Herbal medicines address systemic health issues as well as symptoms. Yet it can be challenging to know which herb or herbal combination to choose. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies herbs in a very sophisticated fashion based on their distinct characteristics and is also grounded in thousands of years of empirical usage.
Modern pharmacological research has helped advance the understanding of the mechanism by which herbs are metabolized, including how these affect cells in each system of the body. Combining traditional wisdom with modern day research is important to ensure safe and effective administration of herbal remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the herbalist able to address my specific needs in one consultation?
The initial consultation does include a complete review of your symptoms, overall health state, and goals. There is an option to complete a basic consult or an expanded one. Most health issues can be addressed in a basic consult. Each type includes follow up emails or conversations to check in on your health picture after a program has been recommended.
How are herbs selected?
If the problem is relatively simple, such as seasonal allergies or headaches, there may only a few remedies recommended. For more complex problems, such as intractable migraine or chronic pain, a more intensive program that could also include dietary changes may be suggested.
How do I know if my problem is one that the practitioner knows how to treat?
Michelle provides consultations on a wide variety of health issues. The areas in which she has attained the greatest expertise are headaches, migraine, allergies, diabetes, lupus, immune system regulation, weight management, menopausal syndrome, kidney health, osteoporosis and thyroid management. She also asks that anyone with a severe health issue verify that they are under a physician’s supervision. This is to ensure safety as well as careful monitoring of the condition.
What if I am also taking medications?
In some cases, herbal ingredients may affect the metabolism of medications. Certain herbs, for example, are not recommended if one is taking anticoagulants. It is imperative that all medications taken be reported on the intake form. If you are pregnant, it is advised that you steer away from adding new supplements or herbs. Other conditions not suitable for this practice are advanced cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, cancer, and infectious diseases.
Michelle is educated on drug-herb interactions. When the correct herbal medicines is used it can potentially offer a layer of protection to the system, and this can mean less dependency or less chance of developing tolerance. This is a distinct method of using herbs to strengthen the organs and overall system to respond better. Some herbs will affect how quickly a drug is absorbed into the tissues. These interactions are checked in every case to ensure safety and efficacy.
Expanded consultation
- Most health issues, even those that may appear simple, still require monitoring due to the inherent complexity of the human body, which can affected by changes in diet, hormonal swings, challenged immune system, or genetics. Michelle will speak with you on a video or phone call after the initial intake form is completed to carefully review symptoms, health history, diet, lifestyle and any other factors impacting overall health. Michelle will check in once a month with you for three months after the consultation, and you are invited to share or report back at any time. Sometimes herbal prescriptions need adjusting as the system adapts and a new prescription recommendation may be provided.
Personal Message from Michelle
Oftentimes the road to health is not one way. I consider myself a stop on your journey of health, and I am dedicated to providing the best in herbal medicines and dietary strategies to assist your recovery. If my experience and knowledge can be of benefit that is our shared goal. I try to keep it as simple as possible, while also recommending the most effective and tailored prescriptions that I know.
Telehealth In A Nutshell
THE VISIT:
INFORMATION GATHERING
Prior to the appointment, prepare by writing down the chief symptoms, any diagnosed illnesses, relevant current and past health history, and any questions you may wish to ask. It is also helpful to email or share pertinent lab results.
APPOINTMENT
If you are not a current patient, the first appointment should allow for a visual meet, either using videoconferencing or in-person. Michelle will travel to you for an additional fee if you are unable to travel yourself. The intake will be comprised of a review of questions, symptoms, and goals.
THE CONSULTATION AND REPORT
A customized report (not a form) is the final step and this will contain recommendations for nutritional and dietary modifications as well as for herbal supplements. When indicated, clinical data and researched references are cited. The benefits and limitations of various interventions will be shared as well.
THE REPORT:
FORMULAS AND SINGLE HERBS
Recommendations for formulas or single herbs is provided, and a description of pharmacological and nutritional mechanisms is also given. In most cases, formulas are recommended because these contain synergistic blends of individual herbs to address the whole body, and are therefore safer for long term use than single herbs.
IMMUNE HEALTH
Because the immune system is often affected by almost any illness, herbs and other dietary advice that help regulate immune cells can be important. Chronic illness suggests a glitch in the immune system since recovery is hindered or stalled. Herbal medicines address this piece of the picture and are clinically shown to improve regulation of immune cells and speed recovery.
NUTRITION
Asian medicine paradigms advocate consuming foods that match the patient’s unique set of symptoms and body type. There is a taste, temperature and channel correspondence for every type of food (meat, vegetable, dairy, etc.) and for all of the herbs in the Materia Medica. Eating right is essential for good health. Certain herbs and foods can influence blood sugar, cholesterol and metabolism.
Past Telehealth Cases, A Sampling
Osteoporosis
The herbal ingredient, Radix Dipsaci, has been proven to improve mineral density and tissue mineral content of bone in studies conducted by the National Institute of Health. For best results, these bone building herbals should be combined with other herbs in a formula in order to optimize the effects. In one consult, the patient presented with a history of lung cancer. Michelle recommended a staged and intermittent dosing of herbs and specific type of mushrooms used in Japan for cancer prevention.
Thyroid Disease
A program of specific supplements to control inflammation, as well as an herbal formula to assist in regulating hormones, can improve overall thyroid functioning. Formulas contain ingredients that address auto immunity, inflammation, and dysregulation of endocrine functioning. Michelle has assisted several patients with balancing the thyroid, both hypo and hyper functioning, with the goal of lessening tissue destruction and balancing hormonal pathways.
Testimonials
Michelle helped me through a thyroid issue that was not getting resolved by my PCP, even with several trials of medication. Michelle caught the connection with my pituitary that even the doctors did not. She also prescribed herbal formulas to address the multiple symptoms that I suffered such as exhaustion, heavy periods, and anxiety. I am so grateful to her steadfast assistance. The problem is not fully resolved but Michelle has made a huge difference in my ability to function, and I continue to consult with her regularly.
Tennisha Brown
I have a form of Lupus that has caused many health issues including skin problems, high blood pressure, and anxiety. I met Michelle when she worked at a doctor’s office doing acupuncture and herbs. Since starting a couple of herbal formulas my antibodies are back to normal and my blood pressure has lowered too.
Ginger Allen
Channel Acupuncture & Herbs 