Explore every episode of the podcast In the Clinic with Camille

This week, I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes peek into a new document I created to prepare guest speakers who are teaching in my mentoring and deep dive programs. I explain why I created the document, what's included, and my thought process on this experiment.  

If you'd like to view the document to see the current draft, you can take a look at the community guidelines here. I'm open to feedback, so please feel free to share your thoughts on https://www.intheclinic.com 

In this episode, I explain why (generally) you shouldn't automatically resend newsletters to people who didn't open them, as this can impact privacy-driven tracking limits and the risk of lowering engagement metrics that affect inbox placement.

I offer practical exceptions: resending only for important promotions, or targeting non-openers who have engaged in the last 3–6 months, and tips for making sure you prioritize subscriber experience over blanket re-sends.

If you need extra newsletter help, check out my book Write Better Newsletters!

In this episode, you'll learn about my "social sharing" workshops: short online trainings for clinicians where attendees come for free if they share the event with a group (otherwise there’s a small paid fee). Sign-ups before the live class get the free option, all registrants receive full recordings and newsletter subscription as part of the exchange.

I cover why I use this model (accessibility, community building, word-of-mouth growth), how I trust participants to share, how I handle dishonest responses, and recent results and adjustments I'm making to make the process clearer. 

If you want to check it out, sign up for Updating Your Homepage on May 6 from 12-1 pm ET. It’s $25 or free if you share. Viewing this after May 6? Visit my homepage to see when the next one will be and/or join my mailing list for practitioners to find out about upcoming social sharing workshop. 

• • Camille's homepage for a list of upcoming workshops
  • Social Sharing Workshop: Updating your Homepage

In this short episode I clarify some thoughts on Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and whether you need to alkalinize urine for it to “work.”

Uva ursi is a classic go-to for cystitis because it contains arbutin, which the body metabolizes to hydroquinone, a compound that shows antimicrobial activity in vitro. That’s the theory. In my opinion, focusing solely on arbutin is reductionistic. The leaves also contains tannins, flavonoids and other constituents that may be helpful. In addition, information on urinary alkalization and uva ursi is theoretical - meaning it has not been tested or demonstrated in humans, and the historical use of the plant is as a cold infusion or short hot steep, not with baking soda.

There’s no clear human evidence that alkalinizing urine improves outcomes with Uva ursi. Also, adding baking soda is not physiologically neutral (it’s a lot of sodium and may be risky for some clients), and many uropathogens like E. coli actually grow better in alkaline urine, so alkalinizing could theoretically make things worse if the herb dose or metabolism isn’t sufficient. A small study that actually is in humans (Siegers et al., 2003) suggests that uropathogenic bacteria can deconjugate the hydroquinone themselves, which would make urine pH less relevant.

Ultimately, I think uva ursi can be a useful part of an herbal approach to lower urinary tract symptoms, prepared traditionally (cold infusion or short steep). Don’t assume it’s the only tool, and don’t automatically add baking soda just because you’ve heard that tip. It helps sometimes, for some people, and not all the time for all people. As always, if symptoms don’t improve within 24–48 hours or they worsen, refer for medical care. 

You can sign up to catch the recording of the full UTI training for practitioners mentioned in this episode. 

• Quintus, J., Kovar, K. A., Link, P., & Hamacher, H. (2005). Urinary excretion of arbutin metabolites after oral administration of bearberry leaf extracts. Planta medica, 71(2), 147–152. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2005-837782 (there is substantial individual variation in metabolism and quantities of metabolites excreted) 
• Siegers, C., Bodinet, C., Ali, S. S., & Siegers, C. P. (2003). Bacterial deconjugation of arbutin by Escherichia coli. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 10 Suppl 4, 58–60. https://doi.org/10.1078/1433-187x-00301 (E. coli can take up conjugated hydroquinone) 
• de Arriba, S. G., Naser, B., & Nolte, K. U. (2013). Risk assessment of free hydroquinone derived from Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi folium herbal preparations. International journal of toxicology, 32(6), 442–453. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813507721 (unrelated to this episode, but interesting notes re: safety of uva ursi) 

In this episode, I break down practical strategies for dosing compounded liquid extracts and tinctures, explaining how to convert herb grams to milliliters using ratios (e.g., 1:5), estimating effective dose ranges, and weighing factors like client sensitivity, alcohol exposure, cost, and strength of the formula.

We'll briefly discuss alternatives: infusions, decoctions, and other ways to be more cost effective. 

In this short episode of In the Clinic with Camille, I’m sharing a simple idea that guides how I think about marketing and promoting a 1:1 practice: treat other people the way you want to be treated. When it comes to newsletters, social media, and outreach, it can be tempting to automate everything or follow tactics that promise maximum reach. I talk about why that doesn't tend to work. 

I invite you to instead think about how you prefer to find a practitioner for yourself or someone you care about. What actually helps you feel connected, seen, and confident in someone’s work? My experience is that an interesting but imperfect piece of content or meeting someone individually is far more useful than blasting generic content everywhere. 

Camille interviews artist Julia Orquera Bianco and herbalist Meghan Henshaw about their collaborative zine that celebrates seven medicinal plants from the Ohio River Valley.

They discuss the creative process, research at the Lloyd Library, connections with United Plant Savers, and how the project blends botanical art, conservation, and practical herbal knowledge.

Join us to hear about plant cultivation, harvesting, medicine-making, and how the zine came into being. 

• Meghan's website: Ocotillo Herbals (zine available here)
• Q'Enti website: purchase the zine and other art from people indigenous to S. America
• Julia's website: more art!
• Lloyd Library in Cincinnati 
• United Plant Savers Deep Ecology Fellowship

If you read monographs of hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), you'll often see a note about how the plant is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron. In this episode, I share some research I came across recently suggesting that a typical water infusion of the calyces (about 12 g) yields only ~1.25 mg iron and of that roughly 30% is extractable (0.375 mg), leading to the conclusion that hibiscus is not a substantial source of dietary iron.

