How much do the herbs cost? 

Herbs and other suggestions cost a different amount for each person. I do my best to keep suggestions focused and affordable. I also specifically recommend places to get the best deals for you. 

You can save money with time and you can save time with money.  

Bulk herbs are fairly cheap but can take some time and consideration to prepare them. Herbal capsules and tinctures can be more expensive but take less time and are typically more convenient. 

We’ll discuss different methods of taking herbs and find what works best for you financially and in terms of time. 

How long will it take until I feel better?

This varies considerably with each person. Acute situations are typically resolved quickly while chronic conditions that have lasted for years or even decades will take months or even years until a full recovery is made. 

My goal for each consultation is to create the best possible path for you. Every time we meet I will give you an idea of how long it may take until the expected results manifest themselves. If at any time I feel that I do not have the skills to help you I will refer you to someone else. If at any time you feel that you are not meeting your own health goals please share this with me. My goal is your vibrant health. 

I know personally that working with chronic disease can be frustrating. I know it is disappointing to hear that it may take months or even a couple years before you are feeling 100%. However, although it may take a long time for FULL recovery, you should start feeling better soon. 

It is seldom the case that we follow a straight path of wellness where we consistently feel better without ever relapsing. 

More accurately, when we are on a path to wellness we have good days then bad days, even good weeks then bad weeks. 

I know those dips are frustrating and even downright scary. However, these dips are expected and perfectly normal. The important thing is that you are feeling better overall. As time goes on you have dips that are less severe and less frequent. 

During the time we work together we will frequently evaluate your progress. 

What if I don’t want to drink teas? 

Herbs can be taken in a variety of ways. We will discuss these various methods to find a way that works for you financially and palatably, as well as time-wise in preparation. 

What are your qualifications? 

I have studied herbs and health extensively on my own and with mentors, many of which are the leading herbalists of our time including Paul Bergner, Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, Michael Tierra and Leslie Tierra, and Kiva Rose. 

I frequently attend herbal conferences around the country to learn and to teach and I am an herbal consultant for HerbMentor.com. I am also certified by the Institute of Structural Medicine and have received over 4,000 hours in fascial anatomy and manual therapies.  

I am not a part of the medical profession and I do not hold a medical license. As such I do not diagnose or treat disease. Having a consultation with me does not replace seeing your medical doctor. I fully support you sharing my suggestions with your doctor. I welcome phone calls from your doctor if he/she has any questions. 

You can see my full CV here. 

Are herbs safe? 

When herbs are used correctly they are undeniably safe. The most common unwanted effect is nausea. It is rare that someone ever dies from taking herbs. 

Each year tens of thousands of people die due to pharmaceutical drugs. 

Herbs must be used correctly both to maintain safety as well as effectiveness. We can look at three safety issues. 

1. Matching herbs to people

When we take herbs we are influencing our body in a particular way. Herbs may be drying, moistening, cooling or warming. If someone is already displaying symptoms of too much dryness, dry mouth, dry skin, dry eyes, constipation, etc, and then they take an herb that further promotes dryness, this will exacerbate their complaints. Effects of this are usually mild and discontinue once the herb is stopped. Occasionally people are unaware that herbs (or even food) are causing them problems and they continue to take them in the long term. I repeatedly see this with extreme diets, such as veganism or raw foodists, which end up injury the body by causing deficiencies and coldness. 

2. Adulteration

It is extremely important to get herbs from people and companies whom you trust. The more processed an herb the more difficult it is to positively identify that herb. Most major problems with herbs have come from adulterations of herbs, not the intended herb. 

3. Dosage

Herbs are extremely safe when they are matched to the person and when they are dosed correctly. Considerations for dosing include, age, weight, constitution and present vitality. Thankfully there is no standard dosing in herbal medicine which leads to personalized doses that are more effective. 

Three Classifications of Herbs

The first is food grade herbs. These herbs are usually nutritive, need to be taken in large doses and for an extended amount of time. Herbs in this category include nettles, chickweed and astragalus. 

The second are medicinal herbs. These herbs have more of a pronounced medicinal effect than food grade herbs. They should be dosed according to the person and to the plant. Generally they are not taken as long as the food grade herbs. These include St. John's Wort, feverfew, ginger, echinacea etc. 

Low dose herbs. These herbs are high medicinal and are taken in highly diluted forms or are only added in small amounts to formulas. An example of this type of herb is lobelia. Taken in very small amounts lobelia is a powerful muscle relaxant often used for bronchial spasms and tense muscles. Taken in even moderate amounts lobelia will cause vomiting.