.Today, Ellen Kamhi PhD RN interviewed Mimi Prunella Hernandez Herbalist and Author about her newly published book: National Geographic Herbal.

About Mimi Hernandez

Mimi Prunella Hernandez is an herbalist and author of the National Geographic Herbal. With her wealth of knowledge, unwavering dedication, and genuine love for all things herbal, she has made a significant impact in the field of herbal medicine. For over a decade, Mimi has served as the executive director of the American Herbalists Guild, where she has worked tirelessly to ensure that herbalists have a strong professional community to support their work. In 2023, Mimi received a Botanical Excellence Award from the American Botanical Council, a prestigious honor that recognizes her as a Mark Blumenthal Herbal Community Builder. Mimi Prunella Hernandez, M.S., R.H. (AHG), is a clinical herbalist with a master’s degree in herbal medicine. As a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild, she has mentored students in clinical and community herbalism through various educational platforms. Mimi is known for her ability to explain complex information in a relatable way, which has gained her a dedicated following. Her warm and approachable nature has made her a sought-after speaker at conferences and events. 

Mimi’s volunteer work inspires plant sanctuary dreamers. She not only strives to ensures the continued availability of native and medicinal plants but also educates others about their importance and traditional uses. Mimi’s herbal roots are inspired by her Colombian and Mexican Grandmothers via a Latin American Folk Herbalism and Curanderismo lineage. While Mimi finds immense joy in practicing kitchen herbalism, she finds tremendous fulfillment delivering herbal house calls. She brings a basket filled with homemade nourishing remedies, using the herbs she grows in her garden to provide natural remedies to those in need. 

National Geographic Herbal

It is an herbal journey where we learn the bodily sensations of herbs interaction. Then Mimi taught us how to experience herbs in the kitchen and apothecary to nourish our body. It is also an herbal path from the cultivated herbs, wild plants in the community, and beyond the international borders.

Contact:

https://theponderland.com

mimi@herbalforager.com

To listen to the interview, click the player below. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please use the comment section under this post or contact Ellen Kamhi here.

You may also be interested in Natural Cures for Arthritis as an example of how the power of plants in pharmaceuticals or listen to the podcast Taming moodiness using natural remedies with Sara-Chana Silverstein IBCLC, RH (AHG)..

Ellen Kamhi Ph.D., RN, AHN-BC, RH(AHG), was interviewed by MysticMag. Here’s the full length of the article:

When and how did your love and career with Plants first blossom?

I have always been someone who can communicate with all kinds of entities, including plants and animals. Even as a child, I would have conversations with plants. Now, I teach a class called ‘Communicating with Plants,’ and there is a growing body of scientific data that supports  the reality of this phenomenon. It’s fascinating to see the research that shows how these interactions occur. My ability to communicate with plants was evident from a very young age.

I became more interested in the medicinal aspects of plants later on, after a personal experience with a severe back injury. When I was just 13 and teaching horseback riding, I fell off the horse in a double jump and injured my back so severely that I was confined to a wheelchair. The surgeon told me that I would never walk again without surgery. However, during this difficult time, I found that plants had a lot to say. They communicated with me and provided me with valuable insights on how to heal my injured back. They showed me that the surgeon’s prognosis was not necessarily accurate and that there were many natural ways to heal my body.

I visited the local library and searched the card catalogue for information about healing injuries. I was surprised to find a plethora of natural healing techniques for a hurt back and found an abundance of information. There were recommendations for using silica, calcium, and Castor oil packs, as well as teachings from Edgar Casey on managing pain. I also learned about various herbs that contain silica, such as horsetail grass. I was surprised that the doctor who treated me didn’t suggest any of these natural remedies. In hindsight, I realize that the doctor was likely focused on recommending surgery, as that is what they are trained to do. Unfortunately, many doctors are not well-versed in natural healing methods.

At the time I had to order the natural remedies through the mail because there was no Internet and no online ordering. My dad was supportive and helped me write letters and send checks to various companies across the country. I kept track of everything I did and documented each treatment and the effects it had on my back. When I went back to the surgeon six weeks later, I walked in without my wheelchair, and he seemed unhappy. I showed him my carefully kept chart and specific protocol, thinking he would be interested in learning from my experience, so that he could help others with this information. But instead, he dismissed it as ‘old wives tales’ and said that my recovery was just a spontaneous remission. It’s frustrating that even today, some doctors still believe in these outdated ideas.

