Clary Sage Herbarium

For those of us in Oregon who appreciate natural wellness, intentional living, and supporting local, community-focused businesses, finding a truly authentic "home goods" store can be a delightful discovery. Far from mass-produced items, we often seek places that offer products crafted with care and a deeper purpose. In Portland, a standout gem that embodies this philosophy is Clary Sage Herbarium, a place where the concept of home goods extends to nourishing your well-being and enriching your personal space with intention.

Clary Sage Herbarium is more than just a store; it's a vibrant apothecary and community hub that has been serving Portland, Oregon, since 2011. Under the stewardship of Karma (Kara) Maymi, an herbalist deeply rooted in Portland, the herbarium provides a large, thoughtfully curated selection of organic and ethically wild-harvested herbs, tinctures, essential oils, and other wellness goods. What truly sets Clary Sage Herbarium apart, and makes it a beloved local institution, is its genuine commitment to being a queer and trans-affirming space, fostering a welcoming environment without performative gestures. Customers consistently praise the staff for being genuinely helpful, incredibly knowledgeable about their products and how they work with different skin types and individual needs, and never pushy. It's a place where every item feels intentional, not gimmicky, inviting you to explore tools and remedies that support both physical and emotional healing. Whether you're a seasoned herbal enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of plant medicine and holistic well-being, Clary Sage Herbarium aims to provide a friendly, supportive, and enriching experience for everyone in the Oregon community.

Clary Sage Herbarium is perfectly situated at 2901 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, USA. This prime location places it firmly within Portland's renowned Alberta Arts District, a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood celebrated for its unique boutiques, art galleries, diverse eateries, and strong community spirit.

The accessibility of this location is a significant benefit for locals. NE Alberta Street is a central artery in Northeast Portland, easily reachable from various parts of the city. For those relying on public transportation, multiple bus lines serve the Alberta Arts District, with stops conveniently located within easy walking distance of the store. If you're driving, street parking is generally available along Alberta Street and its side streets, although it can be busier during popular events like "Last Thursday" or on weekends. The walkable nature of the Alberta Arts District itself means that visiting Clary Sage Herbarium can be part of a larger, enjoyable outing, allowing you to explore other unique shops and experience the neighborhood's distinctive atmosphere. This central and community-oriented location makes Clary Sage Herbarium a highly accessible and integral part of the local Portland landscape.

Clary Sage Herbarium offers a diverse range of products and personalized services centered around herbalism, wellness, and intentional living:

• Extensive Selection of Herbs & Spices: A wide variety of organic and ethically wild-harvested bulk herbs for medicinal, culinary, and ritualistic uses. This includes popular herbs like Nettle Leaf, Chamomile Flower, Peppermint Leaf, Tulsi, Lavender Flower, Elderberry, Hibiscus, Red Rose Petals, Red Raspberry Leaf, Lemon Balm, and Oatstraw.

• Tinctures & Herbal Remedies: A curated collection of herbal tinctures (liquid extracts) designed to support various health needs, including brands like Ms. Tea and beLoved, as well as products for immune and lung care.

• Essential Oils & Aromatherapy: A selection of high-quality essential oils for diffusing, topical application, and creating custom blends. They also carry diffusers.

• Custom Tea Blending: As highlighted by customer reviews, the staff offers personalized guidance to create custom tea blends tailored to individual stories and healing needs, providing a truly unique and supportive experience.

• "Witchy Wellness Goods" & Ritual Supplies: A thoughtful assortment of items for spiritual and ritualistic practices, including incense (like Sagrada Madre), chime candles, beeswax candles (e.g., Red Heart, Red Rose Beeswax Pillars), and other supplies.

• Natural Body Care Products: A selection of locally made body care products, balms (like Gatherwise lip balms), soaps, and other personal wellness items that prioritize natural ingredients.

• Books, Tarot & Oracle Cards: Resources for learning and personal growth, including various tarot and oracle decks (e.g., The Little Witch's Oracle Deck, Black Tarot) and books on herbalism, spirituality, and wellness.

• Crystals & Stones: A collection of crystals like Rose Quartz, Selenite Wands, Amethyst Raw, and Black Tourmaline, used for energy work, meditation, and home decor.

• Educational Workshops & Events: Clary Sage Herbarium actively hosts and participates in workshops and community events focusing on topics like plant medicine, seasonal wellness, and grief rituals (e.g., "The Medicine of Summer: Plant Allies," "Well of Grief, Well of Care"). These events often include tea sipping, shared reflections, and expert guidance.

• Personalized Guidance & Story Sharing: The staff are known for their deep knowledge and willingness to listen to customers' stories, offering thoughtful and empathetic advice that helps individuals connect with the right products for their journey.

