I have been approached by many people wanting to know how I became interested in herbalism which is the study of using plants as medicine. My answer is simply because I love everything about plants.  There was also a time in my life where I needed another way of healing that modern medicine could not help me with.  Sometimes, we just need to let our body heal itself rather than pay thousands of dollars for an invasive procedure or pay hundreds of dollars for drugs to cover up the symptoms.  I believe in the healing capabilities of herbs, and I have seen their benefits over the years.  I am often asked the question, what is an herbalist?  An herbalist works with plants to make medicine and creates herbal preparations or products using all the different parts of those plants.  An herbalist might grow herbs, teach about the use of herbs, see clients, write about herbalism, or start a business or school.  An herbalist cares about the survival of medicinal plants, healing the earth, and healing others.  They use the whole plant when preparing their medicine and they have their favorite application of herbs while following different philosophies.  No one herbalist is the same.  Does this sound like you? Does this feeling reside within you? Do you have a love of plants or feel a connection with them?  

You might have an interest in learning or becoming an herbalist (or at the very least a desire to learn more about herbs), or you might have your own healing journey in need of some natural help.  Whether you are interested in helping your family, helping out the community, starting your own herbal manufacturing business, or starting a new career; the information is readily available like never before.  I offer many different opportunities for you to study in the comfort of your own home with my personal guidance and advice.

To start with, I have written a book to help guide beginner herbalists into learning the basics of herbalism. This is not the standard herbal remedy book. This informative and inspiring book is the first-of-its-kind, hands-on training for the beginning herbalist to have professionally led instruction and advice in herbalism while helping to build their own at-home apothecary.  This book offers insight, comprehensive guidance, advice, and step-by-step instructions in the practice of herbal medicine.  It will create a foundation for the practicing herbalist to understand the terminology and plants used in herbalism, and the process of creating herbal medicine prior to stepping them through making and preparing herbal preparations for their own family and friends.  The end result will be an educated herbalist who can make and use herbal medicine within their apothecary rather than someone who can follow a recipe for a condition only. The Herbalist’s Guide:  How to Build and Use Your Own Apothecary is available for preorder now from Skyhorse Publishing and will be released on May 7, 2024.  You can order your own copy by clicking here: The Herbalist's Guide (skyhorsepublishing.com)  There you will find more information and be able to click on the link to purchase.

I will soon be offering free and paid subscription membership opportunities that include free videos including one called, Navigating the Study of Herbalism that will help with goal-setting and getting started planning your training in herbalism. More videos are on the way. Paid subscriptions include demonstration videos including the demonstration on all of my exercises in The Herbalist’s Guide, and plant identification walks!

I offer Herbology Talk monthly meet-ups where I hold a session discussing a topic each month that is beneficial to herbal students of all levels. This is a growing community of like-minded individuals pursuing a common passion. I am also the host of Herbology Talk podcast which is dedicated to herbal training resources and interviews with other experienced herbalists and students offering advice in training. Visit the tab Herbology Talk above for more information and registration instructions.

I am also in the process of completing a couple courses that are a continuation of my book. Those will be finished before the end of this year. Add your name to my mailing list to stay updated about these upcoming videos and courses.

Finally, I am offering Mentorship packages that are available to purchase now. These are combined hours of one-on-one sessions with me. I mentor all levels of students for advice and guidance in their studies, clinical training, and in the application as a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild. If you feel you are needing mentorship, visit the tab above titled Mentorship packages to get started today.

I do have applications available for apprentices that live close to me in Northern Ohio. Contact me if you are interested.

There are opportunities for learning available to everyone regardless of finances. Get started with self-training at home utilizing my book the Herbology Talk monthly meet-up and podcast and the upcoming free videos. You can continue from there as I offer these opportunities and as time and finances allow.

Wishing you the best on your new journey

Mary Colvin