However, I recently had the opportunity to sit on a Stakeholder Meeting for Research on Whole Person Health, sponsored by the National Institute of Health. We discussed how we can move towards integrating evidence based natural therapeutics into recognized standards of practice. Studies have shown that natural remedies can be just as effective, if not more so, than pharmaceutical interventions, and usually have a MUCH LOWER incidence of adverse effects, at a lower cost. Pharmaceuticals and surgery are still useful, and sometimes necessary, but usually later in the protocol process, rather than being the first go to option, as is now the case. . It’s time to expand our knowledge base and embrace the power of natural healing.

Do you believe in combining holistic medicine with conventional medicine, and if so, in which cases?

It’s fascinating to hear about the history of natural medicine and how it was once seen as something only for those living off the grid or with alternative lifestyles. It’s unfortunate that there was a separation between natural and mainstream medicine, but it’s encouraging to see that natural therapies are now being studied and recognized as evidence-based medicine. 

It is important for individuals to understand the potential herb-drug interactions and to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to their medication or supplement regimen. It’s always best to approach healthcare with an integrative approach, combining natural and conventional therapies as appropriate. I would say that natural therapies should be initiated FIRST, in most cases, before relying on pharmaceuticals. Natural therapies include changes in diet, exercise and lifestyle, so the individual needs to be willing to invest in “ SELF-CARE” , rather than relying on popping a pill. 

What are your views on EMF (Electromagnetic Field) meters and Shielding?

EMF or electromagnetic fields have become a growing concern in recent years as the use of technology and wireless devices has become increasingly widespread. While some people may not notice any adverse effects from EMF exposure, others may experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. With the advent of 5G technology, there are concerns about the potential health impacts of this higher frequency and more powerful form of EMF radiation.  Even though there are vast health and environmental concerns due to EMF exposure, The Telecommunications Act of 1996 limits the ability to object to the placement of cell towers or other cellular equipment. When this act was passed, the FCC  put together guidelines based on obsolete industry science, allowing what is now thought by scientists studying the health effects of  wireless  technology to be in the vicinity of millions of times higher than is recommended as a maximum exposure to rf radiation. The FCC guidelines are based on thermal effects only, and not on the non-thermal effects of rf radiation (also called non-ionizing radiation). The non-thermal may be quite damaging, based on over 27,000 scientific studies published in enumerable scientific and medical journals, and collected in EMF Portal, www.bioinitiative.org,    I DO suggest that sensitive individuals become aware of negative effects of EMF’s. If you go to my website,  https://www.naturalnurse.com/products/emf-shields/  I suggest an array of really high quality EMF deflecting products.

Have you witnessed a shift in consumer preferences over the last few decades, in regards to Alternative Medicine and available Therapies?

The pandemic definitely had an impact on the growth of functional and complementary medicine, as people were looking for ways to boost their immune system and stay healthy. This has resulted in an increase in the use of natural remedies, botanicals, supplements, massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, healthy food, and other natural therapies, as well as a rise in demand for practitioners who specialize in these areas. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues in the post-pandemic era, as more people become aware of the benefits of natural and holistic approaches to health and wellness. The focus of my work is training health care providers to be able to incorporate evidenced based natural therapies into their health practice, and guiding them towards the best training programs and certifications. 

However, I prefer not to use the term “alternative” to describe natural and functional medicine. It makes sense to integrate these therapies as part of standard practice, especially given their effectiveness and relatively low cost. It’s important to use all available resources to help patients achieve the best outcomes, and to be open to a variety of therapeutic approaches, rather than relying solely on pharmaceuticals and surgery as first-line interventions. My focus is to educate health care providers in evidence based use of natural therapeutics and how to integrate these into their practice. I offer Career Paths in Natural Health for those who would like to investigate this process. https://www.naturalnurse.com/services/career-paths-in-natural-health/

How do you see the future of Natural Medicine within our society, in all its shapes and forms?

It is unlikely that natural and functional medicine will be hindered, especially given its growing popularity and efficacy. I feel it necessary to review the terminology and to distinguish between traditional medicine, which refers to practices that have been used for centuries and have a long history of safety and efficacy, and conventional medicine, which is the dominant form of medicine in many countries today and often involves the use of pharmaceutical drugs and surgery. 

It is also worth noting that many conventional medical treatments are based on natural compounds and substances, and that there is often overlap between different forms of medicine. Ultimately, the most important thing is to prioritize patient safety and effectiveness in choosing the best approach to healthcare.

