About Us
At Vital Roots & Shoots, we believe in the power of nature to heal, nourish, and restore balance. Nestled in the heart of East Tennessee, our small, family-run herbal apothecary and plant nursery is rooted in a deep respect for the land, traditional wisdom, and self-sufficiency.
Founded by Scott Boyles Jr. and Tiffaniee Haselton, Vital Roots & Shoots grows out of a shared passion for native and medicinal plants, natural remedies, and regenerative living. Scott brings precision, creativity, and heart to our formulations and processes. Tiffaniee, a lifelong student of botanical medicine and devoted plant lover, leads our cultivation and garden-based medicine-making with intention and care.
We specialize in small-batch, handcrafted herbal remedies, organic tinctures, and native plants that support both personal and planetary well-being. Every product we offer is made with sustainably sourced or homegrown herbs—prioritizing what's local, wild, and in harmony with the seasons.
Our mission is to reconnect people with the healing power of plants, while empowering our community to live more naturally and independently. Whether you're here to support your health, start your own garden, or learn more about natural medicine, we're honored to grow with you.
Welcome to Vital Roots & Shoots— Apothecary for the people. Where Nature holds the power and You hold the key!
Contact form
Botanical Information
Ashwagandha
Botanical Name: Withania somnifera
Herb Category: Adaptogen
Part Used: Root
Historical Uses: Used in Ayurvedic medicine as a Rasayana for vitality, stress, and longevity.
Modern Research: Shown to reduce cortisol levels and support stress response; studied for cognitive and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Astragalus
Botanical Name: Astragalus membranaceus
Herb Category: Adaptogen
Part Used: Root
Historical Uses: Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to boost qi and immune function.
Modern Research: May enhance immune function and have adaptogenic properties; studied for cardiovascular and anti-aging effects.
Black Peppercorns
Botanical Name: Piper nigrum
Herb Category: Carminative
Part Used: Fruit
Historical Uses: Used in culinary and medicinal preparations for digestion and respiratory issues.
Modern Research: Piperine enhances bioavailability of nutrients; researched for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Bladderwrack
Botanical Name: Fucus vesiculosus
Herb Category: Nutritive
Part Used: Thallus (whole plant)
Historical Uses: Used traditionally for thyroid health due to iodine content.
Modern Research: Studied for its role in thyroid function, anti-obesity, and antioxidant potential.
Blue Vervain
Botanical Name: Verbena hastata
Herb Category: Nervine
Part Used: Aerial parts
Historical Uses: Traditionally used as a nervine and for fevers, coughs, and digestive ailments.
Modern Research: Mild sedative and anti-inflammatory effects under investigation.
Burdock
Botanical Name: Arctium lappa
Herb Category: Alterative
Part Used: Root
Historical Uses: Traditionally used as a blood purifier and to support liver and skin health.
Modern Research: Studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties.
Butterfly Pea Flower
Botanical Name: Clitoria ternatea
Herb Category: Nootropic
Part Used: Flower
Historical Uses: Used in Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian medicine for memory, mood, and as a natural dye.
Modern Research: Contains anthocyanins; studied for nootropic, anti-anxiety, and antioxidant effects.
Calendula
Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis
Herb Category: Vulnerary
Part Used: Flower
Historical Uses: Used topically for wound healing, skin inflammation, and as a dye.
Modern Research: Exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing activity.
Catnip
Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria
Herb Category: Nervine
Part Used: Leaves and flowers
Historical Uses: Used as a mild sedative, for colic in children, and to repel insects.
Modern Research: Studied for its sedative effects and insect-repelling compound nepetalactone.
Centaury
Botanical Name: Centaurium erythraea
Herb Category: Bitter tonic
Part Used: Aerial parts
Historical Uses: Traditionally used as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion and liver function.
Modern Research: Investigated for hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and digestive support properties.
Ceylon Cinnamon
Botanical Name: Cinnamomum verum
Herb Category: Carminative
Part Used: Bark
Historical Uses: Used in traditional medicine for colds, digestion, and circulation.
Modern Research: Studied for blood sugar regulation, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.
