Clinical Herbalism

04/14/2026

The formula follows the pattern.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we don’t treat symptoms in isolation. We look for patterns.

The same symptom can arise from very different underlying presentations, and each one requires a different approach.

This formula is built for a pattern of Spleen Qi and Kidney Deficiency, presenting with fatigue, stress, and overthinking. It is not based on a classical formula, but includes herbs traditionally used to support endurance and buffer the effects of emotional stress.

In practice, formulas are rarely used exactly as written. They are adjusted to reflect the individual, their constitution, their symptoms, and how their body is responding over time.

Each herb plays a specific role within the formula, working together rather than acting alone. This is the difference between generic supplementation and individualized herbal medicine.

Curious what pattern you might fall into? See my pattern series.

Schedule a free 10-minute consult to get started.

03/01/2026

Welcome.

If you are navigating a health concern and seeking steady, individualized support through clinical herbalism, nutrition, and traditional methods, you are in the right place.

I work with people who value thoughtful, individualized care grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western herbal practice.

→ Book a free 10-minute consultation to determine whether we are a good fit.

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Clinical Mentorship

For trained herbalists seeking clinical mentorship or case review support on the path toward professional practice, I offer one-on-one mentorship for developing practitioners.

→ Book a free 10-minute consultation to discuss mentorship.

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New to Herbalism?

If you are beginning your herbal studies or exploring educational programs, I encourage you to review the American Herbalists Guild directory of recognized schools.

While I do not offer beginner-level herbal education, I am glad you are here.

→ American Herbalists Guild School Directory

09/30/2024

I love seeing all my local Sacramento clients in person when schedules allow! Virtual consultations are just as effective and usually easier for folks near and far, but in person means we get to relax in this beautiful space together. (And usually clients stick around to watch me make their herbs!) We have a wonderful group of practitioners in this suite.

09/25/2024

Cold and flu season has officially begun for us with the kids back in school! We were cordially welcomed back with an illness by the end of the second week. If you find yourself in a similar boat, here are my go-to herbs and foods for a lingering productive cough with fatigue and shortness of breath. (Looking at you covid!) For more details on the herbs and foods included and how to use them, check out my article here.

🌿 Tea - astragalus, licorice (huang qi and gan cao in TCM)

🌿 Sautéed pears - pears, fresh ginger, cinnamon

🌿 Tincture - made by yours truly with astragalus, cordyceps, lily bulb, osha, elecampane, magnolia bark, citrus peel, echinacea, burdock, ginger, licorice, passionflower. The herbs in this tincture are best used when there are other signs of Phlegm present as well as the productive cough - possibly congestion, sinus infection, nausea, fluid in the ears or an ear infection. This formula is suitable for kids when used as a glycerite instead of a tincture.

07/20/2022

A sexual assault survivor chooses sterilization so that if she is ever attacked again, she won't be forced to give birth to a rapist’s baby. An obstetrician delays inducing a miscarriage until a woman with severe pregnancy complications seems “sick enough.” A lupus patient must stop taking med...

05/26/2020

I recently wrote about 5 common myths I hear as an herbalist:

🌿 "I use pharmaceuticals so I can't use herbs"

🌿 "Herbal medicine is feeling & intuition-based"

🌿 "Allopathic (modern, western) medicine is harmful & unsafe"

🌿 “Traditional medicines are outdated and ineffective”

🌿 "I can just do this myself without an herbalist"

Check out the full article on my website!

"I use pharmaceuticals so I can't use herbs" I often see people who are hesitant to try herbs because they also take pharmaceutical medications. While it is very important to not mix incompatible herbs and medications, it is absolutely possible to take herbs with medications. A qualified herbalist c...

05/08/2020

Sometimes I am humbled and amazed by what herbs and other natural modalities can do. It's the same amazement that inspired me to learn clinical herbalism in the first place. And when working with dedicated people alongside other complimentary medicine sparks can fly. 🎉

Here is the full testimonial of a client I had the privilege of working with last year:

"Living with chronic low back pain for over a decade and failing most options offered by traditional medicine including opiates, I came across Rolfing treatment which was very helpful initially until I had another herniated lumbar disc causing significant leg weakness and severe radicular pain...at which point I came across Shelby's practice of TCM while I was offered a low back surgery by the traditional doctors. I decided to postpone the surgery to try the TCM and PT/Rolfing route and could not be happier with the fact that most of my leg function recovered and the pain has become manageble without any medications. I attribute this recovery mostly to the true healing with Shelby's herbal supplements, which were awful tasting initially :( but later converted to tinctures, and were much better tolerated thereafter :). I would highly recommend her to anyone dealing with chronic pain problems."

Unfortunately no, I can never guarantee any of it will taste good! But sometimes folks (myself included) are pleasantly surprised!

05/07/2020

Even though these books take up half the depth of my desk, it's worth it to always have them 6 inches from my brain so I can passively absorb their secrets. (And just reference them quickly when working on a case.) My next project in the office is to make a lending library of all the books I recommend the most to those looking to learn more for themselves. 🧐

05/06/2020

This is such a lovely herb that I find myself restocking it constantly. The Chinese translation of this herb is “happiness bark”. I reach for this herb when someone is feeling a little emotionally stuck and needs a nudge in the right direction. This herb (along with all herbs to brighten the mood and ease anxiety) is especially valuable during this time.

I often pair albizia with rose, another lovely herb to nourish the Heart and keep emotions flowing smoothly. This herb can be mild, so the traditional dosage is quite high at 9-15 grams. I use the bark but the flowers can be used as well.

Albizia julibrissin is also referred to as mimosa, silk tree, or he huan pi. In TCM terms albizia calms the spirit (or Shen) and relieves constraint. It is indicated for depression, PTSD, bad temper, insomnia, irritability, and poor memory due to emotional constraint.

Keep in mind, to address more significant or longstanding emotional issues (depression, PTSD, etc.) this herb usually needs to be used as a part of a larger and stronger formula. As always, not every herb is right for everyone or when taking certain medications. If you need more specific help reach out to a qualified herbalist.

clinical-herbalism.com

References:
Bensky, Dan, et al. Chinese Herbal Medicine, Materia Medica. 3rd ed., Eastland Press, 2015.
Tierra, Lesley. Healing with the Herbs of Life. Crossing, 2003.
Tierra, Michael, and Lesley Tierra. East West Herb Course Materia Medica. 6th ed., vol. 1, 1981.

05/06/2020

Hello! I’m Shelby, your humble local (and long distance 😉) herbalist. I maintain a full apothecary and private clinical practice in Sacramento and work with people near and far. I offer wellness consultations and customized herbal formulas based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, and Western Herbalism.

With this page I hope to share tips on using herbs for everyday life, insights into the diagnostics of herbal traditions, and (of course!) pretty photos of herbs and nature.

For more information or herbal inspiration check out my website and instagram.
Website: clinical-herbalism.com
Instagram:

Thanks for following!