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Herbalism as a Tool for Social Change

by Herb Geek on May 15, 2012

“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” -Albert Camus

Have you ever wanted to start a business but not had the financial resources to do so? Have you ever wanted to make a difference, but felt the motivation leave you just as quickly as it arrived? Have you ever felt an urge to mobilize your community but felt overwhelmed by obstacles and limitations? Well then sit down with your favorite cup of tea, and get ready for your daily dose of inspiration: meet Jacoby Ballard of Third Root Health Center - health visionary, agent for social change, and all round darn good person.

You might think that starting a health clinic from scratch would be a daunting task – one that requires affluent medical professionals with a keen business acumen or seasoned practitioners with an extensive clientele. Well, think again. [click to continue…]

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Five Ways MLM is Giving Herbal Medicine a Bad Name

by Herb Geek on May 4, 2012

I’m going to come right out and say it: I’m not a fan of Multi Level Marketing (MLM). It’s not just that I’m not a fan of it – it’s that I think it’s completely unethical when it comes to the promotion of health products, and quite frankly detrimental to the future of herbal medicine. If there was ever a debate about the ethics of herbal medicine, MLM would be my nemesis.

So what the heck is MLM? [click to continue…]

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Book Review: Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy

by Herb Geek on March 3, 2012

The publication of this book in 2000 was a real game changer for North American herbal medicine – finally there was a manual for science-based herbal therapeutics; one which took into account and respected traditional approaches to healing, and one which brought western herbal therapeutics to the forefront of alternative healing modalities. Shortly after the publication of this book, co-author Simon Mills partnered up with Tai Sophia Institute to create North America’s very first graduate degree program in herbal medicine – a Masters of Science no less!

Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy is like herb school in a book. [click to continue…]

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Teahouses and Jimjilbangs

by Herb Geek on February 21, 2012

A few years ago I spent a year teaching English in South Korea. I had just completed my BSc, spent an additional year snowboarding in Vermont, and then finally came to terms with the fact that my 7 year stint in the US was coming to a close. Was it time for me to return to Canada and “settle down?” Almost. There’s always time for one more adventure…

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Book Review: A Modern Herbal

February 16, 2012

I thought I’d start off the Herb Geek bookshelf with a tried and true classic: A Modern Herbal Volume 1, A-H and Volume 2: I-Z by Mrs. M. Grieve.  This comprehensive two volume book set is an absolute staple for every herbalist’s library. First published in 1931, much of this information was compiled during the 20th [...]

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Pax Herbals: A Portrait of an Integrated Herbal Hospital

February 9, 2012

Every once in awhile a beautiful initiative comes along with the power to change the course of things. And so it is with this innovative Nigerian health care facility that is bridging the divide between allopathic and herbal medicine, and setting a powerful precedent for the true potential of integrative medicine. As the paradigm shift in [...]

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Revolutionary Herbalism

January 25, 2012

I’m going to be honest with you. There’s an area of herbalism that literally keeps me awake at night. It’s the reason why I’ve resisted opening my own practice; the reason why I’ve been reluctant to market my own products; and the reason why I’ve hesitated before becoming an entrepreneur. This area of herbalism is [...]

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Wherever you go, the path is beneath your feet

January 10, 2012

The path of an herbalist is certainly not straight. It can take you on numerous twists and turns; bring you deep into unchartered territory; and leave you feeling like you’ve ventured so far off course that you might not be able to find your way back. I’ve always had a preconceived notion of what my [...]

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New Year Smudges

December 30, 2011

As we shed the layers of this last year and let go of unwanted thoughts and behaviors, we can greatly benefit from a ceremonial cleanse to help open our minds and hearts to the possibilities ahead. Herbal smudges are a cathartic way to breathe new life into our spiritual beings, and rid ourselves of old [...]

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W(re)ath-localizing for the Holidays

December 9, 2011

This is the time of year where I usually stroll through the local markets admiring the hand-made evergreen wreaths and fresh pine garlands, and debating whether or not I can justify spending $50 on a fresh wreath that will become a lovely addition to my compost heap in about a month. More often than not [...]

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