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Lori Lazar is a graduate of David’s two-year herbal studies program and is now a sales rep for Herbalist & Alchemist in the Pittsburgh, PA area. She also has her own herb business.
What was the path that led you to study herbs?
I have been drawn to the natural world from a young age. My grandparents lived on a piece of land covered in fruit trees and wild plants. I loved spending time there. My favorite books as a child were the Lorax and a book called Blueberries for Sal. One is about protecting the environment and one is about foraging wild blueberries, two passions that continue to be an important part of my life and practice. As I grew into adulthood, I found myself drawn to esoteric studies. At that time, I also had gone to school to become a massage therapist. A few years later I became a teacher of massage, which I did for seven years. One of my favorite classes I taught was Nutrition and Kitchen Herbs. I was astonished how many people had no idea about either. That experience led me to seek a more in-depth herbal study course for myself.
How has studying under David Winston impacted you?
What drew me to David’s course was the combination of learning in depth how to work within the Western paradigm but also the spiritual practices reflected in the Southeastern American Herbal Traditions. I wanted a well- rounded education and I was not disappointed by his program. I personally feel, from both a spiritual and an economic standpoint, it is important to surround yourself with herbal medicine that grows around you. I love sharing that with others.
Your practice is an interesting blend of herbalism and spiritualism. How did that come about?
To me it harkens back to the herbalist / midwives of centuries ago. I consider myself a Hedge Witch and a folk herbalist, although I don’t like to limit myself to labels. I have studied the spiritual and mystical side of plants for many years, specifically Celtic traditions. I owned an herb shop at our local Renaissance Festival focused on the magical side of the plants. I would continually get questions about how to use the herbs in a clinical application, and it was at that point I began to seek out a clinical path on my herbal journey.
We‘re doing this interview in April 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic has closed most businesses. How are you adapting?
My grandmother always told me “necessity is the mother of invention” and I believe that. We now have the time to focus on many things we had been putting on hold for lack of time. My daughter and I have this business together, and we are focusing on education, website development, re-branding and a podcast.
What are some of the H&A products you use most in your practice?
I love these products so much. I was excited to join the group of wonderful people at Herbalist and Alchemist as the Rep for the Pittsburgh area. I love the adaptogen blends, Andrographis is something I am never without, especially now. My personal favorite, which I have used often in my practice, is the Grief Relief.
