Today's Thought (Brigitte Mars of Boulder, Colorado)

Brigitte Mars, Herbalist, Author, & Raw Chef of Boulder, Colorado

Often times we put so much emphasis on restoration of health after a crisis that we do not focus nearly enough on what to do when get better in order to stay well. Now, here is an opportunity to celebrate health and well being from the perspective of proactive life-style.

Brigitte shares:
"Let me tell you a bit about myself . . . I am an herbalist and nutritional consultant in Boulder, Colorado. I have been working with Natural Medicine for over 30 years. I teach through private workshops and seminars, The Boulder School of Massage Therapy and Naropa Institute. I also have a weekly Boulder radio show called "Naturally," teach Raw Food Seminars, and am a professional member of The American Herbalist Guild."
 
Brigitte appears on her radio show twice weekly, she give workshops on botanicals, herbal healing, and raw cuisine cooking. 

Join me in conversation with Brigitte as we take a proverbial stroll down the path of well-being, where growing along side are the herbs and greens, which nourish and protect both the body and soul!

1. What is an herbalist?

2. Herbs can be used in foods as spice, used as extracts for teas, or the essence used to wear around the neck. What are the ways you show people how to use herbs?

3. You can tell a lot about a community practitioner and the impact she feels leads to highest purpose by the wisdom and skills she offers through her classes. What kinds of classes do you offer and what do you feel your most important impact is?

4. I recently wrote an article on keeping poisons out the reach of children. What are some (seasonable) plants that you would advise caution, when inquisitive toddlers are about? 

5. What are the academic requirements for a nutritionist? -- Dietitians and nutritionists need at least a bachelor's degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service systems management, or a related area...  

6. What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutitionist?  

7. People have digestive issues, and fiber is recommended to help regulate normal function. Is there a way food can be prepared for those who systems cannot handle raw vegetables because of flatulence? How do you feel about the use enzymes to aid in digestion of raw vegetables?  

8. Herbs, vegetables, and some higher potentcy extracts can be used to help detoxify. How does that work?  

9. Also, in your site you address that when people change their diets, one can experience cravings and other symptoms of withdrawal. Who is most likely to experience that and what advice do you offer to help people cope with that?   9. Do you use intuition to along with a good client interview to help people make changes in the diet to improve overall health?  

10. Do you work with mid wives or ob-gyns on behalf of pregnant women who want to be have a healthy pregnancy and delivery?  

11. What kind of information do you have for people who are afraid of not getting all the necessary nutrients who have a special need for a balanced diet due to the additional challenge caused by auto immune disorders, pregnancy, or diabetes?

12. A great way to inform more than a few people about the benefits of a wholesome diet is to cater or consult for a party or group setting. Give us an example of some great dips and other great condiments that are healthy and great tasting?  

13. Sometimes the selling of products can intervene and distract the general consumer from the true benefits of a wholesome diet for the sake of selling products as priority one? What is your opinion of juicing? When does juicing break the rules?   

14. What is your opinion of the bag-products that slow the spoiling of fruits and vegetables?  

15. What are the rules of refrigeration and freezing fruits and vegetables?  

16. What about jarring, canning, and pickling?

17. You give a lot of information a way for free on your sites and in medicine. Tell something of the kinds of information you share through this communication. Share some books that you have written  

18.You provide workshops at the Omega institute. Tell us about your work there.