About Us

Hello—I'm Ken Conklin, a Clinical Herbalist dedicated to helping people achieve better health through safe, research-supported, and time-tested natural approaches.

With a background as a Navy Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman, I served 17 years on active duty, providing frontline medical care in challenging environments alongside Marine Corps infantry battalions, special operations teams, and naval clinics. My service included multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, South America, Asia, and Africa. Before retiring in 2019, I led a team of 65 Navy Sailors and 10 civilians in delivering comprehensive medical support to 20,000 student Marines at the School of Infantry-East, while also managing high-risk training coverages and serving as a primary care manager for over 500 active-duty patients.

That hands-on experience in austere medicine taught me the value of practical, effective solutions under pressure—and it sparked a deep respect for holistic healing traditions that complement conventional care.

Today, as a second-year student pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Herbalism through Maryland University of Integrative Health (in partnership with Notre Dame of Maryland University), I'm building on that foundation with advanced training in Materia Medica, herbal sciences, clinical theory, case study analysis, and hands-on remedy preparation. This program has deepened my appreciation for both modern research-based herbal medicine and traditional American herbalism (drawing especially from the rich Eclectic tradition of the 1850s to pre-1910 era).

In my advanced residency, I founded Black Flag Botanical Aid Station LLC, where I established a working herbal practice, developed therapeutic protocols, and integrated them into personalized client care. My focus remains on providing affordable, community-based healthcare solutions rooted in education and empowerment. I offer individualized natural health support across North Carolina, emphasizing accessible options that honor each person's unique needs and goals.

A native of Melbourne, Florida, I've called Emerald Isle, North Carolina, home since 2010, where I live with my wife and three sons. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis from Norwich University (Summa Cum Laude), along with certifications in Battlefield Auricular Acupuncture and Mindful Yoga Nidra for PTSD. My published work includes the 2017 article "Moving Forward: Recognizing Traditional Healers as a Global Asset" in the Journal of Culture, Language, & International Security.

My guiding principle is simple: to make high-quality, individualized herbal care available and approachable for everyone. As Scripture states, "Heal Thyself" (Luke 4:23)—and I'm here to walk alongside you with practical tools, evidence-informed guidance, and genuine support.

If you're ready to explore how herbal medicine might fit into your wellness journey, I invite you to schedule an initial strategy call. We'll discuss your health goals openly, and because some cases require more time and complexity to create an effective protocol, I'll provide a good-faith estimate of costs and recommendations during our conversation.

Looking forward to connecting—let's work together toward your best health.