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| function), plus herbs that will strengthen the woman's constitution. I do not have a "one-size-fits-all" formula for breast cancer. The compound for each breast cancer patient I see addresses the particular features of that woman's typology. I believe that this approach holds the best possibility of success in both treating cancer and preventing its recurrence. It is multifaceted and completely individualjust like each human being. |
| Especially when dealing with cancer, I believe it is important to consider the whole person rather than treating the condition with a disease-driven protocol. It is important to understand the client's constitutional patterns and biological individuality; to pay attention to diet, digestion, and sleep patterns; to get a sense of the client's mind, heart, and soul as well as body. This is the part of healing to which I am most drawn and in which I feel most gifted. |
| Often I am asked, "What is the pharmacological action of this herb?" or "What are the herb's active constituents?" Although these are concerns of mine and I strive to learn all the technical information I can, I believe it is also important to keep in mind that herbs have unique energetic qualities, and for each herb there are many applications. Although herbs can be used specifically for certain organ system imbalances, the true nature of herbs is constitutional. That's why, when I work with cancer patients, not only do I give each one an individualized formula, but I also pay attention to changing the formula as the individual's state of health progresses. |
| I believe that herbalism is both an art and a science. At its best, it is based on the following: |
| 1. The latest scientific knowledge. |
| 2. Historical knowledge (one must be proficient in the herbal materia medica). |
| 3. The herbal medical system one is working within, such as TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) or American Eclectic medicine. |
| 4. An innate intuitive ability (openness to listening inwardly for a sudden idea, a definite judgment, or a grasped meaning). |
| 5. The virtue of patiencethrough patience so much is revealed. |
| 6. A refined ability to improvise and be a "good cook." Knowing how to mix and match herbs for various effects, how to create formulas, how to prescribe supplements, and how to offer specific dietary guidelines are all necessary when formulating individual protocols. |
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