My name is Sana. I am the owner and founder of Seventh Moon Apothecary, a herbal remedies shop. Here is a quick educational background on me: I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in cultural anthropology. I have taken several courses on cultural ecology, ethnobotany and medical anthropology. I have been studying herbalism for several years and I have been growing plants for longer. We rely on plants for everyday life- for medicine, food, and beauty which is interwoven into the human experience. I feel passionate about supporting our health, protecting the environment and learning about cultural ways of healing.
My Mother’s family is from Cebu, and I am currently studying medicinal plants of the Philippines. My goal for this shop is to showcase the biodiversity of the Philippines and generate interest in the medicinal plants of the region. At the same time, I continue to ask for assistance from old friends: rosemary, yarrow, dandelion and many others in my everyday remedies. I have a Southern California garden full of native plants-check out the bulk herbs in the shop from my very own tiny backyard.
Are you curious about the name of my shop? Please scroll down to read how I came to name this shop: SEVENTH MOON APOTHECARY.
~Salamat po!
Mabuhay!
Behind the Name
I have always been fascinated with mythology from around the world. When I studied Visayan mythology, I was intrigued by the mythological sea serpent, called the Bakunawa in the stories. Our ancestors believed our world had seven moons. Then a great sea serpent rose from the sea and ate six of our moons. The one moon we have now is the seventh and the last one. The myth varies to how and why the Bakunawa ate the six moons, but this myth has a clear lesson. This myth reminds me that we have one Earth, one Sun and one Moon. I believe it would be a mistake to take nature for granted. Nature deserves our respect and care. In Native American myths, humans are the youngest beings of Earth, and all other plants and animals are our Elders and relatives who we should learn from. We still have a lot to learn.
~Sana
Owner & Founder
