Jennifer Adams fired her doctors years ago and herbs were the reason why.  Quite a risk for someone threatened with a hysterectomy to avoid the possibility of uterine cancer, a side-effect of her Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. But she couldn't resist after reading about Vitex--also called Chaste Tree berries--while surfing the net and living with prescription pills and hormone replacement therapy as part of her daily routine. 

The brilliant berries surrounded by regal purplish blue flowers worked: the doctor stop sending bills and Jennifer started taking classes. Lots of them, mainly out of a need to navigate through volumes of conflicting information surrounding the use of medicinal plants. 

She completed a three year clinical internship program at the Ohlone School for Herbal Studies in Berkeley, California, a Ten month Advanced Apprenticeship with Matthew Wood at the Philo School of Herbal Energetics, attended numerous seminars throughout the Bay Area on herbal medicine and has learned from a variety of teachers.  Her private practice is located in the Grand Avenue disctrict in Oakland, California and volunteer's at the Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic. Herbal education, community interaction and empowerment are at the heart of Jennifer's enthusiasm. 

"Teaching my community how to help themselves stay well is my passion," she said. "The joy of western herbs is that anyone can learn some basics about herbs to help themselves."

And in this world of perpetual stress, it's becoming increasingly important for people to take responsibility for their health and get involved, instead of handing over the keys to the doctor. 

Plants and healing are in Jennifer's family: Her grandmother Lonnie, a trained Stanford Nurse and acupressurist, introduced her granddaughter to eating garden weeds 17 years ago.  Jennifer's other grandmother, Antonjia from Slovenia, had a huge love of plants, intensified by living in a tiny village when herbal medicine was the only medicine.  Jennifer was raised in the woods and developed a deep appreciation for nature at an early age. 

Jennifer's favorite herbs include Elderberry, an antiviral at its best during the cold and flu seasons; Red Root (Ceanothus), a great for lymphatic drainage, especially paired with polysaccharidic Echinacea and Rose Hips; anti-insomniac Scullcap and, of course, Vitex.

Jennifer’s private practice, Community Herbalist is located at 3798 Grand Avenue, Suite 2, Oakland, CA.  Please email Jennifer@CommunityHerbalist.com or phone 415-505-3115 for more information.

"I invite you to join me soon, to meet with your community and hear what the plants have to share with us."

Bio Contributor:  abundantink@yahoo.com