How do I get the product?
You can arrange to pick up the products from me directly in the North End of Halifax. If you would prefer to pick up in Enfield/Stewiacke/Brookfield/Truro reach out and I'll see what I can arrange. If you prefer to receive by mail or you live elsewhere in Canada, please consider donating for 3 months to be shipped at once (3x$30 and $20 shipping, $110 total). I can send monthly if you would like but it would be $20/month for shipping.
How do I donate/pay?
Interact e-transfer is the easiest way. I can accept cash if you pick up in person.
Do I need to subscribe for the entire season?
I hope that you are able to commit to 10-12 months so that I can count on the assistance for my monthly tuition payments. I understand life happens, though. If you need to "drop out" just let me know and I'll try to find somebody who is interested in filling the spot. No pressure.
Why are there questions about allergies or conditions on the registration form?
This is just a quick consultation to make sure I am providing the safest products for you that will support your wellness. Herbal products need to be tailored to each person to ensure they are as safe and effective as possible.
Are the products alcohol-free/vegan/gluten-free/cruelty-free?
Traditional herbal remedies often contain alcohol as a solvent. For those who cannot consume alcohol or who wish to share the products with their young children there will be an alcohol free option available for all ingestible products (for example, instead of an alcohol based tincture, an alcohol-free glycerite made with food grade vegetable glycerine or an acetum made with apple cider vinegar will be available). Beeswax is used in some topical preparations, everything else is vegan. No ingredients used will contain gluten (I'm not working in a sterile facility but I will do my very best to prevent environmental cross-contamination). All plants and solvents are ethically sourced, the only "cruelty" issue would depend on your opinion of beeswax. I work with a lot of asteraceae plants (Ragweed family - Dandelion, sunflower, chamomile, etc.), which can be a common allergen. Please let me know on the registration form if you are allergic to asteraceae so I can give you an alternative formulation. If you have any other specific concerns contact me and I'll try to come up with a solution that benefits both of us.
Is this medicine?
I'm not a doctor. The products have not been reviewed by Health Canada. I make no medical claims regarding these products. Products are provided for educational purposes only. I make no claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prescribe for any medical condition. Please consult a qualified medical profession before taking any natural wellness product, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a chronic condition. With that said, all traditional cultures around the world have considered plants to be medicine and key to wellness. Information on traditional use will be provided in the monthly newsletter.
What is this money being used for?
I have completed 250 hours of herbal medicine studies (200 hours distance education and 50 hours hands-on). Education is expensive. I want to continue with a 1000 hour distance learning community herbalism program with a school in the USA and a year long hands-on program here in Halifax. The cost before supplies, herbs, etc. will be approximately $400 Canadian per month. If the CSA is successful, it will provide $300 per month to assist with the tuition payments and supplies for making the products.
Is this a business/a clinic/a charity?
No. Its just me. Its you helping me get through school and me sending you gifts.
What is a tincture/salve/whatever?
Tincture: The most common and most traditional extract of a plant's active components using high quality alcohol. These are usually taken using a dropper to add to small amount of water which you can then hold under the tongue or swallow.
Glycerite: A modern innovative plant extract using food or pharmaceutical grade vegetable glycerine. These are completely alcohol-free and safe for children, those who cannot have alcohol for medical reasons, or those who are in recovery. Gycerine is a slightly weaker solvent than alcohol but as a bonus it tastes sweet so it goes down easy.
Salve: A topical (don't eat it, put it on your skin) preparation where the active constituents of the plant are extracted into an oil base. Wax is then suspended in the oil to keep it solid and spreadable at room temperature.
Acetum: An extract of plant's active constituents using vinegar. Sometimes these are very medicinal. Sometimes they are a great base for salad dressing.
Oxymel: A combination of acetum and honey. Kids tend to like it better than vinegar.
Tea: Technically called an infusion. Dry or fresh plant material that is extracted in hot or cold water.
Decoction: Similar to a tea/infusion except you boil it in a pot. This is often used for harder to extract plants and things like roots and barks.
Flower Essence: Also called a flower remedy. This is a preparation often used in "plant spirit medicine" or "energetic medicine" where the essence of a plant is extracted in fresh, pure water using solar heat and energy and then diluted and preserved with brandy. These can be taken by mouth, used a spray mist, applied topically, mixed with other preparations.