Today we’d like to introduce you to Virginia Winn.
Hi Virginia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My ancestors were physicians, naturalists, herbalists, and master gardeners. My grandad loved to cross-pollinate rose species and create new colors. I loved working with him in the crescent-shaped rose garden planting, watering, and maintaining its beauty. He was one of the first hybrid specialists at Jackson & Perkins in the 1950’s. My granny grew a lot of medicinal plants for the family in a large garden that covered the backyard except for a small plot that contained fruit trees of all types. The highlight of my summer vacation was to help harvest, clean, and preserve the garden bounty. Together, my grandparents instilled in me a love of plants, herbal medicine, natural healing, and conservation.
In 1994, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness, and the treatment protocols were progressively destroying my vision and my pancreas. I sought the help of a local holistic pharmacist, and together we converted the treatment to natural and holistic modalities. Within 6 months, my vision was restored, and my body started to heal.
I then studied herbal & naturopathic medicine, homeopathy, tonic herbalism, Ayurvedic herbalism, Native American herbalism, traditional Chinese medicine, botany, & Materia medica. I completed my studies with a Master Herbalist certification from the Centre of Excellence in Manchester, England, and after graduation, I started creating natural remedies and opened Wild Child Herb Shop of Tennessee.
Wild Child Herb Shop of Tennessee strives to offer products and services that are good for people, plants, and the planet. I use organic practices and sustainable principles to ensure that high quality herbs go into every recipe and to improve the environmental well-being of the community. The ingredients found in my products are grown on site, and everything is cultivated, grown, watered, maintained, harvested, and cleaned by hand.
The Wild Child Gardens are examples of sustainable gardening that preserves biological diversity by using a range of plant species of all shapes, colors, sizes, and scents that flower and fruit throughout the year and provide pollen and nectar for birds and a wide variety of pollinators. The gardens are open to the public by appointment, and I offer programs throughout the year, including an annual seed swap, school gardening programs, charity garden programs, and adult and youth education programs.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to becoming an herbalist was challenging at first. I was a single Mom raising three boys, coping with the challenges of a chronic illness, and participating in a homeschool co-op for two of my sons and six other students with learning disabilities. I studied at night after my boys were asleep and incorporated some of the information I obtained into the homeschool curriculum. At this point, I knew I was meant to teach kids how to grow their own food and make natural remedies.
Once the internet was available, herbal medicine research and education became easier, and I was able to obtain a Master Herbalist certification. From here, the challenges have been few, except for a few flares of my illness.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Wild Child Gardens of Natural Wellness?
Wild Child Gardens of Natural Wellness is a Tennessee 501 © 3 certified nonprofit organization whose mission is to build a foundation of physical and emotional wellness for others, educate others about plants and their wellness benefits, teach and empower others to grow their own food, provide a welcoming space for people to connect, advocate for ecological health, raise awareness of organic and sustainable growing practices, foster a connection between people, plants, & the planet, connect those in need with nourishing food and wellness care, maintain a reverence for ancestral knowledge and wisdom, and to use the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
Wild Child Herb Shop of Tennessee is known for its unique herb-infused honey, herbal tea, hibiscus fire cider, digestive bitters made from a German family recipe, elderberry syrup, herbal seasoning & spices, herbal culinary oil & vinegar, herbal foaming soap, and herbal pain relief cream. I specialize in herbal products that are custom blended for each individual and their health needs, which sets me apart from others who mostly offer generalized remedies. I am most proud of my herb-infused honey recipes that are carefully crafted and can be used for a wide variety of benefits. All my offerings and services are provided with the upmost care for each person and their unique challenges.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned along my journey as an herbalist is that I can never have enough education, and I am always learning new ways to use herbal remedies in my daily practice.
Pricing:
- Consultation Fee: $75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildchildherbshoptn.com
- Instagram: @wildchildherbalist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/876670050018626
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-winn-523a9555/
