Lucretia Jones

Lucretia is a wise woman herbalist with over twenty years of experience on the plant path. After earning a BFA in sculpture from Virginia Commonwealth University, she moved to New York City in 1999 to pursue a career in the arts. However, after the tragedy of the World Trade Center collapse in 2001, Lucretia found herself reevaluating her life. Seeking healing and purpose, she began reconnecting with nature, an exploration that eventually led her to the wise woman tradition.
She began studying with renowned herbalist Susun Weed in upstate New York, which deepened her understanding of plant medicine and sparked her passion for sharing its healing power with others. In 2003, Lucretia founded House of Lukaya, a platform that offers workshops, handcrafted items, and educational resources on herbalism and plant medicine.
After relocating to Washington, D.C. in 2013, Lucretia became a mother and continued cultivating medicinal gardens. She also contributed to community initiatives like Wangari Gardens and became involved with Herbalists Without Borders. In 2019, Lucretia fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing land in Virginia to build a solar- and rain-powered homestead with her partner and son. She completed a 200-hour Mindfulness and Leadership Teacher Training in 2021, further expanding her holistic approach to wellness.
Lucretia invites others to explore the healing power of plants through her website, houseoflukaya.com, and social media platforms.
OFFERINGS
People’s Medicine: It’s Simple with Mullein!: 1.5 hr, Adults, All Levels
This workshop is an invitation to slow down and connect deeply with mullein (Verbascum thapsus), a gentle and versatile ally in herbal wellness. Together, we’ll explore how to work with this plant simply and intentionally, focusing on creating two remedies: a nourishing herbal infusion and a soothing syrup.
We’ll gather in circle and pass the talking stick to share stories, traditions, and helpful tips for harvesting and working with mullein. Through observation and discussion, we’ll discover more about this plant, from its soft, wooly leaves to its tall, graceful stalks.
From there, the workshop becomes hands-on. First, we’ll prepare and enjoy a mullein nourishing infusion, a simple yet powerful way to connect with the plant’s ability to support lung and lymphatic health. Then, we’ll create a mullein syrup, blending its soothing properties with honey to craft a delicious remedy for coughs and dry throats.
This workshop isn’t just about making herbal preparations—it’s about building a deeper understanding of mullein’s simply nourishing gifts. Whether you’re new to herbs or seeking to deepen your practice, this session will leave you with both practical skills and a heartfelt connection to this incredible plant.
Where and How She Grows: Clues to the Healing Power of Marshmallow: 1.5 hr, Adults, All Levels
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a remarkable plant, and considering where and how she grows can offer us valuable insights into her healing properties. Often found in moist, well-drained soils— along riverbanks, meadows, and in gardens where the earth is rich and the air is gentle—marshmallow thrives in places that mirror her soft, soothing nature. She flourishes in environments where she can stretch her roots deep, just as her medicine reaches deep into the body to calm and heal.
In this hands-on workshop, we’ll gather in circle to explore how a plant’s connection to the land can reflect her role as a healing ally. We’ll immerse ourselves in marshmallow’s treasures by drinking and making a nourishing herbal infusion and crafting soothing lozenges. By learning how marshmallow thrives, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to work with her in our own lives.
Stories in the Wind: Crafting Prayer Flags for a Special Woman: 45 minutes, Girls Grove
This workshop is designed for young girls to celebrate and honor a special woman in their lives—a grandmother, great-aunt, or another female ancestor. Using recycled fabric, you’ll create colorful prayer flags that carry memories, love, and gratitude into the world.
We’ll begin by talking about the importance of remembering and celebrating the women who came before us. You’ll have time to think about someone special, share a story, or reflect on what makes her inspiring.
Next, you’ll choose fabric from old clothing or scraps and use simple tools like fabric markers, paint, and stencils to create your flags. Add symbols, words, or pictures that remind you of the woman you’re honoring—her favorite flower, something she loved, or a word that describes her.
No sewing or fancy art skills are needed—just your creativity and a big heart! As you work, you’ll get to think about all the ways this woman made your life better and how you can keep her memory alive.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a string of prayer flags to hang in a special spot, spreading love and honoring her legacy. This activity is a fun and meaningful way to connect with your family history while crafting something unique and beautiful.
Magik Mallows: Explore the Healing Powers of Marshmallow Plants!: 30 minutes, Kids
In this fun, interactive workshop, kids will dive into the magical world of the marshmallow plant! We’ll explore its soft, soothing roots and learn how they can help heal sore throats and coughs. Children will create their own marshmallow root tea and make tasty lozenges to take home. Through play and hands-on activities, they'll discover how this sweet plant can be a natural remedy for the whole family. Perfect for young herbal enthusiasts, this class is all about learning, creating, and having fun with the power of plants!