This feature originally ran in the November 2025-January 2026 issue of Community Matters, the quarterly magazine produced by The Cullman Tribune.
DeAnn Duke’s journey in herbal medicine began in 1996, when her then 3-year-old son had suffered repeated ear infections — she decided to seek out a more holistic cure, or create one.
Nearly three decades later, Duke is an herbalist and owner of Weeds N Roots Herbals.
“Looking back to my son when he was young, he has been on so many different antibiotics, and they have become ineffective,” Duke said. “I then began to start learning about alternative methods for healing, and the next ear infection led me to the local GNC Store. From there, an employee recommended garlic oil for his ear, and it worked! I bought books and began learning more and more and gained confidence in my skills as I treated my family. In 2003, my third son was diagnosed with autism. As I searched for answers and help for him, I was taken down a road of deeper holistic study. Again, I was being prepared for the future.”
Duke’s professional herbal studies began in 2014, after losing her 16-year-old son in 2013.
“My son’s death left me devastated and I knew I needed something to occupy my mind away from constant sorrow, so I signed up under Professional Clinical Herbalist Shonda Parker and dove in early 2014,” Duke said. “I am trained as a community herbalist, but I have always loved the medicine preparation side of herbalism. I began selling to the public in fall 2016 to my Facebook friends. The business name, ‘Weeds N Roots Herbals’ was born and it was just Fire Cider, elderberry syrup and cough syrup at that time.
Duke said the response from the community was great and the products she was sharing she had been making for many years.
“I started with products I created for my own family that proved successful time and again,” Duke said. “I quickly realized that I needed a store to get my products in, and Chambers Farm and Garden Supply, as well as, Herbs, Organics, & More in Cullman became home to Weeds N Roots Herbals. I was nervous about how the response was going to be, but the public was very receptive and the testimonials began to trickle in. Anytime you begin something new, it can be a gamble, but thankfully the people were also searching for natural remedies.”
Duke’s product list began mostly with cold/flu remedies like elderberry syrup, Fire Cider, cough syrup, and throat spray.
“I quickly added remedies that I had made and used with my children to treat viruses, diaper rashes, ear aches and my own teething babies,” Duke said. “I had experienced five wonderful home births and had made my own postpartum kit, so now our local midwives have access to those kits and they can also be ordered online by anyone.”
Fast-toward to years later, Duke’s product list has expanded to salves and ointments, kidney stones, shingles, UTI relief, respiratory help, winter teas, natural facial care, perfume, sun care, insect repellent, along with all the cold/flu/immune support herbal remedies.
“Make no mistake; there are miracles in medicine and we are all so thankful and blessed to have access to it, but we also need the herbs, which have always been called the people’s medicine,” Duke said. “They have nourished, soothed and helped bring healing to many generations since the beginning. They have earned their place and respect in history and the traditions need to make it to our future. When I first began, elderberry syrup was the big seller, but Fire Cider quickly became a favorite, due to its congestion/sinus help. Another product that took a bit, but has made a name for itself is Luxurious Face Cream. It smooths fine lines and moisturizes beautifully, while only containing natural ingredients.”
Duke’s products can be found online at www.weedsnrootsherbals.com or at Chambers Farm and Garden Supply in Cullman; Herbs, Organics & More in Cullman; J. Calvert Farms in Dodge City; and The Green House- Farmhouse Midwifery in Good Hope.
“I do one to two vendor markets each year where I offer products that are not in stores, so follow me on socials to get info,” Duke said. “Let me say how very humbled and thankful I am for every customer that has purchased products, shared social posts, gave recommendations word of mouth and provided testimonials for my products. Thank you so much.”
For more information visit www.facebook.com/weedsnroots or @weedsnrootsherbals on Instagram.
