So you wanna know why I started Gnosis Herbs?
Hmmm?
Is the suspense killing you??
Well pull up a chair and pour yourself some tea. Let's talk about the time I was accidentally poisoned by my own home!
Strength, adaptability, and resillience continue to be traits I lean on and nurture. I keep hearing "lean in, not out" even though it's tempting to put my head in the sand... I keep finding ways to remain here, in embodied presence. Easier said than done lol
This time last year I moved out of an apartment that was contaminated with toxic mold and environmental supertoxins. My health quickly and sharply declined after moving there- we're talking significant hair loss, 30+lbs weight gain (as a regular practicing personal trainer with a mindful lifestyle) migraines, debilitating insomnia, chronic fatigue, eczema, POTS, emotional turmoil... and so much more. 
I was fed up with the medical gaslighting that came along with my "chronic illness girlie" "your labs are normal" neurodivergent-autoimmune-cocktail-of-comorbidities. I didn't want an antidepressant. I didn't believe that my issue was just "anxiety". I had been to therapy, lots of it. and still... my symptoms persisted and my life shrank to the size of my couch.
One day, I took a leap of faith. With the help of a Unicorn Doctor of Chiropractic with intimate experience regarding Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) I was able to see drastic improvements in my health. It was incredible. (She is not in practice anymore or I would link her)
I was so sick that I was willing to try just about anything to get better. Enter: herbs. In hindsight I can see this as my initiation into the world of herbs and herbal medicine.
I started seeing an Ayurvedic Herbalist, and slowly, gradually, I began to feel better. We talked about toxin overload (Ama) and the importance of digestion (Agni). She told me things like "Go be in nature, nature will heal you" and "talk to your heart, every single day". so I did. (Shout out to Dr. Preeti at Ayucure Wellness- online and in person in Alberta)
I worked with herbs like Gotu Kola and Brahmi for clarity of mind and focus, Haritaki for sleep, detoxing, and nervous system support, Punarnava for flow and movement. I embraced natural foods like cumin, fennel, corriander, ajwain seeds and ginger for my digestion. Warm oil massages for my belly and joints.
Slowly, the "bootcamp" I put myself into was helping immeasurably. Each thing I adopted helped. My energy began to come back, my symptoms reduced. I began to trust my body and the guidance of my alternative health practitioners. With my energy grew my courage, and my new guides told me it was time to do more.
I was ready, so I left the environment that made me sick. I parted ways with 90% of my personal belongings due to contamination. I moved to a location with an organic farm and fresh air. I stopped using scented products. I journaled. I started washing my bedding (yes, even the blankets) every single day. I started the detox process... and boy was that grueling.
That's pretty drastic you say? Yes I agree. 100%. but... I got better. I won't claim that i'm back to where I was before that damn apartment... but I am much, much healthier than I was last year.
Even with my progress the world feels like a gauntlet sometimes. It's tempting to succumb to the overwhelm and apathy that seems to be so popular nowadays.
I've found solace in getting away from a screen, sticking both of my hands into the dirt and my bare feet on the grass. No AI, no co-pays, just earth magick and love.
Since moving away I've deepened my herbalism practice and pursued formal education through the Rosemary Gladstar course The Art and Science of Herbalism. I've stocked up on my home apothecary and started to share the love.
So now I spend my Wednesday afternoons at a farmers market booth in a small town outside of the city. Working on my new "art project" that is Gnosis Herbs.
Need a refill?