It's still a lovely herb for so many other reasons, but it's probably for the best if we don't imply that it's a good source of iron!

• Oyewole, A. O., & Diosady, L. L. (2023). Evaluating the potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa beverage to address the prevalence of iron deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa. Lebensmittel-Wissenschaft + [i.e. und] Technologie. Food science + technology. Science + technologie alimentaire, 188, 115433. 
• It's not too late to join Herbs for Nutritionists: Immune and Cardiovascular Support to learn more about hibiscus and 15 other herbs that can easily be added to a nutrition practice. 16 NPCE available. 

In this episode of In the Clinic with Camille, I share some follow-up thoughts from my recent supplement deep dive class, focusing on smarter supplementing. We explore the broad definition of supplements in the U.S., including vitamins, minerals, herbs, and protein products, and discuss the challenges around recommending supplements for long-term disease prevention. I clarify how taking isolated nutrients differs from consuming whole herbs or foods, and why it’s important to be thoughtful about what we recommend to clients, especially when evidence for long-term benefits is limited.

If you’re curious about supplements and want to dig deeper, it’s not too late to join the 2026 Supplement Deep Dive. Thanks for listening 💚

• 2026 Supplement Deep Dive ($350)
• January Deep Dive Class: Smarter Supplementing ($45; included in full deep dive) 
• February Deep Dive Class: Supplements to Support Athletic Performance with Jaclyn Sklaver ($45; included in full deep dive) 

In this episode, I’m talking about a feeling many of us face: the pressure to finish every course or program we’ve signed up for. I was sorting through my own list of courses and realized it’s totally okay to get what you need from part of a program and then move on. You don’t have to complete everything just because you once signed up.

If you’re like me and sometimes feel overwhelmed by your “to-learn” list, this episode is for you. We chat about how professional learning can be more like a buffet: pick what serves you right now and save the rest for later.

Here's to taking what works into 2026 and leaving the rest behind 🎉

• 2026 Supplement Deep Dive
• Professional Development Planning & Tracking Workshop (free if you share the workshop; $25 otherwise) 

In this episode, you'll hear Maria Noël Groves discuss her new book, Herbal Gut Health, which explores digestive function and challenges as well as herbs/lifestyle strategies to restore function. 

We talk about why teas are especially useful for GI support, when to refer clients for medical care, and where to find Maria’s classes and resources at wintergreenbotanicals.com. I highly recommend the book, as it's a concise, practitioner-friendly overview of botanicals and approaches to common and complex gut issues.

• Wintergreen Botanicals for Maria's upcoming classes and workshops. Be sure to sign up for her newsletter while you're there!
• Purchase Herbal Gut Health
• Follow Maria on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube

Let's talk about dietary fiber in plain terms: the difference between soluble (fermentable) and insoluble fibers, how soluble fiber feeds gut microbes to produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids, and why insoluble fiber adds bulk to ease transit. We'll also briefly discuss how FOS/GOS and inulin fit into the picture. 

Practical takeaways include aiming for about 25–30+ g/day from whole plant foods, using psyllium as a balanced supplement option, increasing fiber slowly to avoid discomfort, and seeking specialized care for those with GI conditions, since more fiber isn't appropriate for everyone.

• The Gut/Brain/Immune System and Non-Nutritive Sweeteners class mentioned in this episode
• The 2026 Supplement Deep Dive Wait List

This episode builds on the newsletter I sent out last week and a lot of conversations I’ve been having with other small business owners. If your revenue is down this year, you're not alone. I talk about practical, accessible steps you can take when business slows.

• The normal ups and downs of running a small business. Growth every year is not the realistic baseline.
• Don’t assume a down year means you’re doomed. You need a different strategy, not resignation.
• Start with the basics: get a clear marketing plan, show up consistently, and take excellent care of the clients you already have.
• If you’ve fallen off your marketing routine, restart the simple things you know how to do.
• If your current plan is not working, get curious rather than hard on yourself. You probably need new skills or support.
• Use resources you already own first: courses, books, freebies you purchased but never used. Try one and follow it through.
• Ask your community what has helped them. There are many free or low-cost tools and approaches that move the needle.
• Foundations first: just like health care, make sure the basics are in place before getting fancy. For marketing that means steady ways to meet people, stay in touch, invite them to work with you, and deliver a great client experience.
• Be willing to try things. Some will work, some will not. Learn and iterate.
• If needed, take practical measures like getting other income temporarily. That is okay.

• My practitioner newsletter: https://www.camillefreeman.com/newsletter 
• My book on newsletters: Write Better Newsletters

Want help? If you have a specific situation you want me to talk through, send a short summary and I may address it in a future episode.

Thanks for listening. Take care and talk soon.

Herbalist and nutritionist Camille Freeman explains why the term "hormone replacement therapy (HRT)" can mislead patients by implying menopause is a problem to be fixed, and why many practitioners are switching to "menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)."

She urges clinicians to be mindful of their language, clarifies what MHT better reflects about hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause, and invites listeners to adopt more accurate, non-pathologizing terminology.

In this episode, I chat with Liane about her journey into fertility herbalism and her upcoming book, The Herbal Fertility Handbook, which launches on September 23, 2025 (and is available for pre-order now!).

