Posted on by tcbmed

Frequently Asked Questions

Certain pre-appointment questions come up more than others. Here’s a list of some of the more common ones.

Are you accepting new clients?

Yes, with some limits. The practice is at an ideal level of activity, however, in any given 1-2 week period I can usually take on a new client. But I am picky. What this means is, if I get the sense in the preliminary contact that my services are not going to be sufficiently valued, I’ll politely refer the individual to another practitioner. It’s better that way for both parties. My time is limited, so it’s best that I apply my attention to people who really what my assistance.  [Top]

How long will it take for me to see a difference with my situation?

As long as the situation is within herbal medicine’s scope and the correct herb or combination is given (correct being the operative word), one day to one week, depending on the situation. Nervous system, gastrointestinal, and skin-oriented conditions usually respond (not resolve, but begin to respond) within a day or two. Long-standing vascular, metabolic, reproductive, or inflammatory-immune issues often take longer. A general rule-of-thumb is: the longer the disfunction has existed, the greater the length of time needed to see herbal results. [Top]

I’m receiving care from other branches of medicine (or self-care), do you coordinate your recommendations?

Absolutely. Relatedly, an important question to ask about a therapy, whatever modality – is it helping? It may seem like an obvious comparison, but there’s a big difference between a supplement, herb, drug, or otherwise, helping, versus, supposing to help. I’m of the opinion that ‘less is more’; so if the job can get done with one or two approaches, rather than a half-dozen, then I’m all for streamlining. However, if the pharmaceutical, supplement, iv-drip therapy, etc. is having a net-beneficial effect, then I’ll be the first to say – stay the course. [Top]

I’m taking an herbal formula from another herbalist (or a store-bought herbal supplement) and it seems to be effective. Can you duplicate it and provide me with the same herbal formula?

As long as you come in for a consultation, which allows me to do my job properly, and the positive effects of the herbal formula are as described, then yes. [Top]

Note: in formula matching, knowing the herbal ratios (and the specific herbs) is important. Continuing to purchase the formula from the original source is optimal, but I’m assuming for whatever reason, that’s not an option.

I want my spouse/significant other/family member to come in for an appointment. Can I schedule it for him?

With the exception of someone who needs a parent or guardian throughout the scheduling and office visit process, the adult of concern, needs to personally put in the effort of scheduling an appointment. This demonstrates to me that they are sincerely interested and not being forced into an office visit. [Top]

I want to bring someone or a pet to the appointment. Possible?

Without getting into the reasons why a client wants to bring someone to the appointment, I can say with absolute certainty that having an extra person in the room during the consultation is not helpful. However, the extra person is welcome to say hi, then wait in the lobby. As far as pets (or “emotional support animals”)…they’re best left at home. Be strong….you can do this all by yourself! [Top]

What’s your opinion of medicinal-Marijuana?

Usually Cannabis’ several therapeutic benefits can be matched by much less risky herbal medicines. If the ‘high’ from medicinal-Marijuana is undesirable, but the spasmolytic, stomachic, or sedative effects are wanted, then most clients will find herbal medicine a better choice. [Top]

Are you a retail herb shop?

No. My services are consultation-based. I only sell herbs (mostly tailored formulas) to clients. [Top]

Do you formulate without alcohol?

If it’s called for/desired, then yes. Diabetics, children, pregnant women, and people with alcohol histories, are the main groups that usually ask for non-alcoholic preparations. [Top]

Do you email/phone/video chat consult?

No. Consultations need to be in-person. There’s no way to properly assess a client’s situation through these modes of communication. *I do make an exception for COVID related consultations. These are conducted by phone.*   [Top]

Do you make house calls?

As long as it’s in the Tucson-area, and the residence (or a room within the residence) is distraction-free, I’ll consider it. The consultation fee for a house call is $250 (pre-pay and no sliding scale for house-calls). [Top]

What forms of payment do you accept? Insurance?

Cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards. I do not accept insurance/Medicare/Etc. [Top]

Can I barter or trade for your services?

No. But I do have sliding scale. [Top]

What is your sliding scale policy?

It’s pretty simple – if paying the $120-$160 (initial consult with herbs) means a utility bill, the rent, or another essential payment gets put off – please ask for the sliding scale.

If paying the $120-$160 means that money doesn’t go into the mutual fund this month…be proud to pay the full price! [Top]

What is your therapeutic overlay? Western, eastern, metaphysical, etc.?

Critical thinking and the application of western scientific thought have done a pretty good job of lifting Mankind out of the Dark Ages. The application of these perspectives is likewise optimal in channeling herbal potential into herbal result.

One way to look at the material versus spiritualist application of herbal medicine is this:

Herbs contain physiologically active chemicals, usually in small amounts. Pharmaceuticals contain physiologically active chemicals, in larger amounts. No intelligent person wants a doctor to write a prescription based on dreams/dowsing/astrology/intuition. Like doctors, good herbalists think (thinking is different from feeling or intuition), are oriented towards rational problem solving, and do not use the subject to further their own psychological/emotional tendencies. It’s about the client; not the herbalist. [Top]

I’m a visiting herbalist/student and would like to pick your brain. Possible?

I’m always happy to meet with visiting herbalists/students (other modalities too). Contact me using the form (Contact page), and we’ll schedule a time for you to come in to the office (gratis). Please don’t show up unannounced – I’m either not going to be there or I’ll be with a client. Thanks! [Top]