Downeast Herbalists

Downeast Herbalists In Herbalism Community: A Gathering of Herbalists, Wildcrafters & Herb Farmers in Downeast Maine. All Interest Levels Welcome! WHAT IS AN HERBALIST?

Founded in 2025 and based Downeast along the Bold Coast of Washington County, Maine, the Downeast Herbalists meet In Herbalism Community. Herbalists, Wildcrafters and Herb Farmers gather throughout the region to celebrate the plants, promote the sharing of ideas and well-being, and to build relationships. If you work with the plants, you are an Herbalist. Some also consider themselves Community Herbalists or Folk Herbalists, Family & Home Herbalists, Clinical Herbalists, Beauty & Skincare Herbalists, Herbalism Teachers, and more! We consider ourselves students, always, and that the plants themselves are also teachers. HISTORY:

The inaugural "Gathering for Herbalists in Washington County" was organized and facilitated by Herbalist, Wildcrafter, Writer-Author, Artist-Designer and volunteer, Lori McClellan, of www.Botaniscape.com. This meeting took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 2:30 PM at Porter Memorial Library in Machias, Maine. Thirteen met In Herbalism Community, comprised of Herbalists, Wildcrafters and Herb Farmers of all interest levels living and working in Washington County, Maine. This was the inception of the Downeast Herbalists. LOGO/BRAND:

We love our logo, showcasing dandelion and sage! The Downeast Herbalists logo was custom designed by Machias-based www.McClellanCreative.com. Mindful intention was put into the original design to capture the essence of nature's gifts and herbal goodness. Further explanation of the symbolism of the logo concept and elements includes:

"Dandelion Symbolism (stylized center yellow flower): Healing, resilience, adaptability, strength, hope, happiness; (whole plant medicine); (Taraxacum officinale). Sage Symbolism (center green leaves behind yellow stylized dandelion): wisdom, longevity, protection; (Salvia officinalis). "Creating a 'flower' from the dandelion flower as center and sage leaves as petals was an intentional aim for offering something unique and beneficial from combining the different parts of plants in the same way that creating herbal goodness does. "Four Arrows Symbolism:
Four Seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Four Directions (N, S, E, W)
Four Elements (Earth, Air, Fire/Sun, Water)
Four Tissue States/Constitution:
(Hot, Dry, Cold, Moist)
Diamond: Is the Herbalist in relationship; knowing the plants brings clarity

"Dark blue circle/background: Rain, water, area rivers, lakes
Light blue circle-band: Sky/air
Dandelion: Also symbol of sun/fire
Sage: Also symbol “of the earth”
Black Circle-band: Night sky
White Text: Moonlight"

PLEASE NOTE: Content on this website is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for medical treatment, advice or diagnosis, and is not monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Consult your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any symptoms and before using any herbal product or beginning a new health regimen. Any application of the material provided is at the reader's discretion and is their sole responsibility. While non-medical conversations are encouraged, diagnoses, medical inquiries and medical advice are not offered or permitted. PLEASE NOTE: When wildcrafting or foraging for plants, do so ethically; be accompanied by a plant identification expert; and always have absolute certainty of plant identification before using or consuming any herb/s.

02/06/2026

How garlic can stop you from getting sick, plus five great recipes to fight colds and flu with garlic. Garlic is a medicine of the people!

12/10/2025

Good morning everyone 🎄
I can't believe its time to start planning for 2026 gatherings!!!
Along with my regular classes, wild walks a new retreat and the 2nd annual Beltane celebration.( Already in planning)
I will be holding more 1 day workshops. These will be held aound the area and
I am looking for your input!
Here are a few choices that I have in mind to share.
Please drop a comment below with your preferences.or if you have any suggestions for a workshop that you would like to see in 2026.

A favored quote from Rosemary Gladstar: "When I first began teaching my students...the essential things to teach came fr...
12/04/2025

A favored quote from Rosemary Gladstar: "When I first began teaching my students...the essential things to teach came from the heart of the plant itself...An herbalist was considered a person who loved the herbs with all their heart and used them as food and medicine in their daily lives. A professional herbalist was one who just did it more often and for a longer period of time. I love this definition and though its meaning has changed dramatically over the years, it still remains my favorite one."

