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We are very happy to bring back our popular "Meet the Herbalist" series where we profile herbalists of New England. Today we are sharing an interview with Linda Patterson, much beloved director of the Eclectic Institute of Aromatherapy and Herbal Studies. Linda has been a practicing herbalist and aromatherapist for over twenty years and has also been an integral part of Herbstalk for the past five years. We are honored to share some of her story with you!  To start things off, can you share some of your go-to herbal books or favorite herbalists that you look to for inspiration? All of my teachers have been amazing, but the few who have inspired me the most are: Madelon Hope, Rosemary Gladstar, Tieraona Low Dog and Trishuwa. Given your background and close ties with the herbal community, where do you see the future of herbalism going in the next few years? There has been a major shift in the community of herbalism over the past decade. There are many younger people getting involved, teaching, making products, and growing. They bring with them a fiery energy that is both vibrant and infectious. I think Jeff Carpenter captured it perfectly when he said: “We have come to the end of the herbal renaissance, this is the herbal revolution!” It’s been beautiful watching the transformation! Do you have a favorite plant or two at the moment? I love them all, but I think Nettle and Dandelion are invaluable. If you could go back in time to meet yourself when you were just starting on the herbal path, what would you say? Don’t rush so much. I was in Rosemary Gladstar’s certification course in VT while taking Gale Ulrich’s yearlong apprenticeship at the same time. I wanted all the knowledge at once, but it doesn’t work like that. I have no regrets; I was where I was supposed to be when I was supposed to be there. I feel honored to have studied with both of these amazing woman. What advice would you give to budding herbalists? Spend time with the plants -- they can teach you more than anyone. Are there any non-herbal hobbies or interests that you love doing as well? I love the old ways. I play the harp, spin wool, and had a crane installed in my fireplace so that I can learn and practice hearthside cooking. Any guilty pleasures you’d like to share? I tend to never refuse myself anything. It’s all about moderation! I do have a weakness for all the regulars, coffee, chocolate, wine… Can you tell us more about your passion for teaching? As far as my teaching goes, I have always been a gypsy teacher. I will go where the students are. For my certification courses in Aromatherapy I often teach for the Boston School of Herbal Studies, Alternatives for Health and I also teach on Cape Cod. I co-teach herbalism for the Boston School of Herbal studies as well as offer my own herbal certification course on Cape Cod. I also teach workshops in soap making, palmistry and flower essence making. Traveling to teach has its challenges, but it has allowed me to meet some amazing people! I often say “it’s not the average person who studies herbs.” What’s one fun thing that most people don’t know about you? I ride a Harley-Davidson (without a helmet, when possible.) (Don’t tell my children.) Thank you for sharing with us, Linda! To learn more about Linda's work and upcoming classes, check out her website at the Eclectic Institute of Aromatherapy and Herbal Studies. You can also catch her at this year's Herbstalk taking place on June 4 & 5!
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