My Story
My initial introduction to plant medicines came from my mother. Her encyclopedic knowledge of plants and their medicinal values were utilized many times during my childhood. I also have fond memories of my grandmother making me marigold tea for my childhood tummy-aches and showing me how to select the choicest of dandelion leaves. A trip to the Doctor was always a last resort.
However, when I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis in 1991, at 12 years old, plant medicines took a backseat to the traditional western medical system. Between the ages of 12 and 25, I was diagnosed with 5 autoimmune diseases. Though conventional medicines could help to control the worst of my symptoms, I lived with severe chronic pain, depression, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Over time, I could see my health deteriorating and felt powerless to do anything about it.
In my late 20s, I began experiencing serious, and some potentially fatal, side-effects from the long-term use of prescription medicines. In addition, these medications were becoming increasingly less effective at controlling my symptoms. After exhausting the standard medication protocols, my doctor proposed I switch to a new class of medication. One with a proven track record of extreme side effects. I could not bring myself to fill the prescription. I decided that I would rather die from my illnesses than from the treatment of them. I have not taken prescription medication for the treatment of my chronic conditions since.
With the help and support of my husband, we found out everything we could about alternative treatments to autoimmune disease. We learned from real people who had taken back control of their health through diet, lifestyle changes, and the use of plant medicines. We made a plan and started on a path to a more holistic approach to my treatment. I now enjoy the best health of my life.
Wellness is an ongoing process, though. I still live with chronic pain and the effects of decades worth of damage to my body. The legalization of Medical Marijuana freed me, and many others, from having to depend on health-destroying prescription pain medications. It also enabled me to have a robust and healthy diet, after years of difficulty eating due to Crohn’s Disease. A vital aspect to my recovery.
My next major step towards wellness came in early 2022, when I began the medicinal use of Psilocybin. Psilocybin has been a game-changer in the management of my chronic pain and the near-elimination of OCD symptoms, among many other benefits.
My personal experiences in living with chronic illness and navigating the conventional medical system has compelled me to want to help others in their pursuit of wellness. Since 2019, I have been helping clients to achieve their health goals as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. After my personal experience with Psilocybin, as well as witnessing the remarkable benefits others have gained through its use, I decided to embark on additional education and training to become an Integrative Psilocybin Mushroom Specialist.
Since 2023, I have been helping people who choose to use psilocybin medicinally to do so in a safe and effective way. Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule 1 substance by the Federal Government, I do not advocate its use. My goal is to promote safety and provide education to those who want or need it.
Why Psilocybin Mushrooms?
Psilocybin mushrooms have garnered a lot of attention over the past several years. Research showing their potential benefits in the management of mental health disorders, chronic conditions, and personal growth have given many people hope for a better future. I, too, am excited for the possibilities that psilocybin and psychedelic treatments present. Unfortunately, the illegal status of these substances means that people are left on their own to try to figure out when, how, and how much to take. This can lead to unsafe practices with potentially harmful consequences.
Plant medicines are an integral part of my spirituality and life-perspective. I feel a deep personal responsibility towards these medicines and to my ancestors, who have been participating in the sacred use of psilocybin mushrooms for thousands of years. I am fortunate that my religious affiliation grants me the right to utilize them myself, under the First Amendment to the U.S Constitution.* I believe that access to the medicines that nature provides is a right of all people.
As the topic of psychedelic medicine has come further into the public consciousness, I saw a rising need for guidance in this area.** The failure of conventional mental health treatments is evident, and it has left many people desperate to find alternative therapies on their own. Unfortunately, using psychedelics without the guidance of a professional can have detrimental consequences.
If you are thinking of taking psilocybin mushrooms, or any psychedelic medicine, you don’t have to go it alone. There are now many therapists, doctors, and coaches working in this field. Please do due diligence in finding a professional who you can trust and who understands your motives, intentions, and medical conditions. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or has experienced a challenging psychedelic experience and are in need of immediate assistance please call or text 62-Fireside for free, confidential support.
Sincerely,
April Green
*The right to use plant medicines under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is granted to persons officially affiliated with religious institutions with an established right to practice the use of plant medicines or individuals with recognized Native American Tribal affiliation. The parameters of the lawful use of plant medicines are strictly outlined and enforced by these organizations. A personal declaration of belief in plant medicines, absent an applicable church or Tribal affiliation, does not grant permission under the law to partake in the use of Schedule 1 substances.
**All affiliates to Sacred Geometry Health Coaching, including April Green, do not advocate the use of illegal substances, including psychedelics or psilocybin-containing mushrooms. If you choose to partake, we encourage safety and education. We do not sell, provide, or prescribe psilocybin or psilocybin-containing mushrooms.
Education
I am a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in NY, NY, where I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the leading minds in holistic, functional, and integrative medicine and wellness. I am also a Certified International Health Coach through the International Association for Health Coaches and a Certified Integrative Psilocybin Mushroom Specialist through the American College of Healthcare Sciences.