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 […]
Herbalism
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 […]
The Perfect Sun Tea Recipe
Ahhh, sun tea. The perfect summer drink on hot Southern California days. Growing up, I remember my mom making sun tea in a huge gallon jar, sometimes with fresh lemon slices, on the hottest days of summer. She would add black tea bags, plenty of spring water, and then just let the sun do all […]
How to Make Infused Cottonwood Oil for Balms, Salves, & Ointments
I’ve been on a bit of a cottonwood kick lately, but I just can’t get over how amazing this herb is! It’s just so good for so many things and has been one of my must-haves for pretty much every type of physical pain or bout of inflammation I’ve experienced. If you haven’t tried your […]