Lauren Ann Nichols-Sheffler - Certified Herbalist, Senior Sourcing & Purchasing Manager
Bio: My name is Lauren Ann Nichols-Sheffler, and I am a bioregional herbalist dedicated to studying and working with nature. I obtained my certification in medical herbalism from the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism in 2018. As a member of the United Plant Savers’ Botanical Sanctuary Network, I am committed to plant conservation through community herbalism, educational initiatives, and urban herb cultivation. I specialize in hydrosol, an alchemical process of herbal steam distillation that captures the aromatic soul of plants. As the Sourcing & Senior Purchasing Manager for WishGarden Herbs, I promote sustainable procurement by collaborating with organic farmers, ethical wildcrafters, and forest farmers, while representing WishGarden in nonprofits like The Sustainable Herbs Initiative.
What Herb Started your Journey? At this stage in my plant-loving saga, two green heroes stand out for setting me on this leafy path: Ponderosa Pine and Yarrow. Growing up in Northern Arizona, the Ponderosa Pine was like a skyscraper of nature—its red-brown bark and lofty branches filled with aromatic pine needles a permanent fixture against the sky. From a tender age, these wise, towering giants beckoned me to lounge under their canopy, providing a sanctuary of peace and grounding. I fondly think of them as my 'grandmother trees.' Then there’s Yarrow, the plant that nudged me toward the world of herbalism. While living amidst the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, I felt a pull towards this resilient herb. Acting on instinct, I gathered a bit of yarrow from the mountainsides and crafted oils fueled by nothing but good intentions and my intuition. This magical experience led me straight to the doors of the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism, where I dived deep into the world of regional herbs with mentors like Lisa Ganora and Kat Mackinnon.
What is your favorite WishGarden Herbs Formula? Oh, picking a favorite product? That’s like asking me to choose my favorite leaf on a tree! But if I must, I'd say I’m pretty much joined at the hip with Kick-Ass Immune. Packed with powerhouse herbs like my beloved Yarrow, Yerba Santa Leaf, Lovage Root, and the ever-mighty cultivated Osha Root, it's my go-to rescue remedy. Feel a tickle or an ominous tingle in my throat? A few servings of this wonder potion over 2-3 days, and I’m back to chatting about the plants. Plus, it tastes like a cinnamon hug—what’s not to love?