Herbal Dispensary

The AIMC Berkeley Herbal Dispensary is well stocked with over 350 raw herbs, hundreds of powdered herbs and formulas, as well as herbs in convenient pills and tablets. Our Professional and Intern Practitioners are trained in Traditional Classical Chinese herbal medicine, Materia Medica, and Kampo-style powders. We actively seek out the highest quality, low cost herbal medicines for our community. The dispensary staff work closely with faculty and supervisors to locate the most suitable herbs for the clinic and confirm sources for organic and non-sulfured herbs. AIMC Berkeley students and patients alike benefit from the balance of potency, convenience, and cost afforded by such a wide variety of herbs and herb preparations.

Returns

For the safety of our patients, the AIMC BerkeleyHerbal Dispensary does not accept returns of raw herbs, powders, or opened bottles of any kind.

AIMC Community Discount

Students enjoy a discount on herbs and formulas for their individual use while in attendance at AIMC Berkeley.

Herbal Dispensary Manager

Tracy Richardson, MSOM, MQP, LAc
Tracy Richardson is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist Managing the Herbal Dispensary at Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College, Berkeley, where she graduated with a Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM), December of 2010. She is also employed with The Center for Elder Independence (CEI) as a Licensed Acupuncturist. A Graduate of East West Herbal Studies with Michael Tierra in 2005, Certified Professional Herbalist. In the spring of 2008, she became a Certified Medical Qi Gong practitioner, studying with Suzanne Friedman. She continues to work with Masters Intuition Medicine MIM, as well as a Professional Chef (working with special diets; Macrobiotic, Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian, as well as healthy omnivore creations). She provides macrobiotic counseling, and Tui Na massage. Her private practice includes offices in Fairfax and Oakland.

Herbal Dispensary Staff

David Blatt

“Before studying Chinese Medicine, I devoted myself to the arts. I spent 6 years in Chicago acting, singing in bands, writing plays and doing voiceovers, depending on the day. Those were very exciting years, and I’m still a firm believer in the power and importance of art. But at some point I realized that I also wanted to be able to do something that could impact people’s lives and well being on a different and more tangible level.

It’s been so rewarding to work with patients in the clinic and to see the kind of results that unequivocally improve a person’s quality of life, whether it’s treating carpal tunnel, dermatological issues, or achieving a greater sense of centeredness and joy on a day-to-day basis.”

David holds a Certificate in Sound, Voice, & Music Healing from California Institute of Integral Studies. His professional interests also include dermatology, women’s health, emotional issues, and pain management.

Lizzy Fei

“My grandfather regained the ability to walk through acupuncture after several MDs said he was permanently paralyzed. Ever since, I have only seen more and more people have their lives completely changed through this amazing medicine.”

Lizzy’s professional interests include medical qigong, women’s health, and pediatric care. She plans to travel to China after graduation to further her studies, and later start a clinic of her own.

Mitsuko (Mimi) Ishimaru, ND

“As a naturopathic doctor and master program student in TCM, I am dedicated to guiding you to achieve your optimal health combining Western natural medicine with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. My treatment starts with listening to your story, and then seeking for the underlying cause of disease, rather than just simply treating the symptoms that appear on the surface.“

Dr. Ishimaru’s professional interests include acupuncture, herbal medicine, medical qigong.

Henriette Lenssen

“I am fascinated by the energetic aspects of acupuncture.”

Henriette “Jet” has a degree in Biology from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands. She became interested in Acupuncture after studying Tui Na at the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley. She has volunteered at the Charlotte Maxwell Clinic giving acupressure and Tui Na treatments to Woman dealing with cancer. Jet’s professional interests include Japanese acupuncture and women’s health.

Petra Schirra

Petra has more than a decade of experience in the health care field. She volunteered as a medic at the Berkeley Free Clinic for 2 years and worked in the fertility field helping women get pregnant. More recently she has worked as a Pilates teacher helping people with back pain and injury recovery.

Petra’s professional interested include nutrition and weight loss. She loves helping all ages and backgrounds.

Lauren Phillips

“I have been interested in acupuncture and Oriental medicine for over ten years and I am grateful to have the opportunity to learn and practice this rich and fascinating medicine. Before this, I taught French here, and English in France and Argentina. My other interests include travel, tango dancing, and playing music.”

Lauren’s professional interests in include women’s health and gynecology.

Kumi Tsukioka

“Chinese medicine is a great way to support the mental and physical health of my patients.”

Kumi is licensed in acupuncture and Oriental medicine in Japan. After graduation from Goto Medical College in Tokyo, Japan, Kumi continued her training in China to procure more clinical experience in a hospital setting. Her areas of interest include mental health, OB/GYN, and pain management. Once she has completed her education at AIMC Berkeley Kumi plans to return to Japan and open her own clinic.