

Herbalism in Puerto Rico
Traditional knowledge, science, and responsible care of medicinal plants.
Herbalism is about much more than learning what a plant can do. It’s about learning to recognize it, understand it, respect its history, and explore the different ways it can support people’s well-being.
At Semilla Creciente, our herbalism practice grows from a relationship with plants that began within our family and continues to evolve through science, experience, education, and lifelong learning.
What Do We Mean by Herbalism?
For us, herbalism is not simply the study of medicinal plants.
It is the relationship between people and plants.
It is understanding how a seed, a forest, a family, and a community are all part of the same story of care.
It is learning from knowledge passed down through generations and taking responsibility for studying it, preserving it, and sharing it with integrity. This philosophy guides everything we do at Semilla Creciente—from our herbal shop and consultations to our workshops, community education, and every botanical preparation we make.
At Semilla Creciente, we use the term herbalism to describe a discipline that brings together traditional knowledge of medicinal plants with evidence-based botanical medicine, education, ongoing research, and the responsible use of natural resources.
Herbalism invites us to observe plants with curiosity, respect, and humility. It reminds us that every preparation begins long before we make a tincture or tea: it begins with the soil where a plant grows, with the people who cultivate it, with the knowledge that surrounds it, and with the responsibility to use it safely.

Herbalism and Midwifery: Sister Disciplines
The histories of midwifery and herbalism have always been intertwined.
For centuries, midwives were also guardians of knowledge about medicinal plants. They understood the cycles of nature because they also understood the cycles of life. They supported people through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and the everyday care of families with a holistic approach that brought together observation, experience, and a deep respect for nature.
That legacy inspires the work of Tamara Trinidad Gonzalez.
Her training as a professional midwife and her studies in botanical medicine at Bastyr University deepened a body of knowledge that began much earlier, through listening to the stories and teachings passed down by her grandmothers.
Today, at Semilla Creciente, midwifery and herbalism continue to go hand in hand. Both share the same mission: to support people with respect, education, and responsibility, promoting well-being through a holistic approach to health.

The Experience Behind Semilla Creciente

Semilla Creciente was born as a place where herbalism could be part of everyday life. A space where people could not only find high-quality botanical preparations, but also learn, ask questions, take part in workshops, receive professional guidance, and reconnect with a living tradition of medicinal plant knowledge.
Through consultations, workshops, handcrafted botanical products, and community education, we seek to help people develop a more conscious relationship with medicinal plants and understand that well-being is also cultivated through learning.
Our work brings together clinical experience, ongoing research, and a deep appreciation for Puerto Rico’s biodiversity and the traditions that have shaped our identity.
Our Herbal Shop in Guaynabo

Our herbal shop is where herbalism comes to life.
It’s a welcoming space open to the community, where people can explore the world of medicinal plants up close, talk with our team, and discover preparations made with care and intention.
Here, you can find tinctures, medicinal teas, syrups, oils, balms, salves, dried herbs sold by weight, and other handcrafted botanical preparations. You can also pick up orders placed through our online store, enjoy the tea of the day, or simply stop by to learn more about medicinal plants.
At the back of our herbal shop, we have a private consultation room where Tamara offers herbalism and midwifery consultations in a calm, safe, and confidential setting. Our space also hosts workshops, educational gatherings, and community activities that expand access to knowledge about herbal medicine and holistic health.
Our herbal shop is more than a place to purchase products. It’s a space to ask questions, learn, share experiences, and strengthen the connection between people, plants, and community.
Educate to Care


We believe education transforms communities.
That’s why much of our work happens beyond the laboratory and consultation room. We organize workshops, talks, and educational experiences for individuals, families, and professionals interested in learning more about medicinal plants, well-being, and midwifery.
Tamara Trinidad Gonzalez also participates in interviews, conferences, podcasts, and media appearances, where she shares knowledge about Puerto Rico’s medicinal plants, our island’s herbal tradition, and the importance of using these resources responsibly and with informed understanding.
Sharing knowledge is a form of care. When people better understand medicinal plants, they can make more informed decisions about their health and help preserve a tradition that is part of Puerto Rico’s cultural heritage.
Quality, Sustainability, and Responsibility
Every decision we make reflects the respect we have for people, plants, and the planet.
We carefully select our medicinal plants, mushrooms, and ingredients, prioritizing organic cultivation, local producers, and responsible farming practices whenever possible. We apply that same care to the oils, waxes, alcohols, and other ingredients used in each of our botanical preparations.
Our commitment also extends to how we work every day. We use lower-impact cleaning products in our laboratory and herbal shop, reuse packaging materials whenever they can be safely used again, and avoid single-use plastics whenever responsible alternatives are available—all without ever compromising quality, hygiene, or compliance with health and safety regulations.
But responsibility goes far beyond the materials we use.
To the people who place their trust in us.
To the farmers who grow the plants.
To the bees and other pollinators that sustain our ecosystems.
To Puerto Rico and its botanical heritage.
And to knowledge itself, through our ongoing commitment to study, research, and lifelong learning so that we can offer our products, education, and guidance with the greatest integrity possible.
Because herbalism is not simply about making remedies.
It is about cultivating a responsible relationship with plants, with people, and with the land.
FAQ
Why Do We Use the Term "Herbología" for Herbalism?
At Semilla Creciente, we use the term herbología when speaking of herbalism to describe a discipline that integrates the study of medicinal plants, botanical medicine, education, and the responsible use of natural resources. It reflects our commitment to lifelong learning and to a practice grounded in both tradition and the available evidence.
How Are Herbalism and Midwifery Connected?
Historically, many midwives were also knowledgeable about medicinal plants. Both disciplines share a deep understanding of the cycles of life, caring for people, and our relationship with nature. At Semilla Creciente, that connection continues to be an essential part of our philosophy.
What is an apothecary?
An apothecary is an herbal products space dedicated to the preparation, education, and responsible use of medicinal plants and other botanical preparations. At Semilla Creciente, our space also serves as a place to gather, learn, receive professional guidance, and strengthen the relationship between people and plants.
Can I visit the herbal shop if I don't have an appointment?
Yes. You can visit us to explore the space, purchase herbal preparations, buy medicinal plants by weight, pick up online orders, enjoy the tea of the day, or take part in our educational activities.
How Do You Select the Ingredients You Use?
We seek to work with producers who share our values, prioritizing local ingredients whenever available, organic cultivation, and sustainable practices. Each ingredient is selected for its quality, botanical identity, and provenance, with the same care we bring to the preparation of our products.
Do You Offer Workshops and Educational Experiences?
Yes. We regularly offer workshops, talks, and activities for people who are just beginning to explore medicinal plants, as well as those who want to deepen their knowledge of herbalism, well-being, and midwifery.
The information presented on this page is for educational purposes and promotes the informed and responsible use of medicinal plants. Herbalism education does not replace professional healthcare, diagnosis, or treatment when these are necessary.
Herbalism also reminds us that knowledge is never complete. Just as plants evolve and ecosystems change, those who study them have a responsibility to keep learning. Honoring tradition does not mean standing still; it means preserving its essence while continuing to research, observe, and grow with humility.
navega por la colección a continuación

Witch Hazel

Contact Us
Address
Ave. Esmeralda P2-53 Urb. Ponce de León, 00969, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Phone
(787) 720-0770
Hours at our Shop in Guaynabo
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10:30 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday
10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Friday
10:30 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday
10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday
Closed
