Hello! I’m Rebecca…nice to meet you! So let me ask you something–what do you love? What is the one thing that just leaves you in a state of awe when you think about it?
Do you know what does this for me? Herbs! They are some of my dearest companions that I admire for a multitude of reasons. Sometimes it’s even like that boy you have a crush on in 6th grade that you just can’t stop talking about because you’re just a little bit twitterpated, and there’s pretty much nothing as exciting as the mere possibility that you might catch a glance from him at recess.
Can I tell you my love story?
This beautiful story starts in 2004. Not my best year. That will happen when a very unwelcome health condition sneaks up on you literally overnight. One day I was going about leading my life as normal and the next I was suffering from severe vertigo, dizziness and nausea on a daily basis. So I did what most everyone does when you feel sick- I went to the doctor with certainty that they would fix me.
Unfortunately I faithfully tried everything that western medicine had to offer, but was left poorer and more hopeless by the day. Yes, this is the part of the story where the fairy godmother shows up! It took the form of a good friend who suggested that I see a homeopathic practitioner. What?? All that weird alternative stuff?? Well friends, I promise you that by that point, I was ready to try anything that worked because I was suffering so badly. Have you ever experienced that state of mind? Then you get it.
My first visit to that homeopathic practitioner was a significant turning point in my life. I left with 2 new possessions I didn’t previously have: herbs and hope, and I would submit they are both pretty magical. Wouldn’t you agree? Here’s why I say that. Within a few days of receiving those precious magic herbs, my symptoms went away (and never returned), my life returned to normal, and I found my new calling in life. These powerful herbs succeeded in doing in a few days what several months of western medicine could not. I was pleasantly surprised that Love sometimes doesn’t look like what you’d expect.
I was intrigued and I wanted to learn more. My mind was blown and my heart was open. If herbs could do what they did for me, how many more people could they help! I decided to study them so I could find out. But where? In searching for the perfect school to advance my herbalism studies, I found The School of Natural Healing, and it was love at first sight. But unlike that boy in 6th grade, the school liked me back, (and knew my name) and for the next 3 years, we had a beautiful relationship. I left with my Master’s Degree in Herbalism as well as precious, delightful years of studying my very favorite topic in the world.
But what was even more exciting to me is that I could now tell everyone I knew some great news: herbs are freaking fantastic! Who knew? I learned eye-opening truths about how the body can truly be healed with love, proper nutrition, and the powerful magical qualities beautifully hidden within plants, just waiting for us to discover them.
I now take responsibility for my own health, and I love the sense of empowerment that brings. If I’m bleeding, I pull out my cayenne. If I ate something that didn’t agree with me, it’s peppermint tea or oil to the rescue. If I get a cold, stay back at least 10 feet because I promise you I’ll be chomping on raw garlic to kill the bug! When I look at my cupboard full of herbs and tinctures, I get that dreamy look in my eyes as if I really am looking right at a Prince Charming.
Speaking of princes and love, did you know that when Queen Victoria got married, she followed the ancient tradition of carrying a bouquet of flowers and herbs down the aisle with her? She was actually the first one to incorporate flowers into the bridal bouquet. Before that it was strictly herbs, which the bride and groom hoped would ward off evil spirits, but also nibbled on to freshen their breath. That spunky Queen Victoria also made sure to include dill to increase amorous feelings. As if she and Prince Albert needed any help with that.
I could talk about Victoria and Albert all day, but let’s jump back to the 21st Century. (But admit it, we love queens and royalty don’t we?) The surprise ending to my own story is that there is no end. With over 3 million herbs to get to know, the lifelong journey just continues, and I have a feeling that herbs and I will live happily ever after.
If you want me to help you find your long lost love affair with herbs, let’s talk! Nothing brings me more joy and fulfillment than working with people one on one in personalized consultations. Let’s have some tea and scones, Queen Victoria style, and speak pleasantries about herbs and an occasional comment about the fine weather we’re enjoying of late.
In between tea times, find me on Facebook, posting about…oh, I think you know…
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