Rooted in plants, steeped in wisdom, touched with magic

Pull up a chair, pour yourself something warm, and stay a while.

Herbalism Was Never Meant to Be a Commodity
Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach

Herbalism Was Never Meant to Be a Commodity

Herbalism has always been the people’s medicine. At Wild Thistle Herbs & Alchemy in Waco, Texas, we honor a relational approach to herbalism rooted in education, trust, and community. Our apothecary offers thoughtfully crafted herbal teas and blends, with guidance from a local herbalist who welcomes questions and supports you in choosing what feels right for your body and season of life.

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When the Season Feels Heavy: A Winter Reflection on Mood, the Body, and Gentle Herbal Support
Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach

When the Season Feels Heavy: A Winter Reflection on Mood, the Body, and Gentle Herbal Support

The holiday season can be beautiful, but it can also stir up a tender heaviness that many of us don’t talk about. As the pace quickens and the days grow shorter, our nervous systems, digestion, and emotional hearts all work a little harder than usual — and sometimes that shows up as feeling low, scattered, or simply not like ourselves.

In my work as an herbalist, I’ve seen how much mood is shaped by the whole body. It’s not “just emotional” — the nervous system, the heart, the gut, and the liver all participate in how we meet the world. And when these systems feel taxed, gentle support can make this season feel more manageable.

In this post, I’m sharing herbs traditionally used to support emotional grounding, comfort the heart, and encourage healthy digestive rhythms, along with the foundational nourishment our bodies often crave in winter. These aren’t cures or fixes, but steady companions that help us meet the season with softness and care.

If you’re navigating tenderness right now, you’re not alone. And if you have questions about herbs or want help creating or stocking your own home apothecary, I’m here to walk alongside you.

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Craft Your Own Herbal Incense: A Hands-On Workshop in Waco, TX
Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach

Craft Your Own Herbal Incense: A Hands-On Workshop in Waco, TX

If you’ve ever been curious about crafting your own incense or want to deepen your connection to herbs in a new way, this workshop is for you. In this cozy, hands-on class in Waco, Texas, we’ll explore the tradition of herbal incense—from the scent and symbolism of each plant to the simple joy of creating something by hand. Whether you're seeking a new ritual, a unique gift idea, or just want your space to smell amazing (without synthetic fragrance), you’ll leave inspired and equipped to keep crafting at home.

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 Herbal Salves Made Simple - Workshop
Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach

Herbal Salves Made Simple - Workshop

Join us in Waco on June 28 for Herbal Salves Made Simple—a hands-on workshop at Wild Thistle Herbs & Alchemy. Learn to craft your own plant-powered salves with Calendula, Yarrow, and Plantain, led by Herbalist Michelle Spalding. All supplies included. Space is limited, so grab your spot today!

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Everyday Herbalism Workshop
Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach

Everyday Herbalism Workshop

Learn gentle ways to use herbs like chamomile and mint in daily life. Join this beginner-friendly Waco workshop for tea tasting, plant wisdom, and connection.

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Navigating Peri-Menopause and Menopause
Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach

Navigating Peri-Menopause and Menopause

Explore gentle, nature-based ways to support yourself through peri-menopause and menopause, including herbs like oat straw and calming evening teas traditionally used for relaxation and nervous system support.

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Building Resilience with Herbal Allies: Support for Your Nervous System
Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach

Building Resilience with Herbal Allies: Support for Your Nervous System

"Discover how herbal allies like ashwagandha, holy basil, and oatstraw have traditionally been used to support the nervous system and everyday well-being. At Wild Thistle Herbs and Alchemy, I offer personalized herbal support for women navigating stress, fatigue, and burnout.

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5 Herbs to Support You Through Stressful Times
Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach

5 Herbs to Support You Through Stressful Times

Feeling overwhelmed? These five herbs have a long tradition of use for nervous system support and everyday well-being. Read more to find your plant ally.

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YOU ARE THE MEDICINE
Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach

YOU ARE THE MEDICINE

You Are The Medicine

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Overwhelm and Your Nervous System: What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You
Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach

Overwhelm and Your Nervous System: What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You

Feeling overwhelmed? Learn how modern life impacts your nervous system and explore grounding practices and herbs like chamomile, lemon balm, California poppy, and tulsi, traditionally used for everyday nervous system support.

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Rest to Thrive – The Vitalist’s Guide to Sleep😴
Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach

Rest to Thrive – The Vitalist’s Guide to Sleep😴

Ah, sleep - that beautiful yet elusive friend that we know we need but often neglect. In a world that celebrates hustle and grind, sleep is sometimes treated like a luxury rather than the essential, life-giving, and downright magical process that it is. Let’s dive into why sleep is a vital part of the body’s natural rhythm and why no pill or power nap can fully replace it.


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Why Working With a Herbalist Makes Sense
Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach

Why Working With a Herbalist Makes Sense


Your health journey is personal and sacred. It’s not about what worked for an influencer or what’s trending online; it’s about what works for you. Partnering with an Herbalist provides support in your wellness journey that is as unique as you are. You become empowered, not influenced.


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Healthy at Any Size: Reclaiming Our Right to Be Seen and Heard
Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach

Healthy at Any Size: Reclaiming Our Right to Be Seen and Heard

I know what it feels like to have a healthcare professional glance at your chart and reduce you to a single word: “fat.” To dismiss your concerns without even glancing at your labs, as if your size is the sole determinant of your health. We all deserve better. 


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The Vital Importance of Sleep in a World of Overwork and Burnout
Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach

The Vital Importance of Sleep in a World of Overwork and Burnout

In today's hustle culture, sleep is often seen as a luxury, something we squeeze in after we’ve finished all the “important” work of the day. The grind of modern life and the pressure to do more, achieve more, and hustle harder have made sleep seem almost optional. But this mindset is a thinking error—a dangerous one that disconnects us from our natural rhythms and our ability to heal.

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Feeling the Pressure of Modern Capitalism?
Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach Michelle Spalding, Herbalist and Holistic Coach

Feeling the Pressure of Modern Capitalism?

In today's fast-paced, modern capitalistic society, we're conditioned to believe that our worth is tied to our productivity. As an entrepreneur, I understand this pressure all too well. The drive to succeed, to push forward without a break, took a toll on my health—and I’ve seen it do the same to many of my clients. We’re taught to hustle, grind, and push through—often at the expense of our well-being.

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