Red Road Herbs Retreat & Learning Center LLC is a three-generation family business located in rural Stanton County, Nebraska. We have lived, worked and learned on this acreage for over 25 years. My daughter, Jazmine, granddaughter, Caydence, and I take care of the growing, harvesting, making salve and marketing. My husband, Michael, and son, Levi, help with events, building projects and the all-important maintenance.

My journey on the path to health and harmony started with an interest in Native American culture, which came from the influence of a Girl Scout leader when I was 10 years old. From that point on, I’ve had a lifelong interest in the people who have lived for generations in this place I call home. As I learned more about Native American culture and the Good Red Road throughout the years of my youth, I also learned about our connection to plants as relatives. Although I am not Native American (my ancestors are Scottish and were kicked out of their homelands centuries ago), my business name is a way to honor and show respect for the people and the path that taught me “we are all related.”

My path included graduating from college with a BA in Behavioral Science in 1986, getting married that same year and having two children by 1989. I worked as an educator, counselor, field researcher and social worker in public assistance programs. When I became a mom, I started looking into natural health care, but it wasn’t until we moved to this acreage in 1993 that I started learning about plants in this community. I began seeking out the wisdom of Indigenous Elders about them and through them, learning about how to “walk in harmony with creation” on the Good Red Road.

Many people would say I’m a ‘self-taught’ herbalist, but the plants are my teachers. I’ve taken classes here and there; became a Master Naturalist in 2013 and a certified ethnobotanist (University of Alaska Fairbanks) in 2020. I’ve had many discussions with Native American and Alaska Native elders and studied the written works of ancient and contemporary herbalists, but most of my knowledge comes from from the plants: direct observation and daily connection with them and my belief that there is powerful healing in Nature.

I’ve been teaching classes about herbs since 1996, which was the same year my daughter and I made the first batch of "The Best Herbal Salve Ever." My passion for plants grew and so did the gardens. We now have over 100 herbs growing in cultivated gardens and stands of native plants that I call "living textbooks." As stewards of this haven of peace and tranquility, it is our pleasure to share the healing beauty that surround you here. It is also our pleasure to help others connect with our plant relatives on their journey to health and harmony.

~ Rachel Lynn Liester

Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only, and should not be used to diagnose and treat diseases. If you have a serious health problem, we recommend that you consult a competent health practitioner. We do not treat, prescribe, diagnose or cure any disease or adverse condition.