Railyard Apothecary

Railyard Apothecary Railyard Apothecary is Burlington’s employee-owned herbal apothecary. We offer education, healing space, and access to high quality herbs to our community.

Our mission is to nurture individual, social, and ecological health through herbal medicine. All of our herbs are from organic and/or sustainable sources, either from local farms and forests, or from international organic distributors. By partnering with local farmers, wild-crafters, and educators we hope to serve as a hub for the herbal community in Northern Vermont.

Time to harvest roots! The energy of the plant world is descending below the surface, and the roots are storing nutrien...
10/23/2025

Time to harvest roots! The energy of the plant world is descending below the surface, and the roots are storing nutrients for the month ahead. Burdock is a common one that we can harvest between now and when the ground is frozen.

To identify burdock, please use 2 different good botanical sources, or better yet, ask someone who knows how to identify this plant. It is a biennial, meaning it has a 2-year life cycle. The 2nd year it is mature and produces the burrs we're familiar with that stick to clothing. It gets several feet tall, and has very, very large, wide leaves. The 2nd year plant is not what we're going for, so if you see those burrs instead look around for the 1st year plant which should be close.

In the first year the large, wavy, rough and hairy heart-shaped leaves remain in a "basal rosette" - a group of several leaves all leaving the ground from the same point. It will have no flower stalk like in the 2nd year. Look for a tinge of purple-ish red in the leaf stems, especially near the center of the plant.

To harvest the 1st year root dig beneath those leaves, and gently pull up - a digging fork is ideal but anything will do. The root is in the form of a "taproot" - a (mostly) single root going straight down, up to 3 feet!

The root is considered a standard food item in some parts of the world, famously in Japan. It can be cooked into stir-frys and soups for a fleshy, earthy, carrot-like addition.

As an herb, it can be dried and made into tea, tinctured, or powdered. It's high in inulin, a pre-biotic starch with feeds good gut bacteria. It's also bitter, which stimulates digestion, and supports the liver and lymphatic systems which in turn can be supportive for dry skin conditions.

And best of all, this plant is likely growing near you! Make sure to look for a clean location, like your garden. And always be respectful - though this plant is not rare, it's medicine is a gift, and we seek to honor this by not over-harvesting and by doing so with a humble attitude.

So get out there and harvest some roots!

For many, the menstrual cycle is a vital sign or indicator species for the energetics of the whole body. In this 4-hour ...
10/23/2025

For many, the menstrual cycle is a vital sign or indicator species for the energetics of the whole body. In this 4-hour intensive class, we will cover pattern assessment and supportive strategies for generative/reproductive health.

We’ll discuss menstrual cycle physiology, common symptoms, patterns, and experiences of a menstrual rhythm, as well as the ways that stress, trauma, environmental exposures, and sleep can impact and alter that rhythm.

We’ll develop energetic assessments of the common menstrual pattern/symptom clusters, and investigate how to track changes and support balance.

Finally, we’ll cover herbs and supportive strategies, including timing, dosage, and formulation for individualized generative, reproductive, and energetic care.

This class is for bleeders and non-bleeders of all genders and bodies, and will be taught with a trauma-informed lens and with a commitment to bodily and collective autonomy.

Online via Zoom
Taught by Tessa Micaela Landreau-Grasmuck
$75
Sign up here: https://www.railyardapothecary.com/store/p714/HOW_WE_BLEED%3A_Energetic_Patterns_of_Menstruation_and_Herbal_Strategies_for_Generative_Health.html

Tessa (she/they) is a Certified Professional Midwife, clinical herbalist, poet, and care worker. Tessa's work is based on the belief that all people should have access to personalized, comprehensive, holistic, and dignified care for the full spectrum of reproductive and generative experiences. They support clients along this spectrum: from becoming pregnant with at-home IUI, to pregnancy loss and release, to prenatal and postpartum care, out-of-hospital birth, and individualized herbal care that focuses on reproductive, menstrual, and hormonal concerns. Learn more about Tessa’s work at thresholdmidwivesphily.com.

In this class we will discuss herbs that can safely be used in pregnancy and postpartum that are supportive to the uteru...
10/19/2025

In this class we will discuss herbs that can safely be used in pregnancy and postpartum that are supportive to the uterus and also to general health and nutritional needs. Herb safety is a common concern for those pregnant and breast/chest feeding, so we will talk about how herbal safety is determined and what herbs are considered generally safe for this transformative time of life.

