Dr. Deborah Lee, has conducted more than 4,500 classes and workshops on topics of Natural Health and Herbs throughout the US and Europe during the last 30 years. In addition, she has coached hundreds of clients to improved health and weight loss.
Why Natural Health?
"I have long been fascinated with Nature's perfect balance. When I was in my early 20's, chronic liver problems led me to deepen my spiritual connection. Through both prayer and extensive research, I began a life-long search for the most effective ways to prevent and reverse the disease process. Now after 30 years of extensive study and experimentation, I know the body is a complex energy system. The body, mind and spirit are all connected. If we want to be truly healthy, we must balance each of these parts. Health is a personal choice: from the foods we eat, to the wise use of medicinal herbs, to the exercise we enjoy, to the thoughts we think, to the gratitude we give. It is our right and our purpose to create healthy, happy lives for ourselves and our family.” Deborah
Qualifications and Education
Deborah’s formal education was obtained through: Illinois Wesleyan University, Northern Arizona University, Beacon College, Kansas State University and Meridian University International (which was later bought by Columbia Southern). Formal degrees include: a Ph.D. in Nutrition and Natural Health, a Masters in Environmental Education Administration, and a Bachelors in Psychology.
A 'Master Gardner' through the University of Illinois Extension Service, Deborah is also a member of: the International Herb Association, a Board Member for the Illinois Herb Association, and Past President of the Muddy River Herb Guild.
Deborah has studied with numerous great herbalists, including: Dr. Kelly Kindscher, Hanna Kroeger, Susun Weed, Richard Kratz, Mitch Coven, Pam Montgomery, David Winston, Dr. Smokey Santillo, Rosemary Gladstar, David and Lillian Stokes, Doug Elliot, Stephen Foster, Dr. James Duke and many, many more.
She resides at Four Winds Farm near Quincy, Illinois, where she is a proud fifth generation owner. Her goal is to further develop Four Winds Farm Educational Center. Most of the photos on this site were taken on the farm.
"We and the Earth are One.
When we heal ourselves,
we heal the Planet."
- D. Lee
Dr. Lee is available for speaking engagements and workshops. She presents a variety of topics on health, nutrition and medicinal herbs.
"Deborah is a joyful and articulate speaker. You will laugh often and learn much." Workshop participant, Helen R. Contact Health Unlimited
Deborah’s Story
I became fascinated with medicinal herbs in 1970, while attending college at Northern Arizona University. Everything was self-study for me then. Several years later I began leading wilderness trips full-time. Carrying Hostess Twinkies and Rice-a-Roni 20 miles in a 45-pound backpack made me stop and think, “There must be a better way.” I remembered Girl Scout training on edible plants. So, I bought a Golden Guide book and began “field research” on edible weeds, roots, nuts and berries. Soon my backpack was lighter, and my health was stronger! This began a 7-year, in-depth study of wild edible plants. I read every book that I could find on the subject; collected, prepared and ate some wild produce every day for 7 years; followed old-time foragers around; attended workshops; and eventually wove edible plant studies into my Masters curriculum. During this time I made two amazing discoveries: 1.) That more than 100 edible plants grew on the 5 acres of Eastern Kansas land owned by my husband and I. 2.) That most of the weeds growing in our vegetable garden were more nutritious (and medicinal) than the organic vegetables growing beside them!!! This latter insight offerred an “ah ha” moment.. Why should I work so hard mulching and weeding?
It was an easy progression of further study from edible to medicinal herbs. Much of my education in the early 1980’s was: read, read, read; collect, collect, collect; and practice, practice, practice. In 1985, I moved to Eastern Pennsylvannia to work with a Macro-biotic center. Much of our concentration was on restoring heath to the body, using wholesome natural foods. I continued my fascination with edible plants and medicinal herbs. The vegetation there was so lush and diverse. For five years I led wild edbile walks and week-end workshops up and down the eastern United States. That was great! During those years I studied Oriental Medicine and applied this knowledge to working with herbs and health.
I eventually moved to in a rustic log cabin in Northern Virginia and wrote “Exploring Nature’s Uncultivated Garden”, published by Havelin Communi-cation. I also began more indepth research into medicinal herbas, making all the traditional herbal preparations and using them regularly.
A job offer with Macrobiotic Education led me to Southern Lousiana in 1990, and into marvelous Cajun country. There were new ecosystems and new plants to discover! In 9 years, I taught 25, 12-week Traditional Herbal Medicine courses, and became know as The Herb Lady on local TV stations. During the time in Lousiana, I finished a PhD in Nutrition and Natural Health from what was then known as Meredian University International. (The school was later bought by Columbia Southern, and has a different study format.)
In 1999, my dear father died, leaving me a farm. I moved “home” to Quincy, Illinois. I am the 5th generation owner of rich farm land, which I call Four Winds Farm. (It’s very windy here.) A Master Gardner and obsessive grower, I now work as a Horticulture Coordinator for the U of I Extension Service. The position allows me enough time to still fulfill my passions for Natural Health.
My specialty is a Medicinal Herb Educator and Culinary Herbalist. I use both medicinal and culinary herbs every day…from herbal tea, to medicinal cooking, to essential oils and flower essences, to tinctures and capsules, to de-odorant and herbal salves. Health is my lifestyle; wholesome nutrition, culinary/medicinal herbs, positive thinking are a constant habit. Deborah