Chamomile
Botanical Name: Matricaria chamomilla
Herb Category: Nervine
Part Used: Flower
Historical Uses: Traditionally used for sleep, digestion, and calming nerves.
Modern Research: Has anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties; studied for sleep support.
Cloves
Botanical Name: Syzygium aromaticum
Herb Category: Stimulant
Part Used: Flower bud
Historical Uses: Used for dental pain, digestion, and as a warming spice.
Modern Research: Eugenol studied for analgesic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties
Dandelion (Leaf)
Botanical Name: Taraxacum officinale
Herb Category: Diuretic
Part Used: Leaf
Historical Uses: Used as a diuretic and digestive tonic.
Modern Research: Rich in potassium and antioxidants; supports urinary and liver function.
Dandelion (Root)
Botanical Name: Taraxacum officinale
Herb Category: Bitter
Part Used: Root
Historical Uses: Used for liver and digestive support in Western herbalism.
Modern Research: Studied for its prebiotic, liver-protective, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Echinacea
Botanical Name: Echinacea agustifolia,
Echinacea purpurea
Herb Category: Immunostimulant
Part Used: Root and aerial parts
Historical Uses: Used by Native Americans and early settlers for infections and immune support.
Modern Research: Supports immune system; studied for cold prevention and anti-inflammatory activity.
Elderberry
Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra
Herb Category: Antiviral
Part Used: Berry
Historical Uses: Used for colds, flu, and fevers.
Modern Research: Rich in flavonoids; antiviral properties shown against influenza and colds.
Fenugreek
Botanical Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum
Herb Category: Galactagogue
Part Used: Seed
Historical Uses: Used to stimulate milk production, aid digestion, and reduce inflammation.
Modern Research: Supports blood sugar regulation and lactation; contains saponins and phytoestrogens.
Garlic
Botanical Name: Allium sativum
Herb Category: Antimicrobial
Part Used: Bulb
Historical Uses: Used for infections, cardiovascular health, and parasites.
Modern Research: Allicin has antimicrobial and cardioprotective effects; supports cholesterol balance.
Ginger
Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale
Herb Category: Digestive Stimulant
Part Used: Rhizome
Historical Uses: Used for nausea, digestion, and warming the body.
Modern Research: Studied for anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, and digestive effects.
Hawthorn (Berries)
Botanical Name: Crataegus monogyna
Herb Category: Cardiotonic
Part Used: Berry
Historical Uses: Used for heart health, blood circulation, and as a mild sedative.
Modern Research: Rich in flavonoids; shown to support cardiovascular health, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Hawthorn (Leaf & Flower)
Botanical Name: Crataegus monogyna
Herb Category: Cardiotonic
Part Used: Leaf and flower
Historical Uses: Traditionally used to support heart function, especially for arrhythmias.
Modern Research: May improve heart function, reduce hypertension, and act as an antioxidant.
Hibiscus
Botanical Name: Hibiscus sabdariffa
Herb Category: Refrigerant
Part Used: Flower
Historical Uses: Used for lowering blood pressure and improving skin health.
Modern Research: Known for its antioxidant content; has been studied for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Herb Category: Nervine
Part Used: Flower
Historical Uses: Used for relaxation, anxiety relief, and sleep support.
Modern Research: Lavender oil has demonstrated anxiolytic, antimicrobial, and sedative effects.
Lemon Balm
Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
Herb Category: Nervine
Part Used: Leaf
Historical Uses: Used for soothing anxiety, promoting digestion, and supporting sleep.
Modern Research: Studied for its anxiolytic, mood-boosting, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Licorice
Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra
Herb Category: Demulcent
Part Used: Root
Historical Uses: Used for coughs, respiratory health, and as a demulcent.
Modern Research: Contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Linden
Botanical Name: Tilia cordata
Herb Category: Nervine
Part Used: Leaf and Flower
Historical Uses: Traditionally used to relieve anxiety, support sleep, and calm the nervous system.
Modern Research: Studied for its calming, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Malva (Common Mallow)
Botanical Name: Malva sylvestris
Herb Category: Demulcent
Part Used: Leaf and flower
Historical Uses: Used for its soothing and mucilaginous properties, especially for respiratory and digestive discomfort.
