Meet Tina Sams
Tina Sams is the owner of The Essential Herbal, an ever-growing magazine dispersing herbal lore and uses. The Essential Herbal allows businesses and hobbyists alike to shine by sharing their knowledge.
Tina has been working with and writing about herbs for nearly 30 years. The stops along the way include, wreath maker, renaissance festival shop owner, soapmaker, distiller, writer, full time shop owner, herb teacher, forager, incense maker, natural dyer, and everything in between.
She has written or compiled nearly 20 books while publishing The Essential Herbal magazine since 2001, and contributed articles to several magazines (including one that was translated into Japanese). She has yet to find anything that she doesn’t love about herbs.
Editor’s Note
I am delighted to introduce Tina Sams, a remarkable alumna of The Science & Art of Herbalism course. Tina’s journey with herbs spans nearly three decades, during which she has worn many hats – from shop owner at renaissance festivals to renowned author and publisher. Her unwavering passion for herbalism has inspired countless individuals through her publication The Essential Herbal magazine and her extensive contributions to the herbal community. Tina’s dedication to learning and sharing her knowledge, even after years of experience, is a testament to her enduring love for herbs. Join me in celebrating her accomplishments and exploring her inspiring story.
People often ask how I got into herbs. I often wonder how one could NOT be into herbs, to be honest. I played under pine trees, using the dropped needles to stuff between the sticks that formed the walls of our forts. We wandered the woods with our grandfather, where he found wild fruit and shared information about plants he knew. We gardened, grew food and flowers, and my sister and I went through the succulent craze in the 1970s together.
Let's face it. If you think about it, plants are in every aspect of life if we notice them.
At the time, there were very few options for learning about herbs. There weren’t even many books, but like just about anyone who starts really diving into the many wonders of herbs, we picked up Rosemary Gladstar’s books. She taught us the basic how-tos of creating herbal products, and we loved jumping off from her recipes to produce wondrous things for our shop.
Over the years, available learning options improved. We read at least 100 books and took every class that came available to us locally. Eventually I started The Essential Herbal magazine, and my sister (now retired) started a wholesale soap company, Lancaster County Soapworks, Etc.
I've even written (or edited) quite a few books myself.
“The Healing Power of Herbs by Tina Sams is a lovely, insightful introduction into the wonderful world of herbs and herbal healing. One finds all of the essential information and more-including intelligent discussions on herb safety, herb gardening, herbal preparation, and remedies for common ailments. The author’s message is to reinforce the realization that while powerful, herbs are all around us and they are our allies in health.”
—Rosemary Gladstar, herbalist and author
I always wished that I had some kind of certificate. Over the past 30 years, I just felt unfinished.
My daughter Molly grew up as an herbie kid. She could be found in the meadow with onion grass hanging from her little lips. She found relief in chamomile and licorice root. She learned how to look for things like plantain for stings and aloe for burns.
When she graduated from college, the plan was to come to work on the magazine with me. The very first thing I did was sign her up for Rosemary’s “The Science & Art of Herbalism” course. She set to work on the course and enjoyed all the projects that were a part of the homework for each section. She loved it, and it gave her solid footing. Here is her review of the course: “Mama’s wisdom only goes so far when you’re in your 20’s and 30’s…” Later she went on to take another 9 month course with Susan Hess, and then apprenticed with Susanna Reppert for 2 years. Can I just say that I envy this kid???
As it turned out, the big wide world beckoned, and Molly heeded the call. She’s done some traveling, and I can’t blame her one bit.
Some day the herbs will call her back to them.
I decided it was time for me to have an herbal certificate and also enrolled in The Science & Art of Herbalism course. There were still things that were new to me after all these years. My sister took it at the same time and it was really fun to work on the homework projects together.
I am very proud to have my certificate!
Herbs will never not be my focus in life, and I'll never be done learning.
Editor’s Note on Certification
While the Science & Art of Herbalism course provides a strong foundation in herbal knowledge and awards a certificate upon completion, it’s important to understand that this certificate does not equate to formal licensure or recognition as a clinical herbalist in the United States.
Achieving the title of Clinical Herbalist requires extensive hands-on experience and study, often obtained through accredited onsite programs. Though online courses offer valuable learning, practicing herbalism professionally typically necessitates further clinical training and supervision, as well as navigating complex legal regulations.
For more information, consider resources like the American Herbalists Guild.
about herbs for over 50 years. It is my honor and joy to share what I have learned with you, and to introduce you to my fellow herbalists and plant lovers!
