About Holistic Harmony
Holistic Harmony honors traditional herbalism, bringing forward principles from the time-tested systems of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and Western Herbalism. These valuable systems were once predominantly practiced for many thousands of years; as a result, plants have been a part of our history and evolution. With the advent of modern pharmaceuticals, many of us forgot our relationship with plants and herbal medicine rapidly became a distance memory. However, if we consume these plants again, our bodies are still capable of recognizing their chemical composition and activate a chain of natural reactions based on their intended use. At Holistic Harmony, we understand the essence of these herbal compounds, enabling us to create custom herbal formulas or recommend herbs whose energy correctly stimulates or adjusts the body's energy to promote balance.
Are you ready to embark on your personal wellness journey? I'll be honored to accompany and guide you every step of the way.
My Story
My name is Carmen Portner, I am a Clinical Herbalist, Health Coach, and student of Holistic Nutrition. I am based in Naples, Florida, serving the community in Southwest Florida and online to the rest of the United States. I speak English and Spanish. This is my story:
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I was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador. I grew up in a culture where native plants were used every day in food, medicine and limpias. My mother used to believe that negative spirits can cause disease; so when I would fall “mysteriously” ill, she would take me to the medicine woman to perform cleansing ceremonies with the use of tobacco, plants, and chanting. As long as I can remember, I was always attracted to the mystics, astrology and wonders of nature. However, as a teenager I wanted to become a business woman like my early role model, my beloved father. He offered me the opportunity to come to the United States to study business at the age of 16. Little did I know I was going to stay in a new country, finish my studies, obtain an MBA, work in corporate for many years, and meet my soul mate.
At a point living a busy life, my health suffered. I experienced debilitating chronic allergies. I spent countless resources to find the cure but conventional medicine did not have an answer for me, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I researched everywhere in books and online; I was able to cure myself using my intuition, divine intervention and perseverance! Along this personal healing path, the herbs found me. They called upon me and I was able to hear them for the first time. It felt like love at first sight. I did soul searching and the answer was clear. I was going to work with my new plant allies and become an herbalist.
I embarked in this life changing journey on 2016. I completed my studies with the East West School of Planetary Herbology in 2020 under the supervision of esteem Michael Tierra, O.M.D. and Lesley Tierra, L.AC. I have also completed various studies with the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine and the Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism.
I have mentored with Susan Kramer, Ph.D, RH(AHG), RSHom(NA), CCH, Michael Tierra, O.M.D., and currently with Miles Coleman, RH(AHG), EWCH working towards registration with the American Herbalist Guild, the highest national achievement for Clinical Herbalists.
Certifications & Studies
Certified Professional Herbalist
Wellness Coach
Holistic Nutrition
"Carmen Portner is among the select few East West Planetary Herbology graduates who I have closely worked with. She is an extraordinary herbalist, deeply compassionate, understanding and thorough not only in her ability to create an herbal program for each individual but also offer necessary nutritional and lifestyle guidance."
Michael Tierra
L.Ac, OMD, founder of the American Herbalists Guild (AHG), author of “The Way of Herbs” and “Planetary Herbology”.