The best home remedy for a cold or flu is to stop it from taking hold in the first place. Fill your meals with nourishing herbs and spices, practice your self-care, and immediately address those little symptoms that you notice at the onset of a sickness, like...
Do you save your orange peels? (organic, of course). Orange peels add depth and a smile to your tea! I am actually allergic to oranges, I know, darn! However, I peel the oranges, let my family eat the fruit, and then I make tea with the orange peels. Just the aroma of...
Ever wondered what our world would be like if steeping a batch of fire cider typified autumn as much as setting into new study routines, leaf watching, or visiting the pumpkin patch? I imagine we’d all be a bit more vigorous and hardy all winter. We’re all a part of...
It’s fun to have a celebratory drink for that end of the day wind down, or at a weekend gathering. But alcohol doesn’t always have to be in the picture — in fact, it’s healthy to take breaks. As herbalists, our kitchens are stocked with ingredients that can double as...
From root beer to Dr. Pepper to wild cherry cola, many soft drinks still carry an imprint of herbal history in their names – though it’s been decades since the plants have had any significant presence in the formulas. I first explored this concept with ginger...
Although it’s hard to imagine, there was a time when root beer and ginger beer weren’t sugary sodas, but healthful probiotic brews. As recently as the early 1900s, it was common to ferment these very low alcohol “beers” (more along the lines of today’s kombucha) at...
The food culture and seasonal food rituals that I grew up with held a vein of richness that is still with me. My dad’s garden never failed to produce an overflow of fresh zucchini and squash. We lived in a town that was known for its rich history of fruit...
Herbal syrups taste yummy, are easy to make, and are easy to take. This is herbal medicine that you and your family won’t wrinkle your noses over. In fact, some herbal syrups can be enjoyed on pancakes or in drinks. Check out these three herbal syrup recipes...
Have you ever wondered why herbs are deeply woven into medical institutions in many places, including China, India, Germany, and Japan, but often dismissed as ineffective in North America, where taking a pill is suggested at every turn? Or if you do mention an herbal...
Herbal vinegars are easy to make and can add a variety of flavors to your meals that will continue to surprise and amaze those who eat your food. Vinegar also enhances the nutrition of meals and pulls vitamins and minerals from herbs, fruits, and foods. Check out...
