Our Herbalists
Melissa Waters
Melissa is a community herbalist with 15 years of official herbal experience and decades of herbal tinkering. Melissa started her official herbal journey with an herbal medicine woman class taught by Kami McBride. She stayed on with Kami as her teacher's assistant for 7 years, teaching year-round classes for women and helping with Kami's first online course. Melissa has studied herbal first aid with Greta de la Montagne, Ayurveda with Diana Batdorf, and hormonal health with Dr. Sara Gottfied. She holds a degree in psychology from Michigan State University, and certifications in nutrition, chronic disease, health promotion, and international master herbalism. Melissa went on to establish her own herbal business, operating under the names of Herb Girl Organics, Herb Witch, and Doc Waters’ Antique Apothecary. Melissa is focused on increasing access to herbal medicine for all, working with underserved and remote communities, providing free and reduced priced apothecaries for those in need. She has partnered with the San Francisco Homeless Youth Alliance, Burning Man Department of Public Works, Friends of Black Rock, and the Y Knot Saloon to bring herbal medicine to people in need no matter where they are or their financial situation. Melissa has also taught herbal classes through the San Francisco Unified School District and the Gerlach Workforce Development Center. She is a proud and active member of Herbalists Without Borders and United Plant Savers. When she’s not in her apothecary or garden, you can find her spending time with her friends and family, hiking with her dogs, reading books with her teenage sons, or listening to her husband tell stories.
Our Herbalists
Samantha Goldberg Blackthorn
Elevate Your Well-Being with Ace of Cups Herbal Consultations!
Step into a holistic sanctuary at Ace of Cups, where our herbal consultations are designed to seamlessly weave the healing power of plants into your everyday life. Our approach is not just about offering guidance—it’s about crafting a transformative experience that empowers you to take control of your wellness in a meaningful and personalized way.
Personalized Herbal Guidance
Led by our skilled herbalists, each consultation is a deep dive into the world of herbal remedies, affectionately known as "plantcestors." Our experts will collaborate with you to understand your unique health concerns, goals, and lifestyle. From there, they’ll recommend specific herbs and formulas tailored to support your body, mind, and spirit. Whether you’re looking to enhance your mood, improve sleep, reduce stress, or find balance, our herbalists will create a personalized plan that fits your needs.
Holistic, Complementary Approach
At Ace of Cups, we don’t diagnose or treat medical conditions—instead, we focus on complementing your existing health practices with a holistic approach. Our herbalists provide valuable insights and recommendations that work alongside conventional treatments, embracing the full spectrum of your well-being.
The Power of Plant-Based Wellness
Discover the profound benefits of plant-based remedies that go beyond symptom relief. Our consultations emphasize proactive and preventative care, guiding you in the use of herbal formulas that can support overall vitality, resilience, and harmony in your life. Learn how to integrate these botanical allies into your daily routines, rituals, and self-care practices.
What to Expect
- Herbal Consultations: Schedule an appointment to explore the world of herbal wellness with our expert guidance. Call us or book online to start your journey towards vibrant health.
- Mentoring: Whether you prefer one-on-one sessions or group settings, our mentoring programs provide in-depth support for those looking to deepen their knowledge of herbalism.
- Herbal Medicine Making: Learn hands-on techniques to craft your own herbal preparations, such as tinctures, salves, balms, oils, vinegars, tisanes, decoctions, syrups, and elixirs.
- Plant Magic: Explore the art of working with plantcestors, incorporating plants into rituals, daily practices, and even spell crafting to enhance your connection with nature.
- Educational Offerings: Expand your knowledge with our classes and workshops on herbal medicine making, plant science, plant rituals, and more. Sign up for our email list to receive updates and class announcements.
- Workshops and Study Groups: Join us for community herb projects, plant walks, and immersive workshops designed to deepen your understanding and practice of herbalism.
At Ace of Cups, our goal is to make plant-based wellness accessible and empowering. By integrating herbal wisdom into your life, you can unlock the potential of nature’s remedies to support your health and vitality. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards a more balanced, vibrant you!
Get Started Today
Call us or book online to schedule your herbal consultation, and explore our range of mentoring and educational opportunities. Let Ace of Cups guide you on a path to radiant health with the wisdom of plant-based wellness.
Disclaimer