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Contact Us

Phone Number

970-682-4373

Address:

223 N. College Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80524

Store Hours

Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-5pm

    FAQ's

    Golden poppy, also known as the California poppy, is a bright and joyful bloom with a reputation for soothing the nervous system. It’s a distant relative of the opium poppy with less potent pain-relieving properties, but still captures the imagination

    For the founder of Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary and Clinic, Sarah Josey, the plant also represents a time of inner evolution and the warm, welcoming spirit she wanted the shop and clinic to carry.

    Do you offer wholesale?

    Yes! We offer wholesale pricing to businesses interested in carrying our products in their store or office for resale. Read our wholesale guidelines and policies here.

    Do you do private label?

    We love helping other small businesses get started with products made from our high-quality ingredients paired with their own branding. We can also make lip balms, teas, and other items for small businesses to use to help customers remember them. Get details and apply for private label orders here.

    I want to teach a class at Golden Poppy. How can I get involved?

    Thank you for your interest in teaching a class at the shop! We have options for both co-hosted classes as well as classroom space rental for non-co-hosted workshops. Please send us an email to inquire further: classes@goldenpoppyherbs.com

    Are your products certified organic?

    We pride ourselves in using only organic or wild-crafted ingredients whenever possible. That being said, we are not a certified organic facility. You can see on all of our labels which ingredients are organic, wild-crafted, or conventionally produced. We believe in full transparency when it comes to our ingredients.

    What is your class cancellation policy?

    If you need to cancel your paid registration for a class or an appointment with a practitioner more than 36 hours before the appointment time starts, we will give you a store credit for the amount you paid which can be used on either store goods or towards another class.

    If you need to cancel your paid registration less than 36 hours before the appointment or class starts, then no store credit or refunds can be offered.

    Sign up for classes here

    What is your return policy?

    Unopened merchandise in its original, intact packaging may be returned within 30 days of purchase for a full refund less original shipping fees. You are responsible for the shipping and packaging fees to return your order. Please email us via our contact us form to let us know about your return so we can assist you.

    Bulk herbs and personalized tea or tincture blends cannot be exchanged or returned.

    What is an Apothecary?

    apothecary (n.)

    Derives from mid-14c., meaning “shopkeeper,” especially “pharmacist; one who stores, compounds, and sells medicaments,” from Old French apotecaire (13c., Modern French apothicaire), from Late Latin apothecarius “storekeeper,” from Latin apotheca “storehouse,” from Greek apotheke “barn, storehouse,” literally “a place where things are put away,” from apo “away” (see apo-) + theke “receptacle,” from suffixed form of PIE root *dhe- “to set, put.” (from the online etymology dictionary)

    What is herbal medicine?

    Herbal medicine is the art and science of using herbs for promoting health and preventing and treating illness. It has persisted as the world’s primary form of medicine since the beginning of time, with a written history more than 5000 years old. While the use of herbs in America has been overshadowed by dependence on modern medications the last 100 years, 75% of the world’s population still rely primarily upon traditional healing practices, most of which is herbal medicine.

    How are herbs different from pharmaceuticals?

    Most pharmaceutical drugs are single chemical entities that are highly refined and purified and are often synthesized. In 1987 about 85% of modern drugs were originally derived from plants. Currently, only about 15% of drugs are derived from plants. In contrast, herbal medicines are prepared from living or dried plants and contain hundreds to thousands of interrelated compounds. Science is beginning to demonstrate that the safety and effectiveness of herbs is often related to the synergy of its many constituents.

    How is herbal medicine different from conventional medicine?

    The primary focus of the herbalist is to treat people as individuals irrespective of the disease or condition they have and to stimulate their innate healing power through the use of such interventions as herbs, diet, and lifestyle. The primary focus of conventional physicians is to attack diseases using strong chemicals that are difficult for the body to process, or through the removal of organs. Not only does this ignore the unique makeup of the individual, but many patients under conventional care suffer from side effects that are as bad as the condition being treated. The philosophical difference between herbalists and conventional physicians has profound significance.

