About Heather
I choose to practice as a clinical herbalist, and I have studied herbs for over 25 years. I am an active member of the American Herbalist’s Guild, and have taken courses with such notable figures in herbalism as Rosemary Gladstar, Rosalee de la Forêt, David Winston, David Hoffman, Juliet Blankespoor, Guido Mase, jim mcdonald, Leslie Alexander, Leslie Williams, Susun Weed, and Pam Montgomery. My bookshelves seem to grow every few months with new and interesting books that explore different aspects of herbal health care.
Although I’ve also studied clinical aromatherapy, I find myself drawn back to the use of whole herbs time and time again – partially
because of my concern for the overharvesting of critical plants to produce essential oils that are more often used for fragrance than for healing, and often without significant research to support many claims of multilevel marketing companies profiting from these complex, and very concentrated plant medicines. I do believe that there are benefits to proper use of essential oils, but they are often my last resort, except in a few cases when their quick action may be just what is needed.
My herbal philosophy is a simple one – stay as close to the real plant as you can, and eat or drink it if possible.
My background in nursing (I hold a B.S.N. in nursing from University of South Carolina, and a M.S. and Ph.D. in nursing science from Boston College), enables me to combine Western health care knowledge with traditional and contemporary herbalism, to create a holistic view of health and wellness.
My passions include supporting others to learn to integrate herbs into their daily lives by preparing meals that incorporate these wellness “powerhouses”. Providing the most evidence-based
information possible to my clients enables them to take control of their own health and well-being, and to make decisions that meet their personal needs and values. I’m truly blessed to walk with clients on their journey of health and well-being!
