SHS grad finds a calling as herbalist

Jaimee Simundson, Sisters High School graduate, class of 2015, is applying her passion for nature and plants to her career and business. Simundson is a certified clinical herbalist with her own self-named business, Jaimee Simundson: Herbalist.

Simundson recently started up her own business speaking to clients virtually.

“I treat the consultation as a sort of interview and get to know the patient and their health history,” said Simundson.

She then creates a customized formula particular to that patient and their needs.

Simundson makes custom blends of herbs in the form of teas, tinctures, syrups and oil herb blends for whatever their going through.

“I check-in monthly with my clients and see how they’re doing on what I’ve made for them,” she said.

Simundson works with other practitioners in the medical field to see how certain herbs might interact with other medications, and makes sure that what she gives her client is going to work for them.

Simundson has always had a passion for plants and nature and the Earth.

“I love to feel empowered by working with plants. I feel like right now especially, holistic herbal medicine is more accessible than people realize because it comes from plants and the earth,” she said.

Simundson not only makes custom blends for her clients, she has begun to create products to sell to the general public that pretty much anyone can use. She recently came out with two blends during this time of isolation called “Stay Home” and “Stay Calm” which are blends of herbs and oils in order to remain calm and centered during this time.

“I really enjoy it and its fun for me because it feels like making potions,” she said.

Simundson got her start in herbalism after doing an internship with Herb Pharm, an herbal extract company in Williams, Oregon. Here, she learned the power of herbs and learned what herbalism is and how it can be a profession.

“It was a really empowering time of learning about healing in a holistic way from plants and earth,” she said. “I have always loved using support from plants as an alternative to prescription drugs. You can grow it for yourself and make medicine for yourself and I loved connecting to the land in that way.”

Simundson never thought she would be an herbalist and do it as a career. She worked with Angelina Skincare in Bend working with some herbs and natural things to create skincare, but she wanted to further that type of work. After the internship with Herb Pharm, she attended “herb school” at the Hawthorn Institute in Williams to become a certified clinical herbalist.

At herb school, she started seeing clients and realized that people really want this kind of medicine and practitioners right now.

“I took a bit of a leap of faith and I knew I had a purpose and the knowledge and people want it,” she said.

There are many types of herbalists and her role as a clinical herbalist uses a lot of science; she can prescribe herbs for certain medical ailments, both mental and physical.

Her passion comes from growing up in Central Oregon where there is a deep sense of place and appreciation for the land.

“Herbalism is not a super-regulated profession, but it is like folk medicine — the medicine of the people and the Earth,” she said.

“I really see it as a honor to be an herbalist and help people in this way,” she said.

Working with plants and herbs allow her to connect back to the land and to her community.

Simundson attended Sisters High School and was involved in the Americana Project, art classes and the jewelry programs. A big part of her schooling was involved in the creative world and she sees it as something that shaped who she is.

“We were really supported to pursue careers in creativity and herbalism is creative in a way,” she said.

She was heavily involved in the Sisters community through her involvement with the Sisters Folk Festival and Americana Project and she sees how important it is to be involved in a web of a community and appreciate that sense of place.

“Making yourself available to your community is essential and being involved is how I found my passions and appreciation for a sense of place,” she said.

Simundson is currently living in Santa Barbara and has her own apothecary and is working on growing her own herb garden. She is currently taking on new clients via her website with virtual meetings. Right now, she is doing a pay-what-you-can program in order to support people as a listening ear for health during this time.

During this time of self-isolation, Simundson had some tips to look after yourself. She suggests:

“Number 1, be gentle with yourself; do what you need for you. Find joy and laughter in small things. Ask for help if you need it. Prioritize sleep, take naps. Prioritize eating healthy foods and herbs (including edible mushrooms, savory herbs are great antivirals). Eat and drink warm and soothing foods; things like chai, cinnamon, soups and foods to keep you warm. Wear socks and warm clothes; don’t get cold. Take baths with herbs. Nourish your nervous system with relaxing activities and healthy foods.”

She plans to develop more blends to sell to the general public and expand her business.

“I want people to know that I am available as a resource right now and a listening ear to anyone and everyone,” she said.

For more information reach out to her on Instagram at jaimeesong or email [email protected] or visit jaimeesimundson.com.