Hi there!

I’m Rachael Keener—herbalist, former personal chef, daughter, sister, auntie, gardener, artist—and the owner and Jane of all trades at ALKAME CO. I am guided in life by a deeply abiding love for plants, people and food. While my relationship with all of the above is often based on feeling, intuition and the deep ancestral knowing that we all share as animals on this planet, I also have a deep respect for science—which I integrate equally into my work as an herbalist.

At ALKAME CO, I place great care on the art and science of formulation. A formula is more than the sum of it’s parts. It’s about alchemy and how all of those parts marry—synergizing together and enhancing one another. Sometimes this synergy can be understood via research that has been borne out in a scientific laboratory, sometimes via wisdom that has been passed down through hundreds of years of traditional use and sometimes through my own decade plus of listening to and working with plants. The result is a product line infused with reverence, expertise and intention.

I have always loved bridging the world of food and herbs. ALKAME CO was created to do just that and bring the healing and helping power of plants to as many people as possible in a way that is fun, easy and accessible. Using our formulas can be as simple as scooping them into water or your milk of choice, or as inspiring as making them into a healthy, delicious treat. Consider them my offering to you—one that I share with great gratitude, humility and joy on behalf of the plants that I’m lucky enough to know and work with.

Social + Environmental Integrity

Ingredient quality and integrity are incredibly important to us. 100% of our ingredients are organic—as well as local and fair trade wherever possible. I spend many long hours forging relationships with local herb farms, direct trade suppliers and wholesalers who are committed to transparent, ecological growing practices and fair compensation throughout the supply chain.

Some of the amazing growers and distributors that we are lucky to work with include Foster Farm Botanicals (Calais, VT), Zack Woods Herb Farm (Hyde Park, VT), Baird Farm (West Chittenden, VT) and Diaspora Co.

Our commitment to high-integrity, high-quality ingredients is motivated first by the desire to do right by the earth and by our human communities near and far. Second, I know that ingredients grown and processed with integrity make for the best, most vital food and medicine.

I also actively seek ways for ALKAME CO to support racial justice initiatives and the work of BIPOC owned businesses—whether through sourcing, collaboration, fundraising or donating herbs. Please reach out if you have an ask, ideas or are interested in collaborating.