44. What is Functional Herbalism?

There are a lot of terms used to describe what natural health practitioners offer for services, including “natural health”! Alternative, complementary, holistic… and then there is functional.The slogan for Laurel Tree Wellness is Functional Herbalism for Whole Health. Why functional?In today’s episode, I share some of the backstory behind my business that I’ve never shared on the podcast before, which gives context as to why I felt the term functional best describes what I offer.I also cover all the characteristics and features that I feel have learned and believe are important for a functional provider. If you are a student of natural health, or looking for a natural health provider, you may be especially interested in tuning in. Would you like to share your thoughts after listening to this episode? I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email at [email protected].••••••••••••Don’t forget to sign up for The Herbal Collective before the podcast reaches its end! The education will continue in the collective with weekly get togethers, monthly live classes, downloads, and exclusive video content. Don’t miss out! It’s a fantastic educational opportunity for just $9 a month!Learn about The Herbal Collective by visiting www.laureltreewellnessllc.com.

We generally think of hives when it comes to contact allergies - you use a soap and get a rash, you get bit by a mosquito and get a rash, or maybe something really stressful happens and you get a rash. But what if the rash doesn’t go away?For some folks, coming down with hives is a temporary irritation, but when it persists long after the initial trigger, it can be downright degrading to one’s mental health and quality of life. In today’s episode, I share what I have learned about chronic hives, based on my personal and professional experience. I share with you what is happening in the body when this rash doesn’t go away, what standard treatment involves, and whether or not you turn to standard treatment, how you can support your body naturally in returning to health.••••••••••••Don’t forget to sign up for The Herbal Collective before the podcast reaches its end! The education will continue in the collective with weekly get togethers, monthly live classes, downloads, and exclusive video content. Don’t miss out! It’s a fantastic educational opportunity for just $9 a month!Learn about The Herbal Collective by visiting www.laureltreewellnessllc.com.Thank you for being here!

Many folks who are interested in gardening and home herbalism are also interested in prepping - the lifestyle where a person or family makes preparations for a variety of emergency situations with skill building, strategic planning, and resource development. In today’s episode, I am joined by fellow Christian herbalist and longtime prepper, Natashia Atkinson. Natashia graciously shared her story about what prepping means to her family, how this lifestyle became a natural part of her family’s healthcare, and advice for those interested, and perhaps overwhelmed, by the idea of prepping. Of course, we also share a unique twist by focusing on health and herbalism, but one of my favorite parts of this episode is all the tidbits of wisdom that came from Natashia’s heart, and which I know will encourage and bless you. You can learn more about Natashia on her Substack www.momwithanherb.substack.com.You can learn more about working with Naomi and Natashia by visiting www.laureltreewellnessllc.com or emailing [email protected] for listening!

One in eight Americans experience at least one type of herpes virus, but it’s one of those things we tend to keep hush hush because of its association with sexuality. Because it’s one of those things that make people fall between the cracks of our medical system, and because I have had good experiences helping clients reduce frequency and severity of flares, I wanted to make sure that this subject made it into the final lineup for the podcast.That’s right! We have just a handful of episodes left! But the education can continue! Join The Herbal Collective by visiting www.laureltreewellnessllc.com/classes. I hope to see you there.

We frequently refer to metabolism as related to weight management, but in reality, metabolism is how our body stays alive!Metabolic function is one of the key areas I specialize in; helping clients with things like hypertension, insulin resistance, and fatty liver. To address these concerns and reduce related symptoms, understanding the story behind metabolism is essential. In today’s episode, I share the biology and pathology associated with metabolism, and offer nutritional, lifestyle, and herbal remedies that can help you get back on track.Please share this episode with someone you know who would be blessed by it! And don’t forget to sign up for The Herbal Collective before we say goodbye on the podcast. In the Collective, we can see each other every week, live classes will be released monthly, and there are PILES of educational resources for your enjoyment. www.laureltreewellnessllc.com/classes. See you there!

Traditional health modals have long associated emotions with specific organs in our body. Common phrases like, “she wears her heart on her sleeve,” or “he aired his grievances,” or “they’re Lily-livered” all connect emotions to the organs. But how does that work? And how does this impact our health choices?Joining me today is clinical herbalist April Martin, a graduate of Medicine Lodge Academy and my mentorship program, and a licensed massage therapist. She shares her personal and professional experience, as well as the science behind the connections between body and soul, the interconnectedness of emotions and health, the language we use to communicate emotion, and lots of practical, simple tools you can start using right away to gain agency in our life experiences.This was such a great conversation, and I know it will bless you!Technical note: At about minute 16, you’ll hear a jump - we had a temporary technical issue, but the content is intact!April offers the following book recommendations for your ongoing learning:​Heal Your Body by Louise L. Hay​Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza​The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. ​Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer ​Loving What Is by Byron Katie ​Mirrors in The Earth by Asia Suler To learn more about April Martin, visit her website at https://passaddhimassage.amtamembers.comThanks for listening!

