herbalist Tag

Clinical Herbalist Pittsburgh

Annie Fox Derek (She/Her/They/Them) is a clinical herbalist, animist, and folk healer. They have over 10 years of experience studying plants, first completing a BS in Plant Biology, followed by 4 years of study in clinical herbalism with Ola Obasi at the Well of Indigenous Wisdom School. Since then, they have trained with herbalists and folk healers from around the world, and devoted countless hours of independent study to learning the local edible and medicinal flora of western Pennsylvania. They also helped to start the Three Rivers Free Clinic for the People and have taught about herbal medicine and foraging to hundreds of people throughout Pittsburgh and beyond. 

Annie promotes health sovereignty with the use of natural, sustainable, and often local plant and herbal agents, they encourage people to feel actively engaged and empowered in their own health and wellness. They believe deeply in the holistic nature of healing, the connection between mind, body, emotions, and spirit, and the profound wisdom and love that plant medicines have to offer each of us. 

Are you wondering what to expect as a client or participant in a Herbal Consultation? 

You can expect during an herbal consultation that Annie will ask you about your medical, mental health, and psycho-social or personal history to gauge exactly what barriers and strengths she may enlist in the optimization of your wellness. Annie is respected for her use a variety of clinical diagnostic tools to better understand your personal constitution. Following the session, they will create a unique wellness plan for you that includes hand-blended herbal formula(s), dietary/nutrition suggestions, and personalized rituals to help you on your journey towards wellness. Follow-up sessions will track progress and offer the opportunity to adjust herbal formulas as needed. 

How long do Herbalist Appointments Last?

Each session is one hour long and can be offered in person in Pittsburgh or Telehealth. A typically duration of treatment for herbalist support can vary from 1-10 sessions depending on the severity of your concerns and the kinds of modifications that are utilized to strengthen and enhance your wellness. Appointments include the opportunity to order dried plants and herbs directly from Annie Fox Derek.

Annie specializes in deep listening, holding non-dual awareness, and cultivating loving acceptance, all with a healthy dose of playfulness. Their favorite activities include exploring local forests and swimming holes, participating in earth-based rituals and ceremonies, talking to plants, singing around fires, playing board games with friends, and hanging out with their feline companion, Nimbus. They are actively engaged in decolonization and anti-racism practices and carry this throughout their work. 

Annie is available for telehealth and in-person consultations at the Pittsburgh Counseling and Wellness Center location.

CBD all the buzz… How Can CBD increase health and wellness?

Cannabidiols or CBD, are currently gaining a lot of traction in the health and wellness world. From grandmothers to beloved pets, many are jumping on board to see how CBD can enhance their health. According to the World Health Organization, ‘there are no known harmful side effects from taking CBD.’ Some people do report a feeling of drowsiness so there may be implications for operating heavy machinery or driving. Whether you are reaching out to your local clinical herbalist or not, we can now find CBD in the gas station, the grocery store, as an add on to your favorite smoothie and seemingly everywhere in between.

What is CBD?

CBD is the resin from the marijuana plant which has been isolated from the many of the compounds within the plant such as THC. CBD should be differentiated from THC which is the hallucinogenic substance which is known to intoxicate marijuana users. In fact, the absence of the THC is one of the things that attracts some people to try CBD in their attempt to find organic and holistic options to manage their emotional and physical health that medical marijuana is reported to have. Lets look at the different forms of CBD and some of the most common ailments and health issues that some are reporting that it can help. Additionally, because CBD is completely legal in Pennsylvania, it is not necessary for one to have a medical marijuana card in order to use it.

CBD oil

CBD is found in the form of Oils, Tinctures and Salves, Gummy’s and/or Edibles, there are even smokeable hemp flowers. Whatever your favorite route of administration, you will be able to find something for you. CBD Oils are used on topically to manage issues like inflammation and chronic pain disorders. As an oil, CD or a balm it is applied to the skin on a pain point and allowed to absorb. Tinctures and salves are applied the same way and are used to treat the same issues. Others report that they use CBD to manage their stress and anxiety and to promote feelings of calm and increase rest. CBD is also at times added to other herbal supplements such as melatonin for more complete rest. I have also seen it added to coffee beans for increased energy and potentially combat the sleepiness it is known to cause it some. Many tests have been conducted which find that CBD may work and does not have any known side effects so with something to potentially gain and nothing to lose, CBD is here to stay, it has quickly become the most widely available and used herbal product to hit the markets and from most perspectives that is a great thing.