Laurie Prather was accepted as a member of the Arkansas Craft Guild during the Guild's 46th Annual Christmas Showcase in Little Rock. She has a website, The Cracked Pot Apothecary, is where she sells her herbal teas, salves, and remedies, and publicizes her workshops. She forages and uses organic practices to grow and research ancient medicinal uses for plants that can be found literally everywhere. Her passion is to share affordable natural remedies and how they can be made for your family at home.
Laurie begins, "I have always been captivated by the intricacies of the human body and its remarkable ability to heal. My journey into herbalism began in 2018, following a traumatic injury to my arm. At the suggestion of my Occupational Therapist, I turned to gardening as a form of physical therapy. With the support of my husband, we planted our first garden on our small ranch. What began as a therapeutic exercise soon transformed into a profound passion for plants and their healing properties. Over six years, this practice has blossomed into a small business, symbolizing not only my physical recovery but also my personal growth and dedication to natural remedies."
Her foundation in health and science was built during her time as a flight medic in the U.S. Army, where she received extensive formal training and applied knowledge in real-world scenarios. Following her Gulf War service, she decided to become a teacher and received a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and History. For 22 years, she taught Health Science and Medical Professions in Arkansas, preparing students for rewarding careers in the medical field through courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Pharmacology, as well as foundational medical skills. In 2012, she began a Physician Assistant (PA) Master’s program, a path inspired by her desire to expand her contributions to the healthcare field.
While preparing for the program, she took an aromatherapy course at the University of Central Arkansas, which ignited her fascination with the relationship between plants and people. This interest deepened through additional studies at the Ozark Folk Center under teachers such as Linda Odom, head gardener Tina Wilcox, and co-author with Susan Belsinger, of The Creative Herbal Home. Although the injury to her arm ultimately prevented her from completing the PA program, it led her to discover the joy of herbalism. Today, she is immersed in Rosemary Gladstar’s Science and Art of Herbalism course. Laurie is an active member of the International Herb Assoc., the American Botanical Council, the Arkansas Herb Society-Ozark Unit, and the Faulkner County Master Gardeners. Her work focuses on educating her community about accessible and affordable herbal remedies while promoting sustainable practices.
"My products are crafted with care, using many plants I grow myself to ensure purity and quality. Each item is prepared in small batches using proven recipes, sustainable packaging, and thoughtfully designed labels. Herbalism has not only provided me with a fulfilling vocation but also allowed me to give back to my community through the power of nature and education. My journey reflects resilience, lifelong learning, and the belief that healing is as much about nurturing the body as it is about fostering connections with the natural world."
Visit Laurie's artist roster page here on our website.
Learn about her classes and buy from Laurie at The Cracked Pot Apothecary
Follow her on Facebook.com/CrackedPotFarmacy
Thank you for your service, Laurie!