3 CE Broker Credits are available for Licensed:  Nurses, Midwives, Massage Therapists, Acupuncturists & Nutritionists

From Farm to Pharmacy and Back Again: My grandmother’s Recipes for Good Health was the topic when Ellen Kamhi Ph.D., RN, AHG-RH, AHN-BC interviewed Dr. Lynn Lafferty, Pharm.D., ND,MBA, CNC, DACBN

About Dr. Lafferty

Lynn Lafferty, Pharm.D., ND,MBA, CNC, DACBN is a doctor of Pharmacy and licensed pharmacist, Naturopathic Doctor, Diplomate from the American Clinical Board of Nutrition, master herbalist, and chef who is committed to finding the safest and most effective means to promote health and wellness over disease and illness.

Dr. Lynn is an Endowed Professor and  Assistant Clinical Professor in the Nova Southeastern University  College of Pharmacy and has Functional Clinical Nutrition and Herbal Therapy practice in the Nova Southeastern University Clinic Pharmacy.  Before this, she worked 7 years in the NSU College of Osteopathic Medicine where she put together an Integrative Medicine Department. Additionally, she created the certificate in Functional Nutrition and Herbal Therapy in the same institution.

Her research is focused on natural medicine and supplementation therapy and is currently conducting research on Antibiotic Resistance and Natural Immune Builders, Herbal considerations in the elderly populations, and genomics.Her website is  drlynnlafferty.com where she offers courses, including “Becoming your own Health Investigator” for people who want to stay healthy using a more natural approach.

Dr. Lafferty emphasized how important the relationship between the food from farm to pharmacy and vice versa.

To listen to the interview, click the player below. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please use the comment section under this post or contact Ellen Kamhi here.

You may also be interested in listening to Ellen’s conversation with Chelsea Marando about Marando Farms Sustainable Communities where Ellen guided a group of herbal enthusiasts in Florida for an herb walk.

This class is offered Live via Zoom on Sunday, February 21, 9:30 – 11 am. All registrants will receive the course recording and handouts, with access to materials for one year.

Fee: $ 35.00

Early Bird Registration: $25.00 when you register before February 14

About Susun Weed

Susun Weed is loved and honored for her work in women’s health and
herbal medicine. She is the author of the Wise Woman Herbal Series, including Abundantly Well: The Complementary Integrated Medicine Revolution.

Susun’s books, classes and teachings offer simple, safe alternative, complementary medicines. She uses her encyclopedic knowledge of herbs and health in her service of all women.

Susun Weed is the founder of the Wise Woman Center and Ash Tree
Publishing. She is also the voice of the Wise Woman Tradition. As the wise woman herbalist, Susun directs the working of the Wise Woman Center. Additionally, she is a High Priestess of Dianic Wicca, and has been inducted as a Peace Elder.

You can find her books at www.wisewomanbookshop.com
or at your favorite bookseller… Susun offers mentorship opportunities
at www.wisewomanmentor.com and hosts a weekly radio show at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susunweed where you can call in and ask the wise woman herbalist about health questions.

To learn more about her works (books and videos), courses,  apprenticeship, etc, you can visit www.susunweed.com

To listen to the interview, click the player below. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please use the comment section under this post or contact Ellen Kamhi here.

You may also be interested in listening to another woman herbalist, Karen Rose, in this interview: The Art and Practice of Indigenous Spiritual Herbalism with Karen Rose. Perhaps, you would like to learn more about the healing properties of many herbs we use in our everyday food. In that case, you can listen to Brittany Wood Nickerson.

Register NOW for FREE Docu-series “Proven” by The Sacred Science: https://proven.thesacredscience.com/a/?ref=elka

Ellen Kamhi, PhD, RN, AHG-RH, AHN-BC knows that Herbs and Natural Therapies have been used by humans since the beginning of time- even Neanderthals used it successfully !! Here is a video clip when Ellen Kamhi participated in the Remedy Series from The Sacred Science, and this new series Proven: Healing Breakthroughs Backed By Science is from the same great team and organization, and the information in it is something you don’t want to miss.

Now, MODERN SCIENCE is proving the safety and efficacy of ancient herbal remedies.

Dr. Kamhi  teaches at MAINSTREAM MEDICAL establishments, to present information on the use of BOTANICALS- the Folklore AND the SCIENCE !

