About Mary Gleason, Herbalist:
Back in the day…
I was not impressed the first time I was introduced to an herb garden because there were no flowers. I was thinking, why would someone grow something that doesn’t bloom beautiful flowers? As my boyfriend’s mother Faye led me down the path of her garden, I could see she noticed my disinterest. She bent over and picked a stem of rosemary and said “Smell this”. I did and to my surprise my senses woke up! I was suddenly excited. She proceeded through the garden picking pieces off of her plants and having me smell them. Now I understood, but that was only the beginning!
In the years that followed, I grew a substantial herb garden. I began making potpourri, wreaths and other items. My beautiful gardens with herbs and blooms became my life. Before, I was not inclined to use much else but parsley and chive in my cooking. I simply grew them for fun. That has all changed. Friends that used herbs for medicinal reasons taught me a great deal- and now I would never prepare a meal without some healing herbs.
I remember when my boys were toddlers, a rowdy pair of boys. My friend told me to make some catnip tea to quiet them down a bit. I thought I should try this first before I gave it to my boys. I made myself some catnip tea and must have over steeped it (strong catnip tea)! I drank the tea and didn’t notice any ill effects. Two hours later, I woke up on the sofa next to my tea cup in a panic. Where are the boys? I crashed on the sofa for two hours and the toddlers had the run of the house the entire time mom was out like a dead light bulb. That was my last cup of herbal tea for years!
I wanted to learn about the great qualities of herbs in a structured, trustworthy manner. I found the American College of Healthcare Sciences, a great accredited school based out of Oregon. I have since completed the Master Herbalist program. I now make several cups of herbal tea daily without any fear. I am now ready to offer advice to help others. I am very excited to share the knowledge of what herbs can do for you and your health!