Nettle – Defense Against Allergies and Anemia

Nettle is the first herb that our herbalist team reaches for when treating allergies. It is not a decongestant. It fortifies our bodies so that we have the strength to fight off the allergy problems ourselves.Nettle is the first herb that our herbalist team reaches for when treating allergies. It is not a decongestant. It fortifies our bodies so that we have the strength to fight off the allergy problems ourselves.

How It Works – Linalool from Lavender

Bugs aren’t the only creatures that notice linalool. This monterpene is a broad spectrum antimicrobial. Both Gram positive and Gram naegative bacteria are repelled by linalool.

Lavender Eases Withdrawls

I had dealt with anxiety before with patients and learned to keep a little bottle of lavender essential oil in my pocket. I opened the bottle and put a few drops on my wrists, then placed my hand on Gordon’s shoulder to steady him. Gordon blinked.

35 Must Haves for Your Herbal First Aid Kit

herbal first aid kit

The list below are items that I commonly keep in my own First Aid kit. I keep the tinctures in 1/2 bottles. I keep the salves in small tubs enclosed in ziplock bags to prevent leakage. My kit contents have varied as my kids have grown and my medical skill has developed. Don’t bring an item with you that you don’t know how to use.

How It Works – Gingerol from Ginger

How It Works - Gingerol from Ginger

Ginger is an amazing healer. It is used around the world to treat indigestion, motion sickness and arthritis pain. One of the primary constituents is gingerol which is a flavonol. Flavonols are high in anti-oxidants and many are noted for their strong antibiotic qualities.

Hobby Farms: Chickens by Sue Weaver

obby Farms: Chickens by Sue Weaver

Best audience for Chickens: Chicken farmers from beginner to more experienced, including those who want to try their hand at incubating and raising their own chickens Candace said: I loved the section on incubation even though I have no plans to try my hand at hatching a clutch any time soon. It gave me a greater appreciation […]

Help Prevent Nausea During Pregnancy with Ginger

Ginger Root

I knew that ginger increases amylase and helps with dry mouth which, in turn, eases digestion. Ginny wouldn’t care about that. She just wanted to stop the morning sickness. Ginger was her herb.

Tangerine Dream Cordial Recipe

statue with hibiscus flower

Cordials are classy. They are designed to be savored. As an herbalist, I love experimenting with different flavor profiles that commercial cordial makers wouldn’t ordinarily risk. The unique nature of handmade cordials make them a coveted holiday gift.

Ocular Migraine Formula Remedy

buddha in flowers

Ocular migraines will ruin your day if left its own devices. It starts around the eye socket and then slowly, painfully take the rest of your body captive. Ocular migraines are also called retinal migraines or more simply, eye migraines.  Many experiences auras or visual disturbances. Some people lose sight in their eye while having […]

Antibiotic Salve Recipe

mullein flower

Accidents happen. That little scrape or abrasion can get infected pretty quickly if it isn’t cleaned properly. Although hygiene is the first and best defense, a dab of antibiotic salve will help your body fight back an existing infection naturally. This natural antibiotic balm is so effective and easy to use that it belongs in […]

Apple Rot City, USA – Compost 101

compost chicken

Apple season has it’s glories. The crisp crunch of a freshly picked apple. The bubble and plop of applesauce on the stove. The smell of apple pie cooling on the counter. Apple season also has its problems. Wasps and yellow jackets swarming the forgotten apple under the fence. Windfall apples littering the lawn like land […]

Houseplant Haircut – The Shoestring Herbalist

house plant root

My plant was in trouble. It had a wreath of roots coming out of the drainage hole and into the base of the drainage basin. There were so many roots that my plant was sitting at a slight angle due to their mass. How did this even happen? I consider myself a good houseplant mama. […]