Like most, I wasn’t raised holistically. Actually, up until 2019, I was disabled. Literally, in a wheelchair, legally blind, and on 26 medications per day (I’ll talk more about that shortly). It was out of sheer desperation that I turned to herbalism, which naturally led me down the path of independently researching common products and pharmaceuticals. I quickly learned about the many concerning ingredients that were having a detrimental effect on my health, and, well, I never looked back.

The more I researched and wrote about health topics, the clearer it became–educating is my passion. Now, as I navigate the wellness world from a new lens, I share what I learn on my blog, email list, and social media. I hope to empower you and teach you the power (and research) of traditional/alternative medicines, like essential oils, herbal modalities, and natural remedies. 

My Path to Holistic Health Education

My journey to holistic health began in 2019 when I discovered that my autoimmune disease was really an adverse reaction to the HPV (Gardasil) vaccine. Imagine my surprise reading a scientific article discussing the development of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), formerly Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), due to the HPV vaccine given to teenagers. I was literally in a wheelchair due to all my health complications, all of which started at the ripe age of 14!

Before 2019, the only alternative health practice I was familiar with was chiropractic care. I started seeing my chiropractor in 2016, despite my pain management team advising against it. Weekly chiropractic adjustments played a huge role in managing my migraines, chronic pain, cervical lordosis (abnormal, excessive inward curvature of the neck), and scoliosis. However, my health struggles ran much deeper than those four things.

You see, throughout the years, I was also diagnosed with asthma, complex ovarian cysts, epilepsy, nystagmus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastrointestinal disease, hormonal acne, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and reactive airway disease, just to name a few. 

In my mid-20s, I went from doctors to specialists, even discovery centers, trying to figure out what was generating the nystagmus symptoms that kept me wheelchair-bound. Unfortunately, despite taking twenty-six medications, no one ever had an explanation. That’s when I decided to take control of my health.

In 2019, I began removing everyday toxins from my home. I gradually transitioned my personal and household care products to all-natural, toxin-free swaps & DIYS. The truth is, only so much can be done from the outside before you must focus on the inside. 

In 2020, I adopted a plant-based lifestyle, inspired by the book How Not to Die by Dr. Michael Greger, M.D. FACLM. The book was my introduction to understanding the relationship between food and disease (thank you, Allie, for the recommendation). I also decided to stop taking all over-the-counter and prescription medications. I soon learned that the medications that were supposed to be helping me were the very reason I was wheelchair dependent and riddled with detrimental symptoms–they were freaking side effects!

Believe it or not, my symptoms began to subside within two weeks of adopting a plant-based and natural approach to my health. My journey is not perfect. I simply do my best to be mindful. I practice the 80/20 rule. For me, that means I make quality, mindful decisions 80% of the time. The other 20% of the time, I give myself grace because life is unpredictable and stressful enough without trying to control it all.

I’m happy to report that the chronic pain I once experienced is now minimal (technically in remission). Symptoms of epilepsy are controlled. The nystagmus is completely gone. Asthmatic symptoms have vanished. Insomnia is a thing of the past. Overall, I feel fantastic. And, although I still have bad days, they’re few and far between. 

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, family, and retired service dog (yes, my baby got to retire, too!). I love being in nature, hiking, foraging, and spending time at the beach. I no longer worry about canceling plans due to dizziness or pain. Oh, and did I mention I am no longer in a wheelchair?

P.S. You may have noticed the triple P in Hipppie, that’s intentional and stands for peace, passion, and purity.