Welcome to our blog, where we explore the transformative power of plant medicine through the insights of Tina “Kat” Courtney, as featured in her interview with MysticMag.
Twenty years ago, Tina embarked on a journey to the Amazonian jungle seeking deep healing from bulimia, alcoholism, and bipolar disorder. Her path to recovery unveiled the profound capabilities of entheogenic plants to facilitate self-healing and reclaim personal power. Today, as a leader at Plant Medicine People, Tina emphasizes the ethical sourcing of plant sacraments and the critical role of education in reconnecting individuals with the healing gifts of nature.
Join us as we delve into the incredible stories and wisdom from Tina’s experience in this sacred practice.
What drew you to the world of plant medicine?
I found Plant Medicine 20 years ago because I needed deep healing. I was dealing with bulimia, alcoholism, bi-polar-ness, and a profound lack of self-love. I followed the man I was dating at the time to the Amazonian jungle, and I found my path to healing.
Can you explain the benefits of plant medicine in modern healing practices?
Plant Medicines can access parts of our psyches and even bodies that modern medicine has never been able to duplicate. These entheogenic plants are miraculous in their ability to move energy, bring incredible amounts of awareness, and help us learn to heal ourselves.
In the allopathic medicine world, we as patients give up our power to doctors who often know next to nothing about us. Plant Medicines help us to reclaim our power and sovereignty, teaching us to heal ourselves rather than rely on imperfect humans.
How do you ensure the ethical sourcing of your plant medicine products?
We don’t sell Plant Medicine products, but the sacraments we work with in ceremony are sourced by our team members in the jungle. We are always putting plants back into the ground so that these beautiful beings are available for future generations.
The medicines we work with are harvested and crafted with deep care and love – we know every single touch point as they make their way to our ceremonies. We know exactly what is in the brew, who interacted with it, and the energy it carries.
What role does education play in your mission at Plant Medicine People?
Education is the foundation of everything we do at Plant Medicine People because we are all about empowering people to reclaim their connection to nature. That happens in part through educating ourselves about the power and gifts of nature, and how we can bring that relationship back into our everyday lives.
We teach courses like the Plant Medicine Mystery School, which is a program that teaches people the old shamanic ways of working with and communicating with plants. We also teach people how to become Plant Medicine Integration coaches, as we firmly believe integration is the most important part of the ceremonial process.
Can you share a memorable experience of a client’s healing journey with plant medicine?
There are SO many incredibly memorable journeys of healing in our clients, but I will share a favorite one: We had a woman some years ago from the Lakota Sioux tribe come to a retreat. She was severely diabetic and clinically depressed. With every ceremony, you could see layers of darkness from her life and her lineage started to peel away. By the end of the retreat, she looked like an entirely different person – so full of joy and vibrancy.
Sometime after returning home, she reached out to share her doctor reported she had completely healed her diabetes. Every year on the anniversary of the retreat, she sends me an update about how healthy and happy she is. It’s stories like this that make us aware we have the best job in the multiverse.
What advice would you give to someone new to plant medicine?
My advice is twofold: One, follow the calling. These plants are tremendous allies and they have saved and improved millions of lives. But be very, very discerning who you trust to guide you.
There are a lot of well-meaning but immature folks leading these ceremonies, but unless they have had years of experience and training, they are unsafe, no matter how kind they may be. Think of shamanic guides like you would doctors – you want someone who has gone the distance in legitimate training. You are trusting them to keep you physically, emotionally, and spiritually safe, so choose wisely. And make integration a priority too.
What happens in the ceremonies isn’t as important as what you do with that experience when you return home.
Find out more at: www.plantmedicinepeople.com
