Alyssa Holmes, Vitalist Herbalist
​Hi, I am Alyssa! I have been practicing and studying herbalism and health for 20 plus years. I have always been drawn strongly to the natural world, and hold the belief that through traditional ways, and new ways we can come into a state of health and joy, with the plants as wise allies. Plant medicine connects us to the elements, our ancestors, and our bodies. Herbal healing is empowering and effective, and I love nothing more than to help guide people and plants together through the alchemy of finding physical and energetic matches. I have studied with the American Institute of Vedic Studies (Vasant Lad and David Frawley), Sage Mountain Herbal Center (Rosemary Gladstar), and the School of Evolutionary Medicine (Sajah Popham)~along with all the years of self-study and practice in the field, and within my community. I am the Co-author of The Medicinal Gardening Handbook (first edition), and Healing Herbs (second edition). I live on a homestead with my husband and 2 daughters in Southern Vermont where we have a large medicine wheel filled with herbs, grow food, and host gatherings, retreats, workshops, mentorships, circles, and consultations. We have an Apothecary cabin filled with herbs in many forms of medicine, that is open by appointment and for custom formulas.
What is Vitalist Herbalism?
Vitalism recognizes that plants heal not only on a physical level, but also energetically and spiritually. The Vitalist approach to Herbalism is very deeply holistic. It views the body as intelligent by nature, creating vital responses to express what it needs. Vitalism seeks out balance, energy, and life force, identifying obstacles through this lens. It explores the whole person from the perspective of the constitution, the tissues, and the soul and seeks the underlying root imbalances. The Vitalist uses a deep knowledge of plants in their wholeness and matches them to the uniqueness of each person to truly treat illness and to restore vital health.
​
Healing/Learning Circles
​
Throughout the year I extend an invitation to gather in a group of people who are going through something similar and are in need of support, as well as herbal knowledge and consult. We will dive into whatever the topic, have activities and resources around it, and generally support each other with ideas, space holding, and stories.
Sacred Herbal Baths
Outdoor, wood fired, warm water, herbal bliss. In nature, surrounded by flowers and herbs growing alongside the tub, release tension, give your worries to the water. This is a beautiful healing experience. Customized with herbs for your constitution and needs, along with candles, tea, music, and fresh air. Follow your bath with a nourishing herbal oil on your body, and perhaps a nap in the apothecary 20 feet away.
Individualized Herbal Consultations
Vitalist Herbal consultations are a way to get to the root of what has been going on with you, what has been out of balance, what needs attention. Feeling vital, having bodies that work well to move us through what we want to do in this life, is essential to living our purpose, enjoying our human experience, and connecting with the world. My vitalist approach takes healing with plants to the deepest level.
​
Testimonials
Get in Touch!
Contact Info
Phone
Address
802-380-4797
79 Harvest Hill Rd., Brattleboro, VT 05301