Written by Donette- Guest Writer on February 11, 2026

Donette (she/they) is the clinical herbalist behind Honeybalm Health and founder of the Black Herbalists Collective, the professional community for Black herbalists. For a decade, she has been a spiritual student of plants, formalizing her medicinal studies at the Land of Verse and a host of other courses resulting in certifications in clinical work, plant spirit medicine, Asian-American herbalism, and more. Recognizing that wellness is holistic, her work prioritizes healing justice and spiritual wellness. Donette is a poisoner in the Hoodoo tradition, Òrìṣà and Ifá devotee, and ritualistic student of African Traditional and Diasporic religions. Based in Raleigh, Donette currently teaches holistic herbalism for her community, facilitates healing justice workshops, and continuously deepens her research of her ancestral practices.