My Story - How I found Herbalism

My journey with herbal medicine began in 2011 when my curiosity about gentle ways of healing transformed from a mild interest to a necessity. Faced with a Gall Bladder Failure condition that could not be explained and a removal surgery I did not want to have, I chose to forgo the options Scientific Medicine was offering me and turned to Herbal and Energetic Healing Traditions. At this point I had already had a few surgeries on other parts of my body, and I did not want another one. Through choosing nourishing foods, incorporating herbal remedies into my daily life, and accepting the healing presence of an acupuncturist, my gall bladder healed and began working normally again. I still have her nestled inside my body, and this experience started me on a deeply satisfying journey of being my own advocate and ending my unhealthy relationship with the medical hero.

I began taking classes at the California School of Herbal Studies and learned the basics of medicine making. I fell in love with the plants in their luscious garden. I began reading, reading, reading, growing my own herbs, making medicine, and learning to identify wild plants around me.

In 2018 I again faced another crisis, this time a complete failure of my body/spirit/mind to function in the wake of great loss and massive life changes. I signed up for an apprenticeship with Susun Weed at the Wise Woman Center and my life was forever changed. Here I discovered the Wise Woman Tradition and began my journey as Green Witch. Upon the completion of my apprenticeship, I began embodying the spirit of the Gypsy-Herbalist. I traveled all around the United States, making remedies everywhere I went, deepening my studies and my ability to connect with the plants around me.

Each of my problems and difficulties became an ally – ultimately pointing me towards healing and empowerment. This, I believe, is what makes herbal medicine magical and points my life towards a certain sense of wonder I can find again and again. I seek to offer the knowledge I have learned to help motivate others to reclaim herbal medicine as people’s medicine.

I now spend my time as a farmhand in California and work a little bit every day towards my dream of buying land and starting my own farm and herb garden. Welcome to my journey and thank you for allowing me to be a part of yours.

In Love,

Susan Marie

What is your story? How has herbal medicine played a part in your life? I’d like to hear about it in the comments below.