Christina’s Herbalism Journey
Plants have always played a role in my life, I have fond memories of grinding fresh herbs and spices on a daily basis as a child and using my mom’s herbal remedies when I was ill. My work and studies brought me close to plants as well and I received a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. As an adult, I continued to use herbs to maintain my own health and resolve serious health issues. And as a mother, I have been dedicated to using herbs, food therapy, and natural remedies as my family’s primary source of healthcare for the past twenty-one years.
In 2015, I took my first herbalism course with Joanna Helms RH of Mama Jo’s Sunshine Herbals in Indialantic, FL. Although I had been learning and using herbs and natural healthcare this was the first time I had learned about the history of herbal medicine in the United States. In this class, I also learned about the AHG, Michael and Leslie Tierra, and their pioneering work in the herbal world. I was introduced to beautiful systems of herbalism including TCM and Five Element Theory, Ayurveda, Western, and Native American plant medicine. I fell in love with learning about the energetics of plants and the history of use by different cultures. This course reconnected me with my own experiences with traditional forms of herbal healing that my mom had introduced me to as a child. It really opened my heart to what I wanted to do and I decided to pursue a new career path as an herbalist. My professional studies began eight years ago when I enrolled in the East-West Professional Herbalist Course offered by Michael Tierra. I completed the coursework and since then I have attended seminars and completed extensive training, and self-study in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic and Western Herbalism, herbal formulation, traditional therapies, food therapy, advanced assessment, and am currently involved in a professional mentorship program.
