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What is Herbcraft?

Who we are and what we do

Herbcraft by definition is the knowledge of, and ability to use herbs and plants for magick, healing and in foods (https://www.llewellyn.com/encyclopedia/term/Herbcraft). This definition gives an indication of the all-encompassing image we sought when creating the name for our business.

All formal education surrounding Naturopathy & Herbalism in Australia has become hyper-focused on the Western allopathic model, with little to no focus on understanding the cultivation, harvest, and preparation of the herbs used. Students are rather encouraged to purchase commercial products, which results in something more akin to green pharmacy than herbalism. Our aim is to present another perspective.

Herbcraft has amassed an impressive collection of in excess of 150 culinary, medicinal and poisonous herbs, in our garden apothecary located in Western Australia. As a fourth generation witch and herbalist, Bella Donna has spent in excess of 35yrs researching and honing her inherited craft, learning all facets of herbalism, but developing a focus in recent years on the more esoteric aspects, and use of poison plants in particular. She has long understood that something that has the power to harm, in the right context should also have the power to heal, and as quoted by Paracelsus, that "the poison is in the dose". Bella also has a strong spiritual relationship with her plant allies, and emphasises the significance of this connection in all her work. 

Therefore, Herbcraft is a reflection of the intention to combine herbal medicine with the knowledge derived from Bella's heritage of European cultural witchcraft. Our logo too, holds it's own significance. The double-headed eagle is a nod to Bella's Austrian ancestry, the rod of Asclepius, a recognition of her foundation in traditional herbal medicine of ages past, and the fire is a pic taken at the last full moon celebration at our winter camp in 2023, representing the occult aspects of the business. We hope this image communicates to those that see it, the passion and multi-faceted complexity that goes into all our work. The attention to detail, and the ability to draw from many different sources to bring together something entirely unique and distinctly our own. Hopefully it will also evoke a sense of wonder. Because ultimately, any journey along the Poison Path will be unique and intensely personal. 

With the support of well known Poison Path practitioners in the USA, including Coby Michael of The Poisoner's Apothecary, and Eimi OstaraMoon of Poison and Bee, Bella has been able to produce a range of products not readily available here in Australia. Her true passion however, lies in sharing this knowledge, so others are able to learn the use of the widest possible range of herbs for healing, spiritual and ritual purposes. We hope you enjoy your visit. Please feel free to subscribe to our newsletter below.  

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