My Grandmother Anna was a 'Simpler' herbalist, which is just to say, without any formal training, she knew her way around the use of herbs the way many of our ancestors did. It was knowledge that was passed down through families. As the crow flies, Anna lived just outside the Black Forest.  My interest was piqued as a little girl, hearing my mom tell stories of Anna surviving in those woods, where for a time, the wild plants were her only means of nourishment.  As I got older, I held that curiosity of the plant world close. When I lived in Philadelphia for a time, I always missed the wildflowers and ‘weeds’ that grew in our fields at home. It wasn’t until I was moving back to the country that I began my herbal education. I have studied with Rosemary Gladstar in the form of her magical home study program. (You couldn’t find a more special introduction to plants anywhere, and I’m so grateful I was able to start there and spend a little time at Sage Mountain in Vermont). At Rosemary’s recommendation, I then continued my studies with David Winston RH(AHG) at his Center for Herbal Studies in Washington, New Jersey, completing four years of clinical herbalism study. I am currently working towards applying for Registered Herbalist Membership in the American Herbalist Guild, as well as continuing my research and studies for both human and equine clients.

- Ashley   Herbalist + Maker