Katherine Nelson Herbal Consultations

04/12/2026

CORTISOL is a misunderstood chemical. Cortisol is a steroid hormone, meaning that it is necessary for many bodily functions. Known as the “ stress “ hormone it is produced by the adrenal glands, which are the glands that sit on top of the kidneys. Not only does it help manage stress, it regulates blood pressure, maintains metabolism and modulates immune function. It also controls energy use and blood sugar consumption. Cortisol triggers the pancreas to decrease insulin and increase glucagon, which raises blood sugar levels to provide energy during stress or when needed.

However chronic stress elevated cortisol is not a healthy thing. This is usually due to adrenal fatigue which can lead to weight gain, anxiety and digestive issues. High cortisol contributes to fatty liver, high blood pressure and heart inflammation - MYOCARDITIS.
Basically the adrenals are producing more cortisol than the body can use thereby displacing other necessary hormones such as melatonin, our sleep and rest hormone needed for a good night's sleep.
So once again we have STRESS putting great pressure on the body and ultimately the brain.

Luckily for Humankind we have many remedies that help repair adrenal fatigue and reduce that nasty ongoing inflammation.
Contact me here on fb@ Katherine Nelson Herbal Consultations or drop me an email at katherineofnelson2@outlook.com to start your healing journey.

03/29/2026

Ssssoooo….this happened…..
I had a visceral PTSD episode the other day when my friend Dorine took me to the vet to get Poe the Teenage Kitty eviscerated….ooops, I mean “fixed”

To put things into perspective, I lost a Beautiful Cat Creature in March of 2019. He was 4 years old and I am pretty sure had some Maine C**n in him. One day during a hot spell, I heard a yowling in the back alley. I peered over the fence to see Dickens just casually sitting upright on his hunches, one giant paw simply held down on this poor, petrified Cat. There appeared to be no claws, no gnashed teeth, no aggression from Dickens. Just Dickens being superior. He could not help himself, he was a Gentleman Gangster. I chastised Dickens and he slowly turned to look at me, casually lifted his big paw and let the crying, fearful Cat go. He then cooly stood up and sauntered up to me and the fence. He was an amazing, dynamic being. He passed far too young and although I mourned him, I was still in deep mourning for my Mother so what happened when I took Poe the Teenage Kitty to the vet 7 years later shocked me.

I sat in the backseat of my friend's car with a chill Poe ( that unto itself was odd, sitting in the backseat with him, but there I was ), he just lay in his crate trusting that everything would be okay because I was with him when I suddenly just heaved. I was literally abruptly sobbing. It took me a moment to figure out what triggered this eyewatering explosion, it was certainly a PTSD reaction and this seemed sane to me, but even that did not help. I am a knowledge is power kinda Woman, let us look at the facts type of person and that also did not seem to make any difference.
I was a mess.
I was a wreck.
Only until I got Poe back home safe and sound and out of that crate did the terror inside me subside. But not completely, I was so illogically fearful that something would happen to him. I was even worried that the little bit of anesthesia would hurt him and he would die in the night that I woke many times to check on him. He was fine if not a little concerned that I kept waking him. Needless to say I was exhausted for work the next day. Actually probably for a long few days if truth be told. My body ached and I was overwhelmingly fatigued. This short but fast breakdown shattered me.

What occurred could only be described as cellular memory. My cells were literally imprinted by this long ago tragedy and when an innocuous occasion that may have been a similar event occurred, my body got a sudden jolt. Irrational fear took over my reasoning. I was back in a car with Dickens leading him to his death.
Even though I rationally knew what was happening I could not stop crying…no logic, no reasoning, the avalanche of fears and tears just rolled, my body sagged and my heart purely ached.
Luckily for me I have a remedy for that and I did not let it go on for too long.
I am pleased to report that Poe the Teenage Kitty is his usual self, albeit a wee bit more calm, but still my little snuggle muffin, playful Kitty. And Mister the Cat seems a little less on high alert!!! Poor Bastard!
Ssssoooo…that happened.

03/22/2026

03/22/2026

Neutering really does make Male Cats less nuts….pun so intended.
Poe the Teenager just got his knackers chopped off and both he and Mister the Cat noticed. Poe came to our home unneutered some many months ago. I, in my arrogance, was certain that I could manage an unneutered Male Cat for life as I have scads of experience in corralling and controlling hormones and bodily behaviours. I have, after all, worked at a Homeopathic Vet Clinic for 5 years…I know Cats. I have been treating humans for 26 years. I know hormones.
When I would tell people about my unneutered Poe their first comment would be…oh he will spray…well I did not get Poe neutered because he sprayed ( he never has in the 9 months he has graced us with his presence), I have gotten Poe neutered because he was so damn uncomfortable.
While I was able to control most of the actual bodily responses of Male hormones, of which I started after one particular traumatizing event in October that I still can't comfortably discuss, he would still spend alot his free awake time psychotically staring at Mister the Cat just waiting for a moment to pounce, even though he did not seem to know why. No aggression or untoward advances, just pouncing. Mister being the Gentleman Kitty, he is just rolled with it.

