bio

Amanda Swinimer received her 4-year Bachelor of Science degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia with an advanced major in Marine Biology. Some of her credits were obtained from the University of British Columbia and in East Africa through Langara College. Amanda worked for several years in marine and forest preservation groups, including the Forest Action Network and Bron’s Environmental (that does biological observations and care-takes an orca reserve), both on the west coast of B.C., Canada.

She completed her Herbal Certification through Don Ollsin of Langara College and studied for two years proceeding that with Herbalist Bernice Woolham of Duncan, B.C. Amanda has also received training in Ayurvedic Medicine, Nutrition, Permaculture, and Flower Remedies.

Amanda’s special passion within Herbalism is the traditional use of native plants. She believes strongly in the idea that the medicines people need for the ailments of their locale are the plants growing among them. Before her certification, Amanda worked almost exclusively with the native plants and seaweeds of the Pacific Northwest. Here, in the rarest and most endangered forest type on the planet, Mother Earth has provided endless natural gifts to cleanse, nourish or provide relief as we need it. Amanda is a crafter of these gifts, gently carving roots, flowers, leaves, fruits and seeds into available medicines.

Work-at-Home Mom

By supporting Dakini Tidal Wilds, you are supporting a ‘work-at-home Mom’. Having my own local, home-based business allows me to stay at home with my children and be their guide and their nurturer during the most influential and formative years of their life. I have harvested seaweed and herbs throughout both of my pregnancies (on the label for my ‘Winged Kelp’ I am 8 months pregnant with my youngest daughter, Nesika) and my daughters are often with me when I hang the seaweed to dry. In this way, I am able to help support my children and be their primary caregiver while providing them with an important education and respect for the local ocean and forest life.