The effective application of herbal medicine

…is a somewhat nuanced affair, with the understanding of just what is achievable being of no small importance. Succinctly, well-applied herbal medicine best addresses functional complaints, i.e., problems that are dependent upon stress, poor diet and lifestyle choices, and/or genetic tendency amplified by environmental conditions or age. In other words: low to mid-level complaints.

Another good candidate for herbal medicine is the individual who has tried conventional medicine (or over-the-counter), but then stopped because the side effects had become worse than the original problem.

Inversely, severe disease (and issues that are dependent upon circumstances that are not/can not be changed) usually responds poorly herbal application. In addition, individuals whom are taking several (or more) pharmaceuticals usually find the addition of herbs to be ineffectual or confusing to an already highly manipulated physiological state.

In a nutshell – herbal medicine best works before the body breaks…and relatedly, conventional medicine best works after things have broken.

Specifically, I do not consult on cancer (though I am happy to provide supportive approaches while following conventional treatment), ailments that are well-controlled/addressed with conventional medicines, and any injury that emergency care best addresses.

In addition to these poorly-addressed-with-herbal-medicine health situations, I am not a counselor or life coach, so individuals whom desire specific non-physical guidance should look elsewhere, though the psychosomatic dynamic of some illness is undeniable.

What to expect

Consultations are comprised of verbal interview. In addition, some non-intrusive physical observation may be performed: observing the skin, hair, eyes, nails, tongue, and/or pulse for example.

I use this time (and behind-the-scenes research) to determine the most effective herbal combination (and sometimes additional supplements) that addresses both the underlying constitutional-genetic pattern (if one exists) and its outward manifestation.

Most of the internal herbs I dispense are alcohol-based (tinctures and fluidextracts), though for uncomplicated issues herbal teas often suffice. For individuals with alcohol sensitivities-aversions-contraindications, I do formulate without (or very low) alcohol using glycerites, vinegars (acidum tinctures), or solid extracts. Be sure to communicate your preference to me during the consultation.

Cost and payment options

Initial consultations are between 40 to 60 minutes in length, with 45 minutes being the average. They are $150. Follow-up consultations (15-30 minutes) are $75. The majority of suggested herbs I personally dispense, in the classic forms: tincture, tea, salve, etc. These are priced slightly less than on-line/health food store prices. On occasion I’ll suggest supplements that I don’t stock. These are best purchased on-line or locally (Natural Grocers, Whole Foods, etc.).

The total cost of an initial consult with herbs usually ranges between $170-$200.

I accept cash, checks, and credit cards. I do not accept insurance/Medicare. I do have a sliding scale.