What’s inside:

• Liane shares how her own fertility challenges led her down a path of self-directed study, including a year-long internship with a naturopathic doctor.
• We talk about the holistic approach she takes in her work—combining herbs, nutrition, supplements, lifestyle changes, and attention to both menstrual and sperm health.
• Liane describes the writing process for her new book, including how she used a content map to stay focused and organized. She also explains why pre-orders are so important for first-time authors.
• If you’re interested in herbal fertility support, either personally or professionally, you’ll want to check out this accessible, research-informed guide.

Links:

• Liane’s website: https://lianemoccia.com/ 
• Follow Liane on Instagram or LinkedIn
• Pre-order The Herbal Fertility Handbook from your favorite bookseller (here's the Bookshop.org link)
• The Practitioner Fertility Training offered by Camille and Liane last year (you can still sign up for the DIY version!)
• Our upcoming Pregnancy Practitioner Training, which starts this fall. 

If you’re curious about supporting fertility naturally or want to help others on this path, you’ll find lots of practical wisdom in this episode.

Your "About Me" page is one of the most visited pages on your website. When was the last time you looked at it? 

In this episode, Camille discusses the different functions and "About Me" page can serve and reflects on the different ways we come to know each other. Your "About Me" page can be a place to list facts: degrees, certifications, etc. It can also be a place to share your perspective, to show people who you are on a deeper level. 

If you're ready to give your "About Me" page an update or simply want to engage in reflective thinking, join Camille's upcoming workshop on updating your "About Me" page. Tune in for insights that spark creativity and connection in the digital space.

• Register for the "About Me" page workshop
• Firefly Creative Writing

In this episode, Camille discusses the pros and cons of hiring a virtual assistant. This episode provides thoughts on how having an assistant may support solo practitioners reallocate time to seeing clients, content creation, or better work-life balance. 

Camille discusses common misconceptions about virtual assistants, shares her personal journey in integrating virtual help into her practice, and offers practical tips on assessing readiness for hiring a virtual assistant. Discover how even small task delegations can significantly boost productivity and well-being. 

Learn more about the upcoming mini-course on getting started with a virtual assistant, or take this short quiz to find out if you're ready to hire an assistant. 

Get a behind the scenes peek as Camille reflects on the 'Take Your Tonic' program run through Bloom & Grow this spring. In this episode, she provides a transparent debrief of her pilot project that aimed to support participants amidst challenging times. Discover the motivations behind launching this free program, its key objectives, and the feedback received after the program ended.

Camille shares the challenges faced by participants and the things she'll do differently when running the program again in the fall. She reflects on the importance of simplicity and the difficulties inherent in maintaining long-term self-care practices. This episode underscores the value of consistency in holistic practices and offers a glimpse into potential future enhancements for the program, including the possibility of introducing a modest fee to encourage active participation.

In this episode, Camille engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Kevin Spelman, a highly experienced Ayurvedic practitioner, researcher, and phytotherapist with decades of experience in clinical trials and education.

Dr. Spelman shares his insights on the significance of personalized medicine, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of patients beyond "cookie-cutter" herbal solutions. Together, they explore the challenges of clinical education and the importance of critical thinking in integrative practices. Their discussion also delves into philosophical perspectives and the role of herbal energetics in forming a comprehensive approach to patient care.

This episode invites listeners to rethink traditional educational models and encourages embracing a more holistic and individualized approach in clinical herbalism. Join them as they navigate the evolving landscape of herbal medicine education, offering food for thought for clinicians and educators.

Dr. Spelman taught a class on medicinal mushrooms as part of the 2025 Immune Deep Dive.

• Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
• Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
• The Tree of Knowledge Maturana and Varela
• Learned Optimism Martin Seligman
• Food of the Gods Terrance McKenna
• Wisdom: From Philosophy to Neuroscience By Stephen Hall
• The Systems View of Life By Capra & Luisi

• Doctors By Sherwin Nuland
• The Mysteries Within By Sherwin Nuland
• Epidemics and History By Sheldon Watts
• The Origins of Human Diet & Medicine By Timothy Johns
• The Magical Staff By Matthew Wood
• Why Some Like It Hot By Gary Nabhan
• Edible Medicines By Nina Etkin
• Biochemical Individuality By Roger Williams

Learn more about Dr. Kevin Spelman at www.phytochemks.com 

Are you someone who works in a healing or clinical field and struggles to explain what you do? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’ll tackle the common challenge of describing your professional role in a way that feels clear and authentic - especially in social settings.

I’ll share insights from a recent workshop and share a few reflections on how teaching in real time can spark new ideas, deepen understanding, and lead to meaningful connections.

If you missed the workshop on how to describe what you do, you can still access the recording ($25).

If you have a question for a future episode, please submit it here: https://www.intheclinic.com 

In this episode, I’m answering a question from an upcoming Q&A session: What does my morning routine look like? I give a few details about how I start my day, including the balance between finding time alone and juggling homeschooling, caregiving, and household responsibilities. I find that many morning routines I hear or read about are unrealistic for my particular situation. 

You'll hear about the differences between what I'd like to do and what actually happens most mornings. I also share more about how I've adapted the one the one thing I do pretty much every morning - a daily walk with my dog - into a tiny morning routine of sorts. 

If you’ve struggled to create a morning routine that feels realistic and meaningful, I hope this episode gives you ideas for starting your day in a way that works for you or at least takes away some of the pressure to have an elaborate/extended morning routine. 

Got a question you’d like me to answer in a future episode? Submit it at www.intheclinic.com - I'd love to hear from you. 

Is pursuing an advanced degree like a doctorate necessary? In this episode, we'll explore the various factors that come into play when deciding whether to pursue additional education, including financial considerations, personal goals, and the true impact of additional credentials on clinical practice.

I share my personal experiences with advanced degrees and a few tips from my many years of experience as a professor in a graduate program. In short: consider your motivations for seeking further education, think about potential financial implications, and question whether additional credentials will actually enhance your practice. 

