"Is it like a naturopath?" I have been asked that many times over 20 years, and I used to say "yes, sort of" but the answer is actually no. Herbalists are more like trained, skilled nutritionists, who will use herbal plant medicines when necessary. We follow the thinking of Hippocrates: "Let food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be thy food"

What do you do?

In the West, culturally we do not seek help with things until we reach a crises point. We will tend to our health when it "breaks', but not beforehand. This presents a bit of an issue with the nature of herbal medicine because it is meant to be preventative, works over long periods of time, and is meant to be apart of your lifestyle. We are wired to think of herbs as we do effector drugs, in that we want what will target and fix the problem- they do work like that but it is not the long-term purpose or goal. An herbal formula and lifestyle plan is meant to work for a set time, so that the change is made. There is a beginning, middle and end, and if the herbs, food, lifestyle changes haven't worked, then we need to reassess and refer elsewhere or come up with something else.

Spiritual context

I am Christian, and so I view each individual as one who is made in Gods image. I view this world, and the plants as made by Him and apart of His glorious creation. In my submission to the Lord Jesus Christ, I seek His guidance, blessing in prayer for a persons treatment, pray for their health and yield to His sovereign will and as His servant.