As an herbalist, I’m a little different. Because of my unique background and experiences, I specialize in helping those with complex and chronic issues, such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, or digestive issues. Some herbalists will meet with you to offer a few recommendations and suggest that you set up another appointment if you need it in the future. Many include a follow-up consultation in two weeks. If you are dealing with a complex and chronic issues this will simply not be enough to see results. This is one of the main reasons that people fail to find lasting success when using herbs for chronic conditions. (In case you’re curious, the other main reason is not taking large enough dosages.)

I meet with clients for a thorough initial evaluation. I communicate with clients regularly between appointments on a web portal. To be effective, herbal therapy needs to interactive. Over the few first weeks, we may increase or reduce herbs, or add or subtract from your protocol, depending how your body reacts. You body is unique and you may not react or respond the same way as others.

I’m very complimentary of modern medicine and the amazing diagnostic tools they have developed. They are generally not as effective in managing chronic conditions beyond merely managing symptoms. This is a shortcoming of their diagnostic structure. Conventional medicine is designed to work with a diagnosis. Without a recognizable medical problem, they don’t have anything to use their tools on.

Herbalism’s diagnostic framework considers symptoms and then looks deeper at the conditions which are causing or allowing them. It doesn’t need a specific diagnosis to be useful in helping you regain health.

I blend the science-based approach of Stephen Buhner and his research on stealth infections, with the energetics approach of jim mcdonald and his application of foundational herbal actions to create a healthy ecosystem within the body. In addition to the six tissues states (hot, cold, moist, dry, tense, lax), I look at systemic inflammation and gastrointestinal health. I also integrate a traditional Western Herbalism approach, when appropriate.