An herbalist is a person who practices healing using plants, seeds, barks, flowers, roots, rhizomes, berries, and even mushrooms. Herbalists seek to address each person as a whole: mind (emotional), body (physical), and spirit. A physical illness may have been caused by years of emotional distress. Knowledgeable herbalists get to know their patients on a deep and personal level in order to understand how they got to where they are today.

There are many different kinds of herbalists. Some herbalists gain their knowledge as it's passed down from generation to generation. Others gain their knowledge from apprenticeships or school programs and tend to focus on teaching their communities about the power of herbs. There are also clinical herbalists who have more extensive training and work with clients on a regular basis in an office setting (whether that's virtual or in-person).

Just like there are different kinds of herbalists, there are also various kinds of traditional herbal studies. Some of them include Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and Western Herbalism and Energetics.

Lifestyle changes. Apart from prescribing herbs, your herbalist may ask you to make lifestyle changes such as dietary adjustments and adding exercise and meditation routines. Consider if you are ready or interested in making those changes.

Treating the Root Cause. Sometimes people will look for other forms of treatment after years of seeking help from medical professionals with little to no success. For some people, western medicine can often feel like they are just treating their symptoms rather than finding and treating the root cause of their disease or ailments. An herbalist treats the whole person addressing underlying causes and restoring balance.

Customized treatment. Herbal practitioners seek to customize herbs and lifestyle treatment protocols for each individual patient. In Western medicine, you may often see two different patients walk out of a consultation for depression with nervous agitation with the same medication. An herbalist takes a different approach. Although these two people might be experiencing similar symptoms, they will each be receiving a different protocol and set of herbs depending on their individual emotional and physical responses to their disharmony. 

Remember, there is no right or wrong answer to what kind of treatment you decide to choose. It is all about following your guidance system and ultimately feeling what is best for you.

Gina Kearney, RH (AHG), Clinical Herbalist, offers private consultations in-person and online. Herbs & Owls is located in the Alhambra Plaza, 725 N. Hwy A1A, D-103, Jupiter. For more information and appointments, call 561-768-9005 or visit HerbsandOwls.com.