Founded in 2025 and based Downeast along the Bold Coast of Washington County, Maine, the Downeast Herbalists meet In Herbalism Community. Herbalists, Wildcrafters and Herb Farmers gather throughout the region to celebrate the plants, promote the sharing of ideas and well-being, and to build relationships. If you work with the plants, you are an Herbalist. Some also consider themselves Community Herbalists or Folk Herbalists, Family & Home Herbalists, Clinical Herbalists, Beauty & Skincare Herbalists, Herbalism Teachers, and more! We consider ourselves students, always, and that the plants themselves are also teachers. HISTORY:
The inaugural "Gathering for Herbalists in Washington County" was organized and facilitated by Herbalist, Wildcrafter, Writer-Author, Artist-Designer and volunteer, Lori McClellan, of www.Botaniscape.com. This meeting took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 2:30 PM at Porter Memorial Library in Machias, Maine. Thirteen met In Herbalism Community, comprised of Herbalists, Wildcrafters and Herb Farmers of all interest levels living and working in Washington County, Maine. This was the inception of the Downeast Herbalists. LOGO/BRAND:
We love our logo, showcasing dandelion and sage! The Downeast Herbalists logo was custom designed by Machias-based www.McClellanCreative.com. Mindful intention was put into the original design to capture the essence of nature's gifts and herbal goodness. Further explanation of the symbolism of the logo concept and elements includes:
"Dandelion Symbolism (stylized center yellow flower): Healing, resilience, adaptability, strength, hope, happiness; (whole plant medicine); (Taraxacum officinale). Sage Symbolism (center green leaves behind yellow stylized dandelion): wisdom, longevity, protection; (Salvia officinalis). "Creating a 'flower' from the dandelion flower as center and sage leaves as petals was an intentional aim for offering something unique and beneficial from combining the different parts of plants in the same way that creating herbal goodness does. "Four Arrows Symbolism:
Four Seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Four Directions (N, S, E, W)
Four Elements (Earth, Air, Fire/Sun, Water)
Four Tissue States/Constitution:
(Hot, Dry, Cold, Moist)
Diamond: Is the Herbalist in relationship; knowing the plants brings clarity
"Dark blue circle/background: Rain, water, area rivers, lakes
Light blue circle-band: Sky/air
Dandelion: Also symbol of sun/fire
Sage: Also symbol “of the earth”
Black Circle-band: Night sky
White Text: Moonlight"
PLEASE NOTE: Content on this website is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for medical treatment, advice or diagnosis, and is not monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Consult your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any symptoms and before using any herbal product or beginning a new health regimen. Any application of the material provided is at the reader's discretion and is their sole responsibility. While non-medical conversations are encouraged, diagnoses, medical inquiries and medical advice are not offered or permitted. PLEASE NOTE: When wildcrafting or foraging for plants, do so ethically; be accompanied by a plant identification expert; and always have absolute certainty of plant identification before using or consuming any herb/s.
