Update: I made Heidi’s magnesium spray with a little lavender. I sprayed him once on each thigh. He didn’t have any more cramps that night. We did this 3 night in a row. He stopped cramping after I sprayed him every time! We forgot last night until he started cramping again. He actually asked for it last night, he was rolling eyes the first night 😆. I can’t believe it worked that quickly. I think it’s helping him fall asleep faster too. 

 –Sara Hale

Here's what one of my students experienced when she began using herbs for her family. She saw immediate positive results! See what journeying into plant medicine can do:

"Heidi - Your encouragement and instruction has helped me in so many more ways than just his breathing! We started with your lung supporting tea made into a tincture.  Meanwhile I was learning about all of the individual lung/respiratory herbs. The Confident Herbalist course equipped me so well, and I was then able to use that knowledge as I pursued and prepared other herbs for use.  It has been a huge blessing! One of the biggest victories aside from the breathing problems is that we no longer buy 1-2 boxes of Sudafed EVERY MONTH!  We don't use ibuprofen every day like we used to, either! I don't remember the last time we used it!  This is all MAJOR.

The M&M tincture has been amazing, along with Nettle and Goldenrod.  Because of you we are no longer putting these allergy-sinus related drugs into our bodies.  I'd say I probably haven't bought those things since around 6 months or so after beginning to study under you! Oh...one more thing that popped into my head is Robitussin.  We used to go through that SO FAST.  I use only herbal expectorants now!  My last bottle of Robitussin is on the shelf, expired! 

Now that I'm getting more comfortable with a lot of the uses of various herbs for respiratory, I've been working on anodynes/nervine herbs to use on the occasions when I have pain from a past injury. I don't get these 'bouts' very often, but in the past they have been known to set me back two full days at times!  Aside from seeking out proper physical therapy, watching my water intake, posture, etc., I have recently finally had the time and brainspace to to work with the anodynes/nervine herbs to add to my arsenal.  I'm happy to report that the last two times I've needed support for this I've found great improvement with an herbal tincture combination!  This has been a stubborn condition and to get through it without drugs is amazing!  I am SO encouraged!  I used to take ibuprofen and tylenol 'piggy back' style, if you've ever heard of that.  Now I'm finding alternatives that give me support and encourage me toward balance rather than the OTC alternatives which include side effects!

Lastly, for now, I have to say that we have just not been sick since we started using herbs regularly!  As soon as we get a scratchy throat or feel extra tired, etc., we take appropriate herbs and the threatening 'bug' just gets kicked out!  That makes a huge difference in our lives!  I also use chickweed salve instead of itch cream and have even made pine (and other)-infused facial moisturizer.  I also have found plants that can soothe my digestive tract if needed and I use your wonderful Healthy Bones tea to stay strong and well.  My world continues to expand and unless something changes I am no longer in need of the OTCs!  I didn't even realize to what extent untiI I gave my herbal journey some thought! I can't thank you enough for giving me the practical instruction and encouragement that I needed to jump in to all of this after hesitating for so, so long!  Thanks again!"

 –Sandy Judy, Student and Herbalist

NOTE: Many of the herbal preparations Sandy mentions in her note to me are included in this course! And, because I believe in providing a LOT of support for my students, when you ask questions about specific needs, new recipes and remedies are going to be added to the Ditch the Drugstore Recipe Book during this first course round!

"Hi, Heidi, I got this rash on my arms periodically for several years. It is only on this one arm and itches terribly. I have gone to the doctor, 2 allergists, 2 dermatologists, taken medications, used medicinal salves, itch creams and whatever I can find to relieve it. Nothing and no one has been able to help me.

Finally because of your teachings I put together an oil and I put it on my arm several times a day. It has REALLY helped!! Not only did it cut down the itching, but it is going away. I'm sure it will keep helping. Thank you, thank you, thank you Heidi for giving me the confidence to make up this oil"

 –Rose Felton, Herbal Tea Expert

"I gag on store-bought cough & cold medicines. I am so glad to have an alternative!.....What I love most is that herbs give us more control over our own health care, and they connect us to the earth. I feel like I am touching more areas of ME than I ever have and am incorporating my love of science and the natural world more than I ever have in my adult life... I have always been a bit leery of meds of any kind, even hesitant to take OTC pain meds for a headache. I have had too many "opposite" reactions to them or some risks have been too great. For example, Cipro can sometimes cause tendon rupture. I had been on that a couple of times before I learned about this. I will never take it again, and I made the Dr change the prescription when my son was on it. We musicians put enough stress on the tendons and a rupture could be career ending for me. Nope, not worth the risk!"

 –Heather Niemi Savage

"I am taking Heidi's herbal course and I love it, so much great info packed in it. As I read each section I find myself not wanting to stop. She makes the info easy to understand and fun to learn. This is not some boring, dry course, does not feel like a class at all ! I can not get enough of the course. Thank you Heidi, for putting this course together and offering it to people such as myself, I am very grateful."

Melinda Knolle, Knolle Ranch and Mystic Fox Naturals

"I found a new world of natural medicine thanks to Heidi and Healing Harvest Homestead. Herbs have made an incredible difference in my life, a difference I didn’t know was possible or that I really needed before I started my herbal journey. I have several issues that had become worse and the solution seemed to be more medication. I finally said, "NO MORE!"

I have been able to replace my inhaler (which I took twice daily) for a Marshmallow Mullein tincture. I also make a tea blend of Marshmallow and Mullein and Rosemary. There are days when my condition is worse that I will take the tincture a couple times a day. That being said I have NOT had to take my inhaler for a year now! This has not only helped me not put harmful steroids in my body, it has also saved me $135 a month.

There are herbs that have helped me go from 2% away from stage 5 kidney failure (which requires dialysis). I am now stable in stage four and there is no talk of dialysis! The herbs I am taking are Dandelion leaves, Marshmallow, Red Clover, Ginger, Chickweed, Cleavers, and Stinging Nettles. I make these into a tea, and it is delicious iced or hot.

There are other changes I have made too. My husband and I take many herbs to boost our immune system now. I make Elderberry Syrup and Fire Cider vinegar and many tinctures. Some of these are taken daily and more often if we get ill, which doesn’t happen as often now. Needless to say, herbs have changed my life and are helping my husband and I get healthy. This journey is a blessing. Thank you so much Heidi!"

 –Amy Balser, Herbal Student

“What a great resource for those beginning their herbal journey! And it is jam packed with a ton of valuable information. Heidi has done a fantastic job of making this course easy to follow in a language that isn’t overly complicated. She makes it feel very personable and as though I am learning from a close friend. I highly recommend this excellent course for anyone who wants to learn how to use herbs safely and effectively in their everyday life!”

 –Mary Woita, Boots and Hooves Homestead