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Meet Our Founder

Cynthia Johnston’s passion for natural wellness and her deep respect for the healing power of plants led to the birth of MoonMaid Botanicals over 30 years ago.

A trained herbalist with a commitment to sustainable practices, Cynthia’s vision was simple but profound—create botanical products that support women’s health and are rooted in nature’s wisdom.

The Roots Begin to Grow

Cynthia’s journey with herbal remedies began in her early 20s. She sought to heal herself from the exhausting effects of asthma medication that left her feeling depleted. Her exploration started with books like The Herbalist and Back to Eden, which introduced her to the art of creating remedies like teas and tinctures. Though self-taught at first, her move to Northern California opened up a world of opportunities.


At the California School of Herbal Studies in 1989, Cynthia trained under Gina Banghart and studied with renowned herbalists such as Rosemary Gladstar. It was here she learned the ancient folk traditions of herb usage—how her ancestors used plants for healing. She developed her first cream, Radiant Rose , inspired by her desire for natural, preservative-free alternatives. This newfound skill blended her passion for plants with the practical knowledge of crafting effective products, setting the stage for what would come next.

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Crafting a Purpose

Cynthia’s herbal studies deepened in 1991 during her Clinical Herbalism training with Amanda McQuade Crawford. She learned to take patient histories, analyze diet and lifestyle, and create personalized herbal treatments. This training led to a pivotal role with a local doctor, where Cynthia became the office “medicine maker,” creating tinctures, salves, and creams for patients. It was during this time that she formulated Vital "V", a healing salve, and ProMeno, a wild yam cream designed to balance hormones—offering women an alternative to chemical-laden products like Premarin®.


Through extensive research, experimentation, and a commitment to providing women with natural, effective options, Cynthia turned her herbal knowledge into powerful creations that honored the body and the earth. Her passion for designing remedies that were not only functional but also luxurious began to resonate with others.

PRESS


I am so grateful that I have found something that I believe in
and can do for the good of women, for the good of the planet.

I've been using the RadiantSerum and HydraMoist Moisturizer Pair for two months now, and the difference in my skin is unbelievable. My fine lines have diminished, and my skin feels
Nothing to write home about. Wasn’t very inspired to use because it didn’t seem like it was doing much at all. That being said, neutral in most ways which I prefer to something