Do you have a question you'd like me to address in a future episode. I'd love to hear from you: https://www.intheclinic.com 

It can feel inappropriate or uncomfortable to promote yourself when things are falling apart around you. It's tempting to think that your work doesn't matter much in the big scheme of things. In the episode, we'll talk about how it matters to show up for your community when things are hard. Our work matters, and by helping people feel better individually, we are increasing capacity to make changes in the world that are so desperately needed. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one 💚

Camille

• Workshop on how to describe what you do (March 6th from 12-1 pm ET; free or $25)
• Spring Dreaming & Planning for Practitioners (March 13 from 12-12:30 pm ET; free)
• Seasonal Allergies: Immune Deep Dive (March 10 from 5-6:30 pm ET) 
• Herbal Observation Group: March 25 & 27th at 12 pm ET

In this episode, Camille sits down with herbalists Ember Peters and Oren Hercz from Nova Scotia, exploring their innovative intermediate herbal program offered through the Maritime School of Holistic Herbalism.

Ember and Oren share more about their collaboration, lessons learned from marketing their program, thoughts on accessibility and pricing, and more. If you've ever thought about collaborating with another practitioner or about running your own educational program, you'll find value in exploring the dynamics of working with others, marketing a program, and reaching your ideal students.

For more about Ember and Oren, including their professional backgrounds, be sure to visit the In the Clinic website. 

In this episode, Camille discusses how to handle negative feedback from newsletter subscribers and emphasizes the importance of remaining authentic. Drawing from her personal experiences, Camille offers practical advice for responding (or not responding) to unpleasant messages and highlights why it's crucial not to let such interactions deter you from being yourself.

Additionally, Camille introduces her upcoming book, "Write Better Newsletters," available for pre-order, to help practitioners enhance their newsletter writing skills.

Please send in your questions for upcoming episodes: https://www.intheclinic.com 

In response to a listener question, Camille shares her thoughts on insurance options for clinical herbalists.

Submit your own questions: https://www.intheclinic.com 

In this episode, I reflect on running Monday Mentoring, my community of practice membership program for practitioners, as we start our fifth year. I share how it began, how it's evolved, and a few key things I've learned along the way.

This episode goes into some of the things that worried or scared me as I started/grew the program, where we are now, and how I think about pricing. If you'd like to learn more about the Pay from the Heart pricing model we use, check out episode 53. 

I hope this episode will be helpful to you if you're thinking about offering a membership program or if you're simply interested in a bit of "behind the scenes" info about how Monday Mentoring works. 

If you have specific questions that aren't answered her, I'd love to answer them. Please share your question on intheclinic.com 

I'd like to end by offering my deep gratitude to everyone who's been a part of Monday Mentoring over the years, including those who have joined the community, our amazing facilitators, the virtual assistants who help me keep the wheels on, people who have helped spread the word, and mentors and friends who have helped me to grow and improve the program. Y'all are the best, and I can't wait to see how things continue to evolve in the years to come 💚

Welcome to this episode of "In the Clinic with Camille," hosted by Camille Freeman, a clinical herbalist and nutritionist. In today's episode, Camille suggests creating a a self-care plan to navigate the stressful months leading up to the US election in early November.

Camille discusses the importance of staying informed without getting overwhelmed, drawing inspiration from a class by Beth Pickens. She emphasizes the need for boundaries around media consumption and shares her personal strategies for maintaining mental, physical, and emotional health during this period.

Join Camille as she encourages practitioners to develop a care plan that allows them to show up for themselves and their communities during this crucial time. Tune in for a friendly nudge to stay balanced, informed, and proactive in the lead-up to the election.

• Learn more about Beth Pickens (the program I'm in is called Homework Club)
• Morning Coffee Sessions with Firefly Creative Writing
• Register to vote or check your registration status 

Welcome to another episode of "In the Clinic with Camille," where Camille Freeman, a clinical herbalist and nutritionist, shares valuable tips for practitioners. This episode dives into the concept of urgency in sales and marketing, a common tactic recommended by many experts.

Camille discusses the pros and cons of creating a sense of urgency, emphasizing the importance of authenticity. While genuine deadlines can help clients make decisions, artificial urgency can misalign with your values and client interests. Camille offers practical strategies for maintaining visibility and fostering trust without resorting to false urgency.

For a deeper dive into ethical marketing, join us on August 12 from 5-6:30 pm ET for a class on marketing with the nervous system in mind. The class is free if you share it with a friend or on social media, or $25 otherwise. A replay will be available if you miss the live class. 

Welcome to In the Clinic with Camille, hosted by Camille Freeman, an experienced herbalist and nutritionist. In this episode, Camille responds to a question from Olivia, who is considering revamping her online program at the Collective Wonder Herb School.

Camille shares her extensive experience with various e-learning platforms, ultimately explaining why she chose Zenler for her programs and memberships. She highlights key features such as built-in Zoom integration, assignment tracking, and video hosting, which have made Zenler a suitable choice for her needs.

While discussing the pros and cons of Zenler, Camille provides valuable insights for practitioners looking to choose the right platform for their online courses. She also offers a referral link for those interested in trying Zenler.

Whether you're an educator or a practitioner, this episode is packed with practical advice on navigating the complex world of e-learning platforms.

In this episode, Camille addresses a common concern from Julie about newsletter engagement. Camille shares practical advice on how to gauge and enhance reader interaction with your newsletters, especially when you're just starting out.

Discover tips on interpreting open and click rates, soliciting feedback from your audience, and leveraging your intuition to craft compelling content. Camille also discusses the importance of perseverance and continuous improvement in your newsletter writing journey.

