Vanessa Lamothe, Clinical
Herbalist, Mother, Educator
My name is Vanessa Lamothe, and I’m a clinical herbalist, a holistic health educator and practitioner. I’m deeply passionate about teaching and advocating for holistic healing, with a mission to help others think more holistically about their health. In today’s sea of misinformation, I believe accurate and accessible education in herbalism and whole-person wellness is more important than ever.
My path hasn’t been a straight line, it’s been a winding journey and I’m rediscovering what it means to live in alignment with my true calling.
Wellness is a Journey, Not a Destination.
Education and
Certifications
My work is rooted in years of study across clinical herbalism, nutrition, lifestyle and wellness coaching, and holistic, whole-person health, integrating traditional medical frameworks with modern physiology and anatomy. This foundation allows me to offer guidance that is thoughtful, precise, and evidence-based.
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My primary instructor in clinical herbal medicine is Sajah Popham and he has taught me fundamental concepts and historical applications of herbal medicine, blending various traditional systems to highlight their commonalities. He has apprenticed with Matthew Wood and studied extensively with renowned herbalists like Paul Bergner and David Winston. I only follow teachings that align with my faith. Although my teacher is spiritual but not religious, he is an exceptional instructor with over a decade of experience in herbal medicine.
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I am currently completing my Wellness and Coaching Certification through NASM, which integrates evidence-based training in behavior change, stress management, and holistic lifestyle support. I am primarily enrolled in this school for the coaching techniques.
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I have multiple instructors at this school and I am completing a 500-hour certification in Integrative Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition, gaining expertise in digestive health and wellness. I am gaining in-depth knowledge of over 30 major digestive tract pathologies, developing hands-on experience in understanding the body's unique relationship with food, and honing my ability to tailor gut health solutions through personalized food and herbal recommendations on a case-by-case basis.
Explore the Schools & Programs
You can learn more about the programs that have shaped my work below:
Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda
A program for students interested in Ayurveda, digestion, food energetics, herbs, and traditional wellness frameworks. This is one of the programs that helped shape my understanding of whole-person health.
Best for: Beginners and wellness students who want a deeper traditional framework.
Evolutionary School of Herbalism
Vital Practitioner Herbalism Certification Program
A moderate to advanced clinical herbalism program focused on vitalist herbalism, tissue states, herbal energetics, organ systems, formulation, and whole-person assessment.
Best for: Herbalism students and practitioners ready to deepen their clinical thinking and move beyond basic herbal use.
Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine
Medicine Making Essentials Course
A practical herbal medicine-making course focused on foundational preparation methods, hands-on herbal skills, and a deeper understanding of how herbal remedies are created and used.
While I did not attend Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine as a full program student, this course was a valuable part of my continuing herbal education and is worth mentioning as part of my training background.
Best for: I highly recommend for beginner herbalists who want to feel more confident making herbal preparations.
National Academy of Sports Medicine
NASM Wellness Coaching Certification Program
A professional certification focused on coaching skills, lifestyle change, habit support, and client-centered wellness guidance.
Best for: Aspiring coaches, wellness educators, and practitioners who want more structure.
YogaRenew, LLC Yoga Alliance RYS
200-Hour Yoga Instructor Certification
Yoga Teacher Training
A yoga teacher training program focused on yoga philosophy, movement, breathwork, anatomy, sequencing, mindfulness, and the mind-body connection. This program helped me deepen my understanding of movement, breath, body awareness, nervous system support, and the mind-body connection.
Best for: Students who want a flexible, accessible yoga teacher training program that supports both personal practice and professional development.
Support my growth and
make a donation
Your generous contribution helps me continue building this platform with love and intention. I chose not to hire a website designer because I wanted this space to reflect my own vision and passions. Every page has been created by me, with love, along with the help of others, and I have dedicated countless hours of providing a wealth of knowledge that I have learned at one of the best clinical herbalism schools in the United States. My goal is to counter misinformation and educate the masses on the paradigms of true holistic herbalism, knowledge that is often overlooked in the mainstream. With your support, this vital education can continue reaching those who are seeking effective, natural approaches to health and healing. If you’ve been enjoying the courses or blog posts, but aren’t able to book sessions right now, know that even the smallest contribution is deeply appreciated. Every amount makes a difference in helping this work grow and continue.