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 […]
Tinctures
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 […]
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 […]
Pedicularis Tincture for The Side Effects of Stress
I think this year, more than anything, I’ve felt the effects of burnout, stress, and its accompanying symptoms like insomnia (which I’ve never had before), feelings of apathy, and a lingering fatigue that lasts all day. It’s made things really difficult. It’s hard to get things done, and that’s sort of a big deal when […]
How to Make Cottonwood Tincture
Ask any herbalist how they feel about cottonwood and you’d be met with a unanimous dreamy sigh. I think it goes without saying just how amazing these fragrant little buds are and they’re just so good for so many things! If you’re looking for a remedy renowned for its pain relieving, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, […]
How to Make Herbal Tinctures Using the Folk Method
Aside from formulating homemade fire cider, making herbal tinctures is one of my favorite ways to prepare and use medicinal herbs. It was the first type of preparation I experimented with and I’ve been drawn to herbs and their healing properties ever since. In the last few years, I’ve found such deep and nourishing healing […]