I sat down with the Nature’s Cookbook team that helped bring our vision of creating a resource to capture plant knowledge while honoring our cultural histories and connections to food. Today, I share my conversation with Master Herbalist and Naturopath Eva Nyrie Garrett on her journey into her healing and herbalist work, and her experiences co-creating CEED’s Nature’s Cookbook. Eva Nyrie Garrett joined Cynthia Rico Mendoza and me in March 2023. She has been such an incredible teacher and collaborator, sharing her holistic health expertise in the content development and thorough herbal review within Nature’s Cookbook.
Interview with Eva Nyrie Garrett
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and Natural Me Apothecary? How did your apothecary come about?
I’m Eva Nyrie Garrett, a master herbalist, naturopath, and the founder of Natural Me Apothecary. My journey into holistic healing began with my work at Appetite for Change, where I was inspired to explore the medicinal benefits of food and herbs. I founded Natural Me Apothecary in 2019 to give my community access to herbal remedies and holistic health resources. Over time, it grew into a space where community members can reconnect with nature, learn about the healing power of plants, and access natural, handcrafted products. In 2024, I transitioned from corporate America to fully devote my time to this apothecary, opening our first brick-and-mortar location in North Minneapolis. We offer sliding-scale services and aim to make holistic health accessible to everyone in the community, with over 320 herbs and a wide range of holistic products available.
Why did the Nature’s Cookbook project appeal to you?
The Nature’s Cookbook project resonated with me because it embodies the principles I live by—using nature to heal, nourish, and empower. I have always believed that food is medicine, and this book is a way to share that knowledge with others. By co-authoring Nature’s Cookbook, I had the opportunity to integrate my expertise in herbalism and holistic health into a broader narrative of food sovereignty and environmental justice. It’s a continuation of the work I’ve been doing through Natural Me Apothecary, helping people understand the connection between what we consume and how it impacts our overall well-being.
How can holistic healing through natural remedies from the earth empower our communities?
Holistic healing through natural remedies allows communities to reclaim their health and independence. It brings knowledge back into the hands of the people, showing them that many of the solutions to their health concerns can be found in their gardens, kitchens, and backyards. For communities like mine, where access to quality healthcare can be limited, natural remedies provide an affordable and effective way to maintain good health. This knowledge, when shared, can build stronger, healthier communities where people are less reliant on pharmaceuticals and more connected to their environment.
What was it like selecting the herbs to highlight in the Gifting & Receiving (foraging) chapter of the book? Were these herbs selected for a reason?
Selecting the herbs for the Gifting & Receiving chapter was deeply personal and intentional. Each herb was chosen based on its accessibility, medicinal properties, and cultural significance. Many of these plants are ones I’ve worked with personally and have taught others to use in their daily lives. I wanted to include herbs that can be found locally, making it easy for readers to forage for them and incorporate them into their healing practices. The emphasis was on plants that are abundant, adaptable, and offer a wide range of benefits—herbs that truly exemplify the spirit of gifting from the earth and receiving its healing powers.
What is your go-to herb and why? How do you use it?
My go-to herb is stinging nettle. Nettle is a powerhouse herb that supports nearly every system in the body. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent nourishing tonic, and it’s great for building strength and vitality. I use it in teas, tinctures, and even as a powder to add to smoothies. It’s also fantastic for supporting the immune system, managing inflammation, and increasing energy levels. For me, it’s a foundational herb that I recommend to almost everyone I work with because of its versatility and effectiveness.
Why do you believe a book like this is needed & important for environmental justice work?
A book like Nature’s Cookbook is crucial for environmental justice because it highlights the deep connection between our health and the health of the earth. In many marginalized communities, there’s a lack of access to both nutritious food and the knowledge of how to grow, prepare, and use it as medicine. This book empowers readers with the tools to reconnect with the land, understand the medicinal properties of plants, and take control of their health. By focusing on foraging and sustainable practices, it also addresses the importance of environmental stewardship and the role we all play in protecting the planet while ensuring our own well-being.
How do you define your connection to nature?
My connection to nature is intrinsic—it’s how I heal, how I nourish my family, and how I serve my community. Nature provides everything we need to thrive, from food to medicine to spiritual grounding. I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to nurture that relationship by growing food, harvesting herbs, and sharing that knowledge with others. It’s not just about using nature for our benefit but also about honoring the land and ensuring we’re giving back through sustainable and respectful practices.
What is your favorite page or chapter in the book?
The Gifting & Receiving chapter is my favorite. It encapsulates the philosophy of reciprocity—what we give to the earth, it returns to us tenfold. It’s also deeply connected to the concept of foraging, which I believe is a lost art. Through this chapter, I hope to inspire readers to reconnect with nature, not just by consuming its bounty but by giving back, whether through sustainable foraging, planting, or simply spreading awareness of the healing power of plants.
Can you share a memorable moment from your time working on this book?
One of the most memorable moments was when my family and I were out foraging for the herbs featured in the book. It was a beautiful experience, not just because of the connection with nature, but because we were together as a family, sharing stories and learning from each other. As we gathered plants, we talked about how these herbs had healed us and our community over the years. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of passing on this knowledge to future generations, and it reinforced my belief in the healing power of nature and the strength of family bonds in that process.
What resource would you recommend to those interested in learning more about herbs, and their healing properties (aside from Nature’s Cookbook of course)?
Aside from Nature’s Cookbook, I highly recommend Natural Me Apothecary. At Natural Me, we provide a wide range of resources, from herbal remedies to educational workshops and personalized consultations. Our apothecary offers over 320 herbs, natural products, tinctures, and teas that are crafted with the intention of promoting holistic health. We believe in educating the community about the medicinal properties of plants and their practical uses in daily life. Through our plant identification classes, tincture-making workshops, and personalized herbal consultations, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge to take control of their health naturally. Whether you’re looking for support with specific health concerns or simply want to deepen your understanding of herbalism, Natural Me Apothecary is a hub for both education and natural medicine. Our sliding-scale services make this wisdom accessible to everyone, fostering a healthier, more empowered community.
