What is an Herbalist?

What to Expect of an Herbal Consultation?

My Wellness  Philosophy

What is an herbalist? There are many different answers to that question. Herbal remedies have been one tool utilized by healers since the early days of humanity when we first gathered the plants we saw animals foraging when they were ill. This traditional practice is based on millennia of observational science involving trial-and-error experimentation. Modern scientific research into the efficacy of these remedies has led to a new wellness professional in the form of the clinical herbalist. A clinical herbalist is a modern professional, knowledgeable of therapeutic herbal constituents and the health enhancing effects these phytochemicals have on the human body. They have learned methods of herbal preparation and are aware of the safe and efficacious use of these preparations. Clinical herbalists do not diagnose disease or prescribe cures; although specific botanicals we suggest may support your body's innate immune function or sooth you when you are ill. In my work as a clinical herbalist, I offer herbal education and help individuals to develop lifestyle plans which support the innate healing mechanisms of the human body. Individuals sometimes start from an unhealthy state or may be interested in maintaining their wellness. I believe that with the help of a well-designed holistic lifestyle plan and proper implementation, most people will see an improvement in their overall health and well-being. "Nature is doing her best each moment to make us well. She exists for no other end. Do not resist. With the least inclination to be well we should not be sick." ~Henry David Thoreau
Stephany Hoffelt Iowa City Herbalist
As a clinical herbalist, I provide herbal consultations, by appointment only, in the Iowa City area. What to expect at a consultation? Once you express interest in a consultation, I will send you an intake form and a copy of my informed consent form. Fill out the intake, return it to me and then I will call you to schedule an appointment. This is not a short intake form. The fact is that you are going to have to work for your wellness. You might as well get a taste of that from the start. During our consultation, you and I will go over your intake form and look for patterns that might emerge. We will chat about some ways to break free of patterns which you may have established that are not health-promoting. Do you want to make lifestyle changes? Do you need to establish a self-care plan? Do you understand how the stress in your life impacts your wellness? Are there plant preparations that would enhance your well-being? More importantly-will these preparations interact negatively with any pharmaceutical prescriptions you might be taking? We will brainstorm solutions that work for you and compile them into your own unique "self-care bucket list" that will help you to achieve well-being and health. It is my goal to educate you as to how plants can contribute to your progress, and help you connect to additional resources which will enable you to achieve your wellness goals. I will be accessible to you through e-mails, during my office hours, to help support you through the process and answer any questions you have; providing additional information when appropriate.

 

Herbal Preparation in Iowa City
What is health? True physical, emotional and social well-being goes so far beyond the word “health”, as most people think of it, that I sometimes hesitate to use the term. The conventional healthcare establishment has contributed to the idea that there is always a “little white pill” to any health problem. As the incidence of chronic illnesses begin to rise, we have to question that reality. There are substantial changes that need to be made in our society, the implementation of which go beyond my work as an herbalist. Your personal well-being is dramatically impacted by the following factors: Nutrition You have to eat the right foods in order to be healthy. No amount of acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal preparations or massage therapy is going to help you feel better if you are not getting the micro and macro-nutrients your body needs to function properly and repair itself. I personally don't care what you eat, or don't eat, to get these nutrients. I have no personal "diet dogma" other than moderation and avoiding processed foods. Plants are the most important factor in a healthy diet. I can teach you ways to incorporate more nutrients into your diet with herbs. Lifestyle Most people who walk in my door, have no established self-care plan. If you are not exercising, getting enough sleep or meeting your emotional needs, you can’t achieve wellness. Connection Health is greatly influenced by how you choose to interact with your environment. Being in community with others can actually improve your physical well-being. Complementary Measures While I certainly encourage the use of other modalities people turn to improve their health-- such as herbal preparations, routine bodywork or energy work— their efficacy is best when utilized in conjunction with addressing the topics above in a lifestyle plan.
Stephany Hoffelt Iowa City Herbalist