Poe was so restless. Whenever I opened the window for fresh air he would howl and yowl like a banshee. Not for long mind but it was still a guttural response. And the endless chirping….just walking around chirping and chortling endlessly. Day or night, little kitty gurgles. And the long caterwauling sessions, of which, I am sure my neighbours do not miss. He was clearly looking for something and as he is not an outdoor Cat I did not want him running off tomcatting.

So here I sit, head humbly bowed , begrudgingly understanding that despite all of my learning and capabilities, I am not able to completely control an unneutered Male cats true nature and so, for his sake and mine, my Poe is now a more calm Eu**ch like his big brother…sigh...isn’t Nature a Beautiful Beast. Respect.

03/15/2026

STRESS, be it bodily or mentally, really is underrated with its involvement into a vast array of health issues.
A great number of people that I treat dismiss stress. When they come to the stress question on my consultation form they usually choose moderate stress as their response while they in fact carry alot of stress around. Not just baggage but cargo trunks.
As we delve deeper into the healing process we come to discover that almost 90% of all symptoms, breakouts, recurrences and/or bouts all happen after a very stressful episode.

My patients do not even associate this action and reaction pattern. The action being the stressful event and the reaction being how their body responds to said stressful event. The hives return, the swelling begins again, the pain persists, the hair falls out. And the doubt returns.

But on reflection and here is the upside to wholistic healing, as the healing progresses the symptoms, breakouts, recurrences and bouts become less frequent, aggressive and overall less debilitating. Actual healing and repairing of the body rather than just adding another pill to deal with the side effects that the other pill has given you with no resolution in sight. Around and around we go.

Well not when you choose the healing path. Healing is a step by step process. It does take time and patience. It is not a quick fix but it can be a permanent fix. Perseverance is the key and feeling better can be yours.
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired maybe I can help. Drop me a line here on fb@Katherine Nelson Herbal Consultations or send me an email to katherineofnelson2@outlook.com.

11/30/2025

The Tea Mistress
Now that the mind numbing cold has returned, what better way to warm up those frozen noses than with a soothing cuppa.
With 7 nutritious, locally blended teas to choose from there is a flavour for all tastebuds.

Just Be Tea - Peppermint, Spearmint, Chamomile, Calendula, Safflower, Nettle, Catnip, Lemonbalm
Divine Tea - Hibiscus, Rosehip, Safflower, Jasmine, Calendula, Elderberry, Juniper
Positiv Tea - Anise, Star Anise, Fennel, Cinnamon, Raspberry Leaf, Lemon Peel
Chai Spice - Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Fennel, Black Peppercorns, Cardamom, White pepper
After 8ish - Spearmint, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Fennel, Black Peppercorns, Cardamom, White pepper
Fireside Blend - Peppermint, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Fennel, Black Peppercorns, Cardamom, White pepper
Mulled Spice Mix - Orange Peel, Star Anise, Nutmeg, Allspice, Chai Spice Blend

These fine herbs and spices are sourced from Alpine Herbs and the blends can be found at Northern Lights Fruit and Vegetable Co. and the The Bodhi Tree vintage eco boutique, refill center & wellness studio.

11/28/2025

The bad rap given to fat…

Good fat battles bad fat including Cellulite, High Cholesterol, Fatty liver/gallbladder. These are considered the types of fat that are impossible to address and therefore are not dealt with but rather lived with.

The Lymphatic system, which runs thru/around every gland and organ including the brain, relies on good, non trans (rancid- spoiled or burnt through cooking) fats to keep it cleansed and as it runs through the muscular system it is necessary to include exercise along with good fat consumption to keep the lymph system flowing effortlessly.

Fat is the only thing that penetrates organs and glands to keep them clean, water does not. It takes 51 days of continuous good oil consumption to saturate muscle and organ matter to the point where it is able to cleanse. You must keep muscles and organs oiled to keep them TONED, SUPPLE, PLIANT, CLEAN and HYDRATED.

The skin and mucous membrane (nose, throat, stomach, intestine, va**na, re**um) uses oil to keep it hydrated and clean.

Fat keeps JOINTS LUBED, the BLOOD MEAN and the BRAIN (63%+ fat) at ATTENTION. It keeps the ears clean, the skin glowing and all muscles / tendons and veins elastic.

So there it is, the body needs, requires and utilizes fat as a necessary component to keep it ticking along just right and without it we can develop a number of issues including a compromised lymph system, joint and muscle pain, elasticity insufficiency and brain farts.

11/16/2025

Allergies are amongst the most common chronic conditions globally, affecting millions of people, pets and livestock. From allopathic medicines’ perspective - Western Medicine, an allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance or allergen. This could be anything from pollens, pet dander, dust mites, foods, medications or bug bites.

