Meet our Founder
Dr. Ed Alstat, RPh, ND
Naturopath, Innovator, Herbal Teacher
Happiest in the Herbs
Visionary of Eclectic Herb
Listening to the Plants
A Vision Rooted in Plants
Our story begins with Ed Alstat, a naturopathic physician, pharmacist, herbalist, and visionary who believed the whole plant holds the whole truth. In 1982, he founded Eclectic Herb in the dispensary of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon — blending his deep respect for tradition with a relentless drive for innovation.
Planting the Seeds of Eclectic Institute
In 1982, Ed founded Eclectic Herb in the dispensary of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. What began as a seed of an idea soon grew into a movement — to preserve herbs as living medicines.
Innovation with Integrity
Ed was never afraid to do things differently. He pioneered the use of freeze-drying in herbalism, a method that safeguarded delicate compounds heat would otherwise destroy. For him, it wasn’t just about potency — it was about respecting the plant in its entirety, keeping its story intact from root to flower.
Teacher, Philosopher, Philanthropist
Beyond the fields and the lab, Ed was a teacher and a philosopher. He loved nothing more than to walk among the herbs, to listen, to learn, and to share what the plants revealed. His generosity extended far beyond his own company — he helped keep the naturopathic college alive through donations, supported future physicians, and raised the standards of herbal purity by insisting on certified organic and non-GMO practices long before they were common.
A Lasting Legacy
Known by many as the “Eclectic Ed,” Ed left behind more than a company. He left a legacy of curiosity, generosity, and deep reverence for nature. Though he passed in 2018, his spirit is with us with his vision and values guiding Eclectic today — a reminder that herbs, like stories, are most powerful when honored whole.
Ed's Favorite Product
Nettles
Ed had a soft spot for nettles — a plant many dismiss as a sting in the garden, but to him it was pure plant remedy. He discovered early on that nettles could bring real relief to seasonal allergies, and from then on he championed them as one of nature’s most underestimated gifts. Rich in minerals, vibrant in color, and brimming with vitality, nettles became his go-to ally. For Ed, they embodied everything he loved about herbalism: ordinary plants with extraordinary powers, waiting to be honored, preserved, and shared with the world.
Dr. Ed Alstat Scholarship for Botanical Medicine
Created by Eclectic Herb in honor of our founder, this annual scholarship at NUNM supports students devoted to botanical medicine. It reflects Dr. Alstat’s lifelong passion for plants, healing, and education—continuing the spirit of curiosity and care that inspired him.