About Our Herbalist

Leanne is a professionally trained clinical herbalist, educator, and unapologetic tea-slinger based in Stevenson, Alabama. Founder of The Mercantile Apothecary, she blends old-world herbal wisdom with evidence-based plant medicine, and is committed to making herbalism approachable, accessible, and unpretentious. 

She believes in science and story, formulas and folklore. She’s known for her dark humor, straight talk, and an uncanny ability to recommend the perfect herb for your burnout. With roots deep in the South, she teaches from a place of empathy, clarity, and a touch of chaos, always encouraging others to keep learning, keep questioning, and keep brewing. 

When she’s not at the shop, she’s homeschooling her youngest, crafting products, plotting her next class, or curled up in a chair with a favorite book.

I am a certified clinical herbalist** and natural health counselor with roots deep in the traditions of Southern Folk Medicine. I handcraft herbal products and offer classes and workshops both in person and online along with private consultations by appointment. I am not a doctor. My goal is to gently guide and assist you on your personal wellness journey without judgment or preconceived notions. I am passionate about sharing the healing power of plants with our community.

My story is rooted in a deep love for nature's remedies and a belief in the importance of natural, traditional healing practices. I am committed to providing exceptional service and expertise to help you on your wellness journey. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and holistic well-being, I hope to make a positive impact in the lives of my visitors and to create a welcoming space where individuals can explore the benefits of herbal medicine and find support for their unique health goals. I invite you to join me and my family in this enriching experience and discover the art and science of herbalism.

My specialties include anxiety and stress management, trauma informed herbalism, insomnia, digestion support, and managing chronic illness. Please feel free to contact me if you'd like more information, or to schedule a private consultation. 

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Client Intake Form 

(Please print and scan/email or post mail to me at least 7 days prior to your appointment)

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Fee Schedule 

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Education/Experience

Integrative Health and Medicine, University of Minnesota (2021)

Herbal Practitioner, Phyllis Light, Appalachian Center for Natural Health, Arab, AL (November 2020)

Community Herbalist, Phyllis Light, Appalachian Center for Natural Health, Arab, AL (November, 2019)

Psychological First Aid, John’s Hopkins University (2019)

Intuitive Plant Medicine, Asia Suler (2018)

Herbal Energetics, Alchemy of Herbs Test Panel (2017)

Shamana Flora-The Everyday Sacred, Darcey Blue French (2014)

ABC of Herbalism, Green Allies, Susun Weed (2004-2005)

American College of Healthcare Sciences, Portland, OR (Herbal Studies, 2003-2007)

Dozens of local and regional herbal classes, workshops, and conferences (teacher, attendee, vendor)

Online Forum Administrator (Website, Facebook Group), Southeast Wise Women (2009-2019)

Hundreds of hours dedicated to self-study and awareness 

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**There is currently no federally or state-recognized certification for herbalists in the United States. Beyond medicinal plants and botany, many herbalists study human sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Some schools offer graduate-level programs in clinical herbal medicine that combine traditional herbal medicine with evidence-based science. Many colleges also offer graduate degrees in integrative health that include alternative medicines.

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My certificates were earned through in-person completion of Phyllis Light's (MA, RH) Community and Herbal Practitioner Programs at the Appalachian Center for Natural Health in Arab, Alabama, which included clinical experience through live case studies and consultations, and through the University of Minnesota's online Integrative Health and Medicine program, and the American College of Healthcare Sciences Herbal Studies Program. Please contact me if you would like more information on how to access these programs.