So many physical and spiritual events led me to Dog Herbalist. Here’s a summary…

Working around dogs and volunteering at shelters has always been a passion of mine since teenage years. It wasn’t until I worked in a veterinarian office, I began understanding the high amounts of toxins being used in, on and around dogs, their consequences, and the need for more natural alternatives being offered. During this same time my soul-dog, Thor, was experiencing issues like chronic diarrhea, vomiting and severe anxiety. After introducing herbs into Thor’s life and doing Reiki with him daily, he was back to a happy, healthy dog within a few months. From my experience with Thor, I understand when your dog is sick, it’s hard for you to be happy. I live the motto “Healthy Dog, Happy Life”.

I started making and selling handcrafted herbal dog remedies online and at farmers markets and outdoor festivals in Florida and Vermont. I quickly realized consulting was needed to go along with recommending herbal products for dogs, as herbal remedies are not a “one size fits all” and humans are in need of herbal guidance. When you get to know a dog or human as an individual (their physical energetics, background and emotional health) and tailor their herbal protocol accordingly, is when you see optimal results.

I’ve completed a handful of virtual holistic canine health and herbalism classes including classes taught by Matthew Wood, Sajah Popham and Dogs Naturally Magazine. I attended live schooling at Holistic School of Living in Orlando, FL, worked at the Florida Herbal Conference, and had the honor of apprenticing under my awesome mentor, Canine Herbalist, Rita Hogan for over four years.

Learning about plants and dogs as well as learning from them, will be a lifelong practice. They both have infinite knowledge and wisdom to offer.

Mother Earth has thousands of remedies (and counting…) growing everywhere in caring for her creatures. It’s up to us to recognize and utilize them (ethically and mindfully).

To remain educated on threatened species and using herbs in a way that’s for the highest good of the plants and Earth as a whole, I maintain an active membership in United Plant Savers (UpS) since 2019. You can find some of my writing, titled Our Sweet Earth, in the Journal of Medicinal Plant Conservation, Spring 2021 Issue.

My shelter work and reiki background:

Before beginning my dog herbalist business, I groomed rescue dogs for several years (groomforlove.org) . This is where I begin recognizing physical energetics, helping me understand how to match appropriate herbs to dogs. I also experienced how sensitive dogs’ energy fields are. In grooming dogs from various unfortunate backgrounds suffering emotional issues, keeping grounded, healing and heart-centered energy was critical. While practicing this approach with shelter dogs, in addition to grooming them, the vitality of dogs’ improved almost immediately.

My experience with energy therapy grooming shelter dogs inspired me to practice Animal Reiki under Kathleen Prasad, Master Animal Reiki Practitioner, and been practicing as a Reiki Master since 2017. I’ve found distance reiki to be as effective as in-person sessions. Energy is not separated by distance. You can book Reiki here. This is available for both dogs and/or their humans. Dogs need their humans living their highest self so they can too.

Herbalism and energy healing go hand in hand; each enhance the efficacy of the other.

Herbs and energy therapy belong together.

Incorporating herbs AND energy work into you and your dog’s life, significantly enhances quality of life, especially as we’re being bombarded by more toxins, electrosmog and emotional imbalances dogkind and humankind has ever experienced on Earth.

Dogs desperately need us humans help energetically and in connecting them with herbs in supporting and sustaining optimal health.

Our plant allies here on Earth have unbelievable intelligence, and combined with the intelligence of your dog’s body, can dramatically increase your dog’s overall health. I’ve seen it time and time again.

Ultimately, your dog deserves to live her/his best life, and as a result, you can live yours. The euphoric feeling and intense joy you get when you see your dog healthy, running or playing around, doing “zoomies”, smiling ear to ear; I understand, my heart knows the feeling, and to me, those are some life’s best moments. My mission is for dogs to live the healthiest experience on Earth, so they can spread their light, and you and your furry love(s) can enjoy more moments of frolicking in fields of wildflowers together.

Our dogs and our own minds and bodies are craving for reconnection with Mother Earth- the source of all healing.

Mother Earth does the work, I’m just the conduit.

Green Peace and Dog Love,

<3 Erica Marie Coston, Clinical Canine Herbalist, Master Animal Reiki Practitioner, University of Florida graduate

Founder, Dog Herbalist

Founder, Groom for Love, a Nonprofit Organization (CURRENTLY ON HOLD)

Click here to read Dog Herbalist’s mission and vision statement.

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Start growing your dog’s herbal regimen today by booking a consultation below.

I look forward to meeting with you and your furry best friend!