North Idaho herbalist gains spotlight

When Michelle and Rick McAninch left suburban Seattle in 2015 with their three young sons, they embarked on a mission to transform a neglected property into a thriving, herbal-rich sanctuary in Athol.

"I was fascinated by the medicinal potential of common herbs, weeds and wild-foraged plants,” Michelle McAninch said in a press release. 

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, her then 10-year-old son became critically ill and spiked a fever of 106 for several days. With no help from doctors, she rushed him to the ER, where he was treated for strep and mono.

He recovered, but that experience became the catalyst for founding Tamarac Garden Family Farm in 2021. 

“No one will ever care for my children as I do,” Michelle said.

She immersed herself in the study of herbalism, and a deep curiosity about the healing power of herbs took root. 

“What started as a personal passion soon blossomed into a living apothecary,” she said. 

From blending teas and botanical skincare, Michelle has nurtured her garden into a living apothecary and is now celebrating national recognition.

Michelle’s signature “Sweet Dreams” tea was featured in Woman’s World magazine July 4 and introduced to an audience of over 2 million readers. 

Since then, it has been shipped to all 50 states and reaches customers in Canada. 

“In just 10 days, we’ve sold over $10,000 of this unique tea I originally made for myself to help me sleep,” Michelle said. “Something special is happening."

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Monica Romano is founder/publicist of Hidden Gem PR.