For those looking to deepen their newsletter skills, Camille introduces her paid newsletter, "Write Better Letters," which includes co-writing sessions and peer feedback opportunities. Tune in for valuable insights and actionable strategies to make your newsletters more engaging and effective. 

You might also wish to check out Episode 44: The Creepiness Factor when you Send Email Newsletters.

To leave your own question: https://www.intheclinic.com 

Welcome to the latest episode of "In the Clinic with Camille," where herbalist and nutritionist Camille Freeman dives into a pertinent question from listener Oren about managing multiple business ventures. Camille explores the complexities of deciding when to keep different facets of your work under one umbrella and when to separate them into distinct entities.

Camille addresses both the business and community-facing aspects of this dilemma, offering thoughts on how to protect your personal finances, manage business risk, and present your work cohesively to your community. Whether you're juggling teaching, clinical practice, or other projects, this episode provides valuable guidance to help you streamline your business operations.

Don't miss Camille's tips on maintaining simplicity and avoiding unnecessary complexity in your business structure. Submit your own questions for future episodes at https://www.intheclinic.com 

P.S. This episode does not address the question of whether you need a business entity at all when starting your practice. That's an entirely separate question, and one that's addressed in the Roots course 💚 

Welcome to this episode of "In the Clinic with Camille," hosted by Camille Freeman, a clinical herbalist and licensed nutritionist. In this episode, Camille addresses question from Katie about the feasibility of supporting oneself solely through a clinical practice.

Camille explores the realities of establishing a sustainable clinical practice, emphasizing that it often takes at least two to three years to achieve financial stability. She discusses the importance of having realistic expectations, the necessity of additional income streams, and the emotional and psychological demands of a full-time practice.

Additionally, Camille shares insights on the unique challenges faced by herbalists, including educating the public about the role of herbalists. She recommends essential reading materials, including "Heart-Centered Business" by Mark Silver and "Radical Healership" by Laura Mae Northrup, to support practitioners in their journey.

Visit intheclinic.com for more episodes and resources or to ask a question for Camille to answer on the podcast.

If you stay in practice long enough, you'll have a business breakdown. These are periods where you're rethinking or restructuring at the highest level. During this time, things can get worse before they get better. In this episode, Camille discusses the inevitable disruptions that occur when you make big changes and shares her personal experiences of navigating a challenging time. She offers insights into how to manage these periods of upheaval and come out stronger on the other side.

Please note that Camille mentions a video podcast, but this is not happening for now :). It was an ill-fated experiment. 

• Introduction to the Episode (00:00:01)
• Understanding Disruptions in Clinical Practice (00:00:39)
• Having a full business breakdown is never fun, but it's something you can count on every few years.
• Navigating the Breakdown (00:02:11)
• An example from Camille's most recent business breakdown; perspective can help. It's okay and normal for this to happen, and you can get through the seemingly unending bits and pieces.
• Tips for Managing Business Tasks (00:04:24)
• No one feels fully prepared to deal with business disruptions. Keep a list of what needs to happen. Check things off. You'll get through it eventually whether you stress about it or whether you don't stress about it. Get help if you're stuck.
• New Podcast Platforms (00:08:06)
• The podcast will (hopefully!) be on YouTube as well as the standard podcasting platforms going forward. Check it out and let me know if you see it there!

Support the Podcast:

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!

When a client's taking an herbal formula that seems to be resonating with them, they'll often want to know how long they should plan on continuing with the formula.

When I first started practicing, I'd often give them a semi-standard answer centering around herbs taking time to work, guesstimates based on previous clients, etc. Since then, I've found an approach that feels more aligned with the way I want to practice, which I've described in this episode.

-- Have a question? Leave a voice message: https://intheclinic.com 

Especially when you're getting started, it can feel like you're working and working and working, and you still don't have any clients. 

This is very common, and it's very disheartening. 

In this episode, I'll share a few different things to consider when you're in this place. 

My biggest suggestions are to 1) recognize that it's okay to feel this way, 2) take an open-eyed look at whether you've actually done absolutely everything, and 3) try something else for a while. 

I hope you find it helpful.

Remember, if you're stuck: get help. Ask an accountability partner, check in with a former classmate, set up a chat with a mentor (or join Monday Mentoring!).

Don't try to go it alone 💚

• How to find clients without social media (webinar; free!)
• How to use classes & workshops to build your practice (webinar; free!)
• Discovering Discovery Calls (workshop; $39)
• 5 ways to find a new client (webinar; $39)
• How long does it take to find enough clients? (practitioner note) 
• Identifying your core values: In the Clinic with Camille episode #9
• The Grow Course (8-week online course; $395; take after you've been in practice at least 1 year)

-- Have a question you'd like Camille to answer on the podcast? Leave a voicemail: https://intheclinic.com 

In today's episode, I'm delighted to interview Maria Noël Groves about her new book, Herbal Remedies for Sleep, and how the book applies to our work as clinicians. Listen in for thoughts on nervines, when to refer out v. when to try DIY or gentle sleep support, distinguishing between 'gentle' and 'strong,' and more.

Links to Maria's work & website

• Buy Herbal Remedies for Sleep (and get 10% off of any of Maria's classes/class series) and a bonus online sleep course
• Follow Maria on Instagram
• Learn from Maria and sign up for her newsletter at Wintergreen Botanicals

This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ember Peters, Stascha Stahl, and Vilde Chaya Fenster-Ehrlich about their upcoming Advanced Clinical Herbal Skills program.

The program looks awesome. I'd like to take it, and I probably would if my fall wasn't so chaotic.

Whether you're interested in furthering your clinical skills or not, though, I encourage you to listen to the episode (or read the transcript linked below) for the discussion about what it takes to create spaces where healing is possible for people from oppressed and overlooked communities.

