Ep. 398: Using Herbs and Essential Oils Safely During Critical Times in the Lifespan: Through the Stages of Motherhood of Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Postnatally and with Children
Dr. Mary Bove has been a practicing herbalist for over 50 years and a licensed Naturopathic Doctor for over 30 years. She is a brilliant, powerful, passionate, and sought-after botanical advocate, integrative medicine educator, formulator, international speaker, and innovator. Dr. Bove’s love of botanical medicine goes deep. It was ignited at 18 years old when the book “Common Herbs for Natural Health,” opened up her world. Her studies and passion for the healing power of herbs first manifested into an herbal apothecary in her home state of Maine before she moved to Great Britain to pursue more education about plant medicine. There, Dr. Bove received her diploma in phytotherapy from the National Institute of Medical Herbalist’s School of Phytotherapy and gained membership with the institute shortly after. She then returned to the U.S. to attend Bastyr University where she received her doctorate of naturopathic medicine and a certificate of midwifery.
Dr. Bove served as the chair of botanical medicine and midwifery co-chair at her alma mater for several years before starting the Brattleboro Naturopathic Clinic in VT. There, she practiced general family medicine, specializing in naturopathic pediatrics, botanical medicine, natural prenatal care, and homebirth. She left clinical practice in 2014 to educate, write, teach, consult, formulate herbal products, and research integrative medicine modalities and botanical medicine. Dr. Bove now has over 35 years’ experience working in formulation research and product development. She has previously worked as Gaia Herbs’ Director of Medical Education and served on their Scientific Advisory Board. She currently consults, lectures, writes, and teaches internationally for Heartwood Institute on the topics of naturopathic medicine, botanical medicine, pediatrics, natural pregnancy and childbirth, traditional food medicine, and mind-body healing.
Dr. Bove has been published in many prestigious magazines, journals, and collaborative books. She is the author of Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children, which is a timeless authoritative herbal reference book for children. She also co-authored Herbs for Women’s Health, which offers evidence-based guidance for women across all stages of their lifespan.
Dr. Bove is a modern-day herbalist pioneer who merges the art, heart, and science of medicine. She believes in the synergism and holism of plants and their divine capacity to draw humans into their world. Dr. Bove empowers patients, parents, mothers, the public, and practitioners on how to use botanicals safely and effectively in a way that is accessible, evidence-based, practical, and without fear. Since starting her herbal journey, she is noted to hold firm three tenets which she exemplifies to others daily: “Walk your talk, believe in the plants, and practice herbalism every day in your life.” As plants become more mainstream and accepted, Dr. Bove continues to merge their traditional use with modern day medicine in a respectful, unique way that reconnects us to nature and builds our confidence in their healing capacity. You can learn more about the herbal certification program with Dr. Bove teaches in and additional offerings at: https://www.ecoversity.org/herbalism-certification and her social media.
Hi! I’m Sarah!
You deserve to live a healthy, happy life my friend. I’m here to help you find tools and information that help. I’m cheering you on. xo
👇👇 Hit play to listen now 👇👇
Listen Everywhere
Listen for free right here, or on your favorite podcast app: Apple Podcast • Stitcher • Spotify • Google Play • iHeart or TuneIN
What You Will Learn:
Dr. Bove’s journey that led her to become an esteemed herbalist and a leader in natural health.
The waning and comeback of plants as stewards to our health vs. just a commodity
The importance of proper dosage and preparation of herbs and essential oils for individual conditions and especially at certain times during the lifespan
How essential oils offer powerful medicinal properties through their aroma
Why we need to be more cautious with herbs and essential oils during the critical time periods of pregnancy, lactation, and childhood
Why herbs and essential oils from the same plant may not share contraindications based on their differing constituent profile and potency
How to start safely using essential oils and herbs during pregnancy and with children and when to seek a professional
Considerations to keep in mind with herbs and essential oils that are listed as contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, and with children
Several herbs and essential oils that have been proven safe and effective for use in pregnancy, lactation, and with children
An herb that was found to decrease postpartum depression and what essential oils could also support mood
What herbs can help with lactation and what makes holy basil a go-to galactagogue
The importance of using herbs and spices in food dosages every day during all phases of life
Are essential oils adaptogens?
Six safe and common herbs and essential oils for children’s common conditions including an upset stomach, immune issues, anxiety, focus problems, and cradle cap
How to use essential oils in babies
What age to switch from children to adult dosages
Dr. Bove’s DIY which is made of a rose water base (2 oz) combined with lemon balm oil (10 drops), rose oil (10 drops), and valerian oil (10 drops) for spraying linens in hotels to refresh and help one relax
Closing questions: (1) What Dr. Bove does daily for self-care, (2) What she feels we should ditch and replace with instead for a more nourishing and healthy life
You can learn more about the herbal certification program with Dr. Bove teaches in and additional offerings at: https://www.ecoversity.org/herbalism-certification and her social media.
Dive deeper:
Resources:
Links to learn more about Dr. Mary Bove and her offerings:
IG: @drmarybovend
Facebook: @MaryBove
Books by Dr. Mary Bove, ND:
Previous Episode on Essential Oils and Kids:
References for Herbs to Avoid and Safe Herbs and Essentials: