What makes us amazing beings, is our ability to analyze and choose different paths for ourselves. This sense of freedom is often lost when we blindly follow other's opinions and indoctrinations, without thinking about the direction we are going as it applies to our own lives.

As with any industry, there are many avenues for information. Like any other industry, there are many opinions and ideas that may not mesh with each other.

Add to that the chance for making money, and you have a minefield of ruse and misinformation out there, for the rest of us to wade through.

So, How Do I Know Who To Believe?

As you learn about herbs and their benefits in a healthy lifestyle, it is a sure thing that some of the information you recieve will be untrue. When deciding what to believe, here are a few simple tips that may help:

• There is no single source that knows everything. The more you learn from different points of view, the richer your own view will become, and something will start to resonate with you. Your own experience will color this view as well.
• You are never finished learning. This is especially true when talking about herbs and herbal health. Consider the knowledge that we have gained in just the last 20 years of having access to the internet and subsequently of herbalists around the world. We are now able to ask questions and interact with herbalist of all levels and areas of expertise. It is a rich time to be learning about this age old craft.

• Beware of a company that feels the answer to all your health problems in within a bottle of something that they sell. I have heard from some people that herbalists should never sell anything. That way their recommendations are from pure intentions and not marred by profit. I can't say that I agree with this. Like anything, there is value in someone else's herbal experience. Honoring their help and support (usually a much more intensive help it is), by giving financial payment seems part of what makes a successful community. I do think however, that if it seems as if their energy is in convincing you to buy something from them, maybe you should think of moving on.

  What Does An Herbalist Actually Do During A Visit?

  
  I can't speak for all herbalists. I can tell you what my experiences have been over the years. An herbal consultation usually consists of a thourough intake (medical, lifestyle, thought processes, etc.) and then discussion of what they think may help. Much of it is a holistic approach for making changes in sometimes surprising areas of life. After all of that, sometimes I leave with a tincture or tea mix, more often, I leave with some insight as to what might be going on that is directly related to my heath problem. I have never come away feeling as if I had been rushed through any part of the process. It has always been a wonderful combination of therapy and centering in my own head. I urge you to find just the right herbalist to listen to, to read about, to learn from and to respect. Chances are, your list of meaningful herbalist informaiton will grow as you figure out what works for you. I wish you much luck and support in your herbal journey. It is such a wonderful process for me every day.
  

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