Wednesday, November 19th, 6:30pm-8pm
In-person at Railyard Apothecary
$30

Register here: https://www.railyardapothecary.com/store/p709/Pregnancy%2C_Delivery%2C_and_Postpartum_Herbs_%26_Herb_Safety.html

Taught by Jessica Churchill.

Jessica Churchill believes co-creating with the magic of plant kin builds a better world for all beings. As a folk herbalist she focuses on building reciprocal relationships with the plants, not just utilizing them as commodities. Practically speaking this looks like not only ingesting herbs but also working to slow down to a sustainable pace and spending time in the garden, meadow or forest. While understanding physiological workings of herbs, Jessica’s approach is energetic and spiritual in nature with a goal of building rest and resilience practices in the face of the challenges of living in modern times. Bodies are not intended to move at the pace of capitalism and Jessica works with clients to support the body and create ease and balance in their lives.

Current estimates are that there are about 20 million people in the US who experience symptoms from long COVID and here ...
10/16/2025

Current estimates are that there are about 20 million people in the US who experience symptoms from long COVID and here in Vermont about 30,000 people are affected. These symptoms can deeply impact people’s ability to live and work and can include symptoms with circulation, respiration, digestion, hormones, pain, psycho-emotional conditions, fatigue and sleep.

Using Chinese’s medicine insight, we’ll talk about the nature of COVID and long COVID and how the use of local, western herbs and diet and lifestyle can treat the many issues associated with both conditions by understanding those issues through the lens of Chinese Medicine.

Brendan will also discuss the information in his recently published article in the “Journal of Integrative Medicine” which he co-authored with two MDs from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Titled “Long COVID Response to Classical Chinese Medicine” it includes case studies from his experience of successfully addressing the many symptoms of long COVID.

Sunday, November 16th, 10am-2pm
In-person at Railyard Apothecary or online via Zoom - choose your preference when signing up
$75

More info and registration here: https://www.railyardapothecary.com/store/p716/Understanding_Long_COVID%3A_Chinese_Medicine_and_Western_Herbal_Perspectives.html

Taught by Dr. Brendan Kelly, L. Ac, DAHM, Herbalist

Brendan has a Master’s Degree in acupuncture from the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture (AFEA) and in 2005 began regular indepth study of Classical Chinese Medicine with Dr. Jeffrey C. Yuen, 88th generation Daoist priest. Brendan also has Doctoral degree in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (DAHM) from Daoist Traditions which included training in orthopedics, endocrinology, neurology, pharmacology, Chinese medicine history and philosophy, western lab analysis and health policy. Brendan is certified nationally through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and has administered over 30,000 individualized acupuncture treatments and prescribed over 15,000 customized herbal formulas to date. Brendan also has a B.A degree from Swarthmore College in Political Science.

Photo by Bundo Kim on Unsplash

Exciting new class drop! Come join Mercedes Mack on November 5 for an in person class on Breast Care Basics aka Tiddy Y...
10/15/2025

Exciting new class drop! Come join Mercedes Mack on November 5 for an in person class on Breast Care Basics aka Tiddy Yoga here at Railyard. Mercedes has been a friend of Railyard for years and we are excited to have her teaching in the new space.

✨October Clinic Special✨For the month of October, first time clients booking an herbal support package or initial consul...
10/14/2025

✨October Clinic Special✨

For the month of October, first time clients booking an herbal support package or initial consultation with Brooke or Jessica will receive 20% off!

🐚🌸🐛
Meet Brooke!

Cultivating relationships with plants can support both gentle and powerful transformation in our lives. Like us, plants are whole beings. Brooke’s approach to herbalism is relational and seeks to honor that wholeness - including the wider social, political, and environmental contexts that shape us. In our work together, she aims to foster a process in which you feel heard, cared for, and empowered with accessible strategies to work towards your health goals. Whether you’re looking for support with acute concerns, chronic health conditions, or are simply interested in exploring a new way of supporting your well-being, they look forward to meeting with you!

I studied clinical herbalism at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism. Before that, I studied at the California School of Herbal Studies and even took my first herb workshop at Railyard back in the day. At Railyard Apothecary, I wear several hats including product making, herb sourcing, and coordinating the medicine making internship. I love getting to introduce people to new plant friends (matchmaking, if you will) and crafting herbal medicine. Outside of work, I enjoy snuggling with my dog Bug, crafting (wool, pottery, brooms... you name it!), cooking, and dancing.

