Springs apothecary brings herbal medicine to Sonoma

Having trouble sleeping? Are you stressed? Recovering from a long illness? Customers stop by the Stinging Nettle in the Springs and spill their woes to store owner Abi Huff. Huff, a trained clinical herbalist, then suggests a custom herb mix to try to alleviate the issue.

“I work with people who have acute kidney stones, women about to go into labor, chronic illnesses,” said Huff. “I do my clinical work out of the shop. If they need a particularly custom tea, herb or tincture formula, I put that together for them.”

The Stinging Nettle expanded into larger space on Highway 12 in January, taking over the former Urban Refind shop. The previous location, located next door, had about half the space.

The new storefront is a fragrant apothecary where Huff sells high-quality, organically grown bulk medicinal herbs, loose-leaf teas, custom tea formulas and small batch botanical products.

Huff studied at the California School of Herbal Studies and she now teaches there. Together with her partner practitioners, Ashley Holladay and Amy Murphy, who share the space, the team offers herbal consultations, reiki (energy medicine), yoga and bodywork/massage. Huff says that she is also open to having other practitioners who might be interested in sharing the space.

Huff also offers a wide variety of specialty classes and wellness workshops.

She offers everything from gift-making classes (think fragrant bath bombs) to advanced midwife herbal training for birth workers. Acupuncture clinics are offered regularly. Coming soon are astrology classes, family first aid, stress and wellness education programs.

Most popular, she says, are her beginner to intermediate herbalism classes.

“People seem to want to learn the basics – what are some simple ways that herbs and teas can improve our well-being,” she said. “People are realizing that herbs are a great way to support your health without taking pharmaceuticals.”

In business since 2013, the shop is now located at 17503 Highway 12. It is open Tuesday to Friday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Email Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.