Herbal Consultations

An herbalist is a practitioner who approaches health from a holistic approach and uses whole plant extracts to treat various health conditions. Herbalists assess individuals’ physical, psychological, and emotional well-being, create personalized herbal treatments, and often educate clients on natural wellness practices. Herbalism offers gentle yet effective solutions for natural healing and preventive care, drawing from traditional knowledge and modern research and based on sustainable practices.

Herbal medicine as a more natural, holistic approach compared to conventional medicine. Rather than focusing on symptoms in isolation, herbalists look at the whole person—body, mind, and lifestyle—to understand the root causes of imbalances. They work with whole plant extracts, which often contain a variety of compounds that work in synergy to support the body’s own healing process. Herbal medicine usually works more gradually, but it’s often better suited for long-term support and prevention. In contrast, conventional medicine tends to use isolated, synthetic drugs designed for fast, targeted action, which can be very effective but may also come with more side effects. Herbal and conventional medicine are not mutually exclusive, however, and many people find benefit in combining both for a more balanced, integrative approach to health.

Herbalists specialize in using plant-based remedies to support health and healing, focusing mainly on herbs and whole-plant preparations. Naturopaths take a broader approach, combining herbal medicine with nutrition, lifestyle counseling, and other natural therapies to promote overall wellness. Homeopaths use highly diluted substances based on the principle of “like cures like” to stimulate the body’s self-healing. While there’s some overlap, each has its own philosophy and methods, with herbalists being primarily focused on the power of plants.

A herbalist can help with many common health issues such as stress, anxiety, poor sleep, digestive problems, low energy, hormonal imbalances, skin conditions, and weakened immunity. They also support overall wellness and prevention by using natural, plant-based remedies tailored to each person. By looking at the whole person—body, mind, and lifestyle—a herbalist works to restore balance and support the body’s natural healing process.

During a herbal consultation, you can expect a thorough and holistic conversation about your health. Herbalists inquire about your current health concerns, medical history, lifestyle, diet, sleep, stress levels, and any medications or supplements you’re taking. This helps to understand the root cause of an issue, not just the symptoms. Based on that, herbalists will recommend a personalized herbal treatment plan, which may include teas, tinctures, or other remedies, along with lifestyle suggestions to support your healing journey.

Herbal medicine is generally safe for people of all ages when used correctly and under the guidance of a trained practitioner. However, some herbs can cause side effects, interact with medications, or be harmful if taken in the wrong dose or by people with certain health conditions. Quality, sourcing, and proper identification are also important for safety. While many herbs have a long history of traditional use, it’s best to consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider before starting any herbal treatment.

Yes, you can use herbal remedies alongside prescription medications, but it's important to do so with caution. Some herbs can interact with medications, either strengthening or weakening their effects, or causing unwanted side effects. That’s why it’s essential to consult with a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider who understands herbs and potential drug interactions. With the right guidance, herbal remedies can often complement conventional treatments safely.

In my apothecary, herbs are sourced with great care to ensure quality, safety, and sustainability. I use a mix of locally grown and wildcrafted herbs (gathered from clean places in nature with respect for the environment), as well as herbs coming from trusted suppliers who specialize in high-quality, ethically sourced medicinal plants. The great majority of the herbs I use in practice are organically grown and sustainably harvested. This ensures that the remedies I prepare are both effective and safe for you, while also being kind to the earth.

Herbal remedies are typically not covered by most insurance plans, as they are considered alternative or complementary treatments. Some extended or private health insurance policies may cover visits to a qualified herbalist, depending on the provider and plan. It's best to check with your specific insurance company to see what’s included in your coverage.

Yes, many herbalists, including myself, do offer online consultations, which allows us to connect from anywhere and still provide personalized, holistic care. Through video or phone calls, I can assess your health needs just as I would in person and create a tailored herbal plan for you.

As for the herbs, I can either ship custom-formulated remedies or guide you to sourcing your own herbs locally. Shipping costs vary by location, but within North America are usually in the range of $20 to $25.