Biography

A fourth generation herbalist and healer, Phyllis D. Light has studied and worked with herbs, foods and other healing techniques for over 30 years. Her studies in Traditional Southern Appalachian Folk Medicine began in the deep woods of North Alabama with lessons from her grandmother, whose herbal and healing knowledge had its roots in her Creek/Cherokee heritage. Phyllis’ studies continued as an apprentice with the late Tommie Bass, a nationally renowned folk herbalist from Sand Rock, Alabama, as well as other herbal Elders throughout the Appalachians and the Deep South. Her well-established reputation and knowledgeable expertise has allowed Phyllis to travel far afield of her Southern Appalachian home, lecturing and teaching about herbs, integrative and complementary healthcare and traditional folk healing techniques. Consequently, she has taught and lectured at herb schools, universities, medical schools, hospitals and health conferences. Phyllis is the director of the Appalachian Center for Herbal Studies, which offers a two or three year program for budding herbalists. As a practitioner, she has experience in both clinical and private settings including working in an integrative medical clinic. As a consultant, Phyllis manages her own herbal consulting business advising businesses, schools, physicians and manufacturers. In addition to Traditional Folk studies, Phyllis has studied Traditional Western Herbalism, Nutrition, Exercise Science, Body Work and Energy Medicine. She continues to maintain an active herbal practice. Phyllis has a master’s degree from the University of Alabama in Health Studies (education and promotion) and has taught CEU classes for allied healthcare workers including nurses, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, occupational therapists and social workers. She is a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild and currently sits as secretary of the organization. In addition, she is on the board of directors of the American Naturopathic Certification Board.