    What is an herbalist?

    Herbalists are people who dedicate their lives to working with medicinal plants. They include indigenous healers, scientists, naturopaths, holistic medical doctors, researchers, writers, herbal pharmacists, medicine makers, wildcrafters, harvesters, and herbal farmers to name a few. While herbalists are quite varied, the common love and respect for life, especially the relationship between plants and humans, unites them. Persons specializing in the therapeutic use of plants may be clinical herbalists, traditional herbalists, acupuncturists, midwives, naturopathic physicians, or even one’s own grandmother.

    What Is An Herbal Consultation like?

    A full consultation with an herbalist is for people seeking to do deeper work on their health and truly work to achieve long-last changes in their life. You must be willing and interested in making changes to your diet and lifestyle, and not just be looking for herbs to be a ‘fix’ to your problems, but to act as allies in the bigger picture.

    Visit our Herbal Consultations page to learn more

    What is your scope of practice?

    We are not licensed health practitioners. Which means that if at any point in time during any encounter with one of our staff members they feel that what you have going on is beyond our ability to help you, or if they see any red flag warnings of deeper or more serious health issues, we may refer you to seek help with alternate providers, including the possibility of us suggesting you go to an urgent care center.

    We do this only out of concern for your health and safety.

    Additionally, we cannot formulate for people who are not present in the store.

    Our goal is to be your guide through the world of natural health, to help you navigate the realm of herbs and alternative healing modalities, and offer you a way to find your own path to health.

    How will I know if an herb will work for me?

    Herbal medicine is an art, not just a science. No one can predict which herb will work best for every individual in all situations. This can only come with educated self-experimentation and experience or by seeking the assistance of those who are knowledgeable in clinical herbal medicine. The simpler the condition, the easier it is to find a solution. The more complicated the condition, the greater the need there is to seek expert advice.

    How long does it take for herbs to be effective?

    The success of herbal treatment always depends upon a variety of factors including how long the condition has existed, the severity of the condition, the dosage and mode of administration of the herb(s) and how diligently treatment plans are followed. It can be as short as 60 seconds when using a spoonful of herbal bitters for gas and bloating after a heavy meal; 20 minutes when soaking in a bath with rosemary tea for a headache; days when using tonics to build energy; or months to correct long-standing gynecological imbalances. Difficult chronic conditions can often take years to reverse.

    How safe are herbs?

    It depends on the herbs. Most herbs sold as dietary supplements are very safe. When used appropriately, the majority of herbs used by practitioners have no adverse side effects. A review of the traditional and scientific literature worldwide demonstrates that serious side effects from the use of herbal medicines are rare. According to Norman Farnsworth: “Based on published reports, side effects or toxic reactions associated with herbal medicines in any form are rare. In fact, of all classes of substances reported to cause toxicities of sufficient magnitude to be reported in the United States, plants are the least problematic.”

    Are there different approaches to using herbs?

    Various herbal traditions have developed worldwide. In the West there are a number of different traditions which include folkloric herbal practices, clinical herbal medicine, naturopathic medicine, practitioners of Ayurveda or Chinese medicine, and numerous Native American herbal traditions. Some practitioners use highly developed systems of diagnosis and treatment while others base their treatments on individual knowledge and experience. Every person must find the herbal practitioner that is most appropriate for them.

    Are there different types of herbalists?

    Traditional Western or Community Herbalists base their work on traditional folk medicine or indications of historical uses of herbs and modern scientific information blended together. Backgrounds may include folk, Native American, eclectic, wise woman, earth-centered, and many other traditions. They may be trained through traditional or non-traditional methods such as apprenticeships, schools or self-study.  Clinical Herbalists are present in the United States and in most of the nations in the European Union. Professional education is offered in the USA and throughout Europe in a variety of formats. Most programs cover the traditional uses of herbs, the basic medical sciences of biochemistry, nutrition, and anatomy as well as diagnosis and prescription. The most common titles given to clinical herbalists from the Western world include: RH (AHG), Registered Herbalist, American Herbalists Guild; MCPP Member, College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy; FNIMH Fellow, National Institute of Medical Herbalists; MNIMH Member, and National Herbalists Association of Australia.

    Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the second-largest medical herbal system in the world after Western medicine. TCM doctors go through extensive training in theory, practice, herbal therapy, and acupuncture. Quite a few states now license acupuncturists, and many consider them primary health care providers. Their titles may include L.Ac. Licensed Acupuncturist; OMD Doctor of Oriental Medicine; or Dip. C.H. (NCCA) Diplomat of Chinese Herbology from the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists.

    Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine, (Ayurveda), the traditional medical system of India and Southeast Asia, is the third largest herbal medicine system in the world today. Ayurvedic doctors treat more than 80 percent of the people on the Indian subcontinent and go through extensive training that can last as long as 12 years. Some use the title M.D. (Ayur.) when they come to English speaking countries, while those who have passed the accreditation process of the American Ayurvedic Association are given the title D.Av. Diplomate in Ayurvedic Health Sciences.

    Naturopathic Medicine integrates traditional natural therapeutics with modern scientific medical diagnoses and western medical standards of care. Most licensed naturopathic physicians, (N.D.) have received full medical training at one of four fully accredited medical universities in North America. There are currently 13 states that license the practice of naturopathic medicine.

    There are also countless other types of practices and herbalists across the globe who don’t go by any type of formal title.
    The most important thing when it comes to working with an herbalist is knowing what their training is and feeling comfortable working with them
    What are all of the different types of preparations you make?
    Tea
    • The dried and prepared leaves of a shrub, Camellia sinensis, from which a somewhat bitter, aromatic beverage is prepared by infusion in hot water.
    • The shrub itself, extensively cultivated in China, Japan, India, etc., and having fragrant white flowers.
    • The beverage so prepared served hot or iced
    • Any kind of leaves, flowers, etc., so used, or any plant yielding them
    • Any of various infusions prepared from the leaves, flowers, etc., of other plants, and used as beverages or medicine
    • We prefer herbal teas as a method for using the plants.
    • There are two types of teas:
      • Infusion – when you pour hot or cold water over the herbs and allow them to steep for a period of time. Best suited for softer plant parts such as leaves and flowers.
      • Decoction – when herbs are simmered in water on a stovetop for 30 minutes or more to make a strong extraction. Best suited for hardier plant parts such as berries, roots, and stems.
    Tisane
    • French. aromatic or herbal tea.
    • In many countries, the word ‘tea’ can only be used for leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and therefore the phrase ‘herbal tea’ cannot be used. These beverages are then called infusions or tisanes (though we still call them teas here in our store)
    Tincture
    • A solution of alcohol or of alcohol and water combined with fresh or dried herbs to extract the medicinal qualities.
    • Provides a convenient and concentrated remedy.
    • We make our tinctures using fresh or dried herbs and organic cane alcohol that is gluten-free.
    • Tinctures are a great way to use herbs when teas are not possible. We tend to use them when someone can’t (or won’t) make a tea, or if the particular herb or situation is better suited to the use of a remedy that is quick and easy to take.
    Elixir
    • A combination of an alcohol extract of the herbs and a water extract of the same herbs with some honey added to sweeten.
    • This method provides a good extraction of all the medicinal properties present in the plant and typically results in a pleasant and sweet tasting remedy.
    Syrup
    • A combination of a strong herbal tea (called a decoction) and honey to sweeten and preserve the remedy.
    • This is a favorite way to get kids to take herbs.
    Infused Vinegar
    • Similar to a tincture but using apple cider vinegar instead of alcohol, herbal vinegars are great for those who do not want to alcohol used in traditional tinctures.
    Herbal Honey
    • Herbal infused honeys are great for specific types of remedies such as cough calming herbs and as a vehicle for introducing herbal powders to the system.
    Oxymel
    • Oxymels are a combination of herbs, vinegar, and honey.
    • A traditional remedy, this formulation tends to be best suited for a cough and chest related conditions.
    Can you customize herbal formulas for me?

