Corey MacDonald opened Red Root and Co. Herb House in Harrisonburg in late October to allow the general public access to herbal products.
After three years of herbal training in Charlottesville, MacDonald became a Community Herbalist in 2016, but was not quite ready to open a brick-and-mortar store. She took what she had learned to Farmers Markets, including Harrisonburg, Charlottesville and Richmond.
According to MacDonald, the path to a brick-and-mortar store was slow, organic growth with attending Farmers Markets and creating an online store.
“It’s just been a culmination of my passion for herbalism [and entrepreneurship],” she said of opening at 919 Virginia Avenue in downtown Harrisonburg on Oct. 25.
Approximately two or three years ago, she realized she was ready to open a brick-and-mortar location in Harrisonburg.
She hopes to teach classes and “connect more with the community.”
She said she wants to emphasize that her store is a resource for herbal goods and educating the community about herbal products. She welcomes questions about herbal products and what the community is interested in talking about.
“I have a great love for the plant world. I love spending time outdoors and I have a garden,” MacDonald said of why she pursued a career with herbal products. After her herbal training, she wanted to share what she had learned with others.
MacDonald welcomes conversations with the community about plants.
“We’re here to share information,” she said.
The store is open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for now.
On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, MacDonald and a local herbalist will be available at the store.
“We’ll be talking about plants and people can bring their questions,” she said. She hopes to hold such events every other week.
Red Root and Co. offers elderberry syrup for cold and flu season, Fire Cider, which is a health shot with a vinegar and honey base, regional beekeeper products, bulk herbs to blend teas of your choice, and tea blends, including Winter Comfort Tea for body support in cold weather.
MacDonald does not have a favorite of her products.
“I love them all. They’re all my babies. They’re all my recipes.”
Red Root and Company Herb House is at 919 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg.
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Rebecca Barnabi