Modern Research: Has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, particularly for the respiratory tract.
Marshmallow
Botanical Name: Althaea officinalis
Herb Category: Demulcent
Part Used: Root
Historical Uses: Used to soothe irritated mucous membranes in the digestive and respiratory systems.
Modern Research: Rich in mucilage; studied for its ability to soothe the digestive and respiratory systems.
Milk Thistle
Botanical Name: Silybum marianum
Herb Category: Hepatic
Part Used: Seed
Historical Uses: Used for liver support and detoxification.
Modern Research: Contains silymarin, which has hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties.
Motherwort
Botanical Name: Leonurus cardiaca
Herb Category: Nervine, Cardiotonic
Part Used: Aerial parts
Historical Uses: Traditionally used to support women's health, especially for menstruation and anxiety.
Modern Research: Studied for its mild sedative effects and cardiovascular support.
Mugwort
Botanical Name: Artemisia vulgaris
Herb Category: Digestive, Emmenagogue
Part Used: Leaf
Historical Uses: Used to support digestion, menstruation, and dreams.
Modern Research: Being researched for digestive, antimicrobial, and neurological effects.
Mullein
Botanical Name: Verbascum thapsus
Herb Category: Respiratory Tonic, Demulcent
Part Used: Leaf
Historical Uses: Used for respiratory health, including coughs and bronchitis.
Modern Research: Contains saponins and mucilage; studied for expectorant and soothing effects.
Oatstraw
Botanical Name: Avena sativa
Herb Category: Nervine, Nutritive
Part Used: Aerial parts
Historical Uses: Used as a nervine tonic and to support healthy skin and bones.
Modern Research: Nutrient-rich; studied for calming effects and potential cognitive benefits.
Orange Peel
Botanical Name: Citrus sinensis
Herb Category: Carminative
Part Used: Peel
Historical Uses: Used to aid digestion and reduce phlegm.
Modern Research: Contains flavonoids and essential oils; supports digestion and antioxidant activity.
Oregon Grape
Botanical Name: Mahonia aquifolium
Herb Category: Antimicrobial, Hepatic
Part Used: Root
Historical Uses: Used for liver and skin conditions; antimicrobial remedy by Native Americans.
Modern Research: Berberine content studied for antimicrobial and liver-supportive effects.
Passion Flower
Botanical Name: Passiflora incarnata
Herb Category: Nervine
Part Used: Aerial parts
Historical Uses: Traditionally used for anxiety, insomnia, and nervous tension.
Modern Research: Studies support its calming and sedative effects.
Peppermint
Botanical Name: Mentha × piperita
Herb Category: Carminative
Part Used: Leaf
Historical Uses: Used for digestive discomfort, colds, and as a flavoring agent.
Modern Research: Menthol content supports digestion, anti-nausea, and anti-spasmodic properties.
Common Evening-Primrose
Botanical Name: Oenothera biennis
Herb Category: Anti-inflammatory, Hormonal Support
Part Used: Seed oil
Historical Uses: Used for skin issues and women’s reproductive health.
Modern Research: GLA content studied for skin, PMS, and inflammation modulation.
Ramania
Botanical Name: Rehmannia glutinosa
Herb Category: Adaptogen, Tonic
Part Used: Root
Historical Uses: Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for adrenal, kidney, and immune support.
Modern Research: Under study for anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and adrenal-support properties.
Red Raspberry
Botanical Name: Rubus idaeus
Herb Category: Uterine Tonic
Part Used: Leaf
Historical Uses: Traditionally used to support pregnancy and menstrual health.
Modern Research: Contains tannins and flavonoids; studied for uterine tone and antioxidant benefits.
Rooibos
Botanical Name: Aspalathus linearis
Herb Category: Antioxidant, Nutritive
Part Used: Leaf
Historical Uses: Used as a caffeine-free tea to support digestion and reduce inflammation.
Modern Research: Rich in antioxidants like aspalathin; supports cardiovascular and skin health.
Rose
Botanical Name: Rosa spp.
