FAQ
Check out so our most frequently asked questions below!
I am not a doctor. I am a self taught herbalist and health educator. The ideas I discuss does not constitute medical advice. The things I share may or may not apply directly to you but they will provide you with information to think about and some ideas to research further.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
1. Understand the cause of your ailments; physical, emotional and spiritual.
2. Define a goal or purpose.
3. Surrender to your deepest wisdom and implement positive alternatives that may help.
4. Understand that our healing journey will be different from other people's journey.
5. Understand that our health is a reflection of ourselves, our environment, our experiences, our associates and our food.
6. Understand the positive aspect of sickness; it informs us of our resistance and our imbalances and it provides a focal point for discovering all the negative energies we've cultivated.
Plants can be powerful allies, when used responsibly.
Although most herbal preparations are safe and effective, it is important to note that there may be potential side effects (allergies) and individual results may vary. Creating a relationship with their vital energy plays a large role in the symbiotic partnership toward healing and physical well-being.
There is no way to know any particular body will react to any substance. When you are taking herbs, you are your own primary care giver and you must be vigilant of your own health. Consult with an herbalist or primary care provider and do your own research, so that you can become a knowledgable and compassionate caretaker of your own body.
Herbs contain thousands of chemical compounds that interact with the body in extremely complex ways.
Most herbs don't target specific biochemical reactions to create rapid changes. Instead, herbs work to bring the body back in to balance.
It is important to note the herbs WILL NOT make up for lack of sleep, dehydration or a diet filled with processed and refined foods.
As you continue on your healing journey, you may find that one modality (system of healing) may speak to you over the other.
No. I am not a doctor. I am a self taught herbalist and health educator. I am prohibited by law from offering any advice on taking herbs for a disease or to consume these herbs with any medications.
The ideas I discuss does not constitute medical advice. No state or federal authority licenses herbalists in the United States and this content is for educational purposes only.
Everyone's body is different and the things I talk about may or may not apply directly to you but they will give you information to think about and some ideas to research further.
I want to remind you that good health is your own personal responsibility.
The final decision in considering any course of therapy whether its discussed on the internet or prescribed by your physician, the decision is always yours.
Negative effects and imbalances can occur when cautions are not taken into consideration. Otherwise, herbs are safe and produce no side effects when used correctly.
Pregnancy + Children
Choosing to use herbs during pregnancy is a personal choice, but to ensure the best outcome for you and your baby, you should be well educated on the types of herbs, parts of the herb (root, leaf, etc.) and the way they could be used (capsule, tincture, tonic, tea, etc.).
Pregnant women should consult with an herbalist, mid wife or primary care provider before taking any herbal product.
When treating young children, only very mild herbs should be used such as catnip, lemon balm, chamomile and lavender. Be sure to test for allergies prior to administering any herbal product to children.
High Blood Pressure
Avoid herbs that constrict blood vessels and effect heart action such as licorice root, arnica, bitter orange, blue cohosh, dong quai, ephedra, ginkgo, ginseng, senna, St. John's wort, and yohimbine. Only small amounts of stimulating herbs should be use to help calm muscles and the nerves such as garlic and cayenne.
Visceral Effects
Some herbs can cause sensory effects when consumed. Cayenne, prickly ash bark, ginger will cause a warming feeling in the stomach and may induce sweating; cloves and kava will cause a numbing effect in the mouth; astringent herbs such as yarrow, rose, myrrh and bayberry bark will cause a tightening sensation; and laxatives' such as cascara sagrada and senna leaf may cause griping (intestinal cramping).
Tannins
Tannins are present in most herbs and are astringent. Barks are particular high in tannins, including, yellow dock, comfrey root, sarsaparilla and cascara sagrada (to name a few). Some herbs are also rich in tannins. Excess use of astringent teas have been found to cause the formation of cancerous cells due to their tannin-rich content. Use astringent teas as needed -- neutralize tannins by preparing with milk.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated volatile oils and can be irritating if they are not properly diluted. Applied topically without proper dilution, you may experience a burning sensation on the skin. Ingesting can cause severe toxic reactions.
Moderation
Some herbs should not be taken regularly as they may cause cumulative effects. For example, horsetail should not be taken regularly as it may irritate the kidneys. After treatment, take a long resting period before consuming again. Moderation should be considered with any herbal protocol.
Laxatives and Emetics
The use of laxatives and emetics are to induce either a bowel movement or vomiting and will cause lots of discomfort if used in large doses, by one who is already weak or over extended period of time. Laxatives and emetics reduces the body's energy.
Although most herbal preparations are safe and effective, it is important to note that there may be potential side effects (allergies) and individual results may vary. Creating a relationship with their vital energy plays a large role in the symbiotic partnership toward healing and physical well-being.
When you are taking herbs, you are your own primary care giver and you must be vigilant of your own health. Consult with an herbalist or primary care provider and do your own research, so that you can become a knowledgeable and compassionate caretaker of your own body.
Did you know there is more alcohol content in a ripe banana than there is in the average dose of a tincture made with 80 proof vodka (which is 60/20 water/alcohol per drop)?
If you are still concerned, you can simply put your dose into a cup of warm water to evaporate the minuscule amounts of alcohol.
The eye (iris), the “windows of the soul”, tells many stories. Not only does it enable us to bring images of the outsde world in, it also shows images of what is within to the outside. A mirror of the body.
The iris is connected to every organ and tissue by way of the brain and nervous system (both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are present in the iris. Nerve fibers in the iris respond to changes in body tissues by manifesting a physiological reflex/markings in the iris that corresponds to specific tissue changes and location.
Iridology does not diagnose instead, it reveals an individual’s strengths and weaknesses, inflammation, where it is located and in what stage it is manifesting. To be properly aware of our health level, we must know where our weak tissues are located.
If you are interested in learning more about your personal imbalances, I suggest getting an iridology reading.
Learn more here.
All teas are NOT created equally. And you may be consuming a cocktail of pesticides and toxins instead. We think buying organic is somehow protective but here are some things to consider when buying tea: May contain fluoride + pesticides: Many organic teas contain multiple pesticides, heavy metal residues and fluoride. Many teas are sprayed with pesticides and not washed, those toxins end up in your tea. Older leaves will have more toxins which are often used by many companies, since it is cheaper. Mold?: Tea leaves are susceptible to mold growth depending on how they are grown and stored. GMO tea bags: GMO, plastic and bleached paper tea bags are often used, even some teas marked ‘organic’; all of which leach out into the hot water and get absorbed by our body. “Natural” flavors - not so natural: Many teas, even organic, may contain "natural flavors" - who really knows where natural flavors come from? (Natural flavors are a whole another controversy.) How to avoid buying toxic tea: 1) Buy loose tea and brew your own from scratch.
2) Avoid tea from China.
3) Buy organic, GMO free tea from companies that report where their tea is grown and how it is harvested. (See below) 4) Check for added flavors or GMO ingredients. 5) Do not order tea while out at restaurants. 6) Expect higher amounts of toxins, pesticides, etc. if the tea is not organic.
** Best toxin-free grocery store teas: Numi Tea Buddha Tea Traditional Medicinals
** As of 7/27/2021