A Renegade Cowgirl

After completing a Beginners Herbalism Class last Spring I couldn't believe how much I’ve learned about medicinal plants. 

When I enrolled, I wanted to learn more about Herbalism by taking this short 6 week beginners class. It wasn't such a stretch financially, or time-wise either. I had some time off with my seasonal job, so it worked out perfect.

At that time I never really thought I'd enroll in the Master Program. It was much more expensive, and come summer, I thought I wouldn't have the time. But upon completing the beginner assignments, I was really thinking this was something I'd like to do. As it was winter, I had the time, but didn’t have the funds. Same old story.

After talking with the instructor and sending my resume with some previous classes and experience, she agreed to work with me on a payment plan, along with a huge amount of Work Study. I also received credit for some of my previous certifications. I’m so grateful she helped make it possible for me to join this class.

The research has been quite exciting and I even find myself dreaming about which plant to discover next. I sometimes get a little ahead of myself and my thoughts come faster than I can do all the research. That’s the time to take a break and quietly focus on one plant.                   

I’m pretty self-motivated, and studying at home has been the most peaceful and natural setting for me.

The Lessons have been quite comprehensive and presented in an easy to follow format. I took notes on everything and can refer back to them for my Materia Medica research, Clinicals, Gardening, Harvesting, etc.

I also get real ‘hands on’ with my teacher and classmates, as we meet at least once a month for our Seminars. The picture to the left (All Heal) was taken at a Seminar in northern Wisconsin Last summer. I love having a balance of 'hands on', lectures & meetings, as well as home study, research, and herbal medicine making.

What I thought was a strong background in herbs and aromatherapy, proved I was just scratching the surface of a more extensive study.

I enjoy learning about plants and their botanical names, the Folklore, and Historical origins. Completing the Materia Medica on botanicals is a great study and fun to learn.

I have been drawn more to work with animals, as I have quite a few volunteers here at home. I've got my mare on an herbal protocol for Cushing’s Disease, which Veterinarians and mainstream medical doctors have said there is ‘no cure'; only an expensive 'drug treatment' with no positive outcome anyway. We’ve had some success so far, and I’m still researching other herbs to try. I’ve found Chaste tree Berry to be the #1 Herb to use!

I worked with my dog, Horus, using herbs for recurring ear infections and also an ongoing tick related problem with success this year. I have also helped some other cats and dogs in my community as well. 

  I use our local vet for vaccinations, surgeries, Coggins Test, emergencies and persistent health conditions. Vets seem curious about my herbal studies and are intersted in my successes as well. 

Animals really do make the best patients.

This has got to be my niche!