WHOLE PLANT HEALING FOR THE BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT
Nestled in the heart of Lewisburg is Sensorium Herbals, a haven for those seeking natural wellness, handcrafted remedies, and a deeper connection to the healing power of plants. Owner Shannon Beatty offers a carefully curated selection of teas, tinctures, salves, and botanical blends for whatever your needs may be.
A member of the American Herbalist Guild, Shannon has had a lifelong interest in plants and botany, and remembers identifying herbs and greens as a child with her family.
“I used to go out with my parents and my grandma on Sundays looking for greens and plants, and so I learned how to identify all of these things out there from doing that for many years,” says Shannon. “I knew how to make a few things here and there, thanks to my grandma, but in 2010 I decided to go to Herb School.”
Shannon then attended the Green Comfort School of Herbal Medicine in Virginia, taking classes on the foundations of herbs, as well as apothecary classes. Since then, she has taken several additional classes in the region, including with Mimi Hernandez, author of the National Geographic Herbal and co-author of National Geographic Backyard Guide to Edible Wild Plants.
She says she has fun making custom teas, elixirs, and other items, but her real passion is the gardening aspect.
“My big, big passion is actually growing the plants. I get to know them, smell them, taste them, and then I can make the items with them. I just love working with the plants, I’m a huge gardener. I grow as much as I can, because I think it’s important to learn as much about the plants as I can.”
She sets up shop at area farmer’s markets, including the Courthouse Farmers Market on Saturdays at Robert C. Byrd Clinic. She sells tinctures, teas, balms, bug spray, deodorants, salt scrubs, lotions, vinegars (including a fun ramp/chive vinegar!), shampoo bars, and more!
“I just make all kinds of things,” Shannon laughs. “My most popular things are Elderberry Syrup, a salve I make called TLC for pain, and my sleep tea and sleep tincture.”
Another fun venture she’s undertaken is growing hops used for several brews at Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company. What’s better than locally brewed beer made with local ingredients? They use her hops for what is on tap at GVBC itself, since she only grows a few acres of hops. “I add to it every year though,” she said.
She also offers consultations for those seeking a specific item, but she specifies that herbalists aren’t allowed to diagnose maladies, however, she can recommend items for holistic support of symptoms.
Whether you’re looking for a unique herbal remedy or simply a calming space to explore the world of plant-based wellness, Sensorium Herbals invites you to step inside and experience the magic of herbal healing. They are located in downtown Lewisburg at 178 Lafayette Street. Follow Sensorium Herbals on Facebook for new offerings, or visit their Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/SensoriumHerbals.
Handcrafted herbals ~ Ethically wild crafted or organically grown ~ Herbalists & Hops Farmers
