What is clinical herbalism?

The practice of using plants to support overall health and well-being by providing knowledgeable, personalized, holistic care. It combines traditional herbal knowledge with modern scientific understanding. Clinical herbalists typically have extensive education in areas such as the history of herbalism, botany, herbal sciences, formulation, clinical assessment, and the potential for herb-drug interactions. Instead of general advice, clinical herbalists provide tailored guidance specifically tailored to an individual's unique needs and health goals. A clinical herbalist does not diagnose or cure diseases. 

 

What is clinical aromatherapy?

Clinical aromatherapy is the targeted use of high-quality essential oils for specific, measurable outcomes. It considers the whole person, integrating physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual needs to provide balanced care. Master or registered aromatherapists are trained specialists who use plant-derived essential oils and hydrosols to produce safe therapeutic effects. Clinical aromatherapy is increasingly used in hospitals, hospices, and other therapeutic settings as a complementary intervention.  Methods of application include inhalation through diffusers and topical application via infused oils and salves. A clinical aromatherapist does not diagnose or cure diseases.

 

How’s working with an herbalist and aromatherapist different than purchasing herbs and essential oils over the counter?

Working with a trained herbalist or aromatherapist provides personalized, holistic care, including health assessments and customized plans with specific dosages and formulations tailored to your life stage and constitution. Purchasing products over the counter carries the risk of counterfeit or misidentified products or incorrect use. An herbalist or aromatherapist's expertise ensures safe, effective use of botanicals by understanding your unique needs, possible interactions, and the chemistry of the plants and oils. 

 

How do botanicals work?

Botanical therapies work in the body through the pharmacological effects of their bioactive plant compounds, often called phytochemicals. Unlike many conventional drugs, which contain a single active ingredient, botanical remedies frequently contain hundreds of compounds that act on the body through diverse, sometimes synergistic mechanisms. Learning how to safely incorporate herbs, essential oils, supplements, nutrients, nourishing foods, and lifestyle practices into your daily routine is necessary for overall holistic health. Herbs and essential oils are not magical solutions to all your life's ailments. In fact, when it comes to being well, it is an integrated  journey that takes effort, but is always worth it! You should be prepared to possibly make some lifestyle changes to achieve your ultimate wellness goals.

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Are botanicals safe?

Botanical therapies can be safe but may pose risks, such as interactions with medications, contamination, or toxicity, so they are not inherently safe for everyone or all conditions. Reactions and effectiveness differ from person to person; the most common reaction is a mild allergic reaction. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using botanical products, especially if you have existing health conditions or are pregnant, breastfeeding, or being treated for a serious condition like cancer. 

 

Can I use botanicals if I am on pharmaceuticals?

Always consult your licensed medical healthcare providers first. This is the most critical step. Botanicals are biologically active compounds that can interact with drugs in the body, often through mechanisms similar to those of drug-drug interactions. These interactions can be pharmacokinetic (affecting how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, or excretes a drug) or pharmacodynamic (affecting the drug's action on the body). Discuss all botanicals, vitamins, and supplements you are considering with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not assume "Natural" is safe. Understand that botanicals are pharmacologically active and can be just as potent as pharmaceuticals.

 

Can I use botanicals while pregnant or nursing? 

You should always consult a healthcare provider before taking anything while pregnant or nursing, as many of the active bioactive constituents in plants or supplemtns can pass into breast milk and through the placenta and affect your baby, despite being natural. While common food herbs, such as basil, are generally safe in recipes in moderation, potent herbal supplements and teas require caution, and many herbs have not been studied for safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

 

Can I use botanicals if I am being treated for cancer? 

It is crucial to consult your oncology team before using any botanicals (herbal supplements, essential oils, teas, etc.) or any other type of supplements if you are being treated for cancer. While some may offer supportive benefits, many can pose significant risks by interacting with conventional cancer treatments, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing toxicity. 

 

How do I store herbs and essential oil blends? 

To ensure the longevity and potency of your blended essential oils, store them in dark glass bottles away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Properly storing herbs and essential oil blends is crucial for preserving their potency and shelf life. The key is to protect them from the primary factors that cause degradation: light, heat, moisture, and oxygen.

 

What happens during a consultation?

During a consultation, the practitioner gathers extensive information about your health, lifestyle, diet, and any health concerns The practitioner then partners with you to assist you in reaching your individual health goals. Custom formulas, teas, tinctures, oil blends, etc., may be recommended along with lifestyle and nutritional information, and offer follow up appointments to monitor progress. During the 15 minute meet & greet appointmnt, we'll spend the time learning a bit about each other and give you the opportunity to have any questions answered you may have.