The American Botanical Council (ABC) has awarded its 2026 Mark Blumenthal Herbal Community Builder award to herbalist, educator, and author Kathi Keville.

The award is named after ABC’s founder and executive director, who has been involved in the North American and international herbal medicine movement for more than 50 years. The award is given annually to people who play a significant role in creating connection and community among herbalists, botanical researchers, and other members of the herbal community and industry.

Keville is director of the American Herb Association, founder of the Green Medicine Herb School, and a founding member of the United Plant Savers and the American Herbalists Guild. She has written more than 150 articles, 17 books, and five book chapters on herbs, essential oils, and herb gardening. From 1974 to 1983, she was a staff writer, photographer, and article editor for Well-Being Magazine and has served as editor of AHA’s quarterly newsletter since 1980. In 1975, she founded the Green Medicine Herb School, leading weekend retreats and classes on herbal medicine, aromatherapy, herb cultivation, and more. She also leads herb- and plant-focused tours to Greece, Italy, and France.

Keville’s books on aromatherapy and herbs include “Essential Oils & Aromatherapy for Dummies”; “Pocket Guide to Essential Oils: Using Aromatherapy for Health and Healing”;
“The Aromatherapy Garden”; “Growing Fragrant Plants for Happiness and Well-Being”; “Women’s Herbs, Women’s Health”; and “Herbs for Health and Healing: A Drug-Free Guide to Prevention and Cure.”

She has focused on writing clear, accessible guides to introduce people to the world of medicinal plants and aromatherapy, and many of her books have been translated into Dutch, French, German, Polish, and Spanish.

In 1981, Keville co-founded AHA, which was formed from the National Herbalist Association and the Northwest Organic Herb Growers Association. She’s served as director since, supporting members of the herb community through insights, news, and global updates. She also hosts the Garden Forum Show, a monthly radio program where she takes listener questions and discusses medicinal and aromatic plants

She has also appeared on TV, including co-hosting 18 episodes of the aromatherapy program “Everybody Nose” on Veria Wellness Network with Noelle Katai from 2008 to 2011, and has given interviews on the Discovery Channel and local news programs.

“I’m surprised and delighted to receive this award from the distinguished American Botanical Council,” said Keville. “It’s an honor being recognized as an herbalist. It’s been a great job and a wonderful opportunity to help others. I also love being connected to nature since plants are the true healers.”

“Kathi has been involved with herbal studies and education longer than most herbalists in North America: over 50 years,” said Blumenthal. “She’s one of the most generous and passionately committed herbalists I’ve ever met. Everything about her, including her wide-open heart, is about planting, growing, harvesting, preparing, cooking, teaching, and writing about herbs, medicinal plants, and essential oils. She has amassed an impressive library of thousands of herb books. While seeking and sharing her herbal knowledge, Kathi has influenced and inspired thousands of readers, students, herbalists, and many others about the healing value of medicinal plants. Kathi is a true herbal treasure and widely loved and admired in the herbal community that she has helped create.”

ABC’s 2026 awards were presented at the 21st annual ABC Celebration and Botanical Excellence Awards Ceremony on March 3, 2026, in Anaheim, California, as part of ABC’s participation in Natural Products Expo West.