Losses in the Herbal Community
The herbal community has recently lost two amazing herbalists who have both contributed so much—Dr. Mary Bove and John Gallagher. Note: suicide is mentioned below.
Dr. Mary Bove was a naturopath, herbalist, and midwife. Her practice centered around pediatrics and women’s health, specifically prenatal care and homebirth. She was also an author, having written Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants and co-authored (with Linda Costarella, ND) Herbs for Women’s Health. Dr. Bove also served on Gaia Herbs’ Scientific Advisory Board for over 30 years, taught numerous classes (including serving as a faculty member at Bastyr University), and wrote many educational articles. I never had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Bove (aside from reading some of her writings) but know of others who have and who deeply appreciated her knowledge and wisdom. You can read tributes to Dr. Mary Bove HERE and HERE.
John Gallagher was an herbalist, acupuncturist, and entrepreneur (along with his wife, Kimberly Gallagher). He, along with an amazing team, launched the learningherbs.com website, HerbMentor membership site, and Wildcraft game. These three ventures have helped so many people learn about herbs and be empowered to care for themselves and their families. I can’t even remember how I came across the Learning Herbs website, but the site led me to join HerbMentor and purchase the Wildcraft game for my family. I have been an HerbMentor member on and off over the past several years, though haven’t been the past couple simply because my other herbal studies have kept me very busy. But I definitely recommend it for anyone wanting to learn how to work with herbs for themselves and their families (the site will keep going despite John’s passing). Wildcraft has been a fun, cooperative game that my family has enjoyed playing over the years. It’s been fun to hear the kids periodically talk about something they remember learning from the game. John was perhaps best known for his collaborations among the herbal community—bringing the community together in unique and inspiring ways—and for his kind heart.
Tragically, John died from suicide, the result of a long struggle with insomnia, anxiety, and depression. He felt such a deep love for the Earth and with that, an immense grief for the harms caused to this beloved planet and its inhabitants. You can read a few tributes to John Here, Here, and Here.
If you or a loved one are contemplating suicide or dealing with the pain of having lost someone to suicide, please check out these resources:
Dr. Mary Bove was a naturopath, herbalist, and midwife. Her practice centered around pediatrics and women’s health, specifically prenatal care and homebirth. She was also an author, having written Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants and co-authored (with Linda Costarella, ND) Herbs for Women’s Health. Dr. Bove also served on Gaia Herbs’ Scientific Advisory Board for over 30 years, taught numerous classes (including serving as a faculty member at Bastyr University), and wrote many educational articles. I never had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Bove (aside from reading some of her writings) but know of others who have and who deeply appreciated her knowledge and wisdom. You can read tributes to Dr. Mary Bove HERE and HERE.
John Gallagher was an herbalist, acupuncturist, and entrepreneur (along with his wife, Kimberly Gallagher). He, along with an amazing team, launched the learningherbs.com website, HerbMentor membership site, and Wildcraft game. These three ventures have helped so many people learn about herbs and be empowered to care for themselves and their families. I can’t even remember how I came across the Learning Herbs website, but the site led me to join HerbMentor and purchase the Wildcraft game for my family. I have been an HerbMentor member on and off over the past several years, though haven’t been the past couple simply because my other herbal studies have kept me very busy. But I definitely recommend it for anyone wanting to learn how to work with herbs for themselves and their families (the site will keep going despite John’s passing). Wildcraft has been a fun, cooperative game that my family has enjoyed playing over the years. It’s been fun to hear the kids periodically talk about something they remember learning from the game. John was perhaps best known for his collaborations among the herbal community—bringing the community together in unique and inspiring ways—and for his kind heart.
Tragically, John died from suicide, the result of a long struggle with insomnia, anxiety, and depression. He felt such a deep love for the Earth and with that, an immense grief for the harms caused to this beloved planet and its inhabitants. You can read a few tributes to John Here, Here, and Here.
If you or a loved one are contemplating suicide or dealing with the pain of having lost someone to suicide, please check out these resources:
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; you can also call or text 988 to speak with someone
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center