The immune system, in an attempt to protect the body, releases the natural, necessary chemical Histamine- both a hormone and neurotransmitter, that can lead to various allergic symptoms and reactions when too much is released. Naturally produced in the body, histamine is found concentrated in places like the lungs and the immune cells - mast cells and basophils - and is released by white blood cells in your body when your immune system is defending itself against an allergy trigger.

Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy or a tingling sensation in the throat or roof of the mouth. Other symptoms can be skin-related, such as hives, rashes, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. Severe reactions may involve difficulty or anaphylaxis.

Histamine is also found in foods like aged cheeses, processed and smoked meats, fermented foods such as sauerkraut and some vegetables and fruits such as spinach and tomatoes.

It is only when Histamine levels are high do they create a problem and luckily for us Humans Mother Nature has a number of remedies that can help regulate histamine and reduce allergy symptoms. Some of these remedies may even resolve some allergies and imbalances that excessive histamine can cause.

If you would like to deal with your allergies once and for all, whatever they maybe caused by, drop me a line here on fb @ Katherine Nelson Herbal Consultations or send me an email to katherineofnelson2@outlook.com.

10/23/2025

09/19/2025

I think I need to rehome myself…
This morning I looked for 20 minutes for my only hair comb left in the house. If I do not comb this rats nest 2 x per day I am halfway to dreadlocks, I had to use my fingers…anyways I digress…I had my trusty comb last nite at 10 effin o'clock for pete's sake. Up and down, in and out I searched. Hairbrushes and combs go missing in my house all of the time. Since time immemorial. I will use it in the am and when I go look for it in the pm it is gone…yes I like my wine and have been known to partake but come on…I still manage not to lose anything else so commonly and readily, not even keys , gloves or sunglasses.
Well…let me tell you, ( I am not sure if I should be proud or embarrassed ) today I was dumping my waste basket when I hear a thump, low and behold it is my missing comb…I was sure and have been for sometime now, years, that someone with a key deliberately comes into my home and messes with my head by taking my combs and hairbrushes, nothing else like booze, money or my plentiful knicknacks, just my combs…..wwwweeelll…I have finally ( thanks to Poe the Kitten) figured out this decades old mystery and phenomenon of mine.
I lay my mad, crazy hair instruments on the edge of a bathroom sink or side table that happens to have a waste basket right underneath it….oh yeah you know where I am going with this….my lovely, cuddly, purry, furry little companions have conspired against me via “Hair Accessory Gate”....those little creatures sigh…for decades, with their sweet little bean paws knock my hair accoutrement into the trash of which I willingly toss out…what the actual???.

Do I keep them or get rid and just get a gerbil?

For animals with brains the size of a walnut they sure give this more intelligent superior being a run for her money…via hairbrushes and combs. Double sigh they do makeup for it in cuddles and purr.

P.S. I have since ( after decades ) moved my trash bins in both my bedroom and bathroom away from the comb ledge because after all I am the smarter species.

09/07/2025

Drama…It is everywhere….Poe the Kitten lllloooovvvveeeesss to groom Mister the Cat’s head….and it all starts with him lovingly approaching Mister and tenderly licking his ears but as time proceeds he becomes rather frantic and manic at cleaning Mister’s head. Mister will loll his head around, chin up, chin down, forehead down, reveling in this spa session, all the while you start to see Poe’s tail tip start to twitch ( surely Mister senses this happening ), then it is full blown tail flicking and panic licking which in turn leads to Poe unabashedly wrapping his whole body around Mister's head, nipping his ears and essentially attacking him or rather his head…Mister invariably lets out a yelp of Cat sorts, claws Poe off of him and runs off about 2 feet away and lies down.

This does not happen everytime but is about 50/50…Mister definitely doesn’t like being attacked but….and this is a very big but…he is now approaching Poe for the grooming knowing that he may very well be attacked by him, as Kittens do…is this PTSD? Is it Patty Hearst syndrome? Is it Coercive Control? Habit? Self sabotage tendencies? Or is it just a gambling high?
I do not know as I am not fluent in Cat but I do know that Mister the Cat cannot help himself…and neither can Poe the Kitten.

From the Bible to present day Country songs there is drama. It is 2025 and countries that were at war in the Bible are still at war. Some countries relishing it and others desperately wanting to be part of this never ending war.
Some, well lets face it, alot of Humans cannot help themselves.

Is Drama a norm or a necessity or can we live a drama free life? Is there such a thing as Peace when there are so many dynamics creating our worlds? So many external factors? I do not know the answer to this question as I was raised in a highly dramatic family. Also is drama relative? Is it what you are willing to tolerate or put up with? Or is it inevitable?

Sigh…or maybe it is all of the above…how wearisome….

You cannot control other’s drama so how do you prevent it from seeping into your own life? Or taking it over and literally dominating you?

Perhaps I will never know or understand the answer…after all I certainly do not understand Wo/Mankind and I do not speak Cat.

Thankfully I have what I like to call “ Calm the Heck Down “ remedy that works well on this Human and both Poe the Kitten and Mister the Cat. So there is that.