A herb for everything at The Herb Room

These days a lot of people are looking for a more natural road to wellness, a path that eschews medicines which sometimes have harsh side effects.

If you have insomnia, high blood pressure, anxiety, or some other malady, a stop at The Herb Room in Wimberley might be just what the doctored ordered.

The walls are lined with jars of medicinal herbs and spices, calming teas and soothing essential oils. And, if you need organic pepper or turmeric for cooking, The Herb Room carries that as well.

“The lifestyle I promote is that food is medicine,” says owner Robyn Clark.

Robyn opened The Herb Room, at 13710 Ranch Road 12, in 2014. Over the years she has taken over the motorcycle shop that was next door, expanded her inventory of herbs and teas and added a gift shop that features many locally made products.

There’s a rustic bar where patrons can belly up for a glass of iced tea in hot weather and hot tea in cold weather. She serves oxymels — concentrated herb syrup — in one-ounce communion glasses.

Robyn is a botanist with a degree from California State University, Sonoma and has studied at California School of Herbal Studies. She’s worked as a chemist and consultant for the pharmaceutical industry prior to opening The Herb Room.

She enthusiastically shares her knowledge.

Robyn offers a consulting service to help develop “wellness treatment plans” for individuals.

What is an oxymel?
An oxymel is a herbal medicine preparation used to make bittertasting herbs easier to take. The herbs are preserved in both the vinegar and the honey. The word “oxymel” comes from the Latin, oxy = acid, Mel = honey, so acid and honey. An oxymel is usually made up of 1/3 honey, 1/3 herbs, and 1/3 vinegar. Source: Joybileefarm.com

Feeling congested?

If you come in and tell Robyn you feel like you are coming down with a cold or the flu, she’ll likely brew a lemon-ginger herbal tea that boosts the immune system along with aiding circulation.

“We have guys who come by when they are working and say they feel stuffy and congested and take a shot,” she says. There are oxymels that target the immune system, inflammation, sinuses, and digestion.

The Herb Room carries more than 40 types of tea and, by combining them, there are literally hundreds of options. There are more than 200 herbs. Most everything is a fair-trade item and organic. All the cups, lids and straws are compostable.

For sweeteners, there is local honey, agave and stevia and there’s also a wide range of milk options — almond, rice, hemp and more.

If a customer comes in complaining of headaches they are likely to get a hibiscus-mint tea. If someone is having trouble sleeping she’d suggest the organic German chamomile tea with a hint of peppermint and raspberry.

Her wellness regimen stresses nutrition, diet and lifestyle. Robyn works with a number of patients who have cancer and uses the herbs to minimize side effects from treatments.

It’s important to understand how the various herbs react in the body. “Depending on if you have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, for example, there are some herbs you just don’t want,” Robyn explains.

There’s a lot to learn. Says Nairn Cross, a student at Texas State, who works at The Herb Room, “Every time I come in (to the store) I learn something new. I have learned so much and just want to stay and learn more.”

Local products

When possible, Robyn buys her products locally. “For me it’s important to support sustainability in our community,” she says.

The gift shop reflects that philosophy with locally made jewelry and artwork.

Tea is the big seller, but Robyn’s hand-crafted soap is popular as well. She has been making soap with natural ingredients for decades. She learned the art of soap making from her aunt and now has a small “lab” at the store where she creates a variety of olive oil- and herb-based soaps. The soap sells as fast as she can make it.

She has added a line of CBD products and will work with customers to zero in on the proper dosage.

Plans for the future include a tea bar that looks out on RR 12 and possibly an English-style tea service with healthy finger foods.

Robyn lives in Wimberley with her husband Blue. They have one son.

The Herb Room is open Wednesday through Sunday. As you might expect, the weekdays serve the local clientele and tourists take over on weekends. Robyn estimates about 40 percent of her business is local.

Despite having dozens of teas and hundreds of herbs, Robyn likes to remind folks, “We’re not the Wal-Mart of herbs. We’re not a big-box store. I’m a small business owner who stresses personalized service.”

Elderberry

Syrup

An all-season remedy with antioxidants, calcium and vitamin C. It’s great over pancakes, ice cream or yogurt. Take up to a tablespoon every hour when you feel a cold or flu coming on.

1/2 cup dried elderberries

3 cups water 1 cup raw honey 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves and a pinch of dried ginger root. Bring everything, except honey, to a boil in a saucepan. Simmer about 30 minutes, until it reduces by half. Smash the berries to release the remaining juice. Strain. Allow to cool and stir in honey. It will last 2-3 months if stored in the fridge.