$80/55 minute session, $40/ weekly workshop
*New clients are also eligible to purchase a 4-pack of follow up sessions for just $200, saving $120

Herbalism is the art and science of using botanicals to enhance health. Modern herbalism is based upon thousands of years of written history from diverse traditions as well as modern science. The American Herbalists’ Guild States, “the primary focus of the herbalist is to treat people as individuals irrespective of the disease or condition they have and to stimulate their innate healing power through the use of such interventions as herbs, diet and lifestyle.”

Working with an herbalist encompasses a complete mind, body, and spirit approach. The focus is always on how you are functioning as a whole person and in supporting you to be as healthy and whole as possible.

*Please note: An herbalist is not a medical doctor and is not licensed to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease.

Do herbs really work? Are they safe?
Herbs are both safe and effective when used properly. The efficacy of herbs has been shown through thousands of years of continuous use in Eastern and indigenous cultures and has also been robustly demonstrated in scientific literature. Getting good results from herbs depends upon choosing the right herbs for you, taking them at the proper dose, and ensuring that the products and preparations you choose are made correctly.

Herbs are also quite safe when used appropriately. Most commonly sold herbs have a better safety record than over-the-counter medications. While herbs are mostly very safe, not all herbs are right for all people at all times, and some do have toxicity (especially when taken inappropriately.) Working with a trained herbalist is a good way to ensure that your use of herbs will be safe and effective.

What is a session like?
Your first session will be an in-depth conversation and assessment with the herbalist which will allow you to understand the underlying patterns that are giving rise to any symptoms that you’re experiencing. An herbalist doesn’t diagnose diseases but instead looks at the whole picture of how you’re functioning in the world both physically and emotionally in order to determine your underlying constitutional tendencies and any imbalances that are occurring. You will fill out a health history form and talk with the herbalist about your lifestyle habits, how you’re feeling physically, and your emotional patterns. Then, the herbalist will observe physical signs of these patterns including looking at your tongue and feeling your pulse. You will go home with clear diet and lifestyle recommendations to begin to shift your body toward a state of health. Some clients will also start taking their herbs after the first session, while others will work with diet and lifestyle for a few weeks to prepare the way. In subsequent sessions, you will receive adjustments to your recommendations based on how your body is responding to the changes you are making.

How quickly will I see results?
Every case is different. Some health issues are easy to resolve with herbs and diet but long-standing patterns can take longer to resolve. At your first session you’ll talk with the herbalist about an expected time frame for your sessions and how long it should take before you can expect to see a change.

It’s important to remember that working with an herbalist is not like working with a doctor who gives herbs instead of drugs. An herbalist’s role is to empower you to take charge of your own health through education and empowerment, and an herbalist always works with the whole person rather than by focusing on a specific disease. Your willingness to take charge of your own health and implement health-giving changes in your life will determine your results.

Learn more about Melanie St. Ours, clinical herbalist here.