Botanical medicine, or phytomedicine, has intrigued Penny nearly as long as midwifery. Gaining expertise in such discipline has been much more difficult to obtain however, as there is currently no formal certification or licensure in herbal medicine practice in the United States.

"It is a mistake to view herbology only as a science studying the therapeutic properties of plants. More than this, the path of the herbalist is a cultivated attitude towards nature and all of creation." Michael Tierra

Penny is currently enrolled in the Herbal Medicine for Women program with Aviva Romm MD, at Integrative Medicine for Women and Children. This two-year study meets most of the academic requirements for professional membership within the American Herbal Guild (AHG), identifying members as registered herbalists.

Herbal medicine, as Penny's heart defines it, is the therapeutic use of plants for maintaining and restoring optimal health, as the Lord so perfectly designed. Certainly there can be a place for man's pharmaceuticals, as the Lord did give us the intelligence to create such tools for our use, but these scenarios are typically quite rare.

Educating in herbal medicine and incorporating the use of herbs into clinical treatments is incredibly rewarding. Empowering families to participate in their health, to value their body, and to work to prevent illness is a core principle of herbal medicine.

Herbal medicine is inherently a people's medicine.

An excellent way to develop your confidence with herbs is to begin using them in simple health and minor first-aid situations.

All herbs that are used during pregnancy should be considered wisely. Medicinal herbs should be limited to situations of necessity for a limited time period. The first trimester in particular should be gaurded as a crucial time for the developing baby. The German Commission E Monographs, published by the American Botanical Council, is an excellent source for discovering which herbs are safe during pregnancy.

"Herbs nudge the body into its own therapeutic response," Aviva Romm MD.

"I like the attention that the midwives gave to my health, offering advice and encouragement to eat healthy, exercise, etc." Akron Mother.

Ethical wildcrafting by Jim Flocchini. Herbalists have a responsibility to take care of the earth. Ask yourself, "Will my gathering add to, or take away from the plant community?"

Active Member of:

United Plant Savers

Stewards of Healing Herbs

Our mission is to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitat while ensuring an abundant renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations to come.

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