Each year the SouthEast Women’s Herbal Conference sets up camp at Lake Eden outside of Black Mountain, NC. Over 1000+ women and children attend this 3 day event in the early fall. Our First Aid Center is tasked with providing earth-based care for this temporary village. All of our services and remedies are offered free. For many, a visit to our clinic facilitates their first healing experience with herbal medicine, illuminating the vital link between true health and nature. We had over 100 visits to the center and also made a few “cabin calls.”

Our clinic is hostessed by graduates from the Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism (ASHH) located in West Asheville, NC. I have had the honor both serving and coordinating this clinic for the past several years and share with you some pictures from this year’s clinic. I have also been working on a mini-manual filled with information on how we staff, stock, and provide this type of clinic for those who may be inspired to do the same in their neck of the woods. It is available as a PDF on the Herbalista website. www.Herbalista.org

Chloe (newest member of the Herbalista crew) guarding the herbs as we pack up our mobile tincture kits.
The Herb Bus set up an info booth to let folks know about our free clinic work with the women and children who attended this years conference. Since the First Aid Center was also located in a new building on the grounds, our signage helped to direct folks our way when help was needed
We moved into a new room this year. While we missed our cozy little cabin from the years prior, we settled right in and tried our best to make the new space warm and healing.
Terri is our paramedic who we couldn’t do without. EMT’s and Paramedics have well honed assessment skills and are trained in “red flags.” Since we don’t operate in an herbal vacuum, but within the current medical structure of the USA, they are also a vital link between our work at the clinic and the emergency medical system, if we need to tap into those resources. Teri is both giving and knowledgeable and we are lucky to have her.
Stephanie has been working the clinic here for the past 5 years and is a protector of all who enter. Her dedication even extends after hours and is available even in the wee hours of the night should someone need assistance. Each morning she smudges our little clinic, clearing the space for the work ahead.
Maria is the newest member of our clinic crew. She is standing at the apothecary making notes on a case. We have quite a wonderful array of remedies to work with, thanks to the donations of many, including Red Moon Herbs and Traditional Medicinals.
A little herbalina in the making. Maria’s daughter became our go-to when we needed an inhaler prepared. These are portable aromatherapy sniffers that can help with anything from congestion to anxiety. They can be assembled and dosed with desired oils on the spot, creating a custom blend for one in need. Since I was introduced to them by Gabriel Mojay at an aromatherapy seminar, they have become an indispensable remedy on Herb Bus rounds.
The Crew! Thank you Stephanie, Terri, Maria, Jaime, and Darlene for your caring ways. Looking forward to next year.