This episode was requested by listener, Rio. Thank you! Remember, you can request a topic by emailing Naomi at [email protected] are fatty growths, usually under the skin. While generally harmless, they can be uncomfortable and leave a person feeling self-conscious. In today’s episode, I share some of the reasons lipomas develop, and what traditional and modern tools we have that can help to shrink them. Don’t forget to sign up for The Herbal Collective before the podcast is gone! Visit www.laureltreewellnessllc.com to learn more.

Last week’s episode was so good! Have you listened to it yet?! If not, stop where you are and go back to listen to it. In part one of the panel discussion with Christian Herbalists Mindy Capello, Angelica Benoit, and Natashia Atkinson, we talked about the moral dilemmas common to Christians as they navigate the world of herbalism today, including working with homeopathy and talking to plants. Plus we talked about how to find a Christian herbalist, and how to work with someone who has a different worldview.In today’s episode, we continue the discussion with topics including medical astrology, flower essences, muscle testing, cannabis, and more! These fascinating talking points were fun to cover as a group. Remember that our purpose is not convince anyone of what they should or should not practice, rather we are sharing our personal experiences and perspectives, which we hope will help you to clarify your own, or introduce you to new topics to explore, research, and pray about!If you would like to ask one of our panelists a question or offer feedback, feel free to message us by emailing [email protected] or use the following contact info to reach a specific person. Thank you so much for tuning in!Naomi Kilbrethwww.laureltreewellnessllc.comMindy Capellowww.herbaremedium.comNatashia Atkinsonwww.momwithanherb.substack.comAngelica BenoitFacebook group, Herbalism Explained

As more and more Christians return to herbalism as a way of promoting health, theological questions often arise. What do we think about herbs, and talking to plants, homeopathy, flower essences, and all the other fields of herbal practice, or tools that herbalists use?To help me share about and explore the morals of herbal medicine, I am joined by Christian herbalists Mindy Capello, Angelica Benoit, and Natashia Atkinson, whose opinions I value greatly.This was such an in-depth discussion, so I decided to split it into two parts to be released over the next week. After listening to today’s episode, please check out the following resources and email any questions or thoughts to [email protected] you for listening!!Naomi Kilbrethwww.laureltreewellnessllc.comMindy Capellowww.herbaremedium.comNatashia Atkinsonwww.momwithanherb.substack.comAngelica BenoitFacebook group, Herbalism ExplainedResources you may enjoy​Vitalism: The History of Herbalism, Homeopathy, and Flower Essences by Matthew Wood​The Biblio Diet by Jordan Rubin – shares recipes for teas made from fruit tree leaves, based on Revelation 22:2​Holy Herbs, Modern Connections to Ancient Plants by Sudhir Ahluwalia​Christian Herbal Medicine, the History and Practice by Judson Carroll​www.christianherbalistguild.org - recordings of their conferences are available for purchase or free with membership and they include teachings by Judson Carroll and Vas Avramidis about the history of herbalism from a Christian perspective

Listen in on this encouraging and enlightening conversation with herbalist KhadiYah Preciado, owner of Yah's Apothecary. Many of my listeners and clients experience chronic health issues and knowing where to start on the healing journey can be a big challenge! KhadiYah breaks down the method she uses when working with clients, and which she teaches her students.Learn what each of the seven layers entails, simple steps you have within your control to take for yourself, how herbs can be integrated into each of these seven layers, and where you can turn for additional guidance. I know you will be inspired and encouraged by KhadiYah, her testimony, and her work!KhadiYah is a passionate author, herbal teacher, and mother dedicated to empowering others to reconnect with nature’s healing power through African-centered and biblically aligned herbalism. As the founder of Yah’s Apothecary, she combines her professional expertise with personalexperience to empower others to heal their bodies, nurture their families, and build thriving herbal businesses. When she’s not teaching or blending remedies, she homeschools her children, cultivates her herbal garden, and mentors women who want to reclaim their health and their purpose.Please check out her website and videos and follow her on socials - she'll be a great one to have pop up in your feed!Website: http://www.yahsapothecary.comInterviews: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWOa8rFEvmxKlDhG8xrld-noUZfApgbXJYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/herhealthyhomeIG https://www.instagram.com/khadiyahpreciado/FB: https://www.facebook.com/khadiyahpreciado