The Power of Plants with Herb Remedy
Images by Amelia Rushforth
For our Ideas portion of the IN BED Journal we are honoured to step into the world of Naturopath and founder of Herb Remedy, Amanda Callan. The Northern Rivers, a place celebrated for its holistic approach to health, is home to her latest venture - a clinic and modern day apothecary stocked with soothing balms, herbal remedies and Amanda’s hand made botanical soaps. Here, her mission is to help people weave the healing power of plants into their everyday practices, a subject she expands on below - along with some sage advice on how we can all protect our immunity this winter.
Amanda's botanical soaps sit atop our 100% Organic Cotton hand towels in Cocoa & Ivory Stripe.
Can you tell us a little about your background, and how it led you to open Herb Remedy?
I am a Naturopath with a love for herbal manufacturing. I’m also a mother of four boys and started making bar soap when I was expecting my first child who is turning 12 this year.
Herb Remedy is a new adventure which aims to create products and experiences that reconnect people to the healing benefits of botanicals. The vision for Herb Remedy is simply an invitation to rediscover plants, demystifying their use so you can enjoy their benefits in simple ways every day.
Herb Remedy is a new adventure which aims to create products and experiences that reconnect people to the healing benefits of botanicals.
What is the process for making the beautiful botanical soaps that we carry at IN BED?
Our botanical soap bars are created with the traditional cold processed method, which means each bar is cured for 4-6 weeks before it is ready for use. This method results in a mild and gentle soap bar that retains all of the medicinal qualities from the plants.
Australian extra virgin oil and cold pressed coconut oil make up the base of our soaps, which is then combined with herbal infused plant oils, organic botanicals, mineral-rich clays, charcoal and essential oils chosen for their therapeutic benefits.
Our ingredient lists will always be short in length and simple to understand, and will never include palm oil, synthetic fragrances, artificial colours or preservatives.
Our botanical soap bars are created with the traditional cold processed method, which means each bar is cured for 4-6 weeks before it is ready for use.
Your practice is based in Byron Bay, what do you love about the lifestyle there, and how does it influence your work?
Our factory and clinic is located in the Arts and Industrial estate of Byron Bay, specifically Banksia Drive - which is a vibe all on it’s own. We are surrounded by lots of small businesses, smiling faces and fresh sourdough. Working here influences this new venture in feelings of support, encouragement and community.
Can you offer some guidance to our readers on how they can protect their immunity and help reduce the length & severity of illness this winter?
In our clinic these last few weeks we have seen lots of respiratory congestion, lingering coughs, body aches, pains and fevers in both adults and children. An individualised herbal tincture is one of the most powerful ways to help reduce the length and severity of illness, but there is a lot you can do in the early stages to support your body to move through illness with more ease.
Support yourself with nutrition - think whole foods, easy to digest meals with garlic, onion, ginger, chilli - slow cooked broths, soups and stews.
Depending on your symptoms and areas needing support; herbal infusions - yarrow, elderflower, liquorice, calendula, echinacea, moringa leaf and thyme are some great options.
Gargling with salt and an infusion of sage can be magic for a sore throat, having a hot bath with magnesium and then applying a decongestant balm with eucalyptus, thyme and rosemary. Staying warm, tucking yourself into bed early with a cup of herbal tea, sun exposure, fresh air, turning off your phone.
Naturopathy shines with individualised care and attention as each person is different, we offer in person and online acute consultations with our qualified naturopaths via our website.