Clary Sage Herbarium stands out in the Portland community due to several distinctive features and highlights:

• Queer and Trans-Affirming Space: A core highlight is its genuine commitment to being a welcoming and affirming environment for queer and trans individuals, which is highly valued by its customer base. This inclusivity is felt as authentic and not performative.

• Deep Staff Knowledge & Personalized Approach: Customers consistently praise the staff for their genuine helpfulness, extensive knowledge of products, and ability to guide individuals to suitable remedies for various skin types and wellness goals. They are known for not hovering or pushing sales, but rather offering gentle, insightful assistance.

• Curated Selection of Intentional Goods: Every item feels carefully chosen and purpose-driven, avoiding mass-produced or gimmicky products. This focus on "well-made, thoughtful items" creates a sense of trust and quality.

• Emphasis on Ethically Sourced & Organic Herbs: Their dedication to organic and ethically wild-harvested herbs underscores a commitment to sustainability and the potency of natural medicine, appealing to conscious consumers.

• Community-Focused & Healing Environment: Reviews describe the shop as having a "lovely healing experience" and a "friendly shop." The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and peaceful, fostering a sense of connection and well-being, sometimes featuring a "healing experience" from the employees themselves.

• Support for Local & Independent Makers: By curating products from "favorite local makers and practitioners," Clary Sage Herbarium actively supports the local economy and showcases unique Portland talents.

• Educational Workshops & Community Building: The regular schedule of workshops on plant medicine and holistic topics provides valuable learning opportunities and fosters a strong, supportive community around shared interests in wellness and ritual.

• Unique Offerings Beyond Typical "Home Goods": While categorized as a home goods store, its specialization in herbs, tinctures, and ritual items places it in a niche that caters to a specific, appreciative audience seeking tools for personal growth and spiritual well-being for their homes and bodies.

While specific, ongoing "promotions" in the traditional retail sense may vary, Clary Sage Herbarium offers value and benefits to locals in Oregon through several avenues:

• Educational Workshops (often with affordable or flexible pricing): Many of their workshops and community events, such as "The Medicine of Summer: Plant Allies," are structured with free registration or suggested offerings ($25–$45) and a "No One Turned Away For Lack Of Funds (NOTAFLOF)" policy. This commitment to accessibility makes valuable learning experiences widely available.

• "Last Thursday Alberta Street" Participation: Clary Sage Herbarium actively participates in the beloved "Last Thursday" event on Alberta Street. During these evenings, they stay open late and may host local makers and practitioners, creating a festive atmosphere and unique opportunities for discovery.

• Custom Blends & Personalized Advice: The personalized attention, including custom tea blending and in-depth consultations with knowledgeable staff, offers immense value that goes beyond a simple product purchase. This expert guidance is a form of ongoing benefit for customers.

• Focus on Quality & Intentionality: The inherent value of their ethically sourced, well-made, and intentional products is a continuous draw, as customers appreciate investing in items that truly support their well-being and are not mass-produced.

• Community Connection: Being a welcoming and queer/trans-affirming space, Clary Sage Herbarium offers an invaluable sense of belonging and support, which is a significant draw for many in the community.

• New Product Discoveries: Their continuously updated selection of unique herbs, tinctures, and witchy wellness goods means there's always something new and exciting to discover, keeping the shopping experience fresh and engaging.

To connect with the knowledgeable team at Clary Sage Herbarium or plan your visit, here’s their contact information:

Address: 2901 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, USA

Phone: (503) 236-6737

For the residents of Oregon, particularly those in Portland, Clary Sage Herbarium on NE Alberta Street is an exceptionally suitable and enriching local destination. Its prime location within the vibrant Alberta Arts District ensures easy accessibility for a wide range of individuals, making it a natural stop during an exploration of this unique neighborhood.

What truly sets Clary Sage Herbarium apart and makes it ideal for locals is its profound commitment to holistic well-being, community, and authentic, intentional products. It transcends the typical "home goods store" by offering a carefully curated selection of organic herbs, tinctures, ritual tools, and natural body care items that cater to a mindful lifestyle. The consistently praised, genuinely helpful, and knowledgeable staff create a welcoming and affirming environment, particularly for the queer and trans community, fostering a sense of belonging and trust. Whether you're seeking a specific herbal remedy, a custom tea blend, tools for personal ritual, or simply a peaceful space to explore thoughtful goods, Clary Sage Herbarium provides an experience that is deeply enriching. It's a place where you can find products that truly feel good, both in their creation and their purpose, solidifying its role as a beloved and indispensable part of Portland's unique local landscape.