In my training, I learned about the history of herbology and different systems of holistic thinking -- European/folk, Oriental, Ayurvedic, Hebrew, Christian, Pythagorean, American Indian, United States, Scientific, Biochemical, Intuitive, Clinical, and Medical Herbology systems -- I am able to practice a highly effective, integrated method of herbal medicine that combines the clinical and scientific method with the traditional, holistic, and energetic approaches.

Many psychotherapists understand the value of herbs. In the United States, the most well-known psychotherapist and herbalist is probably Stephen Harrod Buhner, award-winning author of over 10 books on herbal medicine, including Plant Spirit Healing, Sacred Plant Medicine, and The Lost Language of Plants.

During my education and experience with herbal medicine, I have learned the uses for more than 300 Eastern and Western herbs, including traditional folk uses of each herb plus modern scientific research documenting their therapeutic effectiveness and safety, and any potential side effects, contraindications, or drug interactions. A large portion of my 630 page book, Healing & Wholeness: Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Mental Health is devoted to discussing the use of herbal medicine and mental health.

The Art of Herbal Medicine

The practice of herbal medicine goes by many different names. Sometimes called herbology, botanical medicine or herbalism; in Europe, it’s referred to as phytotherapy. The therapeutic use of herbs is a practice that relies on the synergistic and curative properties of plants for their therapeutic or medicinal value.

Phytodrugs are mixtures of compounds extracted from one or more plants. Many phytoremedies have a wide range of benefits without the undesirable side effects of pharmaceutical drugs, and are therefore appropriate for long term use with chronic illnesses. For example, plant extracts from hypericum perforatum (commonly called St John's wort) are routinely used for treating mild to moderately severe depressive disorders.