Hi, my name is Sandy Evans Tolonen and the idea of Metsäntaru came to me while visiting my husbands family cottage in northern Finland. There were days of peace & quiet in the middle of the forest, and during that time my imagination came back to life. While gathering herbs, the forest began to speak to me through stories and fairy tales. I want to share this enchantment with others through the old tradition of storytelling. And hopefully inspire others to visit the forest and hear their own stories too.
Every story that I share came to me while walking in the Finnish forest. I hope that these stories & handmade herbal products will help others to feel better physically, mentally & creatively just as they have helped me, my family & friends. I ethically wildcraft many of the herbs in Metsäntaru products by myself near our family cottage in northern Finland. And I always take special consideration to leave behind plenty of untouched herbs for the bees, butterflies and other animals. I also supplement what I am not able to wildcraft myself with herbs from organic farmers. Much care is taken in choosing the particular ingredients of each product in order to balance the various flavors and energetic properties of the herbs, resulting in a harmonious and healthful blend.
I draw on nearly 20 years experience as a practicing herbalist and herbal educator. I hold a degree in Herbal Sciences from Bastyr University and am also a Licensed Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbalist. And yet my study of herbs & healing is never-ending, plants & people have so much to teach and I am so happy to learn from them for the rest of my life.
I hope that you enjoy what Metsäntaru has to share!
Metsäntaru has been inspected by the Finnish Food Authorities Oiva:
