Herbalist and Gardener

I am an herbalist and small gardener committed to educating my local communities about a holistic approach to health and living through the wonder of our planet's precious plants. I provide quality herbs, teas, hand-crafted products, and educational workshops.

My Native American/Mexican paternal grandmother was an herbalist and healer, two of my five aunts followed in her footsteps, and myself and many cousins have done the same. She lived her life in San Antonio, TX (I was born there as well) and in our culture herbal preparations support us both spiritually and internally. There was always something "brewing" in my grandmother's kitchen. You may have found lemon grass tea brewing to ease your pain, fennel seeds growing in the garden to assist with your heartburn, or a spell or two being cast perhaps to help find your true love. 

My German maternal grandmother was also very holistic.  Originating from and living her life in the Pfalz wine region of Germany, she believed there was a wine or tea for anything that ailed you. Upset stomach, how about some peppermint tea? Have the blues, how about a cozy glass of red wine? Break up with your boyfriend, let's drink the whole bottle! She was a lover of flowers and had a beautiful garden where she taught me about the joy of gardening. My mother, also from the Pfalz region of Germany and a talented gardener herself, carried on the love for tea and gardening and so began my journey into the tea and gardening world. 

Growing up as an "Army Brat", I was given the gift of travel through most of my childhood and fell in love with foods and spices from the many cultures I was blessed to encounter. My parents found Libertyville, IL when my father retired from the military and that's where we stayed. I received my formal education through the Herbal Academy, International School of Herbal Arts & Sciences, and focused my studies on gut health, anxiety, and stress. 

In 2011 my husband, Bernie, and I planted our roots in Prairie Grove, IL and in 2019 we decided to start a small business as our way of giving back to our local communities and to bring awareness to our plant allies. Our name, Sun & Soil Botanicals, was derived from our commitment to using the planet's sun and soil to grow our garden and partnering with suppliers who share our values. We don't use pesticides and use organic plant food, as needed. I have been gardening for 20 years but I love to learn and build on my knowledge every season.  We hope you enjoy our hand-crafted products, our posts, and will continue to join us on our journey.