herbalist understands the power of plants
When most people need medicine, they turn to their medicine cabinet. When they need food, they turn to the refrigerator. When Carole Tashel needs medicine or food, she opens her door and looks outside to nature, first, then perhaps shc visits the grocery store.
For Tashel, an avid clinical herbalist, teacher. gardener and author, there is nothing more natural than finding healing properties and sustenance in the world around her.
Although she has been enchanted with herbs since the 1970s, when she first saw a movie about Tibetan medicine and spent many days in the Santa Monica Mountains on herb walks, she is still delighted and moved by the beauty, color and scent of herbs. She is excited by the possibilities of herbs on a visceral level.
"The other day I was on my way to do a radio show, when I saw these amaming. plump pods on a Siberian elm tree," she said.
"I pulled my car to the side of the road and gathered a basket of these succulent pods to bring as a gift to the host of the show. She was interested, began munching on them immediately and liked them so well she took them home with her."
In 1982. in order to continue her herbal studies, Tashel moved from Los Angeles to Santa Fe She wanted more knowledge and trained with many people, including herbalist Michael Moore, a professor at the Institute of Traditional Medicine and founder of Herbs, Etc. Soon after, she became a professional herbalist and a consultant for eight years at the Herbs, Etc. Today she lectures on the medicinal aspects of herbs and gardening and does health consultations.
"What I do is all about smells, taste and the sensuality of nature's boutntiful offerings," said Tashel.
Walking dcvn the street is simply taking a stroll for most people. But for Tashel it becomes a magical experience when she discovers medicines and food on the bushes and trees and growing in the cracks in the sidewalk and in flowerbeds.
But what is herbal rrrdicine?
"For thousands of years plant medicines have held a respected place in the healing arts", she said. "Herbs can prevent illness, enhance health, and help re-establish our connection to the earth.
"Whole-plant medicines are marvelously complex, often containing hundreds of interrelated compounds. For instance, some herbs normalize immune activity, either strengthening defiicency or reducing excess response. Other plants can protect liver tissue, improve stamina and strengthen capillary walls. Remedies like this honor hte intelligence of your body. After all, the body has evolved with plants and plant medicines, and it knows what to do with them."
She continued: "Every plant has a unique and distinct aspect that can be used in our everyday needs for health and nourishment. Herbs are a wonderful addition to anyone's lifestyle in the sense that they have properties that remind the body how to heal itself. The body has all the ability and potential to heal itself, but sometimes it needs a little help."
During a consultation, Tashel develops a healing partnership in which she and her client try to identify obstacles to healing. Solutions range from the obvious — exercise, improving sleep and reducing stress — to carefully crafted herbal formulas, balancing the constitution and nourishment.
"I enjoy simple ways that wholesome, delicious food can improve your health," she said.
And she invites people to join her by making changes that really last.
"Just as nature can mend itself when it's disturbed, your body wants to heal its imbalances," she said. "It has an astonishing capacity to do so, especially when supported by positive intentions."
Tashel will begin a six-week course Tuesday at EcoVerity called "Heal Thyself with Herbal Arts." She will also lead "herb walks" through EcoVersity beginning May 13. For more infromation, call Tashel at 466-6153 or EcoVersity at 424-9797.
Published in the New Mexican El Dorado Edition on 2026-04-22.