It's more work than most of us realize when we're starting out as practitioners.

We need to constantly examine/reexamine our own assumptions and practices in order to become better at the work we do.

It's hard to do this alone. Being part of programs and showing up in spaces where others are engaged in this type of work speeds up the process and makes it possible to see things in ways that weren't accessible to you before.

Whether you join a program like this or not, I think listening to this conversation will serve as an important call to continue your growth as a person and as a practitioner.

I left this conversation feeling inspired. I hope you do, too.

Warmly,

Camille

Resources

• You can learn more about Ember on their website: Wild Current Herbalism or connect with Ember via Instagram
• You can learn more about Stascha on their website: Bay Area Herbalist or connect with Stascha via Instagram
• You can learn more about Vilde on her website: Wild Cherries or connect with Vilde via Instagram
• Learn more about the Advanced Clinical Herbal Skills Program

Leave a question for Camille to answer on the podcast: https://intheclinic.com 

Branding and Website Design Isn't Easy

Many practitioners spend a lot of time, energy, and sometimes money trying to cobble together a website and professional brand as they're just starting out.

This isn't usually the best choice.

You do want to have a brand, but it's also important to understand that your practice will evolve in unexpected ways over the first few years.

If you spend a lot of money creating a brand and website before you've seen many clients, you'll likely need to change it all later.

You want to be spending your time finding clients, getting the foundations of your practice set up, and actually working with clients, rather than stressing over building the perfect website yourself.

In this episode, brand designer Lindsey Freeman (no relation!) and therapist Julie Goldberg share more about the website templates and other resources they've created specifically for service providers, as well as tips on branding and getting started with your practice.

I highly recommend starting from a template if you're experiencing website anxiety or if you're finding that creating your website is holding up your practice.

It's affordable, it's easy (or at least easier!), and you'll be able to move on to the many other things that need to happen to get your doors open.

Resources

• Learn more about Julie & Lindsey + view their templates and other resources on their website: Premade (use code BLOOM for 15% off 🌻) and don't forget to check out their free Brand Therapy Guide (note that these links are no longer working 🙁)
• Connect with Julie & Lindsey via Instagram
• Previous "In the Clinic" episode on website perfectionism
• Research other brands you like, and use them as inspiration for look & feel, colors, photography, and language. Everything you’re interested in is a reflection of you.
• Canva
• Adobe Color has premade color templates put together
• Pinterest
• Typewolf, type combinations

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I was so excited to interview Mason Hutchinson, the founder of HerbRally. Herb Rally is a platform for herbalists and herbal enthusiasts, including event listings, a podcast, and a YouTube channel.

Mason shared talked to us about the origins of HerbRally, from its humble beginnings as an event listing website to its expansion into the robust platform that we see now, including monographs, a daily podcast, a YouTube channel, and the HerbRally Schoolhouse membership area.

He discusses the challenges of work-life balance and financial pressures while giving us some insight into how he and Amanda, his wife and business partner, approach marketing and promotion with an emphasis on authenticity and service to the community.

There's a lot to learn from this "behind the scenes" interview, whether you're just starting your own herbal business or whether you're a bit farther down the road.

Resources Mentioned

• You can learn more about Mason on his website: HerbRally. Here's the list of virtual events or search by state for in-person events. Here's the HerbRally list of online herbal schools, or you can Submit your events to HerbRally
• Connect with Mason on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
• The marketing resources Mason mentioned: Colin & Sameer, Nick Nimman, Noah Kagan Presents podcast
• In the Clinic episodes on my email list experiment & on the power of showing up

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In this episode, I'm joined by Carolee Horner, Linnette Johnson, and Amy Boldt, who share their experiences with forming and attending an accountability group over several years. They highlight the value of accountability groups, emphasizing how they provide support, inspiration, and a sense of community for practitioners. In this episode, you'll learn more about how accountability groups have helped them overcome challenges, redefine success, and grow both personally and professionally.

As you may know, I'm a huge fan of accountability groups. They're helpful at any stage of your career, and I truly encourage you to explore different groups and find one that resonates with your needs - or start one, if you can't find one that suits you.

Amy Boldt

Amy is a clinical herbalist and herb farmer from Westminster, MD; her practice specializes in sleep and anxiety-related disorders. She is also a registered yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner, which assist in helping her clients find relief. Amy grows many of the herbs that she uses with clients on her farm, which focuses on sustainability and protecting at-risk native medicinal plants.

Amy attended the Maryland University of Integrative Health and graduated in 2014 with a Master of Science in Therapeutic Herbalism. She loves teaching workshops, guiding plant walks, and getting out in the woods to reconnect with nature. Her farm is on the United Plant Savers's registry as a botanical sanctuary, so when she's not working with clients she is maintaining her forest farm and homestead.

• You can learn more about Amy on her website: The Wild Woman Medicine
• Connect with Amy via her private Facebook group for women called Herbs for Rest and Relief: A Women's Group

Carolee Horner

Carolee Horner is a functional nutritionist and health coach in Atlanta, GA. She works with people with Parkinson's and their care partners to reverse symptoms and slow progression. She utilizes holistic approaches to promote gut and brain health that work for the entire family.

She has been awarded a Master's degree in Integrative Nutrition from Maryland University of Integrative Health and is a nationally board certified health and wellness coach. She is a member of the Advisory Council for The Center for Movement Challenges, a non-profit promoting holistic approaches to Parkinson's disease, with a special emphasis on boxing.

When she's not in the clinic or teaching, she enjoys being mom to 2 incredible kids, cooking, camping, and gardening. Laughter is her medicine.

