Appalachian Folkology

I was raised around “folk medicine”, “holler remedies”, and “Appalachian granny magic”. In my gran’s world, these methods were tried and true and used by our family for centuries. My great-grandmother was a healer, the one everyone called if the doctor wasn’t in the area and living in the country it could be weeks or months before he’d be back around. My great-great-grandfather was the water witch or douser, he had the ability to find water for everyone to dig their well. My childhood was filled with stories of these types of things which fascinated me, but as a kid I was just ready to have my gran put the poultice on my bee sting, or the drawing salve on my splinter so I could hurry back outside to play. It wasn’t until I got older that I became fascinated by these practices and wanted to learn everything I could.

My journey to becoming a healer started 5 years ago with earning my yoga teaching certification and learning how to perform and receive intuitive Reiki healing. Since then I dove into all methods and practices of healing. My gran, the same gran that used the folk remedies on me, was diagnosed with a chronic lung inflammation similar to COPD. Nothing treated it, she was constantly in and out of the hospital with pneumonia and bronchitis. I spent hours researching to figure out if herbalism could be an answer. I joined online classes, groups, and forums. I found a couple of herbs that we decided to make into a tea. She drank that tea 3 times a day for the next several years. She could tell that it helped and it drastically reduced the amount of time she spent sick. Improving her quality of life in her last years is one of my greatest happinesses.

From that point learning, teaching, and practicing the art of herbalism and herbal product creation has ignited a fire in my soul to help others relearn these ancient healing modalities.  I invite you to make a trip to Russell, Ky to visit our Tea & Tap-house, Eridanus Brewing.  Here you’ll find a cozy blend of coffee house vibes, complete with comfy chairs and couches, blended with a family-friendly brewery environment all located inside a historic train depot. Here, my husband and I have merged two dreams and businesses into one. At Eridanus you can find craft beers he brews onsite and/or custom herbal tea blends handcrafted by me from herbs grown right on our property.

Embracing the ancient wisdom of herbal remedies and harnessing the power of nature's bounty can have profound effects on our overall well-being. By incorporating herbs into our daily routines, we not only promote physical health but also nurture our mental and emotional states. Herbs possess remarkable therapeutic properties that have been cherished by generations, offering a natural alternative to conventional medicines. From a cup of calming chamomile tea to a sprinkle of revitalizing rosemary in our culinary creations, herbs provide a vibrant tapestry of flavors that uplift our spirits and invigorate our bodies. Nurturing a harmonious connection with these botanical wonders infuses our lives with vitality, bringing balance and tranquility to our stressed minds, and revitalizing our weary souls. So, let us embrace the wealth of nature's medicine and savor the blessings of incorporating herbs into our daily lives. Take a scroll through our website and see all the beautiful teas and products that you may need in your life!

Be Blessed.

Kristen