Jennifer Monroy, founder and herbalist of Erekani Herbs, grew up in a Mexican-American household in Orange County, California, where herbal medicine was an everyday practice. Anytime someone in the family fell ill, her mother and grandmother intuitively knew how to provide remedies without relying on a doctor, making physician visits a rarity. At 15, Jennifer’s family relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina where she began attending wellness-focused pop-up classes that sparked her curiosity. Growing up with plant medicine as the norm, she hadn’t realized herbalism could be a career.
Later, Jennifer worked as a pharmacy technician, where she witnessed countless people struggling with chronic health issues. Combined with her own health challenges, this motivated her to explore herbalism as a complementary approach to Western medicine. In 2023, she moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, in search of an herbal community where she could further her education. She connected with Kathryn of Seagate School, who became her mentor and encouraged her to start Erekani Herbs.
The name “Erekani” is derived from the Nahuatl language of the volcanic lands of Colima, Mexico, where Jennifer’s family originates. It translates to “to live” and reflects her mission to honor her roots, culture, and ancestors while promoting holistic health and reducing reliance on expensive doctor visits and prescriptions.
In 2024, Jennifer completed her studies at Seagate School of holistic herbalism, and began pursuing an online Indigenous herbalism program through Indigi Golden Herbal Academy, where she is set to graduate in 2025. Looking ahead, Erekani Herbs is on track to expand into a full organic bulk herb dispensary by 2026, specializing in locally grown and wild-harvested herbs and mushrooms.
Passionate about lifelong learning, Jennifer is dedicated to reclaiming safe and compassionate herbal medicine and making it accessible to every household. Through her work, she strives to support people on their unique health journeys with care and intention.
Meet the Herbalist
Formal Education:
My path as an herbalist is deeply rooted in continuous learning. I’ve pursued formal training to expand my knowledge and blend tradition with modern techniques in herbalism.
Herbal Apprenticeship, Seagate School of Holistic Herbalism (2023-current) Traditional Western Herbalism, plant identification, formulation techniques, wildcrafting.
Online Indigenous Herbalism Course, Indigi Golden Herbal Academy (2024-2025) Reviving ancestral healing practices through indigenous herbal traditions, understanding the spiritual and energetic properties of plants, ethical wildcrafting and sustainability within traditional knowledge systems, using plant medicine to address modern health challenges holistically.
In person Classes and Workshops:
Foundations in Herbalism 2023 (6 class series), Seagate School formally known as Gray Cat Botanicals.
Women’s Wellness 2024 (6 class series), Seagate School formally known as Gray Cat Botanicals.
Native, Wild, and Homegrown Medicinals 2024 (5 class series), Seagate School formally known as Gray Cat Botanicals.
Mycology 101 2024, Wilmington Mushroom Club taught by Ashlyn Thompson.
Edible vs Toxic Mushrooms 2024, Wilmington Mushroom Club taught by Ashlyn Thompson.
Medicinal & Tea Mushrooms 2024, Wilmington Mushroom Club taught by Ashlyn Thompson.
Cultural Activities/ Volunteer Work
SENC Herbal Conference 2024, intern, director assistant.
