1. Blueberry Basil Popsicles Two summer favorites, blueberries and basil, come together in this cooling, sweet treat. Basil adds herbaceous notes that enhance tart, fruity blueberries for an unexpected, but delicious flavor twist that is enjoyed by kids and adults alike. 2. Lemonbalm & Cucumber Agua Fresca This refreshing blend of lemon balm and cucumber is a simple, tasty way to stay hydrated during the summer months. Sip a glass…
This simple vinaigrette is a lovely way to infuse your summer salads with the flavor and soothing spirit of chamomile. Tangy and floral, it pairs beautifully with fresh greens and seasonal herbs. Garnish with fresh chamomile blossoms for a sweet finishing touch.
Hawthorn is well-known for its ability to physically strengthen the heart. It has been shown to help regulate blood pressure & cholesterol, promote cardiac function, and reduce palpitations. Hawthorn is also a calming nervine that deeply nourishes the emotional heart. It is a wonderful ally for soothing grief, worry, and heartache. When combined with relaxing, uplifting rose, these two herbs make for a gentle yet potent formula. Whip up a…
While often overlooked as a pesky weed due to their sting, nettles (Urtica dioica) have long been cherished by herbalists for their edible and medicinal qualities. Nettles are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrient-dense greens are the perfect addition to a variety of dishes– and spring is the perfect time to harvest their tender tops…
Making pine needle soda is a fun wintertime project. Rich in probiotics, this homemade wild-fermented drink is a delicious alternative to sugary store-bought beverages. Whipping up some pine soda is also a great activity to do with little ones. Crafting this bubbly beverage is a simple way to introduce children to the wonders of foraging and fermentation. And kids will love drinking something they helped make! This post contains affiliate links. As…
Spitzbubens are one of the most beloved Christmas cookies in Switzerland, where my husband was born, and were his favorite festive treat as a kid. Making them has become a holiday tradition for our family, and they’ve become one of my kids’ favorite Christmas cookies too. Spitzbuben: A Classic Swiss Christmas Cookie Spitzbuben is a sweet shortcrust pastry made by sandwiching jam between two cookies. The top cookie typically has…
Evergreens have been an important part of winter celebrations since ancient times. From wreaths, garlands, and the classic Christmas tree, decorating with pine, fir, and spruce has long been a quintessential part of festive traditions. Evergreens are also a lovely ingredient in the holiday kitchen. Pine, spruce, and fir are all edible and can be a delicious addition to beverages, baked goods, condiments, and more! I work with pine the…
As fall fades into winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the rainy season is beginning in the Ecuadorian Andes. Indoor heating isn’t common here because the temperatures are generally fairly mild, but this time of year especially, evenings in the mountains can grow quite chilly. On nights like these, you’ll want a warm sweater and a nice thick blanket. And wrapping your hands around a hot mug of canelazo is the…
As an herbalist, gardener, and naturalist, there are many plants that are special to me. But, few are as near and dear to my heart as nettle (Urtica dioica). I first began working with nettle in my early days as an herbalist, after reading about its many beneficial properties in Rosemary Gladstar’s books. That spring, I foraged nettle along the walking trails behind my apartment building. I then baked nettle…
This recipe is an excerpt from the article “Nettle + Mushroom Salt” by Harmonie O’Loughlin featured in the Autumn Vol 4 | Issue 14 | 2025 edition of Botanical Anthology. To learn about the benefits of the ingredients in this salt blend, check out the entire article in the magazine! Our herbal magazine, featuring remedies, recipes and projects with plants for the autumn season, can be purchased as a digital…