When you hear the term “herbalist,” what comes to mind? Maybe you envision an apothecary full of mysterious herbs, flowers and various bottles of oils. That certainly could be the case, but it could also define the archetype of the tea aficionado, the gardener, the cook, or anyone with appreciation for the natural world. If you’ve ever used peppermint tea to soothe a sore stomach, used aloe vera to treat a sunburn, or eaten juicy watermelon on a hot summer day to rehydrate and cool down, then you’ve utilized foundations of herbalism in your daily life! An herbalist uses and embraces the gifts of nature in order to promote wellness, balance and healing within themselves and within others.