Persimmon and Roots
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An Asian American Herbal Apothecary
Our Story
A Modern-Day Asian American Apothecary
Contrary to many questions about whether or not persimmon is the secret ingredient in our herbal remedies, the persimmon in our name pays homage to our family (our roots) and evokes pure love at the thought. As with other AAPI families and culture, serving cut fruit is a symbol of love and meaningful time of connection. ​So many memories growing up included these moments of pause, with my mom, brothers, cousins, & chosen family, surrounding a plate full of freshly sliced persimmon ready for us to enjoy. These moments were sacred, allowing us to take in whatever was upon us; big or small, mundane, or celebratory. Our intention is to have that imagery and feeling of pure love and communion as we create and deliver this herbal medicine from our heart to your medicine cabinet.
Work With Us
Healing Happens in Community.
So much of our healing happens in community, alongside one another. If you're interested in working with Persimmon and Roots on custom herbal programming or herbal products for your special event, please reach out.
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Visit our event gallery to learn more.
About Me.
​Mel (she/her) resides in Oakland and holds a passion for collective community healing. As the proud daughter of Khmer Refugees, Mel is deeply committed to intergenerational healing in particular, with a focus on emotional health. Growing up, she was no stranger to herbal remedies in the dishes she grew up eating, or the tea she grew up sipping. This hobby and affinity to herbal remedies became official following several NorCal wildfires impacting air quality and amidst the pandemic, in an attempt to strengthen immunity amid uncertainty. This at-home-learning led her to become a certified herbalist. With a heart focused on healing justice and the intersection of herbalism & racial equity, it’s no mistake that her greatest intention is to deliver ancestral medicine with a modern twist to her community to accompany them on the journey home to themselves, with deep rest and wholeness in mind.
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When Mel's not mixing up herbal tea blends or creating other fun herbal healing modalities, she organizes racial equity peer-learning communities and leadership development communities or spending time with her loved ones. At her best, she's traveling abroad learning about regional herbs and practices, meditating in a redwood grove or at the ocean, or reading in a luxurious/medicinal bath.
