I remember as a youth being in outdoor school we were supposed to create an emergency shelter out of the things in the forest we were staying. It was second nature to me and I seemed to know what to use, and how to put it together. I do not know where the gift I have comes from, but I do know it has stemmed over into the field of using herbs. I have been using them now for many years and from the beginning, I just seemed to know what ones to use, and how to put them together in ways beneficial to family and friends.
My hope is to have a place where people can come and find answers to their own health questions, and to learn what they can do to improve their health. I am very pleased to offer knowledge as well as herbal products. I have found it very pleasurable to be able to teach others how to find out what works for their body to create a better and healthier system. I also have found it very enjoyable to see people use my product and come back with a friend or two. That indicates to me what I do really works.
I am grateful for those people in my life who have been my testing ground over the years. My children tell me they have been my ginniepigs for as long as they can remember. Moreover, I do have to admit they have been a huge part of my support group. They have been patient, kind, and very willing to listen and try my product once I started making it. When they were young, I would fill them with herbal remedies for colds, coughs, and childhood ailments. They often complained about the taste but still took it with a brave face. They believed in me and that I knew what I was giving them was going to help them feel better. They still complain about the taste of my teas and tinctures but are still willing to take them. Therefore, I give great thanks to my son Cory and my daughter Tessa who have helped me pave this path.
Another part of my life I believe has helped me focus with intent and stay determined to follow this dream is my studying of martial arts. I have been in the martial art circle for a number of years now and have been even fortunate enough to go spend time in China at a Shaolin School for Kung Fu and Tai Chi. In studying tai chi I have learned how to calm down, focus, and listen. I believe this is what allows me to be in touch with how things go together in the other parts of my life, which includes the use of herbs. I have also been studying an obscure form of Indonesian martial arts by the name of Pencak Silat Serak for going on three years. I am still a beginner of this art for it takes many years of practice to gain proper understanding. I am very fortunate to have one of the best Silat Guru’s there are to train under. In learning more about silat, I am finding a better understanding of sensitivity and balance in my life. I can see where this aids me in the use of herbs just as tai chi does. For the more sensitivity I gain in my life, I seem to get a better feel for what is going to work together in the herbal department for different ailments and disorders.
