When Vedic Botanicals Founder Rachel Warnock starting researching the powers of herbs in high school, she didn’t expect to one day wind up on the pages of British Vogue.
“They featured our NouRiche Hair Serum as one of the top haircare picks for their June issue,” she says. “It was very exciting – just a super cool thing and we’re obviously really stoked to be able to say, ‘As Seen in Vogue.’”
I rate it as well – the serum gives weight to my fine hair, and other Vedic faves include: Energize Face Serum, which imparts a pretty glow; Working Hands, a velvety balm perfect for Covid-cracked hands; Recovery Aide, for sore muscles; and Defense Balm – I am addicted to this immune-supporting, germ-busting balm that smells good enough to eat.
I interviewed Boston-based Rachel to learn more about her role as lead herbalist, her very balanced approach and her remarkable formulations with serious cred – think hand-mixed certified organic ingredients produced with solar power and packaged in reusable, non-plastic containers.
How did you start working with herbs?
They’ve always been a part of my life. As a kid, mom gave us echinacea when we were sick. In high school, I started researching herbs, reading text books and playing with them on my own. In fact, some of the things I made in high school eventually evolved into Vedic products after my formal education in herbal medicine.
Why do you think natural formulations are important?
Sometimes we need prescription medicine and there’s nothing wrong with that. But I find that natural treatments are not only more budget-friendly, they have significantly less unpleasant side effects. In most cases, when you’re working with natural remedies, you’re working with a professionally trained individual who can tailor the remedy to you. I can’t go into a pharmacy and ask the pharmacist to remove one of the ingredients from my prescription medicine because it gives me side effects. However, I can go see a herbalist and get a treatment made specifically for me and my unique biology.
What do you say to those who believe natural ingredients aren’t as effective as synthetic or processed ones?
I like to use the example of red yeast rice. The active ingredient in Lipitor, the well-known cholesterol medicine, is an extract taken from red yeast rice. Everything, even highly processed and engineered ingredients, starts in nature. I think once people are shown that some of our most well-known medicines utilize elements found in nature, like aspirin, they’re more open to trying something natural. I really like data, and there are a number of scientists in my family, so I tend to fall back onto evidence and education when responding to skepticism.
What’s the most popular Vedic product?
That’s a tricky question. Easy Breathe Balm and Working Hands are pretty close, leading the sales charts. If current trends continue, the Alk-Align toners will join them, and perhaps surpass them next year.
Best customer feedback?
When people come back and say, “This cleared my skin” or “This took away my pain,” I am so grateful that my creations can impact others in a positive way. One woman had a huge keloid scar on her belly from a C-section that just healed terribly. She hated her belly and couldn’t look at it. She bought our Scar Cream and came back to me a month later asking what was in it. She said, “My scar is softening and becoming smaller. My 8-year-old scar is receding!” When she said she was able to look at her belly for the first time in 9 years and not hate her stomach, I knew I was on the right path.”
What’s your favourite product?
Ha! I think this is like having favourite children! It changes pretty frequently, but I’m working on some aftershaves right now that I am super in love with. Working Hands was a favourite for a while because it took three years to get that formula just right. The Mental Zen Headache Relief is pretty tops in my heart because it’s been helping some veterans with their post-traumatic stress symptoms. And Timeless Tresses. I just love the way it smells! Honestly, like children, I love them all but for different reasons.
