Hidden from view of the hustle and bustle of The University of Maryland and the Busy Body traffic of route 1, there lies a hidden gem for all those nature lovers, do-it-yourselfers and healers of many sorts. Right off Berwyn Road, is Smile Herb Shop.
The wonderful fountain outside of the shop that runs 24/7. Even during Winter! See the icicles!
The title says it all "If you can't stop, smile as you go by". The ancient house of healing hidden in College Park's rural area has been open for nearly FOUR DECADES now, aiding the community and providing informative insight on the products and all over good nature within.
Founded by Tom Wolfe (Not the Author) nearly four decades ago, this place is truly a remarkable hidden gem for those who love finding more about the various ways the earth can help you in your goals to be a healthier and all around better person.
Upon walking in, I was in fact greeted by smiles (No Pun intended) from the certified Herbalists within. I explored the various rooms the wonderful shop has to offer and this is what this writer found.
Men and Women are different, as the herbalists know full well, here we have shelves pertaining to both men and women's health.
Parents Look at this! Even Kids can benefit from the Holistic Medicines and the Herbalists knowledge of the Earth and the way it heals.
Got Pain? Fix it with these natural healers.
As you can see above, the shop offers many various remedies for all your healing needs, most of the products above are made from organic materials extracted from plant life and other natural forms. They have a whole room dedicated to holistic medicine, ranging from energy supplements, various stress relievers, etc. As you see, they offer various things for Men, Women, and even Children. Go stop by and pick up that ailment for that cold that winter will surely bring you.
All those masseuses out there even have a reason to drop by! Go grab yourself some new oils for your clients or even yourself to enjoy a relaxing experiment.
How about some excellent natural Soaps? I know everyone worries about their hygiene! Look no further! Everything ranging from Avocado on, even shampoo bars for that relaxing shower you know you need!
If you've never tried Dr. Bronners Pure Castle Hemp soap, I highly recommend it! I myself am partial to the peppermint kind, it gives your body a cool, clean, and minty feeling. It is especially soothing on the scalp, and leaves you smelling Hella Fresh!
Even the ceiling of the shop reflects the calm and kind nature of these wonderful people and the products they have to offer. Nothing like a tapestry to brighten the day!
Facial products for all the ladies, you know you wanna look beautiful, well these products will do it! All without the harmful additives and chemicals compiled into modern day products found in most corporate owned stores.
Get that body looking good with these epic body care products! Both for Men and Women!
A Product for all seasons! Keeping it fully stocked and looking Good!
What's that you say? They make organic products for your teeth and mouth? Yes, they do, go swoop some non-chemical toothpaste or mouthwash!
No More Stinky underarms with these awesome and effective deodorants! I'm partial to the TOMS OF MAINE brands, who also make a really good toothpaste
As you can see, they even have a small room with a large library of various books and pamphlets to help you better undestand and learn about organinc methods and holistic healing! there is even a Book for all of those Lawn care nuts who are afraid of using harmful chemicals on their beautiful grass! Stop by and grab the book that is right for you! Open a new door in your life by reading, and these books may even help take you further than the doorstep!
Here is a small table of TESTERS, that you are more than welcome to try! I believe these were balms of various sorts and smells.
Here we have the remarkable shelf of the various droplets that can help you get through the day, no matter the problem. Anxiety, Stress, UN-calm nerves, etc. There truly is a remedy for everything that ails you!
Herbs for aroma therapy and for cooking, various spices like clove, cinnamon, etc.
Candles are perfect to get your house smelling wonderful and to help give you that nice warm comfy feeling that will have people regarding your domain as the land of welcome and wonder! Just make sure to blow your candle out before you leave your domain, or you may return to find that you no longer have one.
The candle room was by far one of my favorite rooms, It just smelled so GOOD! I didn't want to leave!
I Love rocks of all sorts. Set near the candles, the plentiful supply of these gems and stones scattered about are perfect for the collectors of the magnificent geodes. They could even be of use to that particular artist that incorporates stones and Gems into their works!
Each geode, stone, or gem comes with a wonderful yet informative description of each one. You can learn something new every day, and learning more about the things the earth creates is a wonderful start!
The incense wall was wonderful and very well supplied, even in the slow season! the wonderful smell emanating from it was nearly intoxicating. They have a very broad range of smells, everything ranging from Sage, Amber Honey, Copal, Juniper Berry and Much more!
Various pendants and hand made creations to collect! Who wouldn't want a beautiful stone carved Buddha, Elephant, or Dog to decorate their mantle or window sill!
The wonderful incense wall in expanded form, as you can see it goes fast! So do yourself a favor and grab a bundle as quick as maybe.
The Tea wall is by far one of the most intriguing things about Smile Herb Shop, although it can be rather intimidating to the inexperienced, but no worries! Just ask one of the herbalist on info and they will direct you in the right path. You have many teas to choose from and the possibilities for a relaxing drink are nearly infinite. Just grab a bag and fill it with whatever tea takes your fancy. Be sure to try fun mixes of various teas to incorporate all the healing effects that tea has! Flavors Galore! Mango, Traditional Green,Blackberry, Chai, Lemon, Kiwi-Pear, Plum and Wild Berry teas are just a few of the many to choose from!
Fresh Herbs to burn to keep your house spiritually clean and smelling Amazing!
Mason Jars to store your herbs and teas in! Just make sure to label them properly so you don't end up forgetting which is which!
They even have a nice range of organic snacks and foods for you to grab while your there, trust me, your pantry and your tummy will thank you!
Here we have the Massive amounts of Herbs to infuse into your medicines or cooking purposes, all you need to do is ask DeAnna, one of the many certified Herbalists that work in the shop. Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question.
I went back to take some more pictures of the Bronner Soaps, seriously love this product, it can do nearly anything when it comes to hygiene. No joke, You Need This product in your household.
You would think that's it, but its not! the shop has so much more to offer!
The hold a variety of classes weekly, monthly and, yearly, that can exponentially help you learn more, and can even earn you a certification as an Herbalist yourself!
The classes are taught by certified and trained herbalists and the subject matter is ever changing and ranging as one of the Herbalists Nick Becker revealed to me. Everything from Herbalist Certification, Prep Healing, Cold and Flu, Essential Oils, Cooking, and even an Aromatherapy class may be coming in the future!
So next time you're in College Park, Take some time to Make it a Must to swing by Smile Herb Shop and check out the wonders and excitements they have to offer the world. And if you cant make it inside, like the sign says, "Smile As You Go By."
Go to www.smileherb.com for more info!
Thanks for Reading!
-W. F. Mick
