Recently we were lucky enough to collaborate with Anthia Koullouros of Apotheca by Anthia on a very special project. Drawing inspiration on the newly launched 'Meadow' collection - we charged Anthia with creating a tisane that was evocative of the sensation of walking into a flower meadow. The result? A relaxing tisane that's just as beautiful to drink as it is on the eye. 

Naturopath, herbalist, author and natural health educator, Anthia's days are packed full of goodness - with a focus on healing. Based in Sydney's Paddington, she invited us into her clinic to chat over a herbal tisane about where she's been and what's next. 

Anthia Koullouros - tell us about yourself: I’m a naturopath and founder and creator of Apotheca by Anthia - organic botanical teas, tisanes and naturopathic remedies. I have over 26 years of experience in clinical naturopathy and herbal medicine, creating to holistically nourish and heal you. I craft small run bespoke batches that are handmade in Australia from organic ingredients - with minimal waste in mind.

Where do you live and why do you love it? I live in Alexandria, NSW with my partner Paul, amongst the cool cafes, close to the city and Paddington where I work.

Can you share how you became interested in naturopathy? What led you down this path? I was inspired by a faded nutritional manual, “How to Get Well” By Paavo Airola, on my parent’s book shelf when I was 12. In 1995, I started practising Naturopathy and I opened my first clinic in Paddington. The rest is history.

What does a normal day look like for you? I wake up at 6am. Before I do too many things I start the day writing my morning pages in my journal with tea in hand followed by a meditation. I then have breakfast with Paul and get ready for work. At work in my Paddington clinic and store, I am either consulting, preparing patient protocols, managing the tea business and store, then more writing and meeting with my assistant. My days include yoga, walking, cooking and eating good food and time with Paul, family or friends. I go to sleep by 9:30pm.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed this time of year - do you have any tips? I do less of the things that are not so meaningful to me. Slow down, pause a lot and protect my energy with clear boundaries. I rest when I need to. Enjoy cups of teas and tisanes. Go for walks. Read. Write.

What’s been a career highlight for you? Helping patients heal from chronic illness. Creating a successful premium tea brand served in the best cafes and restaurants of Australia. Writing my book I Am Food – Eating Your Way To Health. Realising my worth and value. Healing my own unmet wounds.

How did you approach creating the Little Tienda Come to the Meadow tisane? The brief was a tisane inspired by a meadow. I imagined what I would like to drink in a meadow. A meadow for me is calming, restful, joyful and beautiful. My creations need to look beautiful, taste and smell delicious, be good for you and good for the earth – we only use all organic ingredients or those grown without any chemical intervention.

How many cups of tea/tisane do you drink per day? Do you ever drink coffee? I drink teas and tisanes all day. Tisanes are my hydrating fluids! Better than plain water. I drink one coffee per day but I can go for two months without drinking it and often I go without. I find that coffee makes me feel more fatigued and dysregulated. If I drink coffee it is usually a sign that I feel overwhelmed.

If life handed you a bunch of dandelions, what would you do? Well my dad often gives me dandelions from the garden. I steam the leaves and roots and add them to an omelet with lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Dandelions are much loved by herbalists like myself. We prescribe them in a tisane or tincture form for gut and liver healing.

Favourite toasted sandwich set up? I have two: a homemade relish with cheese and butter OR avocado and fresh tomato, olive oil, lemon juice and zest and chilli – all on gluten free bread by Nonie!

At a dinner party I am likely to be… Gosh it has changed over the years. I used to be the host because I love cooking and caring for guests. These days I’m the quiet one, cozied up to one or two people on either side, enjoying the conversation and eating. 

Favourite Little Tienda piece? My Meadow Luana dress with the sash/ribbon. It’s the prettiest, meadowy dress I have ever owned. 

Someone you love following on Instagram? Belinda Jeffery. She is just divine!

What’s a favourite travel memory? Swimming off a boat on the Greek Islands and seeing Paris for the first time.

Favourite bedside read? Whatever I am reading in the moment. My bedside table is also the home of The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran or works by Rumi for a quick read before I sleep.

Tell us - what’s coming up next for you? Writing my next book. Watch this space!

You can find Anthia on Instagram here and here and her website.

Anthia wears the Meadow Luana dress throughout and drinks the Come to the Meadow tisane. 

Photography: Kaitlyn Bosnjak