In a message dated 4/1/00 3:28:54 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< Nikki mentions referring her to a certified herbalist.  Certified by whom?
How do you know this person didn't just take a 5 day course and passed a test
given at the end of the course?  I'm not sure I would feel any more
comfortable referring a mom to someone who is labeled a "certified herbalist"
than I do referring a mom to someone who has taken a 5 day lactation course
and now calls herself a CLC or CBE or CLE or whatever.  I know absolutely
nothing about what type of training one has to have to be a certified
herbalist.  Do they have a national registry of people that have gone through
a specified program -- similar to IBLCEs?>>

I personally do not refer to an herbalist for this type of situation
(depression). I refer instead to a homeopath or naturopath, as they are
licensed as primary care physicians here. I do, however refer to herbalists
for other situations, but limit to people whose training I know well.
      <<I truly want to know -- my knowledge of herbs is based on what I have
read, and though I've read a lot, I find most of the information woefully
lacking.  I think it would be great to refer to a certified herbalist, but by
gum, I want to make sure the person to whom I am referring is truly qualified
and not someone who has taken a
one-day-wonder course somewhere.>>
    I do not believe that just b/c someone has a credential which is more
universal that we can assume common knowledge. Look at the broad range of
knowledge among physicians on breastfeeding or nutrition, for example. This
is where I rely on the holistic community to clue me in. If I was looking for
a good herbalist I might ask a naturopath I trust, for example. I find once
you are tapped in, you can find anyone you need.
    Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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