Honoring Ed Alstat: A Legacy of Herbal Wisdom

Today, I want to share my memories of Ed Alstat—founder of Eclectic Herb and my late husband. His contributions to the herbal world are well known, but beyond his innovations, he was a man of deep passion, curiosity, and dedication. He built something truly unique, not just in his work but in the way he lived. These are the stories I wish to share, not only to honor his legacy but to preserve them for generations to come.

In the world of herbalism, a few names stand out as pioneers who helped shape the industry as we know it today. Ed Alstat was one of them—a farmer turned pharmacist turned naturopath, an innovator in botanical supplements and sustainable herb farming practices, and the founder of Eclectic Institute. To me, Ed was more than a visionary; he was my husband, my partner, and a man whose life’s work was built on a foundation of science and nature. His influence continues to shape not only the herbal industry but also my own journey as I carry forward his legacy.

In 1982, Ed founded Eclectic Herb within the clinic dispensary of the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM). He drew inspiration from the Eclectic physicians of the 19th and early 20th centuries—doctors who combined botanical medicine, empirical knowledge, and emerging scientific research to treat their patients.

One of Ed’s most significant innovations was the use of freeze-drying technology to preserve herbs in their freshest state. Unlike traditional air-drying, which can degrade the potency of medicinal compounds, freeze-drying locks in the full spectrum of nutrients and bioactive constituents. This method became a defining feature of Eclectic Institute, setting it apart from other herbal companies and raising the standard for herbal supplements. Through this approach, Ed ensured that people could experience the full vitality of fresh plants, just as nature intended.

Long before sustainability became a mainstream concern, Ed was deeply committed to ethical and environmentally responsible sourcing. The Eclectic farm was the first herb farm to be certified organic by Oregon Tilth. He also pioneered the use of organic grain-free alcohol in tinctures, as his naturopathic experience highlighted that grains could cause sensitivities in people well before "gluten-free" became a thing.

Ed’s commitment to the naturopathic and herbal community extended far beyond his own company. In 1984, during a financially challenging time for NCNM, he made a generous donation that helped keep the institution afloat. Over the years, he contributed 10% of Eclectic Institute’s profits to support naturopathic education and research, reinforcing his belief in the importance of holistic medicine. His dedication was recognized in 2001 when he received the NCNM President’s Medallion and again in 2011 when he was inducted into the NUNM Hall of Fame at the OANP Living Legends Awards dinner.

But Ed’s generosity wasn’t just financial—I saw it in the way he mentored young naturopathic students through his Revitalization Retreats on the Eclectic Farm, providing the students with access to "Elder Wisdom" and inviting Naturopathic Physicians to share their clinical pearls and transfer their knowledge to the next generation. Ed was always willing to share his knowledge, passion, and encouragement. He believed in lifting others up, ensuring that the wisdom of plants would continue to thrive for generations to come.

I met Ed in the early 2000s in Japan, where I had a clinic and was also extensively teaching about natural healing methods. As a New Zealand-trained naturopath and Reiki teacher, I had built a business writing articles and leading workshops on topics such as herbs, Reiki, and flower essences. But as one of the first naturopaths in Tokyo, I sometimes felt overwhelmed, unsure of how to carve out my place in this growing field. Then I met Ed—and everything changed.

From the moment we met, his knowledge, kindness, and unwavering passion for herbs and healing reassured me that I was on the right path. He became my mentor, my greatest supporter, and ultimately, my partner in both life and purpose.

At the time, I had dreams of traveling to the United States to further my clinical training under established naturopaths. When I shared this with Ed, he simply asked, “What kind of people do you want to learn from?” I drafted a list of my dream mentors, and as he scanned the names, he smiled. “Oh, I went to school with him,” he said. “And yeah, I know her pretty well.” Then, without hesitation, he invited me to stay on his herb farm—a decision that would change my life forever.

Life on the herb farm was nothing short of magical. Up until then, my training had been mostly academic, rooted in textbooks and clinical settings. But with Ed as my guide, plants became more than subjects of study—they came alive through his stories, traditions, and hands-on wisdom. Walking alongside a true Master of Plant Wisdom, I felt incredibly fortunate to learn from someone whose connection to nature ran so deep.

As we built a life together, we welcomed a son and gave him a childhood immersed in the plant kingdom. Our home was filled with the scent of drying herbs, their earthy aromas blending with the fresh green scents drifting in from the fields. Days were spent outdoors, wandering through nature, discovering wildlife, and learning to identify plants by sight, smell, and touch. Meals were infused with fresh herbs, seamlessly woven into Japanese cuisine, bringing nourishment and healing into every bite.

Inside Eclectic Herb, we had a vast apothecary brimming with an extraordinary variety of medicinal plants, each carefully selected and preserved.  Tinctures, salves, teas—every formula was crafted with the same intention: to preserve the plant’s vitality and ensure that its healing properties remained as close to nature as possible.

Wanting to share this way of life with others, I established herb camps for children, giving them the chance to experience the magic of plants firsthand. I also created internships for young adults, offering them an opportunity to work with plants, learn about sustainable herbalism, and cultivate skills that would stay with them for a lifetime.

Ed’s impact on herbalism extends far beyond his innovations—he was a bridge between the past and the future. He revitalized healing traditions that were at risk of being lost, ensuring that the wisdom of plants remained accessible for generations to come. His work helped spark a resurgence in plant-based wellness, uniting tradition with modern science in a way that continues to shape the herbal industry today.

I carry his legacy forward through Eclectic Herb, staying true to the values he built this company upon. His passion lives on in every freeze-dried herb, in every bottle of tincture, and in the hearts of those who continue to be inspired by his work.

Ed was more than a naturopath—he was a guardian of nature’s wisdom, a champion for holistic health, and my beloved husband. His vision and dedication will continue to be felt for generations to come, rooted in the plants he cherished and the lives he touched.