To learn more and book your appointment, visit our website at: https://www.railyardapothecary.com/about-herbal-consultations.html

In this class we'll learn about the ways that we can incorporate herbs into our diet to relieve digestive discomfort, su...
10/13/2025

In this class we'll learn about the ways that we can incorporate herbs into our diet to relieve digestive discomfort, such as with herbal tinctures, herbal teas and more.

Typical occasional digestive complaints might include:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Heartburn

There are so many herbs that can help in these situations, many of which are commonly available and which may already be in your kitchen, such as fennel, peppermint and chamomile.

The goal of this class is for you to leave feeling empowered with tools to make use of easily and affordably at home.

Thursday, November 13th, 6:30-8pm
In-person at Railyard Apothecary
$30

Sign up here: https://www.railyardapothecary.com/store/p712/Herbs_for_common_digestive_ailments.html

Taught by Nick Cavanaugh

Nick has been practicing as a clinical herbalist at Railyard Apothecary since 2017. His prior education included a three-year clinical herbalist training program at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism (VCIH) in Montpelier, VT, an internship at Herb Pharm, and a Community Herbalism Intensive at the Northeast School of Botanical Medicine.

Join us at Rock Point for a fun afternoon of cooperative creation. We are bringing together a few local organizations as...
10/09/2025

Join us at Rock Point for a fun afternoon of cooperative creation. We are bringing together a few local organizations as well as you, the community, to create winter wellness support for ourselves and others. We will have several stations set up and provide instruction on how to make fire cider and elderberry syrup, both of which are handy to keep on hand in the winter months for immune support and to speed recovery time from seasonal illness.

Each person will make two bottles of each offering, one to take home and one to donate to Rose Core Collective to distribute in our local communities. The workshop is priced on a sliding scale to be accessible to all. That said, please pay a higher ticket price if you have the means as all proceeds from the class will be donated to the Rose Core Collective (RCC)* and Railyard Apothecary’s Herbal Justice Fund.**

Sunday, November 9th, 1-3pm
Sliding scale: $15-$45
Hosted by Rock Point Commons, Spoonful Herbals, Railyard Apothecary, and Rose Core Collective
Location: Eagle Bay Academy, 20 Rock Point Rd, Burlington

Sign-up here: https://www.railyardapothecary.com/store/p715/Fire_Cider_%26_Elderberry_Syrup_Mutual_Aid_Workshop.html

*Rose Core Collective is a collective of herbalists and organizers who grow, formulate and distribute medicinal herbs in solidarity with local and national frontline organizers and care workers. We center trans, q***r, and racialized bodies and those impacted by (un)natural disasters. Since our formation in 2020 we have distributed thousands of bottles of tinctures and glycerites, gallons of herbal tea, and many pounds of bulk dried herbs to sites of resistance from the Midwest to the Southeast, with a special focus on supporting our local Vermont communities through flooding, racial justice work, and economic and housing crises.

**Railyard Apothecary’s Herbal Justice Fund provides reparations to BIPOC community members as well as financial aid to folks with limited resources to attend workshops, buy herbal medicine, and utilize clinic services.

Hope you can join us! 🌿 💚

✨October Clinic Special✨For the month of October, first time clients booking an herbal support package or initial consul...
10/06/2025

✨October Clinic Special✨

For the month of October, first time clients booking an herbal support package or initial consultation with Jessica or Brooke will receive 20% off!

🍄🌿🌙
Meet Jessica!

Jessica Churchill believes co-creating with the magic of plant kin builds a better world for all beings. As a folk herbalist she focuses on building reciprocal relationships with the plants, not just utilizing them as commodities. Practically speaking this looks like not only ingesting herbs but also working to slow down to a sustainable pace and spending time in the garden, meadow or forest. Bodies are not intended to move at the pace of capitalism and Jessica works with clients to support the body and create ease and balance in their lives. She has recently been spending time with lemon verbena as a plant ally and also as a connection to her great grandmother who she remembers wearing Lemon Verbena Eau De Toilette.

Jessica has worked at Railyard Apothecary since 2018 and has worn many “hats” here over the years. Jessica brings a practical approach to herbalism grounded in nature and silliness. Time not spent working with the team at Railyard Apothecary, Jessica enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time with family and friends. They also practice spiritual somatics and frequency tuning at Transformative Consciousness and she has her own business, In Addition Bookkeeping LLC.

