Herbal Support for Back to School
The hot, lazy days of summer are swiftly flowing by and many students are already getting ready to go back to school. As with any big transition, this time of year can bring forth challenges for students big and small. Herbal support may be useful in lending a helping hand during this exciting time and ease…
Fig Face Mask For Healthy Skin
One of my favorite things about summer in the South is fig season! The abundance of fresh figs makes simple summer meals exciting, and I enjoy canning, drying, and freezing the extra figs so that they may be enjoyed all year. Figs are a great source of fiber, and they contain vitamin A, calcium, iron,…
Jewelweed, A Story
Post written by John Bailey, student in the Intermediate Herbal Course. Who ever knew that herbs and other things that help us on a day-to-day basis, would ever end up in a cool story that would teach me so much? I have been traveling the Red Road (our religion and way of life) for over…
Creating Your Organized Apothecary
Building a home apothecary is an exciting part of learning herbalism. There is a sense of satisfaction that comes from having everything on hand and ready so that you can mix up the perfect herbal tea blend or formula at a moment’s notice. But as your home apothecary grows from a few herbs to a…
Recipes Using Bee Balm
As we discussed in our last article, many names have been given to the plant monarda: bee balm, bergamot, or Oswego tea (more on that here). It has been used in North America for a very long time and for many purposes. You can find it in nearly every state in the U.S., and since it’s…
Learning About The Rose Family With Kids
Did you know that the beautiful rose is part of a large family of plants that many of us know and love? The Rosaceae family, among its many members, is comprised of plants such as hawthorn, apple, pear, strawberry, and raspberry as well as plants with stone fruits like peach, cherry, plum, and even almonds….
How to Make Gold Milk with a Spin!
Have you been enjoying the #myherbalstudies community on Instagram? We are building community with fellow classmates, teachers, members and fans and readers by using the hashtag #myherbalstudies in Instagram uploads. We welcome you to join in the fun. Share your herbal adventures – what are you making, foraging, gardening, studying, creating, eating, preserving? Nothing is…
How to Make an Herb and Flower Drying Screen
Growing your own medicinal, culinary, or otherwise useful herbs and flowers is a rewarding experience. The act of planting the seeds, nurturing and watering them as they grow, then harvesting the fruits of your labor for your natural health medicine cabinet is so fulfilling. It’s nice to know that you have all of the great…
7 Herbs to Use for Better Sleep
I used to be a chronic insomniac. I spent many years experimenting with various herbal supports – the following 7 herbs were what I found to be the most effective. Using Herbs for Better Sleep Lavender The soothing effects of lavender have been documented to help everything from hair loss (alopecia) to skin irritation. However, it’s…
Art of the Alcohol-Free Apothecary
Extracting herbs in alcohol is a quick and simple way to preserve their benefits for later use, so it’s no wonder that the little brown bottles of extract have become ubiquitous. Pre-made extracts are available for sale in almost every herb shop, and it’s easy to mix up a batch at home using vodka or…
6 Natural Ways to Deter Insects From Your Herbs
Herbs tend to be relatively low-maintenance plants, which is one reason they are so popular to grow. They also add to our lives in more concrete ways, like providing delicious additions to family meals, preventing infections for minor cuts or scrapes, and providing many other health benefits. So it stands to reason that these wonderful…
A Family Herb: The Comforts Of Rose
The lovely rose has more than a beautiful face. Highly prized throughout history as an herbal remedy, roses (Rosa spp.) have long been used to help soothe and heal humanity’s woes. Gentle rose is a calming nervine and a helpful respiratory and immune ally as well as a useful topical remedy. Bring the comforts of…
Benefits of Bee Balm: Monarda fistulosa and M. didyma
Bee balm is the common name of both Monarda didyma, which has red flowers, or Monarda fistulosa, which can have lavender, pink, or white flowers. M. didyma and M. fistulosa are two of the most popular species among the seventeen species and over fifty cultivars of the plant. One or more of them are found…
Herbal Comfort for Aches and Pains
New Warnings on OTC Pain Relievers Over the counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are what many people reach for when they need temporary relief from back pain, a toothache, sore muscles, or a headache. NSAIDs have recently been in the news as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)…
Refreshing Basil and Mint Smoothie Combinations
During the height of summer, cooling smoothies are especially welcomed by families as a tasty snack or light meal. The abundance of fresh produce available makes it easy to take advantage of the best of summer by blending up a tasty treat! Fresh herbs are a surprising and delightful addition to smoothies. Favorites include a…
The Secret Meaning of Herbs
