Meet Ashley Johnston | Herbalist & Medicine Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Johnston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have always been a believer in plant medicine & natural remedies. When I was a teenager, I had a horrible reaction to an antibiotic that steered me away from ever wanting to take medication again. I avoided them at all costs. Over time I was reading more about plants & herbs, traditional eating habits based on your culture & how these foods can support your system. I was even reading about ancient healing practices in Asia, Egypt, Greece, & Rome. I’ve always been fascinated with history, how we used things from our natural environment to take care of ourselves, & how we treated the whole person not just the ailment. The mind, body, and soul would be addressed. Because of this interest in healing, I developed a passion and desire to help people truly heal. Not just relieve their symptom but actually heal from their issue. That’s when I decided the best way I could reach people would be to teach classes, teach workshops, make & sell herbal therapies to use in place of pharmaceuticals, along with see one on one clients where I could create customized herbal protocols & lifestyle suggestions for each individual. From this Ancestral Roots Holistic Wellness & Apothecary was created. I want to be the conduit for reconnecting people to the root of ancestral healing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My business is Ancestral Roots Holistic Wellness & Apothecary. I am an herbalist & medicine maker. I teach workshops & classes on herbs; when to use them, how to prepare them, natural skincare products you can make, culinary use, etc. Within my practice of herbalism, I provide one on one consultations with clients seeking guidance in a wholistic plant-based approach to healing their body & preventing disease. Every client is given an individualized Herbal Protocol listing herbal therapies, supplements, dietary suggestions, & lifestyle suggestions based on that person’s health issues or concerns. Being taught the correct techniques of herbal blending for therapeutic benefits I am able to pair the right herbs to support all systems of the body. With that technique I can blend herbs that are supportive for common health issues & those blends be safe for everyone. I sell herbal tea blends, herbal tinctures compounds, natural first aid salves, skin care products, & fire ciders. A lot of the herbs used & medicine made, I wild harvest myself here in Arizona. I love being on the trail & in nature. Some of my classes are out on the trail giving a plant walk. I teach how to identify plants, their history & medicinal uses, along with medicine making on the trail.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Would definitely recommend checking out some yummy places to eat like Hen House Cafe, Rio Rico’s Mexican restaurant, Osaka’s Japanese restaurant, & grabbing a drink at OSHO. Hiking trails in Sedona, Flagstaff, & the Superstition Mountains are a must. Taking a day trip up north to hike is a perfect get away, especially during the summer months. And you can’t visit Arizona without spending time on the water either floating down the Salt River, kayaking Canyon Lake or Antelope canyon at Lake Powell. There are so many great places to see in Arizona.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First & foremost I have to give a Shotout to God, without Him none of this would have been possible. I am so thankful that He blessed me with a servants heart & chose the path of the healer for me. He has truly opened doors and paved the way for me.

I’d also like to give a Shotout to my son. He has been encouraging & supportive throughout my process of juggling a full time job, going to school full time to gain my herbal knowledge, then the process of working on & launching my business. When I was tired, overwhelmed, and wanted to stop he encouraged me to push through. Reminding me I have gone through tougher situations.

Another BIG shoutout goes to my Herbie Sisters! Their words of encouragement & friendship has been priceless.

Instagram: @ancestral_roots_az