Tania Byrne of East Portland on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Tania Byrne and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tania, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, I’ve been finding a lot of joy in foraging—especially harvesting hawthorn berries and wild mushrooms like oysters, chanterelles, and lobsters. There’s something so grounding about being out in the forest, connecting with the seasons and the abundance nature offers. It reminds me why I do what I do—those quiet moments of gathering and working with the plants bring such a deep sense of peace and inspiration

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Tania Byrne, an herbalist and the founder of Mossy Tonic and Epic Herbalism, as well as the author of Gather: Wild Recipes for Health and Home. My work is all about reconnecting people to nature through practical, everyday herbalism—whether that’s making skincare from garden herbs, brewing seasonal tonics, or learning how to identify wild plants right outside your door.

Mossy Tonic grew out of my love for creating small-batch, plant-based remedies that truly support body and spirit. And through Epic Herbalism, I teach others how to work with herbs in ways that feel approachable, seasonal, and empowering.

What makes my work unique is that I blend traditional folk herbalism with a deep respect for simplicity and sustainability. Lately, I’ve been focused on sharing more education—like my book and mini video series Dipping into Herbalism: Leafing Through Herbal Texts —so people can bring herbal wisdom into their own homes

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I think the part of me that’s served its purpose is that old ‘hustle and grind’ mentality so many of us Millennials picked up in the early 2000s. For a long time, I thought constant productivity was the measure of success, but it eventually led to burnout. Now, I’m learning to flow more like the seasons—resting when I need to, creating when inspiration comes, and reassessing what truly matters.

It feels like such a privilege to be able to slow down, tune out some of the noise that’s so pervasive right now, and reconnect with that childlike wonder again. I’m prioritizing time with friends, noticing the little things, and remembering that life doesn’t need to be rushed to be meaningful.

What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I used to think I had life all figured out. I had plans, timelines, and ideas about how everything should go — and of course, life had its own ideas. I failed hard at trying to control it all. What I’ve learned since is that when you stop fighting for what you thought you wanted, you can actually start enjoying what you already have.

In my 20s, I said that if I didn’t have a child by 33, I probably wouldn’t have any — and here I am, almost 36 and pregnant with my first. It’s such a reminder that life will ‘life,’ whether you plan it or not. The moment I stopped trying to control every outcome and let go of all the woulds, shoulds, and coulds, things began to unfold in a much more beautiful and natural way

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I really admire Rosemary Gladstar. She’s such an OG herbalist and one of the sweetest, most genuine people you could ever meet. She has this beautiful way of making everyone feel welcome and inspired, and her love for both people and plants just radiates from her. There’s a kind of quiet magic about her that reminds me what true wisdom and kindness look like.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing? 
I think I’d regret not writing more books. There’s nothing like hearing someone say, ‘I had this herb growing in my neighborhood and never knew I could eat it!’ after reading Gather. Moments like that remind me why I write — to help people reconnect with the plants around them and see the magic in everyday nature.

I have a few projects in the works right now — a beginner-friendly Herbalism 101 book and an oracle deck — both close to my heart. I’m hoping to have them out by spring 2026… but no promises!

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