Over the weekend, my husband and I visited family out in Tucson Arizona. I had half expected the Sonoran Desert to be dry, brown, and brittle, but to my surprise, the recent rains had turned the barren landscape into a profusion of green. Among these green desert plants stood towers of spiny arms – not […]
Herbalism
How to Treat Endometriosis Naturally
Endometriosis is said to affect over 176 million women worldwide and is one of the leading causes of infertility. It is a painful and inflammatory condition in which the uterine tissue, or endometrium, attaches itself to other organs within the pelvic region. In rare instances, endometriosis can even travel as far as the lungs! Whether […]
How to Make Simple Elderberry Tincture
As the Summer starts to wane, it’s time to fortify our immune systems and buckle down for the colder half of the year. Elderberry tincture has been a staple in my medicine cabinet for a number of years to help boost immunity and stave off cold and flu. It’s quick and simple to make (like […]
How to Make The Perfect Fool-Proof Arnica Salve for Bruising, Post-Surgery, and Aches & Pains
Learning how to make the perfect arnica salve is one of the first things you learn as a budding herbalist. Whether you spend your free-time gardening, are an avid hiker, an outdoor enthusiast, build things with your hands, suffer from joint disorders, have children, or are just clumsy like I am, a well-made arnica salve […]
DIY Lavender Sachet Dream Pillows
Placing herbs beneath one’s pillow is a practice that dates back centuries. Depending on which herb you chose, they were thought to induce vivid dreams, bring good dreams, attract true love, deter evil, foresee the future, and keep nightmares at bay. Nowadays, herbal sachets are used to infuse closets, linens, and dresser drawers with pleasing […]
Usnea Tincture – The Lungs of The Forest
Usnea, or Old Man’s Beard, is a stretchy lichen that has a profound affinity for the respiratory system – which is no surprise considering its Latin name means “Lungs” or “The Forest”. When I spent time in Oregon last summer, it was an easy herb to spot on our hikes in the temperate forests. There’s […]