In this conversation, Demetria Clark welcomes Naomi Kilbreth, RH (clinical herbalist) of Laurel Tree Wellness. Naomi traces her path from teenage assistant to home-birth midwife, to homeschooling mom, and full-time clinician. We dive deep into long-COVID—why symptoms vary so widely, the role of prior viral exposures (think EBV/shingles), and why nervous-system signs matter. Naomi shares practical ways to vet an herbalist, the lifestyle foundations she checks first (sleep, stress, and lymph), and introduces The Herbal Collective, an online library and community that organizes her classes, downloads, and weekly live sessions.

Connect with Naomi• Website: LaurelTreeWellnessLLC.com• Instagram: @LaurelTreeWellness

Connect with Demetria / Heart of Herbs• Programs & resources: www.heartofherbs.com

Topics• Herbal origin stories & birthwork roots• Individualized care for long-COVID (no one-size-fits-all)• Dormant virus reactivation, athletes, and “healthy before COVID” cases• Nervous-system clues (tongue/uvula) & why they matter• How to find a qualified herbalist• The Herbal Collective: free “Lite” tier, memberships, weekly gatherings

Disclaimer: Educational content only; not medical advice. Please work with your healthcare providers.

Welcome to the Heart of Herbs Herbal School Podcast! I’m your host, Demetria Clark — herbalist, educator, and founder of Heart of Herbs Herbal School. I'm so excited you're here today because we have an incredible guest joining us — KhadiYah Preciado of Yah’s Apothecary.

KhadiYah is a dynamic herbalist, educator, and entrepreneur whose work weaves together African-centered herbalism, Biblical wisdom, and modern holistic practice. She’s the founder and lead educator at Yah’s Apothecary, a rich and vibrant space offering classes, books, formulas, and guidance for herbalists and healers who want to build sustainable, profitable, and spirit-rooted herbal businesses.

In this episode, we dive into what it means to practice African-centered herbalism in modern times, how our faith and ancestral traditions can guide us, and Kadia’s inspiring journey from health-conscious teen to thriving herbal educator. We also explore the powerful ways she teaches safety, sustainability, and empowerment in herbal practice.

Get ready for an honest, heartfelt, and empowering conversation — one that honors the roots of herbalism while inspiring growth and purpose in your path. Let’s get started!

Becca Daye is an inspiring Clinical Herbalist with a deep love for nature and a vibrant, folky spirit. She is a passionate herb mama, dedicated herb grower, educator, and writer on a mission to reconnect people with the healing powers of plant medicine and spirit—benefiting both individuals and the Earth. With nearly three decades of experience studying herbal medicine since the age of 19, Becca has apprenticed and trained under some of the most renowned herbalists across the US, continuously learning from both the plants and expert mentors.

She offers engaging herbal consultations, dynamic classes, and supports local herbal and herbalist training programs, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm to empower others on their healing journeys.