• You can learn more about Carolee on her website: Carolee Horner

Linnette Johnson

I am the founder of 5 Elements Coaching and a Clinical Nutritionist + Coach for mental health. I am passionate about supporting adults with sobriety, depression, and anxiety, along with relieving fatigue, skin issues, and body aches & pains associated with mental health through healthy eating and developing a better relationship with food, mind, and body.

Throughout the years, my business has grown, but my focus has always remained consistent; helping and supporting people through body-positive weight-neutral restorative therapies.

• You can learn more about Linnette on her website: 5 Elements Coaching
• Connect with Linnette via Instagram,

In this episode, herbalist Gina Badger joins us to discuss their experience of burnout and some strategies they've put in place to provide a bit of breathing room. Systematizing and automating processes, revamping communication policies, and clarifying language in intake forms and cancellation policies helped create more room and attend to bigger things. Gina also highlights the importance of prioritizing time and energy, as spending excessive time on emails can contribute to burnout. Towards the end of the episode, Gina shares about their upcoming offering for care workers, which includes short appointments spaced a month apart and a herbal formula to support recovery.

About Gina Badger

Gina Badger is a clinical energetic herbalist who offers care through their multidisciplinary clinic, Long Spell. Their lifework is contributing to a collective vision of holistic health care that’s equally heartfelt and irreverent, down-to-earth and visionary, gentle and rigorous.

Gina's primary herb teachers are Karyn Sanders and Sarah Holmes of the Blue Otter School of Herbal Medicine and Colleen Emery. Before pursuing herbalism as a career, they worked as a visual artist and editor for over a decade, having earned an MSc in Visual Studies from MIT (2010) and a BFA in Studio Art and Art History from Concordia University (2008).

Gina is a nonbinary femme of mixed Western European ancestry born in Treaty 6 territory and currently living on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations (Vancouver, Canada). You can find Gina at https://longspell.com or on Instagram: @longspellclinic

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Today, I want to talk about an experiment I've been running with my email list.

My email list is absolutely critical to the way I run my practice. It is my primary marketing tool, the way I stay connected with current, past, and potential clients. It's also a way for me to serve the practitioner community in general. 

As you can imagine, inviting people to sign up for my email list is important to me.

Traditionally, the advice has been to offer a freebie or opt-in incentive in exchange for an email address. And I followed that advice for a long time.

Over the years, I started feeling less and less comfortable with it. I didn't want to manipulate people into signing up for my list. I wanted them to genuinely want to hear from me and be interested in what I had to offer.

So, last fall, I decided to try something different. I took all of my freebies and made them available on my website, no email address needed. And, instead of offering a freebie in exchange for an email address, I now invite people to sign up for my weekly practitioner notes if they want them. 

It's working just as well. In fact, I've been getting more sign-ups than before (which may or may not be related to this particular change...).

The message here isn't that this is the right way to do things or that you should/should not have a freebie for your email list. Your audience may be different, and you may choose to one or more incentives to get them to sign up.

But, it's worth thinking about.

Do you need an opt-in offer? Do you want one?

Are you clearly articulating the reasons someone might want to be on your email list? Are you following through on those promises? And, how can you make all of this clear when you're inviting someone to sign up?

A bit of food for thought as you ponder your own email list & how you invite folks to sign up for it.

If you're looking to devote some time and energy to your email list in the upcoming months, Monday Mentoring 🌻

-- Leave a voice message for Camille: https://www.intheclinic.com 

​If you're new to clinical practice, you might be tempted to investigate common marketing techniques to help you find more clients.

Unfortunately, many of the strategies you'll hear about won't necessarily get you the kinds of results you're looking for.

​In this episode, I share a story about a marketing expert who recommended working scarcity into your marketing to fill up your one-on-one practice. In this case, someone I know wound up saying they had only have a limited number of spots available, even ​that wasn't the case.

While this might seem like a ​reasonable way to encourage people to sign up, it's not a good foundation to build from.

​Starting a relationship with deception is never a good idea. You don't want to build your ​relationship with a new client on a lie, even if the client will never know the truth.

Secondly, pushing people to sign up when they're not ready can cause a natural pushback, which can lead to them feeling manipulated or skeptical.

Even if they do decide to work with you, they're entering the relationship in a different position than if they had made the decision on their own.

Instead of pushing people, give them the space and let them know the options for working with you, including when and how they can sign up when they're ready.

​It might take longer to build your practice this way, but ​winding up with a practice build on solid values and strong relationships is worth it.

​If you feel that deadlines are helpful for your clientele, ​play around with how you can incorporate them authentically, without making it feel like it's their last opportunity to work with you or that they'll be missing out if they don't sign up now.

​I hope these ideas are helpful as you plan out how to find new clients for your practice

Related episode: 47 | On Having Another Job

Helpful Links for Practitioners

• Monday Mentoring 🌻
• Camille's Weekly Practitioner Notes 💌
• Herbal Observation Groups 🔍
• 2023 Hormone Deep Dive 🍒
• Practitioner Resource page 🔦
• Freebies 🎁

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Why bother to show up when you can watch the recording?

Today, I'm sharing a simple yet often overlooked strategy for building your visibility and relationships within your community.

Finding clients and getting the word out about your practice can be a real challenge, especially when you're just starting out. It's easy to find yourself stressing over sending cold outreach emails to other practitioners or spending lots of time on social media in the hopes of building your referral network.

But there's another option that can make a huge difference: just show up for programs and classes that you're already interested in or signed up for.

What do I mean by "just show up"?

Here's an example:

If you sign up for a training or a webinar, don't just watch the recording later on at 2x speed. (Yes, I am guilty of this sometimes myself 😂).

Show up to the live sessions and participate actively in the chat or forum. Turn your camera on if you can. Engage with the presenter and/or the other attendees. Ask questions, share your thoughts and ideas, and be visible.

