The Herbalist has the (natural) cure for what ails you

In every Seattle neighborhood, there's at least one shop that seems like it's been around forever -- a place you've driven by a thousand times, always meaning to stop in. The Herbalist in Ravenna is one of those places.

Other, trendier stores may get more press, but The Herbalist has quietly served the Ravenna neighborhood since 1984, with an eponymous line of liquid herbal extracts, medicinal teas and therapeutic massage oils, which are made at the store's lab just north of Ravenna.

Owner and medical herbalist Tierney Salter originally opened The Herbalist at the corner of Northeast 65th Street and 20th Avenue Northeast, next to the Ravenna PCC. Ten years had passed in that location when the PCC decided to expand, prompting Salter to make a move down 65th Street to her current location, where she's been ever since.

"We're powered by regulars," Salter says. "I've been helping some of the same customers stay healthy for years!"

With a passion for herbal medicine that started as a way to treat her lifelong struggle with asthma, Salter, a Seattle native, prides herself on her relationships with local plant growers and suppliers. As often as possible, the plants in her products are local, organic or ethically wild-harvested (leaving enough of the plant to propagate itself), as she believes that the local flora provides just the right medicine for common ailments. The Herbalist product line includes extracts ($10.25-$35), teas ($10.95) and massage oils ($8-$21.95) adorned with bright, hip and easy-to-understand labels.

The shop itself is calm and friendly -- not unlike an aromatherapy session, in fact. In addition to The Herbalist's own collection, the store carries bulk herbs, vitamins, flower essences and essential oils, as well as heavenly scented candles, natural body products, makeup and gift items. On a recent visit, I spied some delicious-looking chocolate bars. When I inquired about them, an employee smiled slyly and said: "Cacao is the medicine of the gods."