+ Who is Erika Galentin, MNIMH, RH (AHG) and what is her background?

Erika is a Clinical Herbalist and an ITEC certified Clinical Aromatherapist consulting from Sovereignty Herbs in Athens & Columbus, OH. She holds a degree in Herbal Medicine from the University of Wales, Cardiff, UK and Scottish School of Herbal Medicine, Glasgow, UK. She is a professional member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (UK) and the American Herbalists Guild (USA). Erika has over 15 years of clinical experience working with all sorts of people. You can read more about her background here.

+ What are the benefits of seeing a clinical herbalist?

In simple terms, one of the benefits of seeing a clinical herbalist is guidance and education. Working with someone who has been trained in medical sciences and herbalism can be incredibly enlightening and empowering. It can also ensure that you are making the safest and most educated decisions possible about using herbs to support your health and wellbeing. Clinical herbalists, like Erika Galentin, have extensive knowledge and experience working with herbs in a clinical setting; they know the herbs well and the best form to take them in. They are able to interpret scientific research and assess potential for herb-drug interactions. They are also able to provide an objective perspective on the 'bigger picture' of your wellness journey that you may not be able to cultivate on your own.

In addition to specializing in the clinical application of herbs, clinical herbalists appreciate their clients as individuals with sometimes very complex stories to tell. There is a built-in understanding that our life experiences can shape and craft our physical wellbeing. You will have the opportunity to share your concerns, your joys, your sadness, your stress, in a safe and supportive environment. Many people believe that part of healing comes with sharing your story and being heard. Clinical herbalists are able to provide this safe space, when many other healthcare practitioners cannot.

Please also see our FAQs about Clinical Herbalism.

+ How do I prepare for my first appointment?

Upon booking your first appointment, you will be emailed a private link on our website to 'Clinical Documents' that need to be filled out and sent back to our office via mail or email at least 5 days prior to your first appointment. Please also send in advance any pathology reports, scan reports, and pertinent blood work reports. Please ensure that all reports are in chronological order. It is also of utmost importance to include any and all pharmaceutical medications and dietary supplements on your client intake form.

These forms, although extensive, are designed to provide Erika Galentin with as much information about your health history and wellness status prior to your first appointment so that your time together in consultation is as productive as possible. These forms also give you, the client, and opportunity to 'take stock' of your health and wellness goals. Knowing what you would like to achieve through seeing a clinical herbalist is the first step to reclaiming your own health sovereignty.

Again, it is important that all forms and reports are sent to our office prior to your first appointment so that consultation time is not used up by going through them and that Erika Galentin is prepared and able to focus on your story.

+ If I email or leave a phone message when can I expect a reply?

Email Communications Policy

Emails are generally received and responded to Monday through Friday, from 9:00am - 5:00pm. Please note there can be a 24–48 hour response time during the week. Erika will respond to emails received over the weekends beginning Monday mornings. Please note response times may change over holiday and vacation periods. In these instances, you will receive an autoresponder email clarifying when email communications are to resume.

Our clinical package fees for new clients allow for 2-3 email exchanges within the first 2 weeks after your first appointment to address any questions or share additional information or concerns that come up as you get started. After this first two weeks and between scheduled sessions, your clinical package allows for up to 2 email exchanges per month.

Outside of this time, Erika Galentin MNIMH RH may have to charge for time accrued answering your emails. If you are having concerns regarding your herbal protocol, you may be asked to consider booking in another 30 or 60 minute session so that all of your concerns can be addressed appropriately.

Phone Communications Policy

If you are a client of Erika Galentin, MNIMH RH please note that the preferred and most efficient form of communication is via email. However, if you feel you need to speak with Erika Galentin immediately, please call our office and leave a message. She will return your call as soon as she is able. If you are having an emergency, stop all herbs and supplements, and head to your nearest Urgent Care facility.

Please note that we do not answer phone calls at Sovereignty Herbs. Rather, our phone line is an answering service where individuals and clients can leave messages. Messages are generally received Monday through Friday, from 9:00am - 5:00pm with holiday and vacation time exceptions. Phone messages are generally responded to via your provided email rather than via a call back, unless a call back is absolutely necessary.

There can be a 24-48 hour email or phone call response time with weekend, holiday, and vacation time exceptions. Please note there can be longer response times to phone messages if the response requires a phone call and Erika Galentin MNIMH RH may have to charge for time accrued speaking to clients by phone. If you are having concerns regarding your herbal protocol, you may be asked to consider booking in another 30 or 60 minute session so that all of your concerns can be addressed appropriately.

Text Message Communications Policy

Please note that text message correspondence with Erika Galentin, MNIMH RH is not a HIPAA compliant form of communication. Erika Galentin or her representatives at Sovereignty Herbs will only reach out and/or respond to clients via text message about scheduling appointments. Outside of scheduling, text message communications will not be responded to and will be immediately deleted.

Social Media Messaging Communications Policy

Please note that if you are a client of Erika Galentin, MNIMH RH of Sovereignty Herbs, neither she nor any of her representatives will respond to client messages on social media. Social media messaging is not a HIPAA compliant form of communication and any client messages received on social media will not be responded to and will be immediately deleted.

+ What is the cost for herbs?

The cost of herbs is NOT included in the consultation price. Although you are not expected or required to purchase herbal supplements from us, our prices reflect our desire to keep herbalism accessible and affordable for our clients. If you prefer to purchase herbal supplements elsewhere, we can recommend other sources, but can not guarantee pricing or quality of those products.

As each person is unique, so will be the herbs we suggest for you. These may be alcoholic extracts or dried herbs for tea, or a combination of both. We will discuss herbal recommendations in consultation to figure out what will work best for you and your budget. On average, pricing can range from $40 - $150 / month.

If you are an online client living within the United States, personalized herbal blends can be shipped to you for an additional cost of $12.00 - $20.00 + tax which will be added to the total cost of your herbs. Please note that payment must be received prior to us shipping your custom herbal blends.

+ Where do I purchase supplements?

In addition to herbal supplements, vitamin, mineral, and other dietary supplements might also be suggested. These can be purchased online through our Fullscript portal where clients receive up to 15% off retail prices. Erika will speak to you about Fullscript orders and recommendation emails during your consultation. Disclaimer: Sovereignty Herbs, LLC receives a percentage of sales from supplements purchased through Fullscript.