“Fifteen years ago I had an odd dream. In it, a medicinal plant that I was interested in, an Usnea lichen that is ubiquitous on trees throughout the world, told me that while it was good for healing human lungs it was primarily a medicine for the lungs of the planet, the trees. When I awoke, I was amazed. It had never occurred to me in quite that way that plants have some life and purpose outside their use to human beings.”
Usnea spp in the wild
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” - Lao Tzu
Our story
Usnea Herbals derives its name from the therapeutic lichen Usnea (pronounced oo-snē-a). A lichen is an organism composed of the coexistence of two separate living forms, fungus and algae, in a mutually beneficial relationship known as symbiosis. Usnea needs many years to propagate on old-growth conifers and deciduous trees, thrives in pristine environments, and offers a variety of medicinal uses.
Usnea Herbals came into being under similar conditions, including the mutual support of friends and family, the lush healing mountain air of northern Vermont, the metamorphic and sometimes challenging passage of time, and a foundation to be called home. Usnea Herbals grew from the remnants of my previous herb shop, Sweet Hollow Herbs, much like how wild Usnea grows atop old or decaying trees in the fresh forest air over the course of time.
After a lengthy gestation period Usnea Herbals emerged upon Pluto’s long-awaited entry into Aquarius, mid November 2024. Pluto is linked to transmutation and commands a thorough ending before rebuilding. Since Sweet Hollow Herbs has been humbly laid to rest, Usnea Herbals is free to take shape in a new era. Aquarius symbolizes freedom, revolution and truth – all attributes defining the essence of Usnea Herbals, which encourages sovereignty for all to trust in their innate wisdom in sustaining health through alignment with Nature.
It's no coincidence that Usnea Herbals is born under similar conditions that allow wild Usnea to grow and thrive. The timing reflects Usnea Herbals’ journey into a wild and dynamic age of transformation and healing.
Just as wild Usnea provides a wide range of health benefits, Usnea Herbals provides a variety of therapeutic botanical products to restore, enrich and revitalize health and wellbeing.
Usnea spp in the wild
“There have never been individuals...we are all lichens.”
Will add current photo of myself
Thomas Barnes & Amy Kelly rocking the HABA Dept. Healthy Living 2004
About me & how I got here…
Hello, I’m Amy Kelly, the woman formulating, blending, and encapsulating the botanical goods at Usnea Herbals. It is my delight and soul’s calling to be doing this work!
Not long ago, medicine making was a common domestic skill, largely practiced by women, passed down through generations by example and word of mouth. It has been a century since our traditional wisdom was nearly lost, due to the dominance of mainstream, profit driven medicine. The current medical system’s shortcomings have sparked a growing desire among the people to relearn the old ways. For me, it was in 2001 when I began to consider herbal supplements and clean food as viable alternatives to pharmaceuticals. In learning how previous generations maintained their health before the corporatization of healthcare, I discovered an intrinsic ability to heal myself by using herbs and proper nutrition. This ultimately changed the course of my life. While working with herbs, I often feel guided by the faint echoes of Wise Women who relied upon the potent, wild, and subtle energies of Plant Spirits long ago. It is an ordinary, yet sacred, craft that reminds me to be in awe of Nature’s gifts. Despite the modern conditions we humans now live in, the old traditions of natural healing still hold true.
My first encounter working with medicinal herbs and nutritional supplements was at “the old” Healthy Living Market in South Burlington, in the “HABA” department (short for Health And Beauty Aid). I was completely captivated by all things’ herbs, nutrition, and natural healing! I held this coveted position for six years in the early 2000’s. My herbal obsession then called me to Purple Shutter Herbs in downtown Burlington to work with the late Laura Brown, and Kelley Robie, of Horsetail Herbs. These women knew Plant Spirits and the crafty trade of running a traditional apothecary. This was a budding herbalist’s dream!
Throughout these years I immersed myself in natural healing modalities and attended as many classes as I could. This all led me to open my very own storefront in 2008, Sweet Hollow Herbs. However, four years later I decided to close the shop for a couple of reasons. Mostly because I had been in disbelief that the internet would become the force that it did. Little did I know it would change the business of running an apothecary. Suddenly, herbal products became accessible from around the world, and I didn’t see how Sweet Hollow Herbs could compete. So, I was forced to pivot as life led me in a different direction, for a while…
Flash forward a little over a decade, which included lots of growth opportunities, a deep and illuminating dive into Lyme disease and it’s coinfections, the sudden loss of a loved one, the challenging and positively transformative initiation into organic production farming and most importantly, receiving the unwavering support of those closest to me. With Sweet Hollow Herbs now graciously put to rest, I’m ready to step into a new iteration as I have a better understanding and acceptance of how the modern-day herbalist functions. There’s no getting away from the online aspect of nearly everything these days, so I’m adapting and I’m excited for this new endeavor. Please welcome Usnea Herbals!
Thank you for being here, feel free to reach out for a custom formulation, place an order or just to say hello. I look forward to hearing from you! Amy