    As herbalists, we utilize various herbal preparations, everything from herbal teas (tisanes), tinctures, powdered herbs, to topical preparations such as salves, infused oils, poultices, essential oils, and more.

    In the store, we stock a large variety of bulk medicinal herbs, pre-made tea blendselixirs, and more to cover the majority of the most common issues we see on a regular basis. Additionally, we make all of our own herbal tinctures which can be purchased individually by the ounce or we can formulate a custom blend to suit your specific needs.

    If you have a simple health problem or any questions about the medicinal use of herbs, then feel free to stop by and talk to our knowledgeable staff. There may be a pre-made product already on our shelves that can help, or we can mix you up a custom blend on the spot.

    If you already know what herbs you would like blended together, then absolutely come on in and we can mix them up for you. For more complex health problems you may need to schedule a consultation with one of the herbalists so we can be sure you’re whole health picture is being taken in to account.

    AS A SMALL STORE THAT CREATES ALL OF OUR PRODUCTS BY HAND, WE DELIGHT IN MAKING CUSTOM CREATIONS FOR OUR PATRONS.

    In addition to the teas and tinctures, we also offer custom flower essence formulas, aromatherapy formulas, and can make custom body and skincare formulas ranging from herbal healing oils and salves to customized body creams (a note about custom body creams: we do hand make each batch just for you and as such, there is a minimum amount of 8oz that we can do for a custom cream).

    For more information about all the possibilities please visit the Custom Skincare page

    If you have any questions please feel free to call or stop by the store.

    What about custom aromatherapy and body care products?

    As a small store that creates all of our products by hand, we delight in making custom creations for our patrons

    From custom herbal tea and tinctures blends, and individualized flower and gem essence formulas, to personalized aromatherapy sprays and creations, we have a wide range of options to suit your particular needs and desires.

    Our custom teas, tinctures, and essences are often made in conjunction with a consultation, but you can also come in and create items yourself.

    The following are some of the possibilities we offer at the store:
    • Flower/Gem essence formulas
      • We carry all of the Bach and FES flower essences in bulk as well as the Alaskan Gem Essences, which allows us to create customized formulas just for you
      • You can also request a consultation specifically to work on flower and gem essences
      • Learn more about Flower & Gem essences here
    • Essential Oils: individual oils and pre-made blends
    • Bulk supplies for do-it-yourself gifts – we carry a variety of bulk body-care supplies and books on the subject for at-home projects such as lotions, body scrubs, bath salts, and more, including:
        • Bulk oils – coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, etc.
        • Bulk butters – cocoa butter, shea butter, mango butter
        • Bulk Salts – for bath salts and body scrubs
        • Beeswax & candelilla wax
        • Empty containers & jars of all sizes
    • Custom Body & Skin Care items – with our large and varied inventory of raw goods, and our expert staff, we have the ability to create a wide range of individualized products including (but not limited to!):
      • Perfume rollers
      • Aromatherapy and room sprays
      • Lip Balms
      • Body Oils
      • Medicinal salves
      • Facial care
      • and more!
    • Bulk individual herbs
      • If you know what herbs you are looking for, you can get them individually starting at 1/2 oz by weight. You can also come in with your own recipe that we can mix up for you
      • For customized blends please visit our Tea & Tincture page
      • Buy bulk herbs online

    If you have something in mind, stop in to ask if we can make it!

    What are flower and gem essences?

    We cover the basics of flower and gem essences on our in-depth page here: Flower & Gem Essence Indications, with the option to delve into more on individual flower and gem essences by downloading our free guide.

    Are essential oils safe for kids? While pregnant or breastfeeding?
    Do you recommend any other local providers?

    Mental Health:

    Gynecological support:

    Midwives & Doulas

    Acupuncture:

    Massage/Bodywork/Chiropractors

    Skin Care

    Natural MD’s

    Veterinary:

    Homeopaths:

    I want to go to school for herbalism. What schools and resources do you recommend?