Description
Mimi shares narratives of healing experiences in Mexico, Central America and South America as we explore the trilogy of Lemongrass (Limoncillo), Lemon Verbena (Cedron) and Lemon Balm (Torinjil) and their importance in Latin American Folk Herbalism. She discusses the meaningful sacred synergy of these aromatic plants and explore the history of a healing tradition as a system emergence of 3 cultures. The class also unravels the cultural trauma experience by exploring the concepts of “Susto” and Soul loss as well as “Envidia” and their relation to the trauma induced by colonialism and an imposition of a male dominant religion. The class discusses the use of sacred oils, baths, altars, teas, incense and sweeps and will also elaborate on a materia medica of each herb.
Presenter Bio:
Mimi Prunella Hernandez, M.S., R.H. (AHG), is a clinical herbalist with a master’s degree in herbal medicine. As a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild, she has mentored students in clinical and community herbalism through various educational platforms. Mimi is known for her ability to explain complex information in a relatable way, which has gained her a dedicated following. Her warm and approachable nature has made her a sought-after speaker at conferences and events.In 2023, Mimi received a Botanical
Excellence Award from the American Botanical Council, a prestigious honor that recognizes her as a Mark Blumenthal Herbal Community Builder. For over a decade, Mimi served as the executive director of the American Herbalists Guild, where she worked tirelessly to ensure that herbalists have a strong professional community to support their work.
Mimi’s volunteer work inspires plant sanctuary dreamers. She not only strives to ensure the continued availability of native and medicinal plants but also educates others about their importance and traditional uses. With her husband Terry she stewards The PonderLand Native Plant Sanctuary and inspires others to consider establishing plant sanctuaries in their communities.
Mimi’s herbal roots are inspired by her Colombian and Mexican Grandmothers via a Latin American Folk Herbalism and Curanderismo lineage. While Mimi finds immense joy in practicing kitchen herbalism, she finds tremendous fulfillment in delivering herbal house calls. She loves delivering baskets filled with homemade nourishing goodies, using the herbs she grows in her garden to provide natural remedies to those in need.
Her greatest joy is tending to her 3 children, AnaÏs, Evan, and Talan, and several pets, alongside her husband Terry.