Herb teas, properly prepared, are warming and soothing to the soul. They provide essential medicinal qualities and healing energy. Preparing and drinking herb teas involves us in the personal process of healing and teaches us to be conscious of the role we each play in our well-being. —Rosemary Gladstar Drinking herbal teas can be an important part of boosting and maintaining health. If you’re new to herbalism, they are a…
Menthol balm is a staple in the winter medicine cabinet, perfect for soothing coughs, congestion, sinus headaches, and achy joints & muscles during the cold months. This homemade version combines pine and eucalyptus with menthol crystals and nourishing butters to create an all-natural salve that’s a great alternative to conventional vapor rubs. This menthol balm also makes a thoughtful and practical stocking stuffer or gift, helping prepare friends and family…
When you’re bleeding, some days you just don’t have the energy for self-care. But, making Moontime Tea Bombs before your period begins is a great way to give your body the support it needs, without much effort. These tea bombs feature fennel. Studies show it’s as effective as conventional treatments for relieving menstrual pain, making it a perfect ally for cramps and painful periods. I’ve also included a blend of…
Summertime means more time outside, which also means more bug bites and stings, unfortunately. This herbal bug bite paste is made with just a handful of ingredients and is quick to whip up to help ease itching and discomfort. Linden (Tilia spp.) is rich in mucilage, which is soothing for irritated, inflamed skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling, while its gentle astringency helps ease discomfort. Linden is also…
If you tend to feel wiped out after making small talk with strangers, spending time in a crowd, or being around people who leave you feeling drained, Yarrow Flower Essence might be just what you need. Known for its protective qualities, yarrow acts like a gentle energetic shield, helping you build and maintain strong, healthy boundaries while guarding against overwhelm, negativity, and energetic drain.
One of the best things about spring is all the wonderful weeds that start popping up everywhere. These unassuming plants are often overlooked in lieu of more exotic herbs, and are even scorned for their “invasive” nature. But, as plants that have numerous health benefits and grow easily, these common herbs definitely deserve more appreciation. This blog post highlights six weeds that are common across the United States and in…
In my early days as an herbalist, I fell in love with nettle for its incredible nutritive properties. At the time, I lived near wooded walking trails and was excited to find nettle growing along the paths. Often, when I was out foraging in the spring, people would stop and ask, “Why are you collecting that?!” To them, nettle was just a nuisance. But what they didn’t realize is that…
‘Tis the season when colds & flus tend to make their rounds. Personally, I’ve been dealing with lingering pharyngitis that’s had my throat feeling super scratchy and sore. In addition to sipping teas, bone broth & icy smoothies, I’ve been using this soothing herbal gargle for relief. Gargling salt water is a classic remedy for sore throat. It can help to loosen mucus, ease discomfort, and support healing. It may…
This is an excerpt by Harmonie O’Loughlin from the All About Elderberry booklet featured as the bonus for the Autumn Vol 3 | Issue 10 | 2024 edition of Botanical Anthology. Our herbal magazine, featuring remedies, recipes and projects with plants for the autumn season, can be purchased as a digital version here and as a printed version here. Cold and sweet. Popsicles are a sure way to get littles to take their tea. When…
While there are various different approaches that can be helpful for PMS, herbs can be important allies for menstruation. This tincture blend is crafted with a combination of herbs that have long been cherished for their ability to support women’s health, promote hormonal balance, and help to ease PMS symptoms.