Howdy, my name is Elliot Neal. I’m an avid community herbalist and caregiver living on unceded Coast Salish land in the San Juan Islands. I am also a clinical herbalist in training. Since I have been studying herbalism since 2021, I have completed an Integrative Herbalism course through Portland Community College and a family and community herbalist program through the Commonwealth School of Holistic Herbalism. I am proud to say I have documented over 1,400 hours of instruction and 150+ hours devoted to student clinic and case review. I am continuing my education through a clinical studies program and have spent a year in clinical mentorship with some lovely and experienced herbalists. As I am on a brief hiatus, I am not offering virtual sessions until I continue with the mentorship program.
Outside of my work, I have a passion for helping others and love my island community. When I am not talking about herbs or caregiving, I’m probably off somewhere in the woods, hiking along the coast, cooking something spicy, or reading a Terry Pratchett novel.
I like to serve my community by acting as a resource and enjoy sharing my knowledge with any who may be curious.
Feel free to reach out with the button below to ask request information about herb-drug interactions, specific herbs, other places to learn about herbs, or follow up on any questions from the Herbal Mutual Aid Group meetings. I also answer inquiries regarding caregiving services. I do not offer specific herbal advice or protocols via email.
About Me:
My Practice
I aim to create a space where it feels comfortable to share about what it’s like living in your body. I want you to feel seen and heard as we work together. Your history is just as important as your symptoms today and help us see the whole picture in front of us as we move forward with care. I wear a number of hats, but consider my primary role to be an educator for those looking to improve their health through holistic means. I utilize evidence backed science in my practice, but I also hold space for the historical applications of herbs and remedies. People have been practicing herbalism for thousands of years for a reason! At the end of our session, I want my clients to have the knowledge and tools so they can manifest the changes they seek. I do expect my clients to be active participants in the work we do together. Yes, there is homework! Our work is collaborative in nature, and you get out of it what you put into it. That said, I am also a cheerleader to my clients, offering ongoing support throughout lifestyle adjustments and the adoption of herbal protocols. I also offer: active listening, friendly banter, clarifying questions and thoughtful answers.
What to expect
The modern medical landscape has normalized brief, costly, and authoritative interactions between practitioners and clients that often leaves little room for the nuance that is required to support complicated or chronic health issues. I seek to turn that model on its head. I host virtual sessions so we can meet from the comfort of your own home. Our work begins before we meet, when I spend time thoroughly reviewing your intake form and doing any relevant research in preparation for our session. I then provide a spacious and exploratory 90 minute intake session that fosters a balanced client-practitioner relationship as we explore your history, current symptoms and ways of being. Follow up sessions can range from 60 to 90 minutes. Our work is not done when our session ends, either! I share a summary of our visit, an easy to understand herbal protocol, suggestions that may involve changes to diet, movement habits, sleep, coping strategies, and more. Your job is to consider and experiment with the ideas we collaborated on in session. I make myself available by email for any follow up questions or concerns. If you’re having trouble or something is not working for you, let me know! I’m here to help. :)
Who I serve
I will work with just about anybody who reaches out, but I am especially fond of working with fellow queer friends, neurodivergent folks, those with chronic illness, and people who have been failed by the oppressive structure that is the modern medical industrial complex. I want to make the state of well being accessible to all, and am open to working with folks regardless of resources. In future clinical herbal mentorships I will be offering 30 minute limited free clinic sessions alongside my peers. If you are interested, I can get you connected so you don’t miss a chance to see an herbalist and learn to support your body for free!
I will not conduct a session if you are actively driving your car. I will not conduct a session if you are in a loud or public space that interferes with our conversation. Please do not come to a session under the influence of mind altering substances. I do not serve those who espouse oppressive views and therefore I do not work with anyone who is openly racist, ethnocentric, anti-LGBTQIA+, ableist, classist, a COVID-19 denier, or those who align themselves with MAGA or other fascist movements. I retain my right to end a session at any point if your behavior violates my boundaries.