We believe everyone deserves only the best of ingredients.

Our passion for health and wellness is the foundation of The Bitter Herb Health Food Store. Our goal is to promote health and wellness within our community. We source many of our products locally from organic farmers, beekeepers, bread makers and small Ontario based businesses.

 
 
 

Carefully Chosen

We’ve carefully selected our products with your overall wellness in mind.

Curious about specific products or ingredients?

We’re here for you! The Bitter Herb strives to give an individually-tailored shopping experience based on your wellness needs.

Ingredients to help your body thrive

Meet Our Team

  • Martha Vander Laan Owner

    Martha grew up surrounded by vast, naturally grown vegetable gardens that were lovingly grown and tended by her father. Natural health practices were introduced to her in the 1990s and led to a wonderful, transformative change in her family’s lifestyle.

    As a graduate of the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, Martha became a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. Upon completing this program, she specialized in BioEnergetics at The Institute of Natural Health Technologies and has practiced for several years. Today, her special interests lie in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Martha’s true passion is to find the connection between body, mind, and spirit: combining physiological health with emotional well-being to provide a holistic and integrated form of care.

  • Alla Vallejo

    Alla's interest in nutrition began when she realized the correlation between nutrition and well-being for herself and her son. Her desire for learning grew to include interest in holistic well-being which includes incorporating mental and emotional health along side physical health. Alla graduated from The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition with Honours in 2007 where she also taught Pathology and Nutrition from 2007-2022. The completion of the BioEnergetics program at The Institute for Natural Health makes it possible for Alla to assist her clients in optimizing their health through both modalities.

    Alla has had a successful practice in Wortley Village for many years and has enjoyed helping her clients achieve balance and wellness in an informative and enjoyable way. She has also been able to assist customers in making appropriate supplemental choices in local health food stores for the past 17 years and continues to do so at The Bitter Herb Health Food Store in Dorchester, Ontario. Her current practice is located in St.Thomas, Ontario.

We’re here to help.

Contact us today for educational tips, product information, and everything about The Bitter Herb.