The Undaunted Herbalist
Melody Karklin Knudson is a certified Clinical Herbalist & Health Coach who has worked in alternative health care for 24 years. She is a Mom, "Mum Mum", lifelong plant lover, avid gardener and longtime forager with a horticulture degree.
Melody is president of The American Herbalist Guild - Southern WI Chapter, and runs a foraging and gardening Facebook group with over 12,000 members.
Through her business The Undaunted Herbalist, Melody offers consultations, personalized recommendations, health coaching, classes, edible and medicinal plant walks, and handcrafted herbal medicines and products.
As a Clinical Herbalist, I will help you work toward your health, eating, and lifestyle goals.
My Calling
I have loved plants my whole life!
I remember feeling, smelling, and tasting plants as a child. I can remember crawling under large-leaved plants or shrubs and just laying there with them. I can’t believe my Mother let me do this, but I would make and drink tea from unknown plants during tea parties with my dolls.
Some of the happiest times of my childhood were when I was in the woods, just hanging out with the plants. When I grew up I became a Horticulturist and Gardener. Later, I started foraging for wild foods. I then went back to school to study Herbal Medicine, and here I am!
I have been through many challenges in my life. I always knew that there was a reason why, and that something good would come out of it. Now I get to use all those experiences and the knowledge I pick up along the way, to help others heal and grow. I can’t think of anything better than that!
As a certified Clinical Herbalist and Health Coach, I look at the whole person when working with a client. I get a good picture of who you are, what you eat, what you do, and what is going on in your body, before deciding how best to help you. I will work with you to adjust your eating and lifestyle, and give suggestions on herbs and herbal medicines to optimize and maintain your health.
What is a consultation like? I will have you fill out a form and get it to me ahead of time. In your consultation, we will spend about 1 ½ hours talking about you, your life, and your health. If applicable, I will suggest an herb or two to get you started, and will show you how to prepare and/or use them. You will receive written recommendations from me in an email, a few days after we meet. We will meet again for follow ups as needed.
My Credentials: I got my Herbal education from Wildwood Institute in Madison WI, where I was an apprentice for 3 years. I spent a year seeing clients there. I have taken many additional classes and conferences with other Herbalists and Practitioners. I have worked in alternative health care for 23 years. I have taken the Upledger Institute's CranioSacral Therapy course, and am currently apprenticing with Raj Alwa of Holistic Health Consulting, in Lake Geneva, WI.
Recent & Upcoming Events
Fun, Easy Ways to Use Herbs In Your Skincare
SATURDAY, MARCH 16TH, 2024, 9AM-11AM at OLBRICH GARDENS
https://madisonherbsociety.org/meetings-%26-events
Plants As Healers Workshop Series
HOSTED BY LOWER SUGAR RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION
THREE WATERS RESERVE EVENT CENTER, BROADHEAD WI
https://threewatersreserve.com/pages/plants-as-healers-series
Transformative Tonics & Teas
SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2023, 9AM-12PM
Learn the fundamentals of making healing tinctures, tonics and teas! Get to know several medicinal herbs as allies for your health including burdock, Solomon’s seal, goldenrod and more. Learn how to select the right herbs for you, and taste them, too! Feel confident about your ability to heal yourself with the right tools and enjoy conversation about preparation techniques and health benefits.
Healing with Fermented Foods
SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2023, 9AM-12PM
Enjoy interactive demos and sampling while learning how to make your very own fermented foods (and drinks!) from a chef and expert cordial maker. Understand how your digestive system functions. Explore the fascinating connection between the digestive system and brain, and learn about the important role fermented foods play in self healing.
Superfoods Chef's Table
SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023, 6PM-9PM
Join us for an invigorating multi-course meal packed with fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients! Each course is thoughtfully designed to support optimal health and wellbeing. Cooking techniques maximize the natural flavors of minimally processed, whole ingredients – reducing the need for added salt, sugar and unhealthy fats. Commentary from the chef and instructors from the previous workshops will highlight the flavors and benefits of each course.
Testimonials
Melody has a wide range of knowledge on different herbs and which ones can help with your health issues as she uses many different ones herself. She has done foraging and made many of her own medicines from things she has foraged. She has made cordial and fermented foods that contain many very healthy minerals, vitamins and probiotics. I believe that Melody can help others improve their health and well being through herbal medicine. I know that our family, especially myself, have benefited greatly from her knowledge and input in herbal medicine. - L. C.
I really like the format of your follow up recommendations! Excellent, excellent, excellent in every way. Please continue with this style format as we go forward. It is easy to read and to follow. I know exactly how a recommendation will help, and what the potential gain will be. Your intuitive undaunted value as a herbalist is magnified by this motivating communication. Know your gifts and skills are much appreciated. - J. S.
