Frequently Asked Questions

Hi, my name is Sam! 

I am a Herbalist, herbal educator, mycologist, grower of food and medicine who want to share all the good information I'm learning on this journey. 

I started my learning journey with Pacific Rim College where I graduated from the Community Herbalist Program. I continued my education learning Botanical Tonics, Fermentations & Potions, and Mycology. I am currently pursuing my education in Phytotherapy (3500 hours).

I am very enthusiastic about learning and experiencing everyday with plants and fungi.

I understand and value the importance between a healthy body and a healthy mind, and I know that plants have an abundance to offer to help us find this balance and help us grow on this healing journey.  

My goal is to provide you with the best advice, herbs and herbal formulation to help you find this balance. 

Please, reach out if you have questions or if you want to book a consultation.

Nova Scotia, Canada.

I grow a lots of medicinal herbs and fill the gaps with trusted providers from different locations.  I purchase my medicinal plant seeds, shrubs and honey from Nova Scotia local providers and BC. 

I am not certified organic, but I only use natural fertilizer like compost and compost tea. 

I promote the no-till method, permaculture and I don't use any pesticides. 

Herbs grown at Black Sage Apotheka are harvested at their optimal peak time for potency, air dried and kept in glass jars away from direct sunlight in a controlled environment.

• Yes, I am registered with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Province of Nova Scotia.
• Member of British Columbia Herbalists Association (BCHA)
• Member of Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN)
• Food Handler Certification (Food Safety Level 1) recognized across Canada and accepted by all health departments.

I only compound and provide medicinal herbs that I know are safe to use (Materia medica). All the herbs and concoction I provide are used by myself regularly. That being said, anyone can react differently to any new product they are taking, whether it is food, cosmetics, plants, medicine, etc. If unsure, you should always start with small doses and see how your body react to it.

In order to comply with Health Canada regulations and to prevent individuals from purchasing what they may not necessarily need for their best interest, I do not display tinctures, hydrosols, oils or some specific herbs on my website. 

I don't consider myself as a ''manufacturer'' but rather a practitioner that compound specific formulation for specific needs. Also, some herbs might interact with medication and/or supplements and I want to make sure you can make a well informed decision. What is found on the apothecary section is considered as ''food'' and that is why most times, it is tax-exempted. That being said, you can always reach out and fill an intake form if there is something specific you are looking for.

As an herbalist I do not ''diagnose'' any medical conditions and ''prescribe'' herbs to ''cure'' any illness.  Herbalists attempt to find the root cause of illness using a holistic approach, treating the cause and not just the symptoms. Herbalists will choose herbs based on detailed information given to them or ailments a patient describes during the consultation. They might also create customized herbal formulations (compounding). Common forms of formulations: Herbal teas, tinctures, capsules, oils, skin creams and ointments.

You need to be ready to make changes in your life and to engage in the healing process.

To ensure you are receiving optimal advice, your honest participation in the review of lifestyle and life habits is required during a consultation and may include discussion about: nutrition, physical activity, life habits, sleep routine, mental health, stress level, work, spirituality, referral to other specialist.

Then the herbalist might provide advice, recommend herbs and customized formulations based on the information provided.

No, at this time I am not on any social media. 

Less scrolling more growing!!!   

First, there's a sanitation ritual that I perform every time I'm concocting to ensure proper hygiene protocol, but also to clean any residual energy that would no longer serve anyone. 

Then, most times, I perform a spiritual ritual that can involve: Moon cycles, native drums, smudging, Tibetan singing bowl, tuning fork, Crystals, Reiki, with the highest intention of love and care for the lovely person that will be using it.

Dry herbs & blended tea : Resealable Mylar bags. 

Infused-oil : Glass amber or black bottles with dropper.

Tinctures : Glass amber or black bottles with dropper.

Salves : Tin cans.

Online purchases are dealt and secured by a third party (Square).

When customers make an online purchase, their contact information is automatically recorded within Square, in the customer section and I have access to it. 

However, I do not use your contact information to send promotional emails. 

I believe that when someone needs anything they will reach out.