What is herbalism?
Broadly speaking, Herbalism is the therapeutic and medicinal use of plants. It integrates science, botany, chemistry, and the accumulated wisdom of folk traditions from all over the world. Birds, insects, and mammals are known to use plants as medicine, too. In fact, it’s likely that early humans learned it from them, not the other way around. Animals were the first herbalists!
What can herbalism do for your pet?
Traditional medicine can be a valuable adjunct to veterinary care. For instance, it can help recovery from surgery or traumatic injury, alleviate side effects from medication, or improve quality of life for elderly or chronically ill animals. It’s also a viable alternative if your pet’s condition isn’t responding to conventional medicine — or if the cost is beyond your reach. And, it offers natural, effective remedies for common issues like allergies, digestive problems, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and so on.
How does herbalism work?
Herbalism addresses the causes of illness, not just the symptoms. And because each individual is different, it doesn’t try to offer any one-size-fits-all fixes. Instead, an initial assessment takes into account everything that’s relevant to your pet’s health, personality, and circumstances. Next, specific herbal medicines, nutrition, and sometimes certain changes in routine are recommended. Plant medicine can take some time to be effective, so short follow-up appointments at intervals of about two months are usually suggested to check in on progress and make adjustments as needed.
Which pets can take herbal medicine?
House pets, farm animals, even wildlife – all animals can take herbal medicine in some form or another. If pregnant or lactating, they should so under close veterinary supervision.
About me
I am a certified clinical herbalist and a graduate of the Arbor Vitae School of Traditional Herbalism, an Associate Member of the American Herbalists Guild, and a member of Herbalists Without Borders. I work with both humans and animals.
My values
Deeply committed to conservation, I only use and recommend plants that are not endangered or at-risk. For human clients, I take the HAES (Health at Every Size) approach and prioritize finding what works for each individual. I welcome clients who are typically marginalized by the conventional healthcare system, particularly BIPOC, trans folks, and those without abundant material resources.
Rates
Initial consultation for animal clients costs $120, and includes a 30-45 minute intake, plus a written protocol with recommendations and detailed instructions. Follow-up appointments are briefer (approximately 15 minutes) and typically cost $50. In the event that extensive medical research or an entirely new protocol is requested, follow-up cost is $90.
Initial consultation for human clients costs $150, and includes a 60-90 minute intake, plus a written protocol with recommendations and detailed instructions. Follow-up appointments are briefer (approximately 15 minutes) and typically cost $50. In the event that extensive medical research or an entirely new protocol is requested, follow-up cost is $90.