Dallas-based health nutritionist and Licensed Herbalist Leslie Duong says she’s discovered the keys to maintaining a healthy mind and body, and wants to share those secrets with her clients. “The purpose of life is for you to evolve into the best person that you can be.” A practicing herbalist for 14 years, she was mentored in herbal medicine by her father, Dr. Duong Lai Canh, LAc OMD, the founder of American Chinese Natural Herbs. 

She has a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Texas in Dallas and is a member of the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Texas. When seeing a client for the first time at ACN Herbs and Green Tea, Duong conducts a private and personal evaluation to find the best Chinese herbal program for them. She can treat a variety of maladies, including skin conditions, skeletal and muscular pain, mental and neurological issues, digestive disorders and  genital and urinary dysfunction, as well as respiratory, gynecological and cardiac problems. She can also help clients with weight loss, smoking cessation and detoxification. 

During an appointment, she uses the Chinese approach of observing, questioning, listening and examination. Duong also gives each new client a free analysis about the five elements of the body. She firmly believes that watching what we eat will lead to a long, happy and healthy life. As part of an herbal consultation she provides clients information about which foods are best for them to help keep a healthy body and mind. 

She gives each client several recipes to cook better food to help improve their health, and also advises them on how to exercise more effectively. Her goal is to give her clients a fresh look and more confidence as they move forward in their life. “I can help you increase your energy and feel great all day,” she says. “Everything you need to live a happy and prosperous life is within you.”

Julie Thibodeaux is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.