Clinical Herbal Consultation & Advanced Nutritional Therapy

Medicinal herbs are made up of a symphony of chemical constituents or compounds that have been shown to work synergistically and have a certain intended reaction in our body, physiology and even emotions. When you ingest the herbs, the plant material is broken down by the body and assimilated. Certain herbs and constituents have an 'affinity' for different organ systems and others work more systemically. This knowledge is synthesized from clinical studies, both in the lab and with humans, empirical and ethnobotanical data and historical usage. 

However, herbal medicine is much more than this concise explanation. There are many levels to herbalism, but I think the most potent and strikingly different than conventional medicine is its aspiration and ability to not just address the symptoms but the root issues at the core of a problem. Through herbs, we are not just addressing a symptom, but we are supporting the body to heal and make greater systemic shifts in health and wellness.  

Herbs are a living medicine that has been used for hundreds and at times, thousands of years. These plants have evolved alongside of us, and we are part of their ecosystem.  Therefore, this is the one branch of health care that one can build a personal relationship with their medicine. 

I find herbalism and medicinal plants to be so elegant, because as a clinical herbalist I get to match people to the right herbs based not only on their presented symptoms and diagnosis received from their doctor, but also their energetic constitution and individual and family health histories, hopes, fears and goals that permeate their day-to-day life. 

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An herbal consultation will range between 1 1/2- 2 hours, during which we will address your health goals, needs and concerns. This can be done in person at my Ashland office or over zoom if that is easier for you. We will have plenty of time to discuss the details of your life. Together we will create a plan how to address the topics discussed. 

Within a week, I will reach out to discuss the formulation I have put together for you and gather your input. The week leading up to that correspondence, will include any research into the best herbs to address your needs. Also, at this time in depth pharmaceutical research will be completed if necessary to address any potential interactions. I will also put together a list of supplemental, nutritional, lifestyle recommendations and appropriate referrals. At that time, all of the information will be put into a comprehensive email for you. In this email, I will also be providing a brief summary of what the herbs in your formula are doing for you, specific to your health goals. There is no gatekeeping of information in this process, as I want you to develop an understanding and a relationship to the medicinal herbs that you will be taking, as you will find they will become your personal allies in your quest for optimum health and wellness. 

I prefer to start the initial installment of your herbal formulations in a 2-week trial period. If that works well for you, then we will continue with a month's supply. At that time, we will have a shorter (30-60minute) follow up session. We can make any necessary adjustments at that time. 

The most important aspect of this process to understand is that you are in the driver's seat. This process is all about collaboration at every step of the way. 

At CASCADIA ROOTED WELLNESS, I use only the best quality herbs as your medicine. I have a comprehensive herbal apothecary in office. The herbs used are either cultivated or sustainably collected by me or purchased from high quality bioregional herb distributors. 

What does high quality mean? I only purchase herbs to use as medicines that are organic, fair wild certified, and fair trade if applicable. Every single company I buy bulk or prepared herbs from is a B-Corp, meaning they are a company that meets certain social and environmental criteria, caring about their local community, employees, their environment and customers.

 When I look at my apothecary, I am not just seeing effective quality plant medicine, but I am seeing the labor that went into making the medicine and the people and their stories and ancestries that have been infused into that medicine. I see the local farmer who painstakingly grew each plant from seed and cared for it over a part of a growing season dealing with pest management, soil health and the challenges of climate change in an organic, regenerative way. I am seeing the wildcrafter who hiked through the mountains and woods to sustainably harvest the plant I can now provide you as medicine.   I am seeing the community who depends on this sustainable herb as a commodity for their livelihoods and ability to thrive. I am seeing the cultural legacies that value a plant as a living family member, a traditional medicine with cultural significance. The pricing and value of these medicines hold all these stories, challenges and aspirations. 

I will always work with you to make sure your specific formulation fits your lifestyle and budget, but please take into account the significance of the stories shared above. I truly want you to succeed. And if you would like to purchase your herbs elsewhere, I am happy to provide you with a list of sustainable high quality herb sources.