What was the inspiration behind Alchemy Botanicals. How did you come up with the name and where did the idea all start?
Prior to moving to Ashland in 2001, I held a private practice as a clinical herbalist/nutritionist in Encinitas, California. While analyzing the possibility of setting up my clinical practice here in Ashland, it was clear that there were already a number of active alternative practitioners. I also observed that the community here is one that tends to self-educate and self-treat and I felt that an herb store would better serve the community. Over the last seven years that we have been open, that vision has manifested many times as I witness how every day, many people are helped with whatever is ailing them. The name “Alchemy” came from combining the spiritual discipline of healing with the scientific investigation of nature.
Would you tell us a little bit about how you go about choosing the products that you have in your store.
Having been an herbal practitioner, it was simple to know where to find the best quality, organic medicinal herbal products in the U.S. I have always tried to buy from small companies, as local as possible, where all ingredients are organic or ethically wildcrafted, pure and 100% natural. As the store expanded into aromatherapy, skincare, and gifts, my priority continued to be that we offer the finest organic products that are available the world.
What makes Alchemy Botanicals unique in both the herbal industry and the skincare industry.
In the herbal world, we are very unique in our offering of bulk tinctures. In fact, I believe we are the only store in the US that offers customers and practitioners the ability to make their own individualized extract formulas. This is very important because each person presents with his or her own set of symptoms and health concerns. For example, one menopausal woman may also experience migraines and anxiety where another may have joint pain and insomnia. One menopausal formula may not serve both of their needs. At Alchemy, we can make the formula match each of these women’s needs.
In the spa and skincare industry, we are also very unique in that we offer several different lines of skin and hair care products that are totally organic and free of toxic ingredients, such as synthetic fragrances, paraben preservatives and sulfates. There still aren’t a lot of options available in our country for high-quality and completely pure skincare products.
Here at Alchemy, we are equipped to help a client be radiantly healthy from the inside out. We offer a staff of trained herbalists; a spa that performs organic facials; a nurse practitioner and herbalist on staff for consultations; the finest quality medicinal herb and skincare products available on the market.
Do you see a trend of people taking their health care into their own hands, could you discuss this a bit.
Taking responsibility for one’s own health is the essential first step to healing. According to a survey by the Consumer Healthcare Products Associations, Americans say they are increasingly comfortable managing their own health care needs.While there is no substitute for a physician, Americans are taking control of minor medical problems with safe, reliable over-the-counter medications, including herbal preparations. This is crucial as the baby boomer generation ages. Also, surveys have shown that the majority of Americans take dietary supplements. My father was a doctor and the patients he treated in the 60’s and 70’s were not nearly as educated as the public is now. Information is right at our fingertips now!
What is your favorite product that you sell?
By far, my most favorite line that we carry at Alchemy is Eminence Organic Skincare of Hungary. This is an organic skincare line which contains the highest possible levels of all-natural organically grown herbs, fruits and vegetables, hand-selected to guarantee their highest quality. Using Eminence products is like using a raw-food diet for your skin and most everyone sees a difference in the radiance of their skin’s health within weeks. It is incredible! This is the line that we use for facials in our spa.
Share a little bit about the Alchemy Dispensary?
The dispensary is our bulk service of creating individualized tea, tincture, essential oil and flower essence formulas for both individuals and practitioners, based on the needs of the individual.
Tricia, can tell us a little bit about your own background how you blend modalities of healing and wellness. You have experience in several areas from esthetician, clinical herbalist, clinical nutritionist to shamanic practitioner.
As a clinical practitioner, I do combine all of these healing modalities. I am a Certified Clinical Nutritionist through the International and American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists, a Professional Herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild, a licensed Esthetician as well as a reiki and shamanic practitioner. I guess you could say it is my medicine bag of offerings, gleaned from almost 20 years in the field of alternative health. My devotions now are to providing high quality service and products at Alchemy and to my family.
How do you get young people involved in taking more responsibility for their heath and consumer choices. If they do not have direct exposure from either their family or friends.
Education – one of our primary functions is to provide education to our clients. In addition to educating our customers in the store through classes and lectures, we also write articles for several publications and speak on radio programs. Offering community classes has always been a passion of mine.
