In Practice with Rachelle Robinett
Integrating plant medicine into modern lifestyles
This edition of our "In Practice with" features Rachelle Robinett, a renowned herbalist, wellness coach, and advocate for integrating plant medicine into modern lifestyles. With her unique blend of ancient wisdom and practical guidance, Rachelle empowers others to create sustainable, holistic practices for vibrant health and transformation.
Here, she shares how her life is a seamless blend of intention, nature, and balance, guided by her holistic philosophy and commitment to living harmoniously with her surroundings. From daily fitness and herbal rituals to creative writing fueled by solitude and natural inspiration, her practices embody a profound connection to self, health, and the environment—a reflection of her passion for transformation and simplicity.
What daily practices are essential to you?
I am deeply committed to and enlivened by my daily practices. (Routine makes it possible to be both highly productive and balanced!) Fitness is a non-negotiable and often my favorite part of any day. I’m also uncompromising with my nutrition and sleep—the essentials! Herbs are woven into my life at every turn—so much so that it’s second nature at this point and a constant conversation between my body and the natural world.
I also aim to do the most important thing(s) first every day, so after exercise, I go straight to writing for several uninterrupted hours. This often means neglecting my inbox/Slack/text messages, but that’s the necessary trade-off for moving the needle long-term.
When/Where do you feel most content and connected to yourself?
I mostly live in a beach-side jungle setting where clothes and shoes are optional (as are windows, doors, or any other barrier between my body and the environment). I live to feel physically challenged and nourished, a state I’ve found in the surfing lifestyle in Costa Rica (which is also a Blue Zone). When immersed in nature—from the setting to the food to the nature of self that I can connect with most deeply in solitude—I become a creature, which feels like the purest version of who I am (and maybe all of us are). This is about simplicity, reduction, and a reconnection with what often feels like a primal state.
How important is nutrition in caring for your body, mind, and spirit?
Absolutely central! The pillars of health have never really changed. We need quality food, water, air, sleep, movement, and connection to be most well. I prioritize these above all else daily, and in my decisions regarding personal and professional vocations.
What drew you to Ultimate Foundation?
What’s not to love? The ingredients are incredible, taste wonderful, and the intention is thoughtful. While I aim to eat as well as possible, I also love to supplement with superfoods, herbs, and beneficial botanicals. The Ultimate Foundation provides all of that beautifully.
After trying Ultimate Foundation, could you tell us one sentence you think is relevant for others?
While maintaining the pillars of health is always the most essential thing, supplementing with high-quality, natural products made with intention can amplify our well-being.
Do you have a daily practice or intention to get into your creative state? Can you share?
Given that my craft is writing, which requires long, sedentary hours in front of a screen (ouch), I always exercise before sitting down—ideally, a very long run with plenty of sprints. Physical exhaustion is very pacifying for me and gets all the endorphins flowing, supporting my writing. Otherwise, I keep my writing area clear of visual distractions (lots of white walls in a minimalistic office with a clear desk). Excellent music is key, sometimes some incense, and no distractions while I’m working.
I also find solitude in nature essential for reconnecting with myself and allowing the space for inspiration to emerge. These sabbaticals always inform the writing that follows.
What inspired you to get into herbalism?
I have been practicing herbalism most of my life, though it wasn’t until later on that I realized what I was doing was considered “herbalism.” I embraced the practice and study of plant-based medicines because it’s so much more than just plant medicine. Herbalism is a lifestyle that considers every single part of us to be part of our health while considering remedies from the natural world (or natural ways of living). We all need this, and we were all herbalists then.
Could you tell me what your intention was to create a book?
Before anything in life, I’m a writer. I’ve done it nearly daily since sometime in elementary school when I bought a diary at a book fair. After a career in fashion and then building my business in herbalism, I finally felt ready to embrace what I know to be my most authentic calling in this life. The book is a capstone project that will, I hope, bring herbalism to the lives of countless humans seeking better health naturally—and it is my official debut as an author, which marks the beginning of my next journey.
What is the message you want people to take away from your book?
Herbalism is a way of life that heals some of our deepest and most prevalent health needs. It’s for everyone, and it works.
What do you think is key to finding beauty in yourself?
I think more about health than beauty, and I believe that health is—below all the tactics, trends, and commodification—about being connected with our “truest” self. So far, this work precedes everything else we do in life, from health to career to relationships and beyond.
Lastly, what does transformation mean/look like to you?
Ah yes, I am so IN this right now! I love change, as challenging as it can be. Transformation is about shedding any accumulated attachments that are preventing our true selves from engaging with the world. We constantly evolve but often become stuck in habits, personas, or cultural cul-de-sacs that stifle our growth. Transformation is less of an identity change and more of an identity return, which many of us must undergo many times.
