Today is a special day for everyone at Hanna’s Herb Shop, Kroeger Herb Products, and Peaceful Meadow Retreat. We’re remembering the life and work of Hanna Kroeger who would have celebrated her 99^th birthday today.

During her life Hanna published more than 22 books, healed and nourished countless people, educated thousands, was named one of the top 6 healers for the 20^th century, and created unique formulas that continue to preserve the traditional healing she helped to start. (Learn more about Hanna’s life here)

We want to let everyone in on the celebration of Hanna by sharing some of our favorite stories, remedies, and recipes.

For Star the story that resonates with her centers around how Hanna would eventually become an herbalist and homeopath. “My favorite story is the one about when Hanna was trying to decide whether or not she should become a nun. She went to the church she was thinking of joining and, although her faith was strong, she was not sure it was the right thing to do. She walked into the gardens and began to pray for guidance and, when she did, the gardener yelled ‘Get out of there! Get out of there!’ Hanna was so scared that she ran away. She took this as a sign that she should not join the convent which is lucky for us because she decided instead to go to nursing school!”

Memories of Hanna in her shop, New Age Foods, on Pearl Street in Boulder, CO are the times Neil most often thinks about. “Hanna always had people coming in to visit her and one day a couple came in with their daughter. They were not there for Hanna to see their daughter, they wanted to speak with her about something else. While Hanna met with them she looked back at the girl over and over and finally called for her. She told the parents that the child was sick and exactly how to fix it. Not too long after, they returned to tell Hanna how she had saved their daughter’s life. She just knew.”

Kim’s favorite stories about Hanna are the ones that involve her willingness to help everyone. “The specifics don’t matter because I’ve heard so many stories about her store on Pearl Street and how people would line up every morning to see her and enjoy her amazing food. Hanna was so busy but made sure that no one was ever turned away from eating a healthy meal, even if they couldn’t pay.”

Tom, who’s been a part of Hanna’s companies for over 30 years remembers Hanna’s love for her employees. “Every morning she would come in through the back door of her store on Pearl Street and peek outside to see how many people had lined up that day to see her. Before she set off to take care of others she went to each employee, one-by-one, to greet them and see how they were that day. She made a point to show everyone how important they were. Throughout the day she’d see as many people from the line as she could, maybe taking one break to run upstairs for a cup of soup that she would drink, standing up, as quickly as she could before getting back to helping others.”

Since I began working for Hanna’s companies I’ve heard several funny or touching stories about her from my coworkers but I think what sticks out the most to me is a phrase Hanna used when faced with a difficult situation. “We will make it” — 4 simple words that offer hope to those around you and a reassurance to yourself no matter what is going on.

There are so many memories that people have shared over time with us and they are all wonderful to hear. If you’d like to share your favorite stories or memories of Hanna, please do so here.

We’re so proud to continue her work and believe in remaining true to her dedication to purity and health.

Happy Birthday, Hanna.