Alison Bell: Returning to the Plants
Student Spotlight

Chestnut School graduate Alison Bell reconnects with her lifelong love of plants and herbal medicine.

An Interview with Alison Bell,
Herbal Immersion Program graduate

Have you ever felt called to reconnect with a passion after years away? To rediscover something that once brought you joy and find new ways to make it part of your life? That’s exactly what Alison Bell did when she returned to her love of plants and herbal medicine.

For Alison, herbalism has been a lifelong connection to the natural world. From childhood days spent climbing willow trees to teaching children about wild plants, her journey has taken many turns. After life took her in other directions, Alison found her way back to the plants through the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine. Now a graduate, she’s rediscovered her confidence in plant medicine and is finding new ways to incorporate herbs into daily life, support her family’s well-being, and share her knowledge with others.

Alison recently shared her story with us for our Student Spotlight series, which celebrates the many ways our graduates put their herbal education into practice. Alison is a graduate of our Online Herbal Immersion Program, a 1,200-hour training in bioregional herbalism, medicine making, and growing medicinal plants.

A bumblebee gathers nectar from purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) alongside blooming bee balm (Monarda sp.) in Alison’s herb garden.

One of my first and fondest memories was climbing a willow tree with my brother and sitting in the branches. I’ve always been most comfortable in nature and surrounded by the plant people.

In my early twenties I was at a friend’s party at his family farm and was looking for a place to sit to nurse my baby. I was told to go to the chicken coop! His sister had turned it into a small cabin. I walked in and knew immediately I needed to meet her. She had shelves filled with jars of dried herbs. She became a dear friend and started me on my journey towards learning about herbal food and medicine.

What inspired you to study with us here at the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine?

I had taught for a wilderness school in Wisconsin when I was in my late twenties and early thirties but then moved out west and was in full survival mode as a single parent of three. I lost touch with that aspect of my life and always hoped to reclaim it one day.

When I found the Chestnut School online, I knew it was time delve back in. I am a firm believer in life long learning and it has been great to not only reconnect with the plants I know but to learn of so many more! I’ve enjoyed incorporating them into my life on a daily basis.

What have been the most rewarding parts of your herbal journey so far?

Connecting again to plants and recognizing my abilities never really went away. The Herbal Immersion Program has given me the confidence again to practice herbal medicine.

A collection of handcrafted herbal tinctures from Alison’s home apothecary, featuring calendula, tulsi, yarrow, willow bark, dandelion, and mullein.

How has your herbal education supported your personal practice?

Oh my gosh. I have added so many more plants to my apothecary. I also have started using more herbs in food preparation. I love food as medicine. We can do so much with our diets alone!

How do you weave herbs into your daily life, for yourself, your friends, family, or community?

I have been taking tinctures and making teas for specific issues but have added adaptogens on a daily basis to help me stay balanced and stave off colds. My husband takes whatever I put out for him! I’ve made tinctures, bath salts, and scrubs for friends. Now I’m working on perfecting body butter.

What are three herbs that are essential to your herbal practice, and why?

Only three?!

Marshmallow – it is so soothing and has helped both me and my husband with acid reflux.

Mullein – my go to for any congestion or chest tightness.

California poppy – really helps me turn off my monkey brain at night.

I wish I could add more!

Vibrant purple bee balm (Monarda sp.) blooms in Alison’s herb garden, a favorite among bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Please share your most amusing or touching personal story about herbalism.

This is an old one, but years ago when I was teaching a group of fifth graders, I was walking them through a meadow and talking about the plants as food and medicine. One boy stuck close to me. As we got to the top of the hill he turned around and looked down at where we had just walked. He was quiet for a bit and then just looked and me and said, “That’s medicine down there.” I will never forget that. All it takes is one child or one adult. The ripple effect!

Do you have a favorite memory of sharing herbal remedies with someone?

I don’t have one specific memory. Over the years I have had friends call and ask my opinion or advice concerning supplements or remedies. Any time a person is open to learning about a plant or remedy they feel comfortable trying, it’s a great day!

Herbal preparations in progress in Alison’s home apothecary.

What has been your proudest moment as an herbalist?

Helping my daughter by creating protocol that worked for her.

What is next for you on your herbal journey?

Oh, I’ll be making gifts for people and helping people if asked. I’ll be increasing my apothecary even more, and eventually be holding a few workshops on our land with my daughter.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those just starting their herbal education who are interested in starting a business?

This is an amazing journey. It can be tough at times but you will learn so much more than you anticipate. Pace yourself and have fun doing the homework. And make a mess in the kitchen!

Alison and her four-legged companion, Coco, who is always happy to keep her company while she makes a mess in the kitchen!

We’re so proud of our students!

To see what our other graduates are up to, and the wide variety of businesses they run, check out our Student Herbal Business Directory.