Unlock the Wisdom of Nature with Our Expert Herbalists!
At Ace of Cups, our team of trained herbalists are true masters in the art of working with the ancient plantcestors. We're passionate about sharing the magic of plants and guiding you to incorporate their healing properties into your daily life.
Step into our apothecary of herbal wisdom, where we offer a myriad of opportunities to explore the enchanting world of botanicals. From one-on-one herbal consultations to engaging classes and transformative apprenticeships, we're here to support you every step of the way.
In our apothecary, you'll discover a treasure trove of botanical delights, featuring a vast selection of single herbs and expertly crafted formulas. Whether you prefer to blend your own concoctions or choose from our curated blends, rest assured that all our herbs are organically grown or ethically wildcrafted, ensuring the highest quality and potency.
Ready to tap into the profound healing potential of nature? Join us at Ace of Cups and let our herbalists guide you on a journey of discovery, empowerment, and holistic well-being. Your connection to the plant kingdom awaits!
Elevate Your Well-Being with Ace of Cups Herbal Consultations!
Step into a realm of holistic wellness designed to seamlessly integrate herbs into your daily life. At Ace of Cups, our herbal consultations are more than just meetings—they're transformative experiences crafted to empower you on your wellness journey.
Guided by our knowledgeable herbalists, you'll embark on a personalized exploration of herbal remedies, lovingly referred to as "plantcestors." These potent botanical allies are carefully selected to address your current health concerns and support you in achieving your wellness goals.
But here's the beauty of it: our herbalists aren't here to simply treat or diagnose. Instead, they're dedicated to complementing your existing treatments, offering a holistic approach to well-being that encompasses mind, body, and spirit.
Unlock the power of herbal formulas to achieve balance, enhance mood, promote restful sleep, reduce stress, and elevate your overall well-being. Our consultations excel as proactive and preventative tools, empowering you to take control of your health and vitality.
Ready to embark on a journey toward radiant health and vitality? Schedule your herbal consultation at Ace of Cups today and discover the transformative potential of plant-based wellness! 
Herbal Consultations
Call for an appointment or book online
- Mentoring- One on one and group sessions available
- Herbal medicine making (tinctures, salves, balms, oils, vinegars, tissanes, decoctions, syrups, elixirs)
- Plant magic- Working with the plantcestors and incorporating plants into ritual and daily use
- Spell crafting with plant allies
- Education
- See classes and workshop page for detailed information
- Herbal medicine making classes
- Plantcestors
- Plant science classes
- Plant rituals
- Sign up on our email list for updates and class announcements
- Workshops, study groups, and classes:
- Herbal medicine making
- Plant walks
- Community herb projects
Our Herbalists
Samantha Goldberg Blackthorn
Samantha's botanical journey began at Colorado State University, under the tutelage of the renowned American botanist, Dr. William Weber. Dr. Weber served as her mentor while she pursued a degree in Biological Science, focusing on botany and anatomy. Under his guidance, Samantha delved into taxonomy, plant identification, and pharmacology, including the study of edible, medicinal, and hallucinogenic plants. Her work extended to the Colorado Heritage Project, where she mapped endangered plants, and to the Nature Conservancy, where she served as a naturalist.
In 1997, Samantha moved to Albuquerque, immersing herself in Dr. Tieronna Lowdog's herbal medicine course while collaborating with Bert Norgorden in botanical apothecary work and wild crafting. She further honed her skills under the guidance of renowned desert plant landscape architect Judith Phillips. Her journey continued at Prairie Moon in Minnesota, focusing on wetland and prairie restoration, seed collection, and distribution alongside Karl, a seasoned plant magician.
Relocating to Austin in 2001, Samantha shared her expertise by teaching anatomy at various massage schools, doula trainings, and homeschool programs. Her passion for education extended internationally as she traveled to Mexico and Costa Rica to impart knowledge on yoga, herbs, and anatomy. Samantha's teaching repertoire encompasses hundreds of classes, where she's crafted curriculum and worked closely with individual clients. She cherishes the opportunity to offer herbal consultations, guiding others in forging connections with their plant ancestors to enrich daily life. Book an appointment with Samantha online or contact us for further information.
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.
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