Sasha Emoniee is an herbalist and cook, born and raised in California with an innate connection to medicinal plants. Last summer I tried this incredible Smoky Bean Salad recipe by Sasha, which led me to her instagram—a joyful curation of vibrant, enchanting colors and artful plant creations. She has a magical way with food and herbs, guided by seasonal cycles and natural elements. Her work is truly a celebration of Earth, and I am grateful to share a small piece of her vision, insight and lifestyle below.
Summer Solstice Altar
Getting To Know Sasha
CURRENTLY LIVING
Los Angeles, California
ASTROLOGY SIGN
Virgo 🌞 Scorpio🌛 Libra ↑
ENTRY TO WELLNESS?
I've been invested in healing and cooking for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I dealt with a lot of digestive issues that were a result of trauma being stored in my body, general sensitivities, and not understanding how to listen to my body. I’m lucky because my mother has always been on the forefront of understanding gut-mind connection so she was a guiding light for me when not even doctors could help me. Once I healed my gut and I experienced what it was like to eat without discomfort for the first time in my life, I started taking my love of food, nature, and art and experimenting with them in a way that I feel is beautiful and necessary. I have always cooked and I have always cooked for others. Making my siblings their favorite meals, bringing desserts to classmates in school, etc. I think my love of cooking was born out of my need for ritual, experimentation, and independence.
From "Study of Water"
Relationship to herbalism
I call myself an herbalist before any other “job” title. I've been working with herbs intimately and intentionally since about 2016, but I grew up surrounded by medicinal plants (as most of us do) and used many medicinal plants without consciously knowing it. I feel that plants have been speaking to me for much longer than I am aware of. I now grow and forage most of the plants that I work with and every once in a while, I offer handmade herbal products which I would like to do more often in the future. Being in communion with plants keeps me grounded, in check, and in awe of what Earth offers us. It's incredible because it's accessible to all, it's the medicine of the people!
What inspires you
My work is inspired by Earth, my California upbringing, and my ancestry. I also love themes, so you may notice a lot of my work appears in series such as “Life in Technicolor” or “Study of Water.” I have always been invested in art and film and think of myself as an artist so I like to find ways to incorporate very art-centric language + themes into my work.
Some Good things going on...
In the fridge?
A huge collection of hot sauces, ferments: sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, Cocojune Yogurt, Tofu, Greens, Stone ground mustard, Mushrooms, Handmade tortillas, Herbal infusions, Koda Farms Rice
In the pantry?
Dried beans from Rancho Gordo, Cap Beauty Or Ostara Coconut Butter, Seeds, California Foraged Seaweed, Dried Peppers from Cookbook, Bay Leaves, Mushroom Powders, every herb you can imagine, homemade herbal extracts, an extensive salt + spice collection, the cornerstone of my food is well seasoned food no matter what
Sasha's smoky lacto fermented hot sauce
In the Beauty Cabinet?
Poppy and Someday Venus Rose Toner, Black Girl Sunscreen, Earth Tu Face Wash, Noshaba Apothecary Sommer Serum, Seagrape Apothecary Head Witch Hydrosol, Wild Carrot Herbals Borage + Hemp Lotion, Himalaya Botanique Toothpaste
On the Bookshelf?
Being Ram Dass, We are Each Others Harvest, Prayers of Honoring, The Gift of Healing Herbs, Monk Cookbook, Oaxaca: Home Cooking from the Heart of Mexico, and Working the Roots
On the Yoga mat?
Soundbath Meditations, Plant Spirit meditations with whatever herb I am working with, Benshen Course
In the Mornings?
Nutritive overnight infusion or hot tea always. Most mornings I like a blend of nettles, red raspberry, red clover, marshmallow, and milky oats. Checking on my garden. Meditation most but not all mornings, usually unguided with soundbowl music. Joining my dog, Moon, on a sunny neighborhood walk.
BEFORE BED?
Tea with my partner, usually peppermint, mugwort, skullcap, passionflower. Soundbath shower, I turn out the lights in the bathroom, light candles, burn incense + herbs, turn on my favorite meditation playlist, drop some essential oils into the shower or bring in a bundle of fresh eucalyptus, and enjoy a renewing and cozy shower. Smoking an herbal joint. Cannabis, mugwort and lavender is a magical combo for dreaming. Reading a few pages of a book, I love looking at beautiful cookbooks or nature/foraging books before I go to sleep. I feel like I drift off to sleep with inspiring things to dream about.
Share a Simple...
Pleasure
Being in community with people + the adventurous and curious energy of summer
Mantra
I am everything that I claim to be
Ritual
Sitting in nature
Recipe
Cooling Summer Infusion
Ingredients
1 tbsp Hibiscus
1 tbsp Marshmallow Root
2 tsp Lemon Balm
2 tsp Rose
1 tsp Passionflower
Method
Place ingredients into a jar. Pour water over the herbs and cover with lid. Let it steep overnight in the fridge or if you are making it in the day, set it out in the sun for a few hours. Pour over ice or drink as is!
Where to find sasha
Summer infusion
Sasha and her dog, Moon
In Good Company is a series where I share perspectives on wellbeing from fellow friends, mentors and inspirations. It is an extension of my curiosity to learn what individuals are doing in the everyday to feel good—from grocery staples, reading material, to grounding morning rituals. I hope you discover new insights to integrate into your everyday.
