Behind the Counter at Euphoric Herbal

Cindy Collins has the tea. And the herbs, the oils, and the salves. In her Edgewater store, Euphoric Herbals Apothecary, she supplies customers with natural remedies and treatments—or just a delightful cup of tea leaves—for various issues.

A certified herbalist and lactation counselor, Collins developed her tea blend after giving birth to her third son. Knowing that milk supply was a common concern for new mothers, she began her line of blends, herbal teas, and salves. What started as a hobby led to her supplying teas and herbs for her personal community and doula clients at farmers markets and eventually opening an Etsy shop in 2010 to share her products.

“As a birth doula, I was helping people with pregnancy, breastfeeding and postpartum care. I was formulating products for myself and my clients who were looking for ways to relieve things like headaches or a cough in a way that was safe for them since there are so many medications that pregnant or breastfeeding women can’t take,” says Collins, a military veteran. “I have always connected with plant medicine.”

In 2018, she opened her first brick-and-mortar apothecary in Milford, Delaware. “There was nothing really available in the community for these kinds of products, so I would have to drive long distances or order online, and I was disappointed with the quality. I wanted to evolve to serve my whole community.”

In 2022, she opened a second location in South River Colony in Edgewater. The store offers its blend of teas, herbs, body products, and dietary supplements six days a week.

She encourages women in all stages of life to seek out herbal products to see how they can benefit them. “You don’t have to be a health nut to use these holistic methods,” Collins says. “You can use holistic, natural remedies in conjunction with things you are already using. It doesn’t have to be all one way or the other. There can be a balance. There is still a place for your Motrin and your antibiotics. Wherever you are on your health journey, we want to be the door into that journey for you.”

She says to think of her apothecary as a “health food store,” focused on botanical remedies. The staff are required to have a genuine interest in holistic health and wellness and Collins provides them with resources to learn more about the products they sell. Staff will also direct customers in need of professional consultations to local providers.

With Collins’ background in caring for pregnant women, many of her most popular products focus on these women’s challenges. “Our Womb Wellness Tea is a blend of herbs meant to help prepare the body for labor. It contains oat straw leaf which is rich in calcium, magnesium, vitamins and minerals. And it helps with varicose veins, swelling, and anemia.” All the herbs are organic or ethically wildcrafted.

For boosting milk supply postpartum, Collins recommends the Milk Machine herbal superfood blend, which can aid lactation and nourish a body depleted after pregnancy and birth. There’s a Baby Balm salve that can be used on both diaper rash and bug bites. Her Menstrual Melody Tea supports women suffering from heavy bleeding, PMS, and helps restore iron and vitamin K.

Collins can also check to ensure products will not interact with prescription medications through resources available at the apothecary. And for those customers who like to take a do-it-yourself approach, the store offers support to mix up customized concoctions. They also host special events and classes frequently (check social media for announcements). She estimates she has served over 70,000 customers in every state via her online store.

For those of us who have zero interest in making our own products, Collins understands. “I’m not making my own sea moss gel,” she jokes. “Just give me the jar and I will take that. I’ve got no time to make it myself.”

Visit Euphoric Herbals Apothecary at 143 Mitchell’s Chance Rd., Edgewater, Maryland, https://www.euphoricherbals.com

By Kathy Knotts