Across many different cultures and time periods, humans have cherished a secret meaning of herbs and plants. Flowers, herbs, and foliage were given as tokens of good luck and well wishing – sprigs of wheat included in bridal bouquets for fertility, wreaths of bay laurels worn as a symbol of victory. Small bouquets called “tussie…
The Benefits Of Lavender In The Family Home
At our house, lavender is a constant friend, helping to keep our home and its occupants safe, clean, and comfortable. Rich with antimicrobial essential oil, lavender helps to naturally clean and refresh the home. Lavender has a relaxing, yet refreshing action, so it is wonderful to have around the house to welcome home weary souls…
How to Make Herbal Beads
Summer is an exciting time for herbalists, as we enjoy the abundance of plants growing in our gardens and in the wild. Many of us are busy with the work of making tea blends, tinctures, and infused oils to preserve the harvest. Yet another way to appreciate the versatility of herbs is by using them…
Host A Kid’s DIY Spa Day In Your Backyard
When you are a kid, nothing is much more fun than making a mess! A squishy, messy backyard DIY spa day party full of wet fun is a perfect way to spend a hot summer day with friends. This summer activity is great for kids age 2 ½ to 6, or you can modify it…
23 Ways to Use Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the most recognized and used herbs in the western world. Many people think of it first for anxiety and insomnia, but it’s far more than a gentle nervine. From tea and tinctures to salves and soap, chamomile’s versatility and aroma have long-been welcomed into our lives. To read about chamomile’s use throughout the…
Get to Know the Versatile Chamomile Plant
From the Astereraceae (daisy) family comes the Matricaria recutita (German chamomile) and Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile). Both are known as chamomile, although North Americans tend to use the German chamomile plant, while those in the UK use more of the Roman variety. These two unrelated chamomile plants share many of the same constituents, have a similar appearance and aroma,…
5 Enlightening Herbal Books About World Traditions
As a whole, herbalism is made up of many traditions from all over the world. Distinct schools of herbal thought have arisen across many time periods, cultures, and regions of the globe, with one thing in common: they all consider ways that plants help us heal. The theories that developed and the skills that have been passed…
Magical Rainbow Fruit Salad With Herbs & Flowers
Can you eat a rainbow? You can with this beautiful rainbow fruit salad that is just a delicious as it is beautiful! Challenge your children to eat a rainbow and ask them to help you create a tasty salad with you. Kids love being part of food preparation and will have fun choosing fruits, herbs, and…
A Simple and Delicious Wildflower Jelly Recipe
As you venture into the world of herbalism and the number of wild edible plants opens up to you, think a bit beyond the infusions and tinctures and consider new ways to eat your weeds, like in this wildflower jelly recipe! One delicious way to explore edible herbs is by making a simple wildflower jelly…
Learning Botanical Names
If you have spent time reading about or studying herbs, chances are you have come across botanical names. Usually in italics, botanical names are found in herb profiles, scientific studies, and even in everyday places, such as the back of your favorite herbal tea blend. If you are a HANE student, you may have seen botanical…
How to Soothe Sunburns and Stay Cool Naturally
Ouch! Most of us know the tight, red-hot feeling of a sunburn. When the sun gets the best of you, count on these easy and effective remedies for quick relief. Tips for Soothing Sunburns Apple Cider Vinegar Believe it or not, apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy for soothing sunburned skin. Herbalist Kiva Rose speeds healing…
9 Ways To Use Valerian, Valeriana officinalis
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a lovely garden plant with pinkish-white aromatic flowers. A perennial to Zone 4, valerian thrives in sun to partial shade, is easily propagated, and requires little care. Plant it in the back of your garden, though, since it can grow up to six feet tall! Valerian is more than a garden…
Garden Of Whimsy, Making A Fairy Herb Garden
Invite the whimsy and magic of fairies right into your garden by creating a lovely place for them to live. Make your little garden useful too by choosing edible and medicinal herbs which will fill it with beautiful fragrance to enjoy. Making a fairy herb garden is all in fun and a wonderful way to engage…
DIY Natural Sunscreen Recipe + 2 More Easy-to-Make Recipes for Summer Skincare
Summer is a beautiful season, but it can also bring challenges for our skin. As you enjoy the sunny days, soothe and protect your skin using natural summer skincare with the easy-to-make recipes to follow using foraged wild weeds. Summer Skincare and Sun Protection One of the biggest summer skin issues is sunburns. If possible,…
Six Botanical-Based Air Freshener Ideas for Your Home
Are you tired of synthetic air fresheners that pollute the air with harsh and hazardous compounds? With a few simple, inexpensive ingredients, you can create effective botanical-based air fresheners that delight your senses. All air fresheners require two components. First, an air freshener must have a way of neutralizing existing odors. Second, it must be…
