It was really hard for me to post this, in fact, to accept it from the designer. Cyndi Hughs, herbalist. Wow! Am I really? Who says I am? The State Board of Nursing in Texas says I am a nurse and nurse practitioner. I earned that with 4 years in undergraduate school and 3 in graduate school.
But, who says I am "herbalist?" When do I assume that mantle? Who says it's ok? Heck, is it even legal.
There is a debate in the herbal community about certification - should certification be required? I am on the side of the debate against certification. Herbalism has been the traditional practice of grandmothers, root doctors, herb wildcrafters and many others. Herbalism is a way of taking care of our loved ones and our communities. I am totally against turning our traditional ways of caring over to the government and their certification boards.
That said, calling myself "herbalist" has been a process. A process that has spanned over 20 years. So why now? There are several reasons. One is that I become a fan of a group of great herbalists in the Gaia Wilderness, New Mexico and a conference they lead that has been called The Traditional Herbalist Conference. They have changed the name of the conference to Herbal Resurgence-Medicine of the People. Medicine of the People, that reflects the philosophy of another of my teachers, Rosita Arvigo. She always said that herbs are the medicine of the people! That takes the pressure off to be some all knowing professional, which I will never be! I am one of the "people" that honors herbalism!
The second reason, and the answer to "why now" is that when others begin to recognize you as an herbalist and call you "herbalist" and call on you for what you know....well, it's time. Perhaps to not accept this gift because of issues of self doubt is disrespectful to the plants and to their gifts.
Lastly, the issue of legality- oh, who knows. I am confused trying to figure it out and have decided to proceed with helping people in a way that I can with respect for the plants...and just not worry about it. (And be thankful I have a lawyer son who knows other lawyers so if I have to place that "one phone call" I know who to call!)
That's all for today. It's a bit of self reflection that I've allowed myself at your expense lol
I'm working on another blog, promise this one will be helpful for your health....but, I got boys coming!!!! It's Nona time!
It's an old picture but I love the bluebonnets and our baby eating his plants lol
