I’m often asked — “What herb is good for anxiety?” or “What do you recommend for bloating or heavy periods?” And while these questions come from a place of care, they reflect a more allopathic mindset — one symptom, one solution, one pill fits all.
But herbal medicine doesn’t work like that.
Plants are not just chemistry — they are spirit, energy, and ancient wisdom. They carry stories, personalities, and subtleties. To truly work with them, we must listen — not just with our ears, but with our full presence.
There may be many herbs that support the same symptom — so how do I choose? I feel into the person in front of me. I listen to their body, their energy, their story. I would never give a warming herb to someone already burning from within. Or a bitter one to someone who is cold and deeply tired. I wouldn’t offer something stimulating to a nervous system that’s already on edge.
Herbs must be matched to the whole being — not just the label or the symptom. When used with reverence and understanding, they can work wonders. When used like pills, they lose their magic… and sometimes, they can even do harm.
True herbalism is a conversation — between the plant, the body, and the soul.
And the real medicine? It begins when we stop chasing the symptom… and start listening for the root.
I’m deeply grateful for the gentle wisdom of our plant allies, guiding me tenderly through the ebb and flow of life. I never invite more than three plants into my practice at once — it keeps the connection sacred, intimate, and clear.
I welcome their presence with curiosity and reverence. As herbalists, we don’t choose the plants — they find us. We are simply vessels, listening and translating the subtle messages of the green world.