Hidden Gems: Meet Gracie Toth of Third Coast Herbal Collective & Yellow Moon Yurt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gracie Toth

Hi Gracie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Born & raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Gracie Toth moved to Michigan in early 2011. From 2012-2015 attending an in-person program at (formerly known as) The Naturopathic School of the Healing Arts; in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Third Coast Herbal Collective budded in 2017 from her senior project/previous business Naturopathic Knack.

In August 2019, Gracie traveled to Chris Trump’s 5 Day Natural Farming Intensive. Becoming an official “soil smith” in 2021, during Chris’ Tennessee class. As a lifelong student, she continues to expand her knowledge on sustainable, closed loop, regenerative farming techniques. Fulfilling her passion for Building Soil & Community.

Currently, Gracie stewards 20 acres alongside her 8 year old daughter Julie Mae and Fiancée Tim Greener. Planting an array of native medicinal plants to seasonal garden veggies. Garlic is the farm favorite; harvesting upwards of 300 lbs of garlic crop annually. In our products we source plants directly off the farm, wildcrafted or homegrown with beyond organic techniques. Most all plants used in TCHC products are sourced via local, Michigan based farms. Ingredients such as spirits, oils or cinnamon (can’t grow in Michigan) are all organic. Each product recipe is herbalist-formulated personally by Gracie.

In April of 2020, on her 30th birthday Gracie launched her most exciting project yet: Yellow Moon Yurt. An off grid healing arts center. Where we host community events including Oddly Specific Gathering, seasonal barter markets, natural farming classes, yoga, skill-shares, live music and more.

Our most recent additions in 2024 are angora rabbits and purebred Guernseys. We are excited for that this next chapter of livestock will offer to our farm. From microbes and manure to fiber and milk!

When not in the gardens, weeds or woods, Gracie can be found: cooking in the kitchen, playing music, making medicine, guiding movement classes or herbal workshops, practicing integrated bodywork and traditional naturopathy, on the bus, at a show, writing endless words that slip through cracks, and rambling on like a wild rose….

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In 2017, I parted ways with the father of my child and moved back to my hometown. As the old adage goes “if you love something enough and let it go, it will come back to you.”

In 2018, I found myself back on the farm as a single mother. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure how I’d mow the lawn.

As soon as I felt like I was getting back on track — enter 2020. Where the rug was taken out from most of us.

All through the support and love of community I was able to find my footing. Becoming deeply rooted within these beautiful Irish Hills area of SE MI.

There is no farming without failure. This is one of the biggest lesson I have learned over the years. Care for the soil and the soil will take care of you.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
TCHC mission is to build soil and community.

We truly believe there is no healthy community without healthy soil; and vice versa.

On our farm we use natural farming techniques. Trained in Korean Natural Farming (KNF) by Chris Trump. Regenerative agriculture is all about using what you have. Turning weeds into fertilizer. Inoculating soil with microbes. Tending to the unseen. Most recent addition for the farm are purebred Guernseys. Which not only provide us with milk but also single source manure to amend our garden beds. That is how we build soil.

We build community through our ongoing events like Oddly Specific Gathering (happens in the odd years only), seasonal barter markets (quarterly with equinoxes and solstices), regenerative herbalism meet ups, natural farming classes, pop-up yoga, traditional skills shares, occasional listening room style concerts & more. We are open to collaborating with guest presenters or performers.

We are an inclusive and open minded community that thrives with the more diversity we can foster.

We have products available through our online apothecary. Our events are also listed on our website. Please join us or reach out about collaborating.

How do you think about happiness?
Being a mother, is one of my greatest gifts on this walk. My daughter is my number one motivation. She is the future and paves the path for me.

Soil and community. I see abundance in the garden that produces an immense amount of gratitude. Developing relationships with the land and people. This is my life’s work.

Single source simplicities. Whether through growing or preserving foods, butter, cheese or ice cream! Made fresh with our cows milk and homemade maple syrup. Canning foods — we put up over 500 jars of homegrown goodness in 2024. Making sugar from the trees. Maples cry tears of joy for spring, giving me reason to sing. There’s nothing more empowering than living with the seasons and what they provide. Even more joyous when shared with others.

Creating plant magic. Formulating recipes, like writing songs. This ancient craft is one of the most soul-fulfilling outlets. To link modern times with traditional plant remedies. Doing so with deep reverence.

I have often been called a conduit. I see connections that must be made. Life is a big ole puzzle. I love putting the pieces together to create a bigger picture. In awe of the Painter of Nature.

Pricing:

• Oddly Specific Gathering – tickets on sale now $75 early bird.
• See our website for list of seasonal plant remedies
• Free Barter Markets: next one on March 23rd
• CSH – tiered membership to support our efforts on the farm

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thirdcoastherbalcollective.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirdcoastherbalcollective?igsh=MTdjcTBsYWVtdzg4OQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thirdcoastherbalcollective
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/yellowmoonyurt?igsh=MThlcWtkazB4dTVxdA==