I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the one and only Cindy Collins, the creative genius behind the enchanting world of Euphoric Herbals. Now, you might think we're rivals, but in the realm of herbalism, it's all about uplifting one another, sharing our passions, and nurturing a thriving community. So, get ready to be inspired as we delve into the fascinating insights shared by Cindy in this captivating interview. Let's embrace the herbal magic together!

Rewinding a bit to 2005, Cindy's deep-seated love for herbalism first sprouted. It was during her first pregnancy, Cindy, like any dedicated mother, was committed to ensuring the safest and healthiest journey for herself and her unborn child. This period was the catalyst for her immersion into the world of holistic health, a concept that she was already somewhat familiar with, having been raised amidst the nature-rich environment of the San Francisco Bay Area.

During our conversation, Cindy and I wander down memory lane, recalling our shared experiences and the joy of learning from the acclaimed Dr. Aviva Rom. It's a nostalgic trip back to a time of collaborative learning, new revelations, and the strengthening of our mutual adoration for all things herbal.

As we dive deeper into Cindy's herbal journey, the Red Raspberry Leaf holds center stage. Cindy, who has a background in lactation consulting, advocates the numerous benefits of this herb for women across different stages of life. From teenagers just starting their journey into womanhood to older women who are stepping gracefully into their menopause years, this herb is like a steady companion offering a wealth of support.

Imagine a culinary artist who loves herbs, combining her passion for unique flavors and the medicinal properties of these herbal wonders. That's exactly how Cindy started her herbal adventure. What you get from this combination is a therapeutic blend that doesn't just heal but also pleases the palate. As someone who has also spent some time in the restaurant industry, I can totally vouch for this unique marriage of taste and health benefits.

Switching over to Cindy's home life, it's immediately evident that herbs and herbal remedies have a constant presence.

With three energetic boys under her roof, her kitchen and bathroom cabinets serve as mini-pantries, brimming with diverse herbal products. It paints a picture of a warm, inviting home where an array of herbal remedies is always within reach.

While her boys might not yet share her level of enthusiasm for herbs, Cindy ensures they get a taste of her herbal world through the delicious herbal teas she brews for them. These carefully brewed concoctions serve as an introductory course to the benefits of herbs and the significant role they can play in maintaining overall health.

But Cindy's tale doesn't stop here. A surprising fact about her is that she's also a practicing doula! Her extensive work in the field of lactation and her adeptness at creating herbal remedies led her to develop herbal products that are particularly suited for her clients during their pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding stages. 

What's inspiring about Cindy's journey is that it all started merely as a hobby.

She initially made her herbal creations for friends, family, and her doula clients. But the overwhelmingly positive feedback she received nudged her to take it a step further. This encouragement led to the inception of Euphoric Herbals. What started as an Etsy store selling delicious teas and salves alongside handmade jewelry, gradually grew into a brand that now takes the herbal community by storm!

As Euphoric Herbals started gaining traction, Cindy dedicated herself full-time to her new role. She started creating products aimed at supporting women's health at different stages. As the demand for her products grew, so did Euphoric Herbals, necessitating a move from a modest warehouse to a larger facility capable of catering to the growing need for their herbal products.

Throughout our conversation, Cindy emphasized the importance of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in the creation of herbal medicines. Think of it as the meticulous checklist for producing safe, clean, and well-documented herbal products. She ensures that every herb she sources for her products is obtained ethically, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and respect for Mother Nature's generosity. 

Cindy's unwavering commitment to creating high-quality herbal products and supporting her local community radiates her passion for herbalism. She's an advocate for self-education, urging everyone to dive deeper into their herbal knowledge through credible sources such as books by Rosemary Gladstar and Geeta Maker-Clark and various podcasts. She also emphasizes the importance of seeking professional advice from a clinical herbalist for any complex questions or concerns about herb-drug interactions.

As our discussion draws to a close, Cindy divulges her future plans for Euphoric Herbals, which include expansion through franchising. Her story serves as a testament to the fact that passion and dedication can pave the way to success in the herbal medicine industry, underlining the importance of making informed decisions when using herbal remedies. 

In conclusion, we've embarked on an inspiring journey through the world of herbs with Cindy Collins, the passionate owner of Euphoric Herbals.

From her beginnings as a curious mama-to-be seeking safe remedies to becoming a successful herbalist running two apothecaries, Cindy's dedication to herbalism shines through. 

If you found this episode as fascinating as the bloom of a wildflower, don't keep it to yourself! Share the herbal wisdom we've uncovered here with your friends, family, and fellow herbal enthusiasts. Let's help herbalism #spreadlikewildflowers, so more people can embrace the natural healing wonders that Mother Nature has to offer!  Happy herbal adventures!

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