AB’s Apothecary Organic Glow Face Oil
Blaine Menke Astrike
The Ledger Independent is publishing a 50/50 series featuring 50 things over 50 weeks. During this series, readers can expect to see different “Local Talents/Artisan” each week.
Some of the “Local Talents/Artisans” that may be featured will include artists, authors, songwriters, and more. The general definition of “artisans” refers to a worker in a skilled trade, according to the Oxford Dictionary.
Please enjoy Day 40 of the series.
Blaine Menke Astrike of Mason County creates organic and foraged self-care products through her small business, AB’s Apothecary.
Astrike and her husband tend a garden in which they grow their own food and grow a variety of medicinal plants and flowers.
“I consider myself relatively new to the field of herbalism,” said Astrike. “I became interested about three years ago and have been studying consistently ever since. I’m always eager to learn from those who have been in the woods and practicing herbalism for decades.”
According to Astrike, she became more interested in plants when she began homeschooling her daughters. She commented that much of their time is spent outdoors and refers to the woods as “our favorite classroom.”
“Children are naturally curious, and I wanted to be able to answer their questions about the plants around us,” explained Astrike. “I’ve also been drawn to the idea that creation offers us so much, including healing — medicine is truly at our feet.”
Astrike went on to say that she is passionate about “weaving” the knowledge back into her daughters’ education.
“Long before I began selling products, I was experimenting and creating remedies for my own family. It’s been a tremendous blessing in our lives,” noted Astrike.
When asked how her craft makes her feel, Astrike noted the presence of a child-like wonder.
“Herbalism makes me feel like a curious child again. Every time I discover a new flower or learn a new medicinal property, I feel giddy with awe and wonder — and my children do too,” she explained.
Astrike further stated that her awareness of nature and her surroundings has deepened.
“Herbalism encourages you to slow down and appreciate the healing benefits of fresh air and sunshine,” Astrike noted.
There are several ways to learn more about AB’s Apothecary.
“I share regularly on Instagram at @absapothecary (https://www.instagram.com/absapothecary). I also have an Etsy shop under the name AB’s Apothecary, and my products are available in several local stores,” Astrike noted.
Stores where Astrike’s products are sold are Purple Llama, Seleece’s Bakery and Hailey’s Mainstreet Salon.
She also stated that she plans to participate in local markets and connect with her patrons in person and share the “incredible power of plants”.
