Cannabis is often seen as just another frowned upon vice or outlet for taking the edge off and coping with the strains of everyday life. Another way to “party,” so to speak. But as we’ve seen more and more in the past several years, there’s much more to this powerful herb than just getting “stoned.”
From treating seizures and epilepsy to stimulating appetite in chemo-treated cancer patients, the power of cannabis to heal is most definitely real and can’t be ignored. And it’s not just cannabis, but many other natural botanical and herbal remedies that unfortunately many people don’t even know exist, let alone work better than a lot (if not most) of the lab-created remedies pushed by big corporations.
Thankfully, there are those trying to help spread the word by making it their mission to get these remedies out there, get this information out to the public in an effort to educate them and make them aware of all the wonderful powers natural, plant-based medicine has to offer. One of those folks is Lou Sagar, CEO of The Alchemist’s Kitchen, a New York City-based herbal and botanical dispensary and apothecary that does a whole lot more than just sell miracle potions and tonics.
We recently had a chance to sit down with Mr. Sagar at his gorgeous downtown space to learn more about The Alchemist’s Kitchen and how plant-based medicine is literally changing the world, one plant (and patient) at a time.
So first off, this is an absolutely gorgeous space you’ve created here. It’s amazing how one minute you’re on a dirty New York City street in the heart of the Bowery and the next minute you walk in here and are literally transported to another world. How did you go about creating such an oasis? Did you work with a specific designer or architect?
The design framework of the space was completed with the intention of creating a spa- like feeling to inspire health and wellness. When we were presented with the space, we felt it was a perfect home for The Alchemist’s Kitchen and our focus on the power of plants via a plant-based culinary and the creation of a botanical dispensary to sell retail products.
Yeah, you definitely feel the whole nature vibe with all the plants and floral arrangements. Even the music is great! Sounds really in-synch with the atmosphere.
Thank you. On each and every day we create a vibe that is stimulated by periodic scentings of the space, a mood altering playlist, and an informed retail environment for visitors and customers to engage and learn about a new generation of botanical and herbal remedies.
Well it’s certainly working. The whole space has a real zen-like quality to it, which seems appropriate given the name “The Alchemist’s Kitchen.” So tell us, what exactly is The Alchemist’s Kitchen?
We’re a leading destination to learn and engage with the power of plants. Our retail botanical dispensary here in the Bowery sells a highly curated selection of herbal tinctures and remedies from small workshops around the country and we feature a plant-based culinary menu which offers vegan-based foods, snacks, and state-changing elixirs. We celebrate artisanship, sustainability, and conscious living.
And what led you to create such a place?
We’re witnessing a paradigm shift in how conscious consumers approach health and wellness. There is tremendous interest in plant-based remedies. Most conscious consumers are seeking to incorporate botanical remedies into their wellness regimen, but lack information and education. I was inspired by a belief that plants are healing, and the cannabis industry is leading the way to broadening awareness on how we can use plants more effectively to treat health issues each and every day.
Why “Alchemist’s Kitchen”?
The magic of plants are held in the alchemy of their benefits. When we put our intention to healing with plants, we’re often rewarded with lasting results. Back in the day, the witches who lived in the forests, talked to the trees, and sang with the plants—although often discredited by the town elders—they were the herbalists and the healers. These were the good witches, and today we celebrate their heritage at The Alchemist’s Kitchen.
And what about you? Were you always interested in herbal medicine?
I’ve always been interested in how we can stimulate the senses and change the mood of people and the atmosphere of space via scent, sound, and visual enhancements.
Looking around, beyond the beautiful space, I’m amazed at the array of unique product offerings you guys have here on the shelves. How do you go about finding all of these small, relatively unheard of products? And what do you look for when searching for them?
We’re guided in our product selection by curation, and our curation begins with a trust in the ingredients of the products, the makers who create the products, and the benefits they produce for those of us who use them.
Any personal favorites?
I’m always testing new products and there many personal favorites. I love our high potency cannabis CBD oils to treat anxiety and pain. Our elderberry elixir made in small batches on the coast of Maine is a long-time favorite with a delicious taste. The Monk Oil, inspired by ancient recipes, is absolutely sensational for dry skin. Plantfolks Sacred Sage for purifying space is a must have. Oh my, there are so many.
So it seems! You mentioned the cannabis CBD oils for anxiety and pain. Obviously the plant is reaching a new high here in the country, with legalization sweeping the nation and cannabis finally coming out from underground into the mainstream. Being a traditional herbalist yourself, how do you feel about all this and, well, cannabis in general?
I believe that we are just at the very early stages of experiencing the powerful benefits from the non-psychoactive parts of the plant. Cannabis is no longer about getting stoned in the traditional sense. It is to be honored as a true wellness experience. Change of state is a desirable experience when used with proper intention and under the right circumstances. Plants have been penalized and have earned a bad reputation when classified as illegal drugs. We need to teach our children to love plants and use them in moderation. Cannabis is a sacred plant and one which deserves to be studied, tested, and cherished by conscious people. Plants are our allies in our pursuit of personal transformation. After all, that is our reason for being here in the first place.
Spoken like a true alchemist! And now that cannabis is more mainstream, do you have a lot of customers coming in and asking about it or any of its CBD-related products?
We definitely have more and more people seeking information on the benefits, almost daily.
And how about yourself? Do you consume?
Yes, I’m a moderate user. I’m very intrigued with the advances of the terpenes, which is the fragrance of the plant.
Ah, the terpenes—those wonderfully fragrant oils are truly enticing. Speaking of which, all these shakes and snacks I saw walking in here look delicious. And they’re actually made in, like, a real kitchen, and not just one where obscure tinctures and oils are being cooked up. Shakes, teas, and a bunch of other delicious looking items. What made you decide to offer food and beverages as well?
Our Kitchen is a plant-based vegan menu that compliments our state-changing elixirs, which are all made from proprietary recipes and formulations. It helps us create a beautiful and elegant connection between the botanical remedies and the culinary aspects of the movement. Our elixirs are extremely popular and range from ones that stimulate spiritual intentions and heart openings to even brain clarity. Our Kava Nectar is the best in town.
Well I’ll definitely have put that on my list to try then. I also saw you have a full calendar’s worth of events, with names like the ”Moon Cycle Harmony Event” and “Frog Medicine from the Amazon,” not to mention the one that really caught my attention—“Cannabis and Spirituality.” Wild! Can you tell us a little bit about that aspect of The Alchemist’s Kitchen and how you go about setting them up—the topic, the speakers, etc.?
We’re dedicated to building trust with our customers and within our community through the production and hosting of classes, workshops, and events. The master themes are always aligned around personal transformation, but learning about the use of plants in all their forms has a special focus.
Do these events typically cost money?
Yes, most of our classes and workshops are ticketed to cover costs, but always affordable.
And how can people sign up and attend?
Simply visit out website at thealchemistskitchen.com and go to our events page. We update it weekly.
So what’s in store for The Alchemist’s Kitchen moving forward? Do you have any exciting projects or launches in the works? Any plans to open up additional locations here in New York? Outside New York? Perhaps even outside the country?
Right now we just want to focus right here in New York City and strengthen our online reach and grow our business. We’re excited but humbled by the enormous support we’re receiving each and every day from all of you, and hope it continues.
Photography by glass/foto
