The botanical definition of an herb is any seed-bearing plant that does not have a woody stem and dies after flowering.

In traditional herbal medicine (Western herbalism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Ayurveda, the term "herbs" refers to plants or parts of them, including grasses, flowers, berries, seeds, leaves, nuts, stems, stalks, and roots used for therapeutic and health-enhancing properties.

Herbal remedies are plant-based formulations to help the body return to a state of balance to heal itself naturally. Whole plants and parts are prepared in precise ways to correct the underlying condition, not just the symptoms, to maintain and restore health and vitality.

When taken in appropriate dosages, herbs are safer than modern medicines.

Medicinal herbs have active compounds studied and isolated to create modern pharmaceutical drugs. For example, aspirin was derived from willow bark and morphine from the opium poppy. However, the eliminated parts of the plant contain essential nutrients and other beneficial substances that help prevent side effects.

As a result, properly identified, cultivated, and administered herbs have been proven safer than other medicines.

According to the article "Herbal versus Synthetic Drugs; Beliefs and Facts," published in 2015 in the Journal of Nephropharmacology, "about 8% of hospital admissions in the United States of America are due to adverse or side effects of synthetic drugs. Approximately 100,000 people each year die due to these toxicities. It means that the killed people in the U.S. by pharmaceutical drugs are at least three times more than those killed by drunken drivers. Each year, thousands also die from supposedly "safe" over-the-counter drugs. Deaths or hospitalizations due to herbs are so rare that they are hard to find. Even the National Poison Control Centers of the United States does not have a category in their database for side or adverse reactions to herbs."

If effectiveness is defined by the results of randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blind clinical trials, then the answer is no. Some herbs, such as chamomile, ginseng, and goldenseal, have been proven effective for specific uses. However, these studies are narrow in scope, lengthy, and expensive. Typically, they are paid for by corporations, and because you can't patent an herb, there isn't a financial incentive to do more scientific research.

If effectiveness is defined by historical use across cultures, then they are very effective. Using plant medicine (traditional medicine) was the difference between life and death for centuries. In fact, most of the world still relies on this traditional medicine. Even in industrialized countries, folk remedies still treat illnesses every day. According to the National Institute of Biotechnology Information, an estimated 70% of all medical doctors in France and Germany regularly prescribe herbal medicine, and approximately 80% of the world population uses herbs, with rates as high as 95% in developing countries. In China, traditional herbal medicine amounts to about 30-50% of the total drug consumption.

In fact, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology in China, more than 85% of all coronavirus patients in China -- about 60,000 people -- had received herbal remedies alongside mainstream antiviral drugs.

Finally, if effectiveness is defined by you, your family, or your friend's experience, then the answer is most likely yes. Whether using peppermint or ginger to ease an upset stomach, eucalyptus to break up chest congestion (think Vicks vapor rub), or something lavender-scented to sleep, you've experienced or heard about the incredible health benefits of plants.

Kim founded Eden's Leaves, which offers medicinal herbal products for everyday health needs. She has taken courses with Sage Mountain, the school led by the legendary Rosemary Gladstar, and the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine. In addition, she completed an herbal intensive with Herbalista. Kim is studying to become a Certified Master Herbalist at the Heart of Herbs School, recognized by the American Herbalist Guild.

Typically, I work with people over 18 years old and work with their caregivers to select and administer herbs to meet their needs. You would start with a consulting session and then determine the level of support you need.

Herbal consultations are non-refundable but can be applied to Eden's Leaves purchases based on the timing of your cancellation request (see below).

We will provide a store credit for the purchase price if canceled 24 hours before the appointment. 50% of the purchase price will be credited if notified up to 6 hours before the scheduled time. After that window, it is considered a missed appointment that is not refundable.

Gifts of consultations are non-refundable but can be used to purchase Eden's Leaves products.

Kim can:

• Customize organic, premium herbal blends for your unique needs, including teas, liquid extracts, syrups, essential oil blends, salves, baths, and topical applications.

• Develop a holistic wellness plan with you.

• Guide you to make small shifts at your pace.

• Help you recover from bumps in the road.

• Support you on your journey to create positive changes in your health and other areas of your life.

Herbal Conversation (15-20 minutes): $35

Full Consultation: $150

• 60-minute session via Zoom

• Written summary with your herbal options

• 30-minute follow-up session via Zoom

Follow-up sessions (30-minutes): $40

Custom Herbal Blends:

• Baths and Essential Oils: $25 and up

• Compresses and Liniments: $20 and up

• Honey and Syrups: $30 and up

• Teas: $20 and up

• Salves: $20 and up

• Tinctures: $30 and up

• Vinegars and Oxymels: $25 and up

Custom Herbal Guide: $150

(25+ page downloadable book, available after a full consultation)

• Overview on how herbs

• Details on your personal constitution and why specific types of herbs are better for you

• Recommended herbs for two conditions

• Nutrition and lifestyle recommendations

• Detailed monographs for each herb and how to take it to get the best results

• List of herbs for common conditions that match your body type-headaches, stress, etc.

• Scientific information you can discuss with your healthcare providers.

• Herbal glossary

• Tips and a few delicious recipes!