs?
I grow most of the herbs used in my apothecary on my farm in Ashfield, MA. The herbs that do not grow in the climate here, I source from Mountain Rose Herbs or Starwest Botanicals, always organic. Some herbalists only see clients and do not make custom formulas, they will have another herbalist do the filling of orders for them. I enjoy providing the herbs for my clients because I know exactly how they were made and I have a direct connection to the land where they grow. If you already have a formula you like, I can fill custom teas and tinctures for you. I also fill them for herbalists, so you if you need formulas made for your clients, contact me.
If you have more questions or would like to set up a call, please do . I look forward to hearing from you.
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