Instead of thinking of this merely as a way to obtain information or knowledge, understand that it is also an opportunity to build community.

When you are actively present at these kinds of events, you start to become known as an individual. People can get a sense for who you are, how you engage with people, and what work you do. When they feel comfortable with you, they are more likely to work with you personally and to refer clients who are a good fit.

But Camille, I'm too busy! I can't show up live.

Of course. I get it. You can't show up to everything.

Here's my advice: choose wisely and don't sign up for 100 things.

Only sign up for the things you're truly interested in and know you can make time for. Put them in your calendar and make them a priority. And when you do show up, be present and engaged.

Here's something you can do even if you can't attend live (or when there isn't a live option):

This is an easy one that surprisingly few people do: follow-up.

After the session or training, send a thank-you email to the presenter or other attendees you connected with. Take the initiative to stay in touch periodically.

This same idea applies for non-event situations. If someone's newsletter is a bright spot in your day, hit reply and let them know. Podcast episode blew you away? Leave a 5-star review. Cool YouTube video that answered your question perfectly? Give it a thumbs up and leave a kind comment. Using what you learned from a specific teacher every day? Email them to say hi and thank them, even if it's been 15 years.

You can easily make someone's day by doing these things, and it really does go a long way toward building relationships and community, which are at the core of a thriving practice.

The short version

Your presence matters. Signing up for classes, events, newsletters, videos, etc is not only about extracting information but also presents an opportunity to build relationships. Use it.

-- Leave a message for Camille: https://intheclinic.com 

As I was preparing for a lecture on ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), I came across a case report sharing information about a women who went to the ER with tachycardia, palpitations and other symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Her TSH was almost absent, while T4 and T3 were within normal limits. The doctors there ruled out other causes and eventually determined that she had been taking ashwagandha root extract daily instead of her regular thyroid medication for approximately 2 years after a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. They suspected this might be causing her hyperthyroid symptoms.

She was asked to discontinue the ashwagandha root, and at two follow-ups her TSH began to rise, while her T3 and T4 started dropping, suggesting a return to her hypothyroid state. The physicians suspected that she was in the early stages of hyperthyroidism when she presented in the ER, due to her T3 and T4 being WNL.

Here is a copy of the case (open access!) if you'd like to check it out: Kamal HI, Patel K, Brdak A, Heffernan J, Ahmad N. Ashwagandha as a Unique Cause of Thyrotoxicosis Presenting With Supraventricular Tachycardia. Cureus. 2022 Mar 25;14(3):e23494. doi: 10.7759/cureus.23494. PMID: 35475098; PMCID: PMC9035336.

In this episode, I discuss what we can learn from this case report, and what I wish the authors had included in their case presentation.

I hope you find this discussion helpful. If you have thoughts or clinical observations regarding ashwagandha and thyroid disease, I'd love to hear them!

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I honor of the equinox today, I'm sharing the spring dreaming and planning workshop I led recently. I highly recommend a seasonal planning process rather than an annual one. I hope you enjoy! I'd love to hear how your planning goes and what your intention will be for the upcoming season 🌼

• Download the workbook
• My seasonal tracking form (copy into your own Google Drive)

To attend the next (free!) seasonal dreaming and planning workshop, you can register at: https://www.camillefreeman.com/seasonaldreams 

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This podcast episode is in response to a question from Phoebe, who asked if I could share the books I most often use in my clinical work.

Here is a (likely incomplete!) list of the herbal books I've been calling on lately:

• The Ultimate Herbal Compendium by Kerry Bone
• The Herbal Formularies for Health Professionals series by Jill Stansbury
• The Essential Guide to Western Botanical Medicine by Christa Sinadinos
• Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy, 2nd ed by Kerry Bone & Simon Mills
• Michael Moore's books (Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West, Pacific West, and Desert & Canyon West)
• Botanical Medicine for Women's Health by Aviva Romm
• Natural Approach to Gastroenterology by Eric Yarnell

Please do note that I've collected these over time. I don't recommend that new practitioners buy all of these, nor am I implying that these are all necessary for clinicians. I recommend instead starting with a few references books, working closely with those in your practice, and expanding to a few more texts as you have the time, energy, and finances to do so.

I'd love to hear your favorites ❤️

For a list of other book recommendations, including fun reads and business books, you can check my bookshop lists. 

-- Submit your question: https://intheclinic.com 

You can probably tell from the episode title that, according to our current understanding, Vitex agnus-castus is not contraindicated for folks who have PCOS.

In fact, there is reason to suspect that it may be quite helpful in this situation, at least in some cases.

(Side note, Vitex can be a tricky herb to work with and isn't for everyone - if you are new to herbs, I highly recommend working with an herbalist before deciding whether Vitex is a good fit for you!)

In this episode, Jillian reflects on hearing multiple practitioners suggest that folks with PCOS should not be using Vitex. When she went digging around looking for a reference, she was able to find where this information was coming from and also that the information was corrected/updated in a more recent source.

We also get into a discussion of Vitex dosing and general strategies for incorporating this herb into protocols.

• You can learn more about Jillian on her website
• Connect with Jillian via Facebook
• Learn more about Jillian's Herbal Observation Groups
• Subscribe to Jillian's newsletter
• Learn more about PCOS in Camille's PCOS webinar for practitioners

In this episode, herbalist Ruth Shelton shares more about how she created and ran a year-long program called Sacred Allies.

Ruth Shelton, The Empirical Herbalist, is a consulting herbalist and teacher who works out of her Apothecary in East Tennessee. Her herbal adventure origin story began over 20 years ago when she had a realization on the way to a job that was not very fulfilling and she's been steadily studying and working ever since. You can learn more about Ruth on her website, or connect via Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.