Frequently Asked Questions

What is herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine centers the inclusion of plants and botanical preparations to holistically support wellness. Every lineage has a history of traditional medicine that includes herbal medicine for health indications, and many people worldwide still rely on the medicinal preparations of plants for their primary care. Herbs are commonly prepared as foods; in water as teas, infusions, decoctions, and tangs; or in alcohol extractions called tinctures. Herbal medicine considers the whole person - physiological, psychological, emotional, and spiritual - and can be complementary to conventional medicine through integrative methods. In addition to herbal formulas, a great majority of herbalists include diet and lifestyle recommendations within the scope of their clinical practices.

Who do I work with?

I welcome and work with people from all walks of life throughout the US. My practice places specialized attention on emotional health, digestive health, and the relationship between the two. Please schedule a free Compatibility Chat if you are unsure about how herbs can support you, if my practice is a good match for you, or if you are outside of the US and want more information about how we can work together. I am happy to talk with you or help you find a practitioner who is more specialized for your specific needs.

How many sessions will you need?

Given the personalized nature offered through my practice, the trajectory of each individual case will be different. Improvements in your health may be experienced within your initial weeks of working with your personal recommendations. In general, I recommend 3 months of continued care after our initial intake session, with follow-up sessions every 2-4 weeks, to ensure that changes in your health become rooted and long-lasting.

How is herbal medicine regulated?

Herbal medicine is not regulated or licensed in the United States at this time. The American Herbalists Guild is a professional organization in the United States that enables herbalists to earn the designation of Registered Herbalist (RH), a rigorous peer-reviewed process that includes extensive education and at least 400 hours of mentored clinical experience, or Associate Herbalist, which indicates a significant contribution of time and energy toward a career working with medicinal plants.

Herbal products are categorized as dietary supplements in the United States. These products are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which can enforce programs and rules to protect people from false claims about the safety and benefits of products marketed as dietary supplements. The FDA has the legal power to ensure that all manufacturers of herbal supplements follow current good manufacturing processes (cGMPs), which include accurate labeling practices in regard to ingredients and claims of benefits.

In my practice, I only work with herbal formularies and distributors that are cGMP-approved and that engage in ethical, high-quality harvesting and manufacturing processes.

Can I help you get off of medications?

I am not a licensed physician and therefore I cannot legally or safely take you off a prescription pharmaceutical medicine. I do not advise on the use or discontinuance of pharmaceuticals. The main intention for our work together is to help you learn about herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle practices that can holistically support your health. It is important that you continue to seek the advice and guidance of your physician in regard to your prescription medications. I am happy to be in communication with or work alongside other practitioners and care providers in your life.

Do I accept insurance?

No, health insurance carriers do not cover herbal medicine at this time. I am open to discussing payment plan options if segmented payments would make my services more accessible to you. Please schedule a free Compatibility Chat session to discuss this option.