Have you ever stood in a garden and felt the calming power of lavender, the gentle energy of chamomile, or the invigorating scent of peppermint? These aren’t just pleasant experiences—they’re introductions to the ancient and powerful practice of Western Herbalism, a path of healing that begins with the natural world around us.
Read MoreTopics: western herbalism, Herbal Classes, Herbalist, Holistic Herbal Remedies
Connection to the Natural World
My connection to the natural world began in childhood, as is often the case with many herbalists. Having spent countless hours turning over rocks to uncover bugs, gathering plants from the garden, and concocting my own “potions”, I found peace, creativity, and joy in those moments.
It wasn’t until my teenage years that I began to recognize the essential and medicinal qualities of plants. I stumbled upon a book of natural remedies, and it felt like being let in on a grand secret. That discovery sparked a deep passion, and at 16, I began my self-study of herbal medicine, eagerly absorbing every resource I could find.
Read MoreTopics: western herbalism, Great Graduate, Herbal Medicine, Herbalist, JoAnn Sanchez
“I grew up using herbs and had wanted to become an herbal pharmacist. The training I was looking into was in China, and then life happened, and going was discouraged. Then in my second half of revolving around the Sun, I walked by SWIHA and noticed the sign that I never paid attention to, it said ‘Herbalism and Reiki’. I had just started a new chapter in life and finally saw what I needed to do to get on the path to my original plan A.”
Read MoreTopics: western herbalism, Great Graduate, Herbalism, Reiki, Holistic Entrepreneurship, Herbalist, Amanda Hope
“My life before SWIHA was…. A LOT of daily crippling anxiety and waves of depression. Not to sound dramatic, because that’s really how it was. During COVID salons shut down, so I couldn’t do hair which had been my main source of income for the 6 years prior. I started making soaps and learning about essential oils I could include for depression and anxiety. This led me to research what else plants could do for my mental health.”
Read MoreTopics: western herbalism, holistic entrepreneur, Great Graduate, SWIHA, Herbalism, Apothecary
I was overweight, mentally drained and an emotional eater (and drinker). My own traumas and dramas became my triggers. After five years of struggling through starvation and rationalizing my circumstances—I realized it was all due to my own insecurities and bad decisions. Choices that I made while my self-worth was lacking, oh who am I kidding, it was non-existent. I was not living purposefully; I was just existing. At the time I had no idea there was a place called Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA).
All my life, I had compared myself to others. I compared my life to how others were living, and I believed that I was not living life as I should have been. I felt as though I was not giving my children the life that so many others were giving theirs, therefore I was a bad parent.
Read MoreTopics: Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, western herbalism, SWIHA, Urban Farming, Arizona, Tempe, mind body wellness pracitioner, integrative healing arts practitioner, Herbalist, National Be on Purpose Month 2023, Self-worth
Migraines take many forms in both acute and chronic conditions. Herbs, like Feverfew, Butterbur, Lesser Periwinkle, and Ginger can work as remedies in both arenas. This is a subject of great importance to me personally. I have suffered from chronic migraines for 12 years. I struggle with a baseline headache 24 hours a day 365 days a year and I have yet to find a “magic bullet”. While I do not believe there really is a “magic bullet,” I do believe that there is help available to migraineurs for this severe and debilitating disease. That help will come in the form of ancient plant medicine with a history of potent treatment for many diseases and ailments. While there are seven types of migraines, I will explore the herbal remedies that greatly affect the pain and suffering that individuals feel during an acute or chronic attack.
Read MoreTopics: western herbalism, Holistic Healing, Herbalism, Holistic wellness, Arizona, Migraine, Tempe, Herbal Medicine, Herbalist, herbal remedies, Herbs
“Holistic living means that your spiritual, relational, emotional, intellectual, physical, and financial lives are working together.” - Tsh Oxenreider
Kryss Huang was not a stranger to living a holistic lifestyle when she came to SWIHA. This community was a home away from home, for Kryss. She explains, “I love SWIHA, SOY, and SWINA. I feel at home each time I go to any of these beautiful places.” Kryss had been living a holistic lifestyle for the majority of her life. It felt like a natural choice to pursue studies at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts. About 10 years ago, Kryss actually attended the Western Herbalism and Nutrition programs and felt incredibly comfortable at SWIHA. Her life path eventually led her back to SWIHA to enroll in the Hypnotherapy program.
Read MoreTopics: Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, western herbalism, Hypnotherapist, Holistic Nutrition, SWIHA, Herbalism, Hypnosis, mind body spirit, Nutrition, Hypnotherapy, Arizona, Breathwork, Holistic Living, Tempe, SWIHA CommUNITY, Herbalist, Holistic Lifestyle
A Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912) named Nan-in welcomed a university professor who came to learn about Zen. The Japanese master began to serve tea. Nan-in poured the professor’s cup full, and then some. As the professor watched the teacup flow, he eventually could no longer restrain himself and blurted out “It is overfull. No more will go in!” Nan-in then replied, “like this cup, you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?”
Read MoreTopics: Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, western herbalism, Holistic Nutrition, Whole Foods, Mindfulness, Nutrition, habits, spiritual studies, Mindful, Dairy-Free, Holidays, Raw Foods, Herbal Medicine, herbal teas, Holistic Education, herbal remedies, natures herbs, Mindful Practices
“When things don’t go as your plan or back-up plan, don’t sulk. Make new plans! The sun doesn’t stop shining just because of dark clouds.” - Unknown
Suzanne O’Gara did just that. Suzanne is a woman who has lived in many roles: singer, teacher, belly dancer, business owner, herbalist, mother, wife, and many more. Her life before SWIHA was very different, and when plans didn’t go her way, she didn’t let that stop her.
Read MoreTopics: western herbalism, SWIHA, entrepreneur, Natural Healing, Herbal Medicine, herbal remedies, natures herbs, Holistic Herbal Remedies, make medicine, flower medicine
JoAnn Sanchez is trained in social work, forestry, natural resource development, botany and describes herself as a “primarily self-taught Herbalist” with experience spanning four decades.
“A natural attraction and affinity to plants began in childhood,” says JoAnn, program director of the Western Herbalism program at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, “as it is with many Herbalists.”
Read MoreTopics: western herbalism, Natural Healing, Herbal Medicine, SWIHA Staff, Plant Medicine