December 5th, 8:00 PM Eastern. From the Matthew Wood Team: "Grief tends to get louder this time of year, even if the los...
12/04/2025

December 5th, 8:00 PM Eastern. From the Matthew Wood Team: "Grief tends to get louder this time of year, even if the loss was years ago. It doesn't need an invitation, it usually just let's itself in. Sound familiar? Join us and invite a friend who may need this too. We’re gathering to watch a few helpful snippets from a class called Herbs for Death, Dying & Grief (focusing on grief)—to share some plants that can help us through this time. Psst... there will be a special gift 🎁 at the end of the Watch Party."

Join the Team for a brand new way to experience MWIH Classes - together!Get ready for an educational, entertaining and insightful new way of learning.

An herbal gift idea of an ornamental nature is this bandana showcasing Dandelion. The antique book the design is inspire...
12/02/2025

An herbal gift idea of an ornamental nature is this bandana showcasing Dandelion. The antique book the design is inspired by called it a "w**d." Gratefully we know better. 🌼

https://headingprints.com/products/lions-tooth

They also have this floral clock scarf design including Passionflower, and other bandanas and scarves with fungi designs, among others:

https://headingprints.com/products/floral-clock-silky-scarf

Maine-based company.

Instill fear into the w**ds claiming your garden with 'Lion’s Tooth'. Texture from the 90+ year-old book cover that inspired this design is showcased in all its glory. Tie the hair back and track down your spade in this lively print. A community-chosen design

Looking for a practical herbal gift of beauty? A suribachi (Japanese mortar & pestle) may be for you! Its grooves enhanc...
12/02/2025

Looking for a practical herbal gift of beauty? A suribachi (Japanese mortar & pestle) may be for you! Its grooves enhance grinding. Many vendors offer them online (or you can find them in kitchenware stores in Japan). You can read an Herbalism article about suribachi here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1L4NigtPvn/

Artisan Japanese mortar & pestle set: celadon-toned Soft Sage Hiwa mortar and aromatic sansho wood pestle for effortless grinding of sesame, spices & dressings.

10/31/2025
  for our herbal muses, our apothecary pals, those who are companions and dear friends to us as Herbalists.             ...
10/20/2025

for our herbal muses, our apothecary pals, those who are companions and dear friends to us as Herbalists.

7Song's Botanist-Herbalist Travelogue: Our July 25th class with 7Song gets a mention, and a couple of photos. 🌿
10/12/2025

7Song's Botanist-Herbalist Travelogue: Our July 25th class with 7Song gets a mention, and a couple of photos. 🌿

The Early Plan Sometime in November 2024, I decided I wanted to drive to the Canadian Maritimes, especially Nova Scotia, a place I've long wanted to visit. I put my idea out there on social media and received quite a few offers to come and teach, from Maine to Newfoundland and beyond. Frankly, I fel...

FREE Online Event, Oct. 7–9. GREAT lineup of teachers! Click link below to register + for info.
10/02/2025

FREE Online Event, Oct. 7–9. GREAT lineup of teachers! Click link below to register + for info.

October 7–9, 2025 • Free Online Gathering

Usnea, anyone? Registration required for this FREE event this Saturday, Sept 27 at 10 AM in Lamoine. Click the link for ...
09/24/2025

Usnea, anyone? Registration required for this FREE event this Saturday, Sept 27 at 10 AM in Lamoine. Click the link for FBC's list of instructions and to register.

Join Maine Master Naturalist, Nicholas Noyes on a Lichen Nature Walk and be introduced to the amazing world of Lichens.

Tomorrow's the last day to save $5 on tickets. Herbal Tent always a fun experience, with several herbal classes.
09/16/2025

Tomorrow's the last day to save $5 on tickets. Herbal Tent always a fun experience, with several herbal classes.

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Machias, ME

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