For me, the emphasis on excessive consumerism leeches a lot of the magic from the holiday season. And I must admit that for many years this over commodification of Christmas nearly completely turned me off to celebrating this time of year. But, a few years ago, I realized I wanted to do something special to infuse my daughter’s childhood with wonder and magic during the holiday season. So, I decided to create…
When life gets busy, taking time for self care often falls to the bottom of the list. But tending to your body doesn’t have to be complicated, or expensive. Crafting your own body and hair care products is a way to slow down and enjoy the process. It lends a creative outlet and an opportunity to connect with the plants you’re working with. Using simple, non-toxic ingredients makes these creations…
Autumn is a season when children naturally start spending more time indoors as the weather grows colder and makes playing outside less enjoyable. Whipping up a batch of pumpkin spice playdough is a perfect ways to keep them entertained, and off screens! Whether you’re celebrating the harvest, or looking for a festive Samhain or Halloween activity, pumpkin spice playdough is a perfect way to celebrate autumn and keep little ones busy…
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…
Oils infused with herbs have long been used to support the skin, muscles & joints, and nervous system. Across cultures and time, herbal oils have been a meaningful way to connect with the healing energy of plants. In the Ayurvedic tradition, the practice of abhyanga, a daily self-massage with warm, herbal oil, is believed to balance and rejuvenate both mind and body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal oils are used to support…
This recipe is an excerpt from the article “Rosemary + Lavender Study Spray” by Lara Watkins from the All About Rosemary booklet featured as free bonus with purchase of the Autumn Vol 4 | Issue 14 | 2025 edition of Botanical Anthology until September 25, 2025. To dive deeper with rosemary check out the entire booklet! Our herbal magazine, featuring remedies, recipes and projects with plants for the autumn season,…
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…
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…
Facial toners are deeply cleansing, helping to remove environmental toxins, dirt, and make up that has built up on the skin. They also tighten the pores, so that skin looks smoother. But, at $10-$30 a bottle they can seem like too much of a luxury to use regularly. Fortunately, making your own facial toners is quite simple and is a fraction of the cost of buying a bottle from popular…
With golden roots and bitter strength, Oregon grape offers timely medicine as the seasons shift toward autumn. A practical guide to harvesting, identifying, and using the root responsibly, while emphasizing its ecological role and the importance of mindful foraging.