Frequently Asked Questions: 

What does an herbal consultation entail?

A consultation will include two parts. The first part allows for an in depth gathering of information regarding one's health and lifestyle. The second half will be followed by a presented herbal protocol providing commentary on what areas to focus your health goals, with suggestions of herbs or supplements to take. If needed, individualized herbal remedies will be formulated. The herbs included in the formula will be for an additional charge on top of the consultation fee.

Is herbal medicine safe?

Herbals have a longstanding safety record in historical applications and are predominantly safe with rare occasion for negative side effects when used appropriately. It is your responsibility to report current medical conditions, medications, and dietary supplements used to this herbalist while in partnership.

What is a tincture?

Tinctures are liquid extracts made from herbs. They are usually extracted in alcohol, but they can also be extracted in vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar (non-alcohol). Because they are taken directly under the tongue, they enter the bloodstream more directly. This means that the action in the body is usually quicker.

Tinctures are usually taken by the dropperful (also known as 1ml). A dropperful is the amount of liquid that fills the glass tube of the dropper when the bulb on the dropper top is squeezed. The liquid may fill the glass tube only a small portion of the way, but that is considered a "dropperful". A dropperful equals approximately 30 drops.

An herbal tea is a water extract of the medicine inside of a plant. Herbal teas are less in concentration than an herbal infusion or decoction.

Making an herbal infusion or decoction is a bit different than making a cup of tea. An infusion or decoction allows the herbs to loosely float within the water and not be secured within a tea bag. This allows for the plant material to be fully exposed to the water which extracts more medicinal qualities. Secondly, in order to receive the nutrients and the medicinal value from the herbs, they must be used in greater concentration and steeped or simmered much longer.

One of my herbal teachers, Brittany, shares a short tutorial on how to prepare an herbal infusion: https://youtu.be/jQe2BHqUZKM

 Brittany, does a lovely job in this short tutorial on how to prepare an herbal decoction: https://youtu.be/P3_kqNXZ0lM