FAQ’s

  • If you don’t find an answer below, or on the consult pages, then please get in touch. We offer free 15 minute consultations and would be happy to answer your questions.

  • The practice of medical western herbal medicine is also called plant or botanical medicine, herbalism, herbology, and phytotherapy. It is the original medicine of mankind, steeped in rich history and traditions from around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% or over 170 countries (out of 194) use some form of traditional medicine, including herbal medicine, Ayurveda, principles of yoga and meditation, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture, and indigenous medicines. These practices aim to increase wellbeing holistically, that is, whole-body-whole-person using whole plant medicine. It some developed countries (like Germany), it is integrated into conventional medical practice. Western herbal medicine also using herbs commonly used in Ayurveda and TCM.

    Modern pharmaceutical medications were originally derived from isolated, active phytochemical constituents originally found in medicinal plants, to target certain conditions. For example, aspirin is developed from salicylic acid found in willow tree bark. Today, most modern pharmaceuticals do not contain any plant material and are mostly synthetic. However, pharmaceuticals are very important for many conditions. Herbal supports can be used to compliment certain pharmaceuticals, given that there are no herb-drug interactions, which can be confirmed by a medical herbalist. Please note that the protocols provided by a herbalist cannot replace those of your primary healthcare provider.

    Herbalism instead, uses medicine derived from whole plant components (aerial parts, leaves, stem, flowers, seeds, roots, bark) transformed into medicinals such as teas, tinctures, oxymels, syrups, topicals (salves, lotions, liniments) etc. Herbalism is based on the principle that all of the active phytochemicals present in a plant are beneficial components working in synergy. This synergy helps our body find its own natural capacity to heal. Since humans evolved with certain plant species, our bodies have natural receptors to certain phytochemicals. Therefore, our bodies can respond to whole plant medicine intuitively.

  • The purpose of herbal medicine is not to just treat the symptoms of dis-ease, or to provide a “magic bullet” cure-all. Herbalists are available to support you by helping you improve your bodies “terrain” to restore balance, and increase your body’s natural capacity to heal. Based on your current state of health, we match you with the right plant medicine. This can be based on symptoms but may also include an energetic match between you and the plant. Herbalists strive to balance science and intuition, which makes us unique from a physician or naturopath.

    Herbalists work within a protocol of herbal formulations, holistic nutrition, and also recommended lifestyle suggestions. We coach you into finding balance, and wholeness, rather than view good health as the absence of illness or dis-ease. It is important to state that herbal medicine takes times and is “slow medicine”. Its effects may not be as immediately evident as those of pharmaceutical drugs. For treatment to work well, clients need to be patient, and compliant with their herbal protocols.

    Herbalism it is often classified as a “complementary, alternative medicine” (CAM). However, herbalists do not consider themselves as “alternative” practitioners, because we approach our work in collaboration with you, and with your team of wellness coaches and healthcare professionals, including your primary healthcare provider (if they are open to it).

  • No, herbalists are not a regulated profession in Canada. However, they self-regulate (register) through their provincial associations, such as the British Columbia Herbalist Association (BCHA), which was established in 1972. It is a not-for-profit volunteer-run organization, with a Board of Directors. The BCHA strives to advance knowledge and professionalism in the industry. The association establishes a standard of practice and code of ethical conduct. Professional Registered Herbal Therapists (RHTs) are approved following a review of their educational credentials and peer review by their provincial association. Gita Narayan is an RHT.

    Due to not yet being a regulated profession. Fees for visitations are out of pocket, and not covered by most health insurance plans.

  • Yes, the interest in and practice of herbal medicine is increasing in Canada. Globally, there is growing interest in integration of traditional or “alternative”, functional, and integrative medical practices with primary healthcare. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) is working on implementing its second Traditional Medicine Strategy (2025-2034), which seeks to strengthen quality assurance, safety, appropriate use, and efficacy standardization of products, practices, and practitioners; and promotion of universal health coverage through the integration with existing healthcare services.

    At the same time, it is exciting to see interest in the wellness and herbalism industry growing in Canada. This is spurring the attention of the scientific community. Increased clinical research is on the rise, and it’s showing the effectiveness and efficacy of plant medicines in treating a myriad of health conditions, with low associated risks. This confirms what has been experienced or observed over several millennia. Further clinical evidence can help us better understand the mechanism of action of certain phytochemical constituents, and how they work in support of healing.

    Increased attention, also brings changes. Health Canada, who has regulated natural health products (NHPs) since 2004, has recently announced a new campaign called the Regulatory Framework for Self Care. This move will affect pricing and limit choices for choosing safe and effective natural products, thereby consolidating profits and power in the hands of large multinational pharmaceutical (big pharma) companies. Canadian herbalists (e.g., the British Columbia Herbalist Association) have a longstanding history of working with Health Canada on NHPs. There is a campaign to push back against disproportional regulations, which may put the accessibility of herbal medicine at risk. Please stay informed and/or get involved if you care!

  • There are many routes to study herbal medicine, and different schools to choose from, based on your interests and needs. Many, except for one, are in-person in Canada, and most offer a range of certificates to diplomas. There are options to do short courses and workshops for educational credits.

    Schools include:

    Gita Narayan started at the Bloom Institute in Halifax, NS, then completed her studies at the Pacific Rim College (PRC) in Victoria, BC where she obtained a 3-year Diploma in Phytotherapy. PRC is a government recognized institution.

  • The word “doula” is Greek for servant or helper, and is similar to a birth doula. An End of Life Doula or Death Doula supports a person, or their family, during the dying process with end of life care.

    End of life care helps to increase the quality of life of people who are suffering from a serious illness (palliative), and/or are in the process of dying. A Death Doula helps a client meet their physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs, based on needs, beliefs, and wishes. Care can come in numerous forms. A Death Doula can support with:

    • companionship and bed side presence

    • advanced care planning

    • grief and bereavement support

    • self-care and non-medical intervention support

    • life reviews and legacy projects

    • help planning vigils, ritual, ceremonies, and funerals

    • and much more.

    Please book a free 15 minute consult to learn more.

  • Like medical herbalists, the profession is not yet regulated in Canada.  The End of Life Doula Association of Canada currently registers members that have completed a recognized End of Life Doula education program. They can also provide more information about the work of a death doula.

    Gita Narayan completed the End-of-LIfe Doula program at the Douglas College in BC.

  • Herbal Medicine and the services of a death doula are not covered by BC provincial health coverage or MSP, or by most employer-sponsored Extended Health Benefit plans. However, costs may be eligible for reimbursement through a Health Care Spending Account (HCSA), Health Spending Account (HSA) or Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA). Please check with your employer to see if herbal medicine, holistic nutrition, and end-of-life doula consultations are covered by your plan.

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