In the quest for a healthy heart, nature often provides timeless solutions, and one such gem is hawthorn. For centuries, the hawthorn plant has been revered for its properties in supporting cardiovascular health. Who would have thought that the humble hawthorn—which...
Bumps and bruises are part of life. That said, some of us get bumped and bruised a little more often than others. Whether you’re accident-prone or have rough-and-tumble little ones, mixing up a batch of this comfrey salve recipe ensures you’ll have a comforting balm...
Elderberry recipes are at the top of my list to vanquish cold and flu symptoms. Not only do elderberries (Sambucus mexicana and S. nigra) enhance the immune system, but their antiviral properties also hinder the flu virus from penetrating cell membranes. The berries...
Stress? It takes many forms. How does stress show up for you? Let’s get into some adaptogenic therapy to help! With many health benefits from improved memory to better mood and a more resilient stress response, this adaptogenic hot chocolate recipe is a winter treat...
In a time when more and more Americans are turning to plants to support their health, herbalism can feel like a trendy new phenomenon. The truth is, it has a long and rich history in North America, with traditions gathered from many sources. Read on to explore this...
As an herbalist, I talk to many people about health. The conversation eventually leads to questions about what to do for a sick child, friend, or family member or how to prevent them from becoming ill. Since food is one of our primary medicines, I always begin with...
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...
