The Making of an Herbalist

“I encourage everybody to make a little jar of something yourself because you will feel so good about doing it,” says herbalist Susan Ho man, who spends blissful workdays in her lush gardens in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Her family-run company, Wild Hill Soap & Herbals of Vermont (www.wildhillherbals.com), crafts a wide range of herbal products entirely by hand, transforming infusions, plant essences and essential oils into unique and practical products.

Today, Ho man’s herbal wisdom appears innate, but this was not always the case.

Q: What made you decide herbalism was your path?

A: When I became pregnant with my daughter, I broke out in a severe rash from head to toe. Regular doctors had absolutely nothing for me, so I started my journey of exploring other options and herbalism just jumped right up in there. Like so many people, I discovered my passion through my trauma. I had no idea how much herbs would change my life. It was love at first sight. And it keeps getting better.

Q: How did your business begin?

A: I attended Rosemary Gladstar’s apprenticeship program in 1994 and then her Advanced Herbalist program. The business happened the next year.

Q: What do you think about people making herbal products in their own kitchens?

A: It’s incredible. It’s fabulous. Everybody should do it! It’s the way it’s supposed to be. We are meant to make and grow our own food, make our own medicine and nourish ourselves with what we have around us. It’s so much better if you make your own. When you grow or make something with purpose, it’s like cooking a meal for your beloved.