Meet the practitioner, Valentina Killough
Certified Aromatherapist & Herbalist
I’m passionate about making herbs and aromatics approachable for real, everyday life — not just the homestead or the apothecary. I believe you can build a meaningful relationship with plants while still running a business, raising a family, and living fully in the modern world.
My Story
My path into this work began during the early days of motherhood, when I experienced postpartum depression and anxiety. A thoughtful friend gifted me an essential oil blend, which brought a sense of calm when I inhaled it (much to my amazement). That experience sparked my curiosity about how plants can support the nervous system and emotional health. When my daughter was 2 months old, I began my years of formal study in aromatherapy, herbalism, and psychology.
With over seven years of experience, I now work with women who are navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, sleep challenges, postpartum transitions, hormone shifts, nervous system dysregulation, digestive concerns, and emotional overwhelm.
Through custom essential oil blends, individualized herbal formulas, and simple plant-based practices that fit into modern life, I help women feel more steady, clear, and connected to their bodies — supported in ways that are both natural and realistic.
What are the benefits of aromatherapy and herbalism?
Stress Relief
Herbalism and aromatherapy can support stress relief by calming the nervous system and easing physical tension. For example, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is widely used in both tea and essential oil form to promote relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Hormonal Balance
Herbs can support hormonal balance by helping regulate the stress response, supporting liver and endocrine function, and easing symptoms associated with monthly and life-stage shifts. Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) essential oil is often used to soothe PMS-related mood swings and may help alleviate menstrual cramping through its calming and antispasmodic properties.
Digestion
Plant remedies can support digestion by soothing intestinal spasms, stimulating digestive secretions, and easing tension that often contributes to bloating or discomfort. For example, peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is commonly used in tea or essential oil form to help relieve gas, indigestion, and abdominal cramping.
Mental Clarity
Plants can enhance cognitive function and memory by supporting healthy circulation to the brain, reducing mental fatigue, and gently stimulating focus through their active plant compounds and aromatic constituents. For example, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has traditionally been used to promote mental clarity, and its invigorating aroma is often associated with improved alertness and memory retention.
Anxiety
Herbs and aromas can help ease anxiety by calming an overactive nervous system, supporting GABA activity, and reducing the physical tension that often accompanies worry or overwhelm. One of my favorite plants, kava (Piper methysticum), has traditionally been used to ease social anxiety by promoting a relaxed, grounded feeling.
Sleep
Herbalism and aromatherapy can support restful sleep by calming the nervous system, reducing mental chatter, and helping the body shift into a relaxed, parasympathetic state. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is commonly used as a gentle evening tea to ease tension and promote deeper, more restorative sleep.
Client Testimonials
Our Services
In-person session at Alkemy Coffee Co.
Transformative aromatherapy experience for your event
