Frequently asked questions.

How do I book my initial appointment?

Please call 250-344-6930. If I am out collecting herbs I will get back to you if you leave a message. Or you can head over to the BOOK NOW page and fill out your details. Please have your credit card ready to book the time. Payment is accepted by credit or debit and also by cash.

Where are you located?

I am located in Golden, BC above the Bluebird Café at 802 9th Street North. There are several steps to get up to the clinic so if you have mobility issues let me know. I believe in bringing medicine to the people – a real travelling herbalist – I will come to you, or we can arrange a place to meet. A gas surcharge may be applied to outlying areas if I am driving to you. 

What documents should I have available for my appointments?

Printed documents regarding bloodwork or other tests or access to your online BC Health portal (or equivalent) so we can review bloodwork and other relevant tests. Any other documents that apply to your situation. 

A list of all medications and over the counter medication and/or supplements that you are taking. You are encouraged to bring the bottles or labels so I can ensure the accuracy of my herb/drug research. 

What happens if I don’t have access to my bloodwork by the time of the appointment?

We can still proceed with the consultation, but depending on the circumstances we may have to wait to formulate appropriate remedies.

Once I receive my holistic wellness program, will I be able to check in with any questions?

Your initial consultation fee includes a 10-minute follow up phone call to discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding the implementation of the program. This can be booked at the time of the initial consult or leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Any questions requiring more research or formulating on your behalf will be billed to you in 15-minute or 30- minute increments, as needed.

New health concerns require a follow up appointment.

Do you offer virtual appointments?

Yes, we can schedule a virtual or phone appointment.

How do I use my personal holistic wellness program?

Your Personal Holistic Wellness Program will guide you on an individual path of health and wellness. This living document will be updated and adjusted as you progress on your health journey. This program requires your active participation and engagement in order to see measurable progress.  

Your Personal Holistic Wellness Program may include: 

– Herbal remedies in the form of tinctures, teas, salves, capsules, hydrosols, essential oils, Bach flower remedies, powders, and other topicals and supplements

– Dietary and lifestyle recommendations to optimize your return to health 

– Recommendations for testing to be ordered through your general practitioner 

– Assistance and advice on navigating your health care journey 

– Referrals to other trusted medical professionals as appropriate 

What is the cancellation policy?

If cancelled 48 hours prior to the appointment there is no charge. Please give as much notice as possible so others can book the time.

If cancelled within the 48 hours prior to the appointment, regular fees will apply.

Are you a Naturopathic doctor?

No. I am a trained Clinical Medical Herbalist, Herbal Consultant, and a Chartered Herbalist, trained through Dominion Herbal College, and I am a Registered Herbal Therapist with the BC Herbalist Association. I am also currently taking my Reiki Level 2 and will be taking the master class in January 2025. 

Do you gather or grow all the herbs you use in your clinic?

I grow many herbs in my gardens in an organic manner. I also have access to 360 acres of pristine woodlands in the beautiful Blaeberry Valley, where I gather many more herbs and mushrooms and take people on herb walks. It is not possible to grow or gather all of the herbs in the dispensary – some simply do not grow in our climate. Locally unavailable herbs are ordered from trusted sources.

Do you make all the products in your dispensary?

As much as possible, yes. Sometimes it is more economical or practical to use a commercial product. When this happens, you can be assured that I have personally tested its efficacy and potency.

I do not live locally – can you ship my remedies to me?

Yes. We can ship anywhere in Canada through Canada Post. Shipping rates will be added to the invoice.

Do you ship outside of Canada?

Not at this time. Recommendations for other clinics in the US or abroad can be provided.

If I am seeing a doctor and taking medications, can I still see you and take herbs safely?

Yes. I am accustomed to researching all herb/drug interactions and am trained in how to use herbs safely alongside of conventional medical treatments and pharmaceuticals.

How long is the first appointment?

Usually 60 minutes. 

How long is a follow up appointment?

30 – 45 minutes. I also offer 15-minute Check In appointments.

How often will I need a follow up appointment?

This will depend on the individual case needs, of course; but in general, any time there is a change in your health or bloodwork or needs. A follow up is generally held between 3 – 6 weeks after the initial appointment. If we are working on a specific problem that is more acute, follow ups may be necessary more often.

What happens at the first appointment?

We will discuss your symptoms, health concerns, medical, family and personal history, your nutrition and diet, exercise and sleep habits, as well as any other information that will help us to understand the factors contributing to your health concerns. We will review all systems of the body and perform appropriate medical exams as required. You can be sure I will take your blood pressure. We will also review any previous lab testing or medical records. The initial fee also includes 1 – 2 hours post-consultation work-up, plus personalized holistic wellness program, treatment plan and herbal/other recommendations for you.

What happens at the follow up appointment?

During follow-up appointments we will review your progress, continue to work on any health issues including any changes to your symptom picture. Included in this appointment fee: interpretation of blood work, research, and revisions to your personal holistic health program after the appointment as required.

How much is the follow up appointment?

This usually takes about half an hour, so $75; but if more or less we will adjust accordingly.

Do I need a follow up appointment if I just want to pick up more of the same remedy?

No. There is no fee to refill remedies. If you feel a quick conversation is needed about the remedies or your health, a 15-minute appointment can be booked.

How much is a 15-minute appointment?

$40

What is your Check-In service?

Clients who wish to have me check in on their progress weekly, biweekly, or monthly, can purchase a check in service where I call at a set time to make sure their remedies are working, that they are remembering to take them, and to assess if anything needs to be tweaked in the holistic wellness program. The idea is to spend 5-10 minutes talking about your progress and health needs while avoiding having to travel to see me. This has been useful for several patients for different reasons, everything from broken legs to dementia. The rates are the same as clinic time; $150 for an hour; $75 for the ½ hour, $40 for 15 minutes.

Is there a charge for you to come to me?

In town there is no charge. It is often more convenient for people to have me come to them for their consultation and I am happy to do so. Many people miss out on proper health care due to mobility and other issues. There is a gas surcharge depending on where you are in the surrounding area. Please enquire upon booking.

Can I bring someone with me – a support person – to my appointment?

Yes. Please let me know that there is someone in the room if this is an online or phone consultation.

Do you treat children at your clinic?

Yes. There are many safe herbs to use with children, and I grow many of them myself. Common complaints seen in clinic include asthma, eczema, digestive issues, lice, worms, fever, allergies and emotional upset.

Do you treat pregnant women and infants at your clinic?

Yes. At this very sensitive and important time of life it is crucial to understand the safe herbs to use. I am fully trained in the herbs to use in pregnancy and infancy, many of which I grow and have taken myself.

Do you treat men at your clinic?

Yes. Herbal medicine is definitely for men as well. One of the most common male issues – benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, responds very well to herbal medicine in most cases. See Testimonials section.

Do you treat LGBTQ people at your clinic? 

Yes. I acquired some experience treating gender-diverse clients while completing my clinic hours in an Herbal Clinic on the downtown east side of Vancouver. I believe that everyone, regardless of how they identify, deserve health care. I am aware of some of the difficulties facing LGBTQ people in health care today and work on a case-by-case basis, with the individual’s needs and wishes respected and paramount in the Holistic Wellness Program.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME.

I’m on disability or on a tight budget – are there any sliding scale options?  

Please call to enquire. All enquiries are confidential.  

Are your services covered by insurance? 

Normally, herbal medicine is not covered by private or public insurance, but I would encourage you to check with your provider.