Meet Savayda

Savayda’s life was transformed by plants more than 30 years ago when she wandered into a small herbal apothecary tucked within a courtyard in London. In that moment, she discovered the profound healing power of herbal medicine and the timeless tradition of plant-based healing practiced by cultures around the world. She was drawn to herbal medicine for its ability to restore health gently yet effectively, in harmony with the body rather than against it. The holistic philosophy resonated deeply, and she immediately knew she was meant to become a herbalist.

Her path of study and exploration led her through Thailand, Nepal, and India, where she discovered the traditional herbal healing systems of these cultures. During her travels in India, she became seriously ill with amoebic dysentery—an experience that would later deepen her understanding of the healing potential of herbal medicine firsthand.

Returning to Canada, Savayda undertook formal studies at Dominion Herbal College in Vancouver, completing the four-year phytotherapy program through the School of Phytotherapy in England. Alongside her studies in medical sciences, traditional western herbalism, and clinical training, she also studied the traditional medicine systems of the Haida of the Pacific Northwest with Don Olison, as well as Ayurveda from India. This diverse training shaped her balanced approach to herbal medicine — one that bridges modern scientific understanding with centuries-old traditional wisdom.

A pivotal part of her journey was her own recovery from the lingering digestive illness contracted in India. Under the guidance of a herbalist, she completed an intensive eight-week program of herbal remedies and dietary changes that fully resolved her chronic digestive disorder. This experience strengthened her trust in the body’s capacity to heal when supported by plants, nourishment, and holistic care.

Savayda gained invaluable practical experience working for five years alongside renowned medical herbalist Chanchal Cabrera and other respected practitioners at Gaia Garden Herbals in Vancouver. There, she worked in the dispensary and storefront, completed clinical practicum hours, and began her private practice in 2001. In 2002, she returned home to Nova Scotia with a vision of helping herbal medicine flourish in the Maritimes.

Since then, she has become a leading voice in the region’s herbal community. She operates a full-time clinical practice and dispensary. She also serves as president of Bloom Institute, where she offers immersive year-long herbal medicine programs, workshops, retreats, and guided herb walks. She has been providing clinical training programs for future herbal practitioners since 2018. 

Savayda feels deeply grateful to be living her life’s work: helping people reconnect with plants. She is especially passionate about supporting women’s health, guiding women in restoring balance to their menstrual cycles, and teaching fertility awareness for natural family planning and reproductive wellness.

She has been in garden training since 2018 when she moved to her current home on the eastern shore of NS, a home she shares with over 100 medicinal plants.

She can be found at Bloom on Wednesdays for drop in chats about herbs and holistic health. She is available for clinic consultations in Halifax and Blue Forest, as well as online. She would be happy to customize herbal workshops for your community, workplace or other social groups.

  • Registered Herbal Practitioner, in her 25th year of clinical practice
  • President of Bloom Institute of Holistic Living & Learning
  • Creator, educator, multiple year-long herbal courses for adults and children
  • Fertility Awareness Educator
  • Founding and current member of the Herbalist Association of Nova Scotia
  • Founding and current director of the Canadian Council of Herbalist Associations