Welcome to IKandi - I’m so glad you’re seeking herbal medicine as alternative healthcare

Herbal medicine has been a constant passion throughout my life. Herbal teas and topicals were the go to choices when there was illness or injury in my home growing up. I continue this practice with my own family now and “tea time” has become part of our preventative healthcare journey. Very rarely do we reach for over-the-counter medicines or prescription medications. Instead we look to plants and foods as the first line of defense or treatment, but mainly as a way to prevent illness and disease.

My current career as an Acupuncturist is one of the most joyful, rewarding “jobs” I’ve ever had. It truly doesn’t feel like a job. More like being of service to others as they travel on their health journey. I experience indescribable gratitude when someone allows me to accompany them through such a personal experience. I prescribe many herbs to my clients and no prescription is the same. That is one of the beauties of herbal remedies. There are many options because people are individuals. What works for one may not necessarily work for another. Many factors should be taken into consideration including the person’s constitution, allergies and sensitivities, medical history, and current medications. Some plants have adverse interactions with other plants, and some combinations may neutralize the effect of one or both herbs. Knowing the correct combination and dosages is important because using herbs incorrectly can harm the body. This is why I see herbal medicine as alternative healthcare because plants ARE medicine and each have their own unique characteristics and applications.

So I am thankful you want to learn more about plants as medicine. My hope is to be a resource for you and share with you what I have learned along the way. I believe that plant medicine will become the main route people seek for their ailments and longevity. Across the world there are traditional medicine systems where the treatments always consist of herbs and foods. These cultures have a healthier population. Plants have been used for health since humankind’s beginning. I’m sure in some places it’s still referred to as “the old ways”. But it is still alive and well around the world and is finally making a strong comeback in the western world. As people have started realizing that the prescription medications they are taking to make them better are actually making them sick they’re starting to look for other medicine options. This scenario might be yours. It is for a majority of my patients.If it is you have come to the right place.

As you start looking at natural plants as medicine enjoy this journey. Explore and ask questions. There are so many plants on the planet. They all have a use and function. We could never exhaust the discussion.

Until next time,

Kandi Justice, L. Ac. , Diplomate of Chinese Herbal Medicine