I’ve officially graduated from the HomeGrown Herbalist School of Botanical Medicine and am now a Clinical Herbalist!
This milestone is more than just a credential; it represents years of study, practice, and a deepened connection between plants, people, and healing. My journey began with a love for gardening and has grown into something even more meaningful — helping others discover how plants can nourish the body, soothe the mind, and restore balance.
What Does a Clinical Herbalist Do?
A clinical herbalist is trained to understand how plants interact with the human body — physically, emotionally, and energetically. The work bridges modern science and traditional herbal wisdom, focusing on supporting wellness rather than treating disease.
Through in-depth training, a clinical herbalist learns to:
Study human anatomy and physiology, understanding how each system of the body functions.
Identify and work safely with medicinal plants, including their chemistry, actions, and contraindications.
Create individualized herbal formulas — tinctures, teas, salves, and tonics — tailored to a person’s constitution, lifestyle, and goals.
Understand nutrition, stress, and lifestyle factors that influence health and healing.
Collaborate with other wellness practitioners, always emphasizing education and empowerment rather than diagnosis or prescription.
In essence, a clinical herbalist serves as a teacher and guide — helping people reconnect with the natural world and with their own capacity for balance and vitality.
How This Knowledge Enriches Stepping Stone Garden Coach
Herbalism and gardening are deeply intertwined. Every plant in your garden holds a story, a purpose, and a potential benefit for the ecosystem — and often for you as well.
As a clinical herbalist, I bring this deeper layer of understanding to every consultation and garden design:
Plant Selection with Purpose: When we plan your herb or kitchen garden, we can choose plants not just for beauty and flavor, but also for their medicinal properties.
Teaching Through the Seasons: I’ll share how to harvest, dry, and prepare herbs so you can create your own teas, balms, or wellness tonics right from your backyard.
Workshops and Classes: I’ll be offering new educational programs on growing, identifying, and using medicinal herbs safely and effectively.
Garden as Apothecary: Together, we can transform your garden into a living pharmacy — a space that nurtures both the body and spirit.
The Root of It All
At its heart, herbalism is about connection — to nature, to tradition, and to the cycles of life. My goal at Stepping Stone Garden Coach has always been to help others take the next step toward a more intentional, hands-on relationship with the natural world.
Becoming a clinical herbalist allows me to offer even more depth, knowledge, and confidence as we explore the healing power of plants together.
Thank you for following along on this journey. I can’t wait to share what’s blooming next!
With gratitude,
Larissa
Clinical Herbalist & Garden Coach