Herb Category: Astringent, Nervine
Part Used: Petal
Historical Uses: Used in culinary, cosmetic, and spiritual practices; soothes the heart and skin.
Modern Research: Contains polyphenols; studied for calming and antioxidant effects.
Rosehips
Botanical Name: Rosa canina
Herb Category: Nutritive, Antioxidant
Part Used: Fruit
Historical Uses: Used to boost immunity and treat colds and vitamin C deficiency.
Modern Research: High in vitamin C; studied for immune and skin support, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Rosemary
Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Herb Category: Stimulant, Cognitive Tonic
Part Used: Leaf
Historical Uses: Used for memory, circulation, and culinary purposes.
Modern Research: Shown to support cognitive health, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant capacity.
Saw Palmetto
Botanical Name: Serenoa repens
Herb Category: Hormonal Support
Part Used: Berry
Historical Uses: Traditionally used for male reproductive health and urinary issues.
Modern Research: Studied for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hormonal balance.
Schisandra
Botanical Name: Schisandra chinensis
Herb Category: Adaptogen, Hepatic
Part Used: Berry
Historical Uses: Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an adaptogen and liver tonic.
Modern Research: Supports liver function, stress resilience, and physical endurance.
Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero)
Botanical Name: Eleutherococcus senticosus
Herb Category: Adaptogen
Part Used: Root
Historical Uses: Used in Russian and Chinese medicine to enhance vitality and endurance.
Modern Research: Adaptogenic properties; supports immune function and fatigue resistance.
Skull Cap
Botanical Name: Scutellaria lateriflora
Herb Category: Nervine
Part Used: Aerial parts
Historical Uses: Traditionally used for nervous tension, anxiety, and insomnia.
Modern Research: Mild sedative and neuroprotective effects studied.
Slippery Elm
Botanical Name: Ulmus rubra
Herb Category: Demulcent
Part Used: Inner bark
Historical Uses: Used by Native Americans for sore throats, wounds, and digestive complaints.
Modern Research: Mucilage content soothes mucous membranes; supports digestive and respiratory health.
Collapsible content
Stinging Nettle
Botanical Name: Urtica dioica
Herb Category: Nutritive, Anti-inflammatory
Part Used: Leaf
Historical Uses: Used as a spring tonic and for joint pain, allergies, and urinary health.
Modern Research: Studied for anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and nutrient-rich properties.
Tart Cherry
Botanical Name: Prunus cerasus
Herb Category: Antioxidant
Part Used: Fruit
Historical Uses: Consumed for sleep, joint pain, and inflammation.
Modern Research: Rich in melatonin and anthocyanins; supports sleep and muscle recovery.
Thyme
Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris
Herb Category: Antimicrobial, Expectorant
Part Used: Leaf
Historical Uses: Used as a culinary herb and for respiratory and digestive support.
Modern Research: Thymol provides antimicrobial and expectorant properties.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Botanical Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum
Herb Category: Adaptogen
Part Used: Leaf
Historical Uses: Used in Ayurvedic medicine as a sacred adaptogen for stress and immunity.
Modern Research: Supports immune modulation, stress reduction, and blood sugar balance.
Turmeric
Botanical Name: Curcuma longa
Herb Category: Anti-inflammatory, Hepatic
Part Used: Rhizome
Historical Uses: Used in Indian medicine and cuisine for inflammation and liver health.
Modern Research: Curcumin studied for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects.
Valerian
Botanical Name: Valeriana officinalis
Herb Category: Nervine, Sedative
Part Used: Root
Historical Uses: Traditionally used for sleep disorders and anxiety.
Modern Research: Sedative and calming effects supported by clinical research.
White Willow
Botanical Name: Salix alba
Herb Category: Analgesic
Part Used: Bark
Historical Uses: Used as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.
Modern Research: Contains salicin, a precursor to aspirin; studied for pain and inflammation.
Yarrow
Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium
Herb Category: Hemostatic, Diaphoretic
Part Used: Flower
Historical Uses: Used for wound healing, fevers, and menstrual regulation.
Modern Research: Supports circulation, inflammation, and menstrual balance.