About the Author

Jovanka Ciares is an Afro-Latina former entertainment executive turned executive wellness coach, integrative herbalist, and nutrition educator. She is the founder and CEO of Solana, an herbal supplement company, and the creator of the #ReclaimingWellness education initiative, which offers education to BIPOC communities on the power of herbal medicine and plant-based living. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Jovanka now lives in Los Angeles with her partner and her rescue cat King Buddy Kitty.

Julieanna Hever, MS, RD, CPT, is a plant-based dietitian and the author of The Choose You Now Diet and Plant-Based Nutrition.

Reviews

“If you’ve ever wondered about the origins of the world’s best lifestyle choices for the healthiest body and mind, this book is for you. Or if you are looking for ways to incorporate plant-based foods, spices, and herbs into nutritious, delicious meals, this book is for you. You’ll find easy ways to keep your body and mind feeling fresh and vibrant, and you’ll learn about your ancestors, too!”
— Jenné Claiborne, chef and creator of Sweet Potato Soul

“In Reclaiming Wellness, Jovanka Ciares has brilliantly interwoven the power of multicultural ancestral traditions and wellness practices into a holistic road map to achieve optimized health even with the noise and chaos of the modern world trying to overwhelm us into dis-ease.”
— Jason Goldberg, author of Prison Break

“Jovanka Ciares is a miracle worker, a trusted source for wellness transformation from the inside out. Her wisdom and knowledge have healed and helped so many; may this book support you in reclaiming your wellness journey.”
— Kelly Lynn Adams, award-winning entrepreneur, business and life coach, and podcaster

“Reclaiming Wellness offers a fresh exploration of time- and science-proven popular wellness modalities. I truly enjoyed reading it. Jovanka Ciares uses the historical context of these practices to inspire you to get excited about trying and implementing them in fun, easy ways.”
— Dr. Neeta Bhushan, host of The Brave Table podcast, founder of Globalgrit.co, and cofounder of Dharma Coaching Institute

“I love everything Jovanka Ciares does. Her energy and knowledge of well-being are infectious. Reclaiming Wellness is a wonderful guide to understanding the root of many well-being practices and offers easy, fun, and useful ways for you to feel like your most radiant self.”
— Tara Stiles, founder of Strala Yoga and bestselling author of Yoga Cures

“Reclaiming Wellness is like discovering a hidden spring that refreshes you with long-lost secrets of balance, vitality, and well-being. Everything you need to get started is here — from the theory and the ancient history to guided exercises that steep you in the deep serenity, peace, and healing that are your birthright. Jovanka Ciares proves a gentle and expert guide, seamlessly combining personal stories and visualizations along with a comprehensive exploration of trusted ancient practices, structured schedules, and helpful resources. The result is a book that is simultaneously a joy to navigate and easy to use. Reclaiming Wellness is a gift from our own past; it offers the kind of compassionate and accessible guidance that awakens and encourages you to live each day fully alive, with enthusiasm and an open heart.”
— Donald Altman, MA, LPC, bestselling author of The Mindfulness Toolbox, One-Minute Mindfulness, and Clearing Emotional Clutter

“Jovanka Ciares is the real deal! She is a brilliant healer with a deep understanding of how to get to the root cause. Her book, Reclaiming Wellness, will provide you the blueprint to experience a full healing transformation with ease and grace. This is a must-read for anyone ready to reclaim their health on their terms.”
— Dr. Mariza Snyder, bestselling author of The Essential Oils Hormone Solution

“Reclaiming Wellness is the most inspiring and informative book on the true origins of modern wellness practices I’ve ever read. Jovanka Ciares masterfully weaves together empowering practices that even beginners can follow in order to massively improve their health and, therefore, their lives. Most importantly these powerful, ancient techniques have finally been framed within their correct historical context so that we can appreciate the diverse cultures and communities that paved the way for our collective ability to heal today. Thank you for this wonderful and important book, Jovanka!”
— Grace Smith, hypnotherapist, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Close Your Eyes, Get Free, and founder of GetGrace.com

“Jovanka Ciares brings us back to the heart of health and healing through culture, community, and history. Sometimes it feels difficult to know how to start or restart the healing journey. This book reminded me of the ways I am caring for my body and introduced me to so many easy things I can start doing right here and now. I’ve never before read a book that centers on the Black Latinx experience around health, healing, and history. The world needs more stories and practical ways to reclaim wellness, and Jovanka is leading the way.”
— Ivelyse Andino, CEO and founder of Radical Health

“Jovanka Ciares is the example we all should follow in reclaiming our wellness. Her healing journey began with gut health issues, which then led to her exploration of age-old wellness practices from many cultures. Her recipe for success is simple, yet she dives deep into the pillars of gut health that in turn set the foundation for total wellness. Her Reclaiming Wellness Method includes meditation, movement, a plant-based diet, nature, and community — all modalities key to leading people back to wellness. Read this book and find your path back to a healthy, happy life!”
— Vincent M. Pedre, MD, functional medicine certified practitioner