Herbal Roots 101: How to Prepare and Use Roots for Wellness
Autumn is here, and by now, most plants have gone to seed. The vibrant energy we saw so abundantly all summer has sunk down into the roots of the plants, and as they die back, the nutrients that once flowed in the above-ground portions are returned downward into the roots. This makes fall the perfect…
How to Create a Simmering Herbal Potpourri
Does your home ever get that stale feeling? Does it smell like a cast iron skillet or a dusty antique store? Let’s be honest — odors happen! If the weather isn’t ideal for opening the windows, then you may be looking for some help to freshen the air in your home! So, where do most…
The Best and Worst Plants for Pets
While there are many herbs, plants, and vegetables that are healthy and safe for domestic animals, there is a long list of plants that are downright toxic to our four-legged companions. Sadly, these dangerous plants are prevalent, lurking in our yards and homes. You know your companion animal better than anyone else, so when cultivating…
How To Use Chromotherapy And Gemstones For Mind-Body Balance
A core ayurvedic teaching is that all things in nature are comprised of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. The five elements exist in a very real way and also represent qualities or energies within us and within the natural world. When it comes to choosing appropriate foods, herbs, aromas, and other…
How To Make A DIY Herbal-Infused Broth
Are herbal-infused broths the new tea?! Although nothing can truly compete with a nourishing cup of herbal tea, an herbal-infused broth is a tasty alternative way to enjoy your herbs and add a nutritious boost to your meals all year long. Herbal-infused broths can be incorporated into soups and other dishes or enjoyed on their…
Adding Devil’s Club to your Materia Medica
When I first saw devil’s club in the wild woods, I had no idea what it was, but I was immediately entranced by it. The thick, yellowish-white stalk, wrapped in huge spines, was taller than me, and at the top, there sprouted several foot-long, alternate, umbrella-shaped leaves that also had numerous spines along the top…
How To Make DIY Herbal Soup Rings
Autumn is the season for colored leaves, warm clothes, and hearty comfort foods. And while those things may bring a sense of rest and relaxation, autumn can be a busy time of year. There are sporting events to attend, holiday preparations to make, shorter days to fit everything into, and for many gardeners, food preservation…
6 Herbal Vision Boards To Inspire Your Herbal Journey
Herbalism speaks to each of us in different ways. When we first venture onto this path, many of us don’t have a clear idea of who we want to become as an herbalist. Even when we’ve been on our individual herbal journey for some time, we may still struggle with identifying who we are as…
4 Fall Herbal Tea Recipes To Cozy Up With
It’s easy for herbalists to rejoice with the turning of fall since cooler weather invites warm tea back into our daily routine. Whether you love to cozy up with a good book and a warm mug of tea, prepare an entire nourishing quart of tea to sip throughout the day, or enjoy a simple cup…
How To Make Pickled Burdock Root
The first time I tasted a burdock root pickle, I was helping herbalist Rosemary Gladstar prepare for her demonstration at a Mother Earth News Fair. Rosemary had been traveling all day and had quickly purchased a jar of pickled burdock root for an on-the-go, healthy snack. She handed me the jar with a warm smile…
