Ohlone Herbal Center

I highly recommend this clinic and I highly recommend booking a session with Dan Walsh. I first came to the clinic several months ago with a laundry list of chronic auto-​immune issues that I’ve been struggling with for years. 2.5 months later, I have seen significant improvements in my digestion, sleep, chronic pelvic pain, and overall mood. It has been a transformative healthcare experience at a totally affordable cost.
I’ve seen a wide variety of specialists, acupuncturists and alternative healers about these issues and have yet to find a caring clinician that will take the time to understand my full medical history and create a customized treatment plan. My intake appointment lasted over two hours and was incredibly comprehensive, taking into account my medical history, current health regimen/​diet, and psychological well-​being. It was an incredibly reparative experience for me after being rushed out of so many doctors offices because of time constraints.
Dan has a vast knowledge of the body, nutrition, and fitness. He was employed as a health coach and an FDN before arriving at Ohlone. He has helped me to revamp my diet, fitness routine, and supplement regimen. In our weekly sessions he listens attentively and takes the time to explain his diagnostic process, empowering me to become an expert in healing myself. His assessment skills are superb and delivered with such compassion and warmth.
The students in the clinic check in with seasoned Ohlone staff before creating an herbal tincture. Kate, one of the faculty members, has personally sat with me on several occasions to better understand the specifics of my situation. From day one I have felt that Dan, Kate, and the Ohlone team were invested in my healing journey. The student clinic is by donation and I have not paid more than $ 25 for the tinctures that were custom mixed for me.
Thank you Dan, Kate, and the Ohlone Student Clinic for your superb care. You are a gift to the East Bay Community!

Great education, committed teachers, and powerful plant medicine!

Excellent herbal clinic with the added benefit of being an educational center open to the public for various lectures and medicine shows. The people are friendly & laid back, and their apothecary/​clinical office is particularly homey and inviting. Have seen 2 practitioners who provided me with a great introduction to herbal treatments of everything from headaches to menstrual dysfunction, even facilitating my desire to get off of birth control. Low cost (incredibly affordable, especially when compared to any allopathic treatment, or the cost of insurance) and highly effective. I’m now a student in their apprenticeship program and can’t begin to express my enthusiasm. Definitely give them a shot, even if you’re new to herbal/​alternative medicine like I was.

Pam Fischer is a superb herbalist. She solved several very difficult and serious medical issues for me, both with creativity that impresses other excellent herbalists, and with insight into all levels of existence. I agree with the other reviewers. You could not be in better hands.

I’m a true believer in medicinal herbs. Nature is the best scientist in the universe and if Native people in the Americas didn’t suffer from obesity, diabetes (until the introduction of weird shit into their diet) or allergies, I think they were on point.
Western medicine definitely has its benefits; I would have been ruined if not for having a prescription of the antibiotic Citpro during one trip to Central America. In everyday life though I believe in the tenant that medicine should enhance the human body’s own immune system, not mask ailments with antihistamines and decongestants. For one, most mass produced pharmaceuticals are loaded with chemicals that only relieve symptoms so that we can keep on the grind with the sickness. This is effectively used in marketing, i.e., Tylenol GO! or Dayquil. These are fast food medicines designed to keep your germ-​ridden, rest-​needing self, working and shopping.
I’m steadfast against this way of life. It’s wholly destructive to the immune system and overall well-​being. If you’re sick, rest and hydration are crucial. Stop moving and doing, chill out, and just be sick.
Then we get into the magical world of healing. There’s an abundance of herbs, teas, and supplements that can get a minor cold sorted within a few days. I also like to sweat it out in a sauna. All of these things are way cheaper than a co-​pay or the pharmacy and yet also effective.
I haven’t had a serious flu in 15 years and get over a cold in a few days usually, once every season.
Last year I stumbled across the Ohlone Herbal Center (OHC) as they were setting up shop in the Strawberry Creek Center in Southwest Berkeley. This cozy, loft-​like space with exposed brick is lined with tinctures, extracts, and tea remedies for all kinds of ailments. Loads of exotic, hard to pronounce, roots and herbs, and a lot of wildcrafted herbs indigenous to California. The center doesn’t operate as a traditional clinic, but as a non-​profit offering consultation, remedies, classes, and herbalist apprenticeships.
I finally went by after having consistent insomnia issues. I think this is partly hereditary (mother), but also attributed to my diet and habits. I love sweet black tea late into the day (major caffeine injection) and
if I get up, I’ll go on the computer (stimulation injection). I take melatonin supplement regularly, but this is negated I think by my bad habits.
That afternoon I sat down with the herbalist Maria who was super helpful, charming, and gave me loads of information. First she said I need to eat breakfast (a meal I usually skip in favor of lunch). Second, I need to chill out on the black tea late in the afternoon, and stay away from the computer if I do wake-​up in the middle of the night.
Maria made me an Auyervedic tea from the ashwaganda root. I drink this with warm soymilk or add it to water. Excellent stuff! If I can get through a night uninterrupted (even with my beloved cat who’s on the exact opposite sleep cycle as me) I am utterly stoked. I’m one of those humans who cant’ fake it to make it on 6 hours. I need a full 8 to keep it moving.
OHC takes donations for consultation, but this is not required. You pay for the cost of tincture or herbs. My tea cost $ 3.00. A welcome oasis in these nickel and dime days.

I think this place is a wonderful alternative to western medicine. I have been seeing Pam for a couple of years and her knowledge of herbs and the human body is very extensive. I really trust her opinion when it comes to my body. She also runs the school, which is located in the same spot. There is a student run clinic which is also a cheaper alternative. Herbal formulas are made with care and adjusted to the individual. Students are advised by Pam herself or another experienced herbalist. The space is comfortable and has good energy. One of these days I hope to participate in some classes!

wow — I just had my first experience with Ohlone Herbal Center today and I have to say that I am really impressed! Pam really goes into detail about what’s going on with your body and health. She seems to hit the nail on the head with her assessment of what’s really going on. I’m very enthusiastic about her ability to help me with my chronic pain issues. We shall see — stay tuned for updates.