The Herbal FNP

11/30/2025

Poor mullein root doesn’t get a lot of attention, primarily because the leaves and flowers of this plant are so well known as excellent remedies for lung health and ear infections. However, I can say from personal experience that mullein root is one of the best medicines out there for malalignment of the spine.

A match made in heaven for cranial-cervical instability (CCI), herniated discs, scoliosis and cord compression, mullein root shines in its ability to bring the spinal cord vertebrae back home when they get some smart ideas about sneaking out of line. It’s a lubricator - it helps the discs move smoothly which also makes it helpful for arthritis of the back and neck, and of course as a root-cause treatment for sciatic and nerve compression. I have started playing around with it in patients with tethered cord, and it shows promise there for symptom support.

Tincture is the preferred method of use for this dandy little plant, and I hope this helps you on your way! Drop any comments or questions below and I will try to answer them to the best of my knowledge ❤️

11/28/2025

I am blessed. I have so much to be thankful for as we celebrate the close of another year - I have a house full of love with a sprinkle of chaos, a community I love being a part of, projects that offer me purpose and a husband who has been my rock over the years.

But this past month, as not just the year closes but I close an era of my life, I have been completely exhausted. Getting to point where I can work for myself and open my practice has meant doing the intense work of keeping the train on the tracks at the office the past few months - tying up loose ends, buttoning up protocols and action plans - quite literally closing up shop. It’s been stressful not just for me, but for my patients.

I haven’t been up this early by choice in ages. I’ve always been an early riser, but I’ve been so exhausted and depleted this past month I’ve been sleeping 1-2 hours later each day than usual. I’ve missed early mornings with Faye, I haven’t been present to help my stepkids get ready for school, and I’ve missed opportunities for this - a little precious alone time, reading a book next to my window with a cup of coffee.

I thought maybe it was hormones. Or maybe from all the layers of EDS just taking their toll. But no, it was just good old fashioned burnout. I’m amazed at how quickly my energy and mood have bounced back - I already feel like myself again.

So right now, in the hours of the early Winter morning, when it’s just me awake and I have time to hear my thoughts, I’m most thankful for the opportunity to build my life my way. It’s given me so much already. I’m excited for the joys and challenges ahead, the impact I can make and for many, many more mornings like this ❤️

11/27/2025

11/25/2025

It glows in the dark too ✌️

11/24/2025

I’m really just switching jobs for all the goodbye gifts 😂

11/23/2025

If not now, then when?

Decay, decompose, rot, REST.

Self care is those things too, however unpretty 🖤

11/23/2025

Uggghhhhh. Do you ever have one of those days (or weeks, months) when you realize you *may* jsut be running on adrenalin during the week and then when Saturday comes you just CRASH AND BURN??

I managed to put pants on for long enough to make some medicines. This syrup and soup stock is meant to warm and moisten, since most folks who are burning out run cold and dry. Just nothing left, ya know? These herbs along with hearty stews and soups help put some of it back while adding a bit of resilience to the mix.

I don’t have recipes. Wasn’t in the mood. But if you feel compelled to make some of these medicines there are resources out there that can help. Or maybe I’ll post them sometime when I’m not ready to abandon society and live out the rest of my days as a witch hermit in the woods.

11/21/2025

Office far from finished but coming together more and more, mostly with well-wishing gifts from colleagues and patients! The gorgeous plant-themes throw blanket (to match the orange couch!) courtesy of Stacey Gibbs and the beautiful box on the windowsill from ❤️

11/20/2025

Last day seeing patients as a primary care provider at Upstate. Eyes tired, shirt choice very intentional (thank you Shannon McMullen and the rest of the MALS pals).

11/17/2025

Well, here we are.

Tomorrow begins my last week of seeing patients as a primary care provider. I’m down to the last four days.

I’m sitting here at the SUNY Cortland library trying to put a bit of a cheat-sheet algorithm in place for my wonderful colleagues and Lindsey Painter who will do an absolutely fabulous job of keeping my EDS patients alive and well while I take a much needed break during the month of December. It’s all very bittersweet. I’m looking forward to this new beginning, but it’s very much a practice in letting go.

I can’t wait to see the beautiful faces of my patients again as their specialist when my new practice opens in January. It’s gonna be a hoot 🦉

*p

11/16/2025

Also, Eagle Syndrome, when it presents as jugular vein compression related to cervical instability.

Of all the things, these are the worst. Of all my patients, these are the bravest ❤️