How Herbalism Found Me

If you listen closely, you will see everything that is meant for you is already there--- you just have to be willing to find it. 

Herbalism has become that for me. It was as though all signs were pointing in that direction. Even from the very start, I was surrounded by pieces of what my future might grow into. The way my beautiful grandmother plants a garden every single year on Mother's Day. Remembering the largest bushel of lilacs posted on the side of my grandparents' house. The way we would smell the scent in the air just driving up to the house on corner of the street -- It was euphoric as a child. 

Being introduced to lilacs may have been one of my first relationships with a plant. My grandparents' house was my home away from home. I was free to run and play outside, lay in the grass and climb the tree in the front yard. I would spend so much time smelling and picking the lilacs. They always made me feel so calm and excited to know spring was officially here!

Along with many experiences from when I was young, camping was a huge part of my growing up! My family loved the outdoors and we camped every year -- the energy of being outside and really connecting with nature. Huge rocks, beautiful hikes -- that's when I realized that everything was alive. It gave me energy and it felt like freedom. 

As you can see there are so many ways for herbalism to find you. This is because herbalism is the art of creating medicines from the earth that sustains us every single day. To know the connecting points of where nature has impacted you in your life and how you can add intention into the moment to honor that. 

As I was getting older, I was having new experiences that were genuinely changing my life. A few years into my moon cycle beginning I began to have debilitating pain. It started around the age of 14 and has continued ever since. Since then, it developed to more symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, lethargy, anxiety & depression. It wasn't until years later that herbalism found me again.

During the time right before the pandemic, I was working for a woman with cerebral palsy. That is when my whole world started to open up again, it was almost like it just made sense. She took me to seminars and events that were wellness and nature very centered. She was a certified herbalist and also had the most joyful spirit! My time with her was invaluable. That was the first time I had felt the power of herbal medicine. Like clockwork my cycle came but this time I was still on my shift and well let's just say cramps do not care where you are.  As the pain continued to increase my client's mother suggested I take a tincture made from yarrow. At that point I really had no idea what that meant. But I was willing to try anything. At that time not even over the counter would be any help. I took a few drops, not exactly sure how many. As I squirmed on the couch something me began to feel slightly lighter, there was a lifting energy. I was still in pain, but I felt an energy of hope. It felt so real that feeling of "this could be the way to the answers I was looking for". And at that point, an entire WORLD began to open up to me. Herbalism found me. 

So, if you are here today that means that herbalism has also found you in some way. Honestly, it's such a special feeling -- to understand that our relationship and connection to nature is also a deep connection with ourselves. Herbs are a beautiful medium and energy that can share their essence with us to support us on our journeys every single day. 

I would also consider myself to be an eclectic herbalist. I like to learn from different cultures and forms to know how many ancient traditions of plants as medicine show up in so many different parts of the world. It's amazing to learn from them and create a space that truly aligns with you. 

There is so much more to the story if you can believe it. This year, you can look forward to growing with me as I navigate different parts of my life and build the foundation that will completely create a life where I can live sustainably, abundantly, and be there for the community as a healer.