General Info

Avena Botanicals was founded in 1985 by herbalist and gardener Deb Soule. As a young woman growing up in rural Maine, Deb was inspired to begin organically growing vegetables after reading Frances Moore Lappe's book Diet for a Small Planet. Gardening came naturally to Deb and a year later, after reading Juliette de Bairacli Levy's book, Common Herbs for Natural Health, Deb began incorporating medicinal herbs into her gardens.As Deb's knowledge and faith in the efficacy of medicinal herbs grew, so did her desire to be of service to her community. In a small 8 by 10 foot room in her house, Deb began preparing various herbal remedies. In the fall of 1985, with her first mail order catalog and a small selection of herbal extracts and teas, Deb had her first booth at the Common Ground Fair in Windsor, Maine.Since 1985, Avena Botanicals has continued to expand and serve a broad population of people and health care providers interested in medicinal herbs. In 1995, Avena moved to its current 32 acre farm where Deb was finally able to design and plant a large organic and biodynamic herb garden. This beautiful two-acre garden provides an abundance of organic herbs for the apothecary, a classroom for Deb's students, nectar-producing flowers for pollinators and a peaceful place for visitors to renew their spirit and find healing in nature.