To learn more and book your appointment, visit our website at: https://www.railyardapothecary.com/about-herbal-consultations.html

Sleep concerns are common - trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, or not waking feeling rested. When these pro...
10/06/2025

Sleep concerns are common - trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, or not waking feeling rested. When these problems occur, they can affect so much of life: work, personal relationships, leisure, etc.

Herbs can play a significant role in improving sleep, in conjunction with healthy sleep and bedtime habits.

In this class we'll cover the basics:
- Herbs that help promote calm before bedtime that can help with trouble falling asleep
- Herbs that help people who fall asleep easily, but who wake in the middle of the night
- Herbs that can help promote deeper, more restful sleep which can help people feel more energetic upon waking
- Herbs that relieve anxiety during the daytime, which can indirectly help with nighttime sleep

We'll also talk about tips for healthy sleep hygiene to help lay a foundation for healthy sleep.

In-person at Railyard Apothecary
$30 to attend
Taught by Nick Cavanaugh
Sign up here: https://www.railyardapothecary.com/store/p711/Herbal_support_for_sleep.html

Nick has been practicing as a clinical herbalist at Railyard Apothecary since 2017. His prior education included a three-year clinical herbalist training program at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism (VCIH) in Montpelier, VT, an internship at Herb Pharm, and a Community Herbalism Intensive at the Northeast School of Botanical Medicine.

October Herb Clinic Special!For the month of October, first time clients booking an herbal support package or initial co...
10/01/2025

October Herb Clinic Special!

For the month of October, first time clients booking an herbal support package or initial consultation with Brooke or Jessica will receive 20% off!

As we descend into autumn and look ahead towards the busy, colder months, now is a wonderful time to receive support and nourishment from the plants.

Appointments are available in-person in Burlington, as well as online.

To learn more and book your appointment, visit our website at: https://www.railyardapothecary.com/about-herbal-consultations.html

About Jessica:
Jessica Churchill believes co-creating with the magic of plant kin builds a better world for all beings. As a folk herbalist she focuses on building reciprocal relationships with the plants, not just utilizing them as commodities. Practically speaking this looks like not only ingesting herbs but also working to slow down to a sustainable pace and spending time in the garden, meadow or forest. While understanding physiological workings of herbs, Jessica’s approach is energetic and spiritual in nature with a goal of building rest and resilience practices in the face of the challenges of living in modern times. Bodies are not intended to move at the pace of capitalism and Jessica works with clients to support the body and create ease and balance in their lives.

About Brooke:
Cultivating relationships with plants can support both gentle and powerful transformation in our lives. Like us, plants are whole beings. My approach to herbalism is relational and seeks to honor that wholeness - including the wider social, political, and environmental contexts that shape us. In our work together, I aim to foster a process in which you feel heard, cared for, and empowered with accessible strategies to work towards your health goals. Whether you’re looking for support with acute concerns, chronic health conditions, or are simply interested in exploring a new way of supporting your well-being, I look forward to meeting with you!

Let us know how we can help. 🌿 💚

Living in the north we often dread when the days shorten. In this class we will talk about the benefits and importance o...
09/25/2025

Living in the north we often dread when the days shorten. In this class we will talk about the benefits and importance of the dark and give some gratitude for the season.

We will also discuss some herbs we can turn to to support our immune system function and mood as we tuck in for the long winter months. We will focus on herbal allies that are gentle and fortifying and can be safely ingested daily.

Taught by Jessica Churchill.
In-person at Railyard Apothecary
$30 to attend
Register here: https://www.railyardapothecary.com/store/p708/Navigating_the_Dark_of_Winter.html

Jessica Churchill believes co-creating with the magic of plant kin builds a better world for all beings. As a folk herbalist she focuses on building reciprocal relationships with the plants, not just utilizing them as commodities. Practically speaking this looks like not only ingesting herbs but also working to slow down to a sustainable pace and spending time in the garden, meadow or forest. While understanding physiological workings of herbs, Jessica’s approach is energetic and spiritual in nature with a goal of building rest and resilience practices in the face of the challenges of living in modern times. Bodies are not intended to move at the pace of capitalism and Jessica works with clients to support the body and create ease and balance in their lives.

Address

28 Howard Street , Ste. 101-A
Burlington, VT
05401

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+18025400595

Website

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Railyard Apothecary is Burlington’s employee-owned herbal apothecary. Our mission is to nurture individual, social, and ecological health through herbal medicine. We offer education, healing space, and access to high quality herbs to our community.