PROVEN offers information that will catapult the use of natural medicine to the forefront… it is SAFER and  more COST EFFECTIVE than Pharmaceuticals in most cases, and should be Standard of Practice. Become an educated health consumer!

Sign up for the FREE DOCU-Series  PROVEN

https://proven.thesacredscience.com/a/?ref=elka

On-Demand (Anytime) Class

3 CE Broker Credits are available for Licensed:  Nurses, Midwives, Massage Therapists, Acupuncturists & Nutritionists

Ellen Kamhi, PhD, RN, Registered Herbalist, AHN-BC will present a webinar (online presentation):

Leaky Gut Syndrome & The Microbiome: Herbs to the Rescue!

Date/Time: Sunday, April 19, 2020 9:30-11:00am ET

This event is FREE for women who were registered for the 2020 Midsouth Women’s Herbal Conference. It is open to others for $40.00 per person. The proceeds from this webinar will support the startup costs for the 2021 conference. Due to this year’s cancellation and refunds, we do not have the usual carry over funds to support the next year’s early expenses. Read on to learn more about this exciting training!

There are multiple influences that promote the inflammatory process involved in GI disturbances ranging from irritable bowel distress to the more complex manifestations of Crohn’s disease. One well documented causative factor is compromised inter-cellular junctions in the GI mucosa leading to intestinal permeability. In this presentation, we will discuss:

• the mechanism of action that initiates and complicates inflammation when inter-cellular junctions are compromised
• the role of the microbiome in both causing and healing this issue
• diagnostic tests that can help identify this process, and
• present several evidence based herbs and natural interventions that can be used to positively influence this condition.

The objectives are as follows:
Objective 1: enable the learner to review the current literature that investigates the link between intestinal permeability and inflammation
Objective 2: enable the learner to evaluate diagnostic protocols and tools to determine intestinal permeability, ie Mannose, Lactulose Challenge
Objective 3: enable the learner to effectively incorporate low risk- high efficacy evidence based natural interventions in patient protocols

Women who were registered for the 2020 conference are automatically registered for this webinar and will receive a link to join closer to the date.

To attend this webinar, register on the conference site at
www.midsouthwomensherbalconference.com/registration

Everyone will be emailed the information needed to join the training closer to the training date.

In order to protect the health and safety of all involved, as well as to honor social distancing and CDC event guidelines, regretfully the 2020 Midsouth Women’s Herbal Conference has been cancelled. Refund information was emailed to all registrants.

Fortunately, you would still be able to attend an online event/webinar here

Register Here

Join women from across the Midsouth and beyond for a weekend of herbal education, nature, celebration and community!

The Midsouth Women’s Herbal Conference is a weekend dedicated to celebrating women and the wonders of plants and herbs while honoring the wise woman traditions of healing and wholeness.
​
Learn from our region’s knowledgeable and talented herbalists, enjoy yoga at moonrise, shop in the marketplace, experience a Moon Lodge, drum around the campfire or make new friends at an herbal tea party.

Photo from 2019 Wild Roots Fall Wise Woman Retreat

Ellen Kamhi, PhD, RN, Registered Herbalist, AHN-BC will present Friday Intensive Workshop (3-hours):

Herb Dosing – Dowsing & Radionics

Date/Time: Friday, April 17, 2020 12pm-3pm

Empower yourself by learning How to Use Dowsing and Radionics To Honor and Interface With Herbal Medicine, to enhance and increase the accuracy of dosing and prioritizing herbal therapies. The ancient art of dowsing has been a time honored system used by healers around the world as a sacred tool to measure and tune into vibrational fields that surround all plants, animals, humans and imponderable essences.

There are many kinds of dowsing tools, including pendulums, dowsing ‘rods’ and advanced electronic field readers, and body centered ‘stickplates’. Radionics is a system of measuring and influencing energy patterns, frequencies, signatures and vibrational rhythms. Basic to radionic theory and practice is the concept that everything shares a common ground in that we are all bathed in the electro-magnetic and other energy fields of the entire Universe.

Through the use of simple tools, energy and intention, healthy patterns can be evaluated and restored. Dowsing and radionics are practical tools that enhance sharing HERBS AS MEDICINE, by having a tool to evaluate formulations and dosing specific to EACH INDIVIDUAL. In addition, via Radionics, plant medicines can be ‘broadcast at a distance’ to enhance healing for ourselves, friends and loved ones.

Other workshops are available here. To see all presenters, please visit this page.