Info

Grian Herbs was created in 1997, as part of a broad vision for a gentle, sustainable and effective system of healing not only for individuals seeking more control and understanding of their healthcare choices, but also for our local environment and, eventually, the Planet. Our dream started in the woods and meadows of Vermont, during long hikes together where we would marvel at each new discovery and rejoice at the abundance still present in the forest around us. Anne was spending considerable hours back then as an assistant and apprentice to a local herbalist, helping to make extracts and bottle them for sale. Her skills were first applied here on a small bottle of Dandelion tincture, made in the Spring. It's hard to believe, with over thirty extracts now available, that it all started with such a simple plant — but the Dandelion is often a catalyst for change, and seeing that first tincture help many of our friends (as well as ourselves) was more than enough to spur us both onward. Ten years later, in 2007, Anne finds herself beginning her third year of Medical School at the University of Vermont, in Burlington, having completed her Master's Degree and published Herbal Voices. Guido, meanwhile, was beginning a long relationship with the sod and soil of the two-acre field around the house. Researching herbs and cultivation methods, it became clear that, on a small scale, he could produce many of the raw materials the fledgling business needed. Walking in the woods provided the rest, and both Guido and Anne derived a great sense of satisfaction and respect from gently harvesting our wild medicines and carefully tending to the populations of herbs to ensure not only sustainability, but also help them expand. As more people met Guido and worked with him, his practice grew. He help start herbal free clinics in Barre, VT and Montpelier, VT, and created a diverse educational curriculum focused on practical learning and financial accessibility. He is currently working with Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism as a founding member and director, writing the "Medicine Chest" column for the Herb Quarterly, and preparing for ongoing classes and herbal conference presentations. During the long winter months, when the garden rests under two feet of snow (at least!), we focus on our hobbies and on restoring the old farmhouse (a slow but rewarding task). Anne is a master weaver, and crafts pieces in fine silk, as well as wool / cotton blends, or whatever her creative spirit fancies that day. Guido is a musician with a penchant for stringed instruments, and often the house is filled with music until the late-night hours. Together, we care for two dogs, Jaana and Yarrow, and a crazy kitty named Schizandra. Finally, many of you have asked us, "What does Grian refer to?". The answer is two-fold: first, it is a Celtic word which means 'sun', the life-giving energy all plants need. As an extension, the second meaning is that of 'Sun Goddess', for Grian was a Faery Queen in Irish lore. She represents the warm fertility of Spring, and traditionally brings blessings to all herbal works.