Thank You Plants and Microbes, I love you

I sell plant medicine in the form of deliciously fermented kombucha. It would be misguided if I didn’t communicate my respect and love for the plants and microbes involved in the process of brewing, so to this is for you- yerba mate, passion flower, valerian, and so many others- with special thanks to Saccharomyces and the probiotic microbes.

Plants-whenever I first stared gardening, I carried the misconception that I was the nurturer. To me I was the one that planted you, I mixed your soil, then labored you out of my car, then began nursing with my watering can- I nurture you. I was mistaken, you had fed me my entire life with your fruits, you continuously nurture me with your vitamins, minerals, and alkaloids, and have been for 6.5 million years. You have not adapted to me; I’ve adapted to you. You’ve taught me to take things slowly, so I have time to gain awareness of myself and my condition. You root me in Earth’s rhythms. Thank you Plants.

To you microbes- I say thank you for keeping me company. You taught me that health is not just about what I feed on, but about feeding those who feed on me. You remind me that life is an endeavor best shared, that life prospers when relationships are honored- even the ones you cannot see. Thank you microbes.