The Herbalist of RR

People usually ask, “How long have you been working with herbs?” And the truth is, I can’t remember a time I wasn’t engaging with plants.

From making potions in the backyard as a kid, spending weekends in the kitchen with my grandma and in the garden with my grandpa and mom, to intentionally learning about herbalism as a young adult – plants and the natural world have always played a major part in my life. Although it wasn't until my early twenties that I learned about herbalism and the medicine found in plants.

My Herbal Journey

What Lead Me To Herbalism

My approach to working with herbs is a holistic one and mirrors my own experiences. As a child, I was prone to all sorts of health issues – allergies, chronic ear infections, inflamed GI, gluten intolerance, hyper-sensitivity to physical pain/sensations (the doctors called it, “pain-intolerance”), stress/anxiety, and depression. Like most Americans, I grew up taking pharmaceuticals to stave off my various symptoms. And like most Americans, my health issues were never actually resolved, just worsened over time. When I was a young adult, I learned about the benefits of herbs, the foods we eat, and different lifestyles that supported balanced wellness. This changed my entire perspective on what it means to be healthy and how to work with imbalances within the mind, body, and spirit. Learning about herbs shifted my approach from a reductionist to a holistic one - both allopathic medicine and herbal medicine have a time and place, and both can compliment each other. 

My Studies

In 2016, my first ‘official’ herbal education was the 2 year clinical herbalist program at Vital Ways in Portland Oregon, where I grew up. Working closely with Chris Smaka, Hanna Jordan, and Paul Bergner changed my outlook on what it meant to live holistically. During this time, I also took classes with Scott Kloos, diving more into the meditational/psycho-spiritual work with plants. I have since taken classes at the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, Herbal Medics Academy, and am always in the pursuit of more knowledge and experience through ongoing classes and self study.

Other than being out in nature with the plants, getting my "dirt time" in, I most enjoy creating herbal formulations for my community and working with people one on one to support them in their healing journey. 

Starting Rooted Remedies

After years of exploring various niches of herbalism and experimenting with different business ideas, Rooted Remedies sprouted into existence November 2020. It is the culmination of my time over the years, trying out different approaches, and as in the name, getting to the root os it all.

Future Plans

Each year has offered tremendous growth and expansion. TBA