+ Why sliding scale and how does it work?

Herbal consultation services are offered on a sliding scale model of compensation because we believe in accessibility.

It is open to you as the client to choose what price is most appropriate for you. This is a community process, as it allows those with different degrees of financial resources to support others in accessing my services.

The top of the scale is the actual cost of the service. This is encouraged for all who are able to pay at this level, as it compensates the full hourly rate. The more folks access services at the top of the scale, the more sustainably access can be offered at the bottom.

The middle of the scale is for folks who are able to meet their basic needs but have a limited amount of expendable income.

The bottom of the scale is for folks with little-no expendable income. BIPOC clients are also encouraged to utilise this rate, regardless of financial access, as an offering of solidarity and reparations.

Virtual Free Clinic appointments are offered monthly as a way to broaden access to herbal care for those who would not otherwise be able to work with a clinical herbalist, especially those who are low-income or unemployed. If you are able to allocate $35-$50+hst monthly for herbal care, you're encouraged to access our services through the lowest end of the sliding scale and we will work within your budget.

You are not required to validate why you’ve chosen your point on the scale, and we respect where you decide to situate yourself. If the range is inaccessible to you, please directly to discuss other options.

+ What does the process of an herbal consultation look like?

You begin your work together with a 60-120 minuite initial intake consultation, where you discuss your primary goals + concerns, and go through an in-depth health history. This will include an inquiry of each body system to ensure all information needed has been gathered. Any information you share will be with be taken into account, and any topic you wish to avoid will be done so respectfully. Prior to the appointment, you will be asked to submit an informed consent form and an intake form. These are sent virtually and kept securely.

Over the next week following the intake, great care will be taken in formulating a protocol made especially for you. Everything will be informed by your specific goals, constitution, medications, and financial needs All recommendations will be explained in a way that’s accessible and all questions will be addressed.

Follow up consultations are typically 30-60 minutes in length and take place around the 4-6 week mark from the initial consultation and every 4-8 weeks following for as long as you wish to continue working with Jessye. They give you a chance to touch base, see what shifts have happened, and regroup & reformulate as needed.

+ Where do appointments take place?

All sessions are currently held long distance via Zoom or over the phone.

+ How much should I budget for plant preparations?

Due to the vast possibilities available, Jessye is able to work within your budget when creating a herbal protocol. This may mean working with a custom tea blend, and/or tincture(s). Whatever the choice, the herbs will be specifically created for you.

The cost for herb preparations can range from $15-$100 monthly, depending on the protocol recommended.

Herbal preparations are offered at-cost for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, & People of Colour) as an offering of solidarity.

+ How do I receive my herbs?

Herbal preparations will be either shipped to you, or porch-dropped at your home, depending on where you live.

+ Where do you source your herbs from?

Recommended protocols consist of herbals from the Future Spell apothecary and dispened by Jessye. Future Spell is grounded in creating high quality whole plant medicines and protocols typically use whole plant tinctures or teas rather than supplements.

All plant material is either grown and harvested on Jessye's farm, or purchased from other high quality organic sources. Jessye works with the plants from an anti-colonial perspective, meaning that every plant is met with respect and from a place of reciprocal relationship.

Organic grain ethanol and distilled water are used for all alcohol-based tinctures, and either food-grade veg glycerin or organic apple cider vinegar for non-alcohol preparations.

+ What is a clinical & registered herbalist?

A clinical herbalist is someone who is trained in clinical examination + assessment + intake skills and an expert in the medicinal use of plants. These skills are used collectively to assist clients with their health concerns + goals. A registered herbalist is someone who has fulfilled the educational and clinical requirements set by the provincial association for herbalists in their area, and has decided to become registered. There is usually a long application process, interview screening, and annual contiued educational requirments. Jessye is registered with the Ontario Herbalists Association.

+ When to go see an herbalist?

Whether you’re experiencing an acute condition, or living with something chronic, an herbalist can offer holistic and integrative support. They can create anything from a general tonic formula to help you through cold season, to a targeted formula for your very specific concern such as MS or a mental health diognosis. Herbal medicine is extremely versatile. Trained clinical herbalists can also work along side other modalities + medicines, whether allopathic or alternative, in a collaborative way. It is important to note that herbalists do not treat any conditions, but rather work alongside your care team to bring safe, effective, and holistic support through herbs.

+ Can I take herbs and medication?

Herbs can often safely work alongside medications, but it really depends on the herb and the medication. The best way to ensure safety is to work with a knowledgeable herbal practitioner who has studied this subject and has the ability to formulate a protocol that's safe for use alongside your meds.

+ Are your services covered by my provincial insurance plan?

Unfortunately herbal consults are not covered by provincial insurance. Some private insurance plans may cover herbal consults, so please check with your provider.

+ How does social justice inform Jessye's work?

Jessye is trained in the teachings of western herbal medicine, and strives to practice this in a way that challenges the paradigms of colonialism and capitalism. This means intentionally taking steps to make space and services accessible and supportive for all, such as offering sliding scale + free consultations, practicing in a way that is informed by principles of harm reduction and trauma-informed care. At-cost herbal preparations are offered as an offering of reparations and solidarity with BIPOC clients. Jessye also practices herbalism that is Queer and Trans affirming. They ground their practice in ensuring a consultation envrioment is build that honours whole people with respect and dignity. This means using gender-affirming language on intake forms and in clinic, and using anatomy-based language when needed.

+ What is a tincture?

A tincture is an herbal preparation where a mixture of alcohol and water has been used to extract the constituants of the plant. There are a few methods to do this, such as maceration and percolation. Tinctures are the most bio-available and shelf-stable form of herbal preparation.