Oregon Grape: Gentle Protector
Berberis (or Mahonia) aquafolium (B. repens or nervosa species also used), a.k.a. Oregon Mountain Grape, Holly-leaved Barberry Oregon grape earned its name from pioneers who harvested the plant along the Oregon trail. These hardy travelers used this herb as both medicine and food. In gratitude for the service rendered by this plant, Oregon declared it our […]
How to Make a Glycerite: DIY Medicine
Herbal glycerites are a sweet tasting way to extract herbal constituents. For adults who cannot tolerate alcohol, glycerites are a welcome break from teas or syrups. For parents, glycerites are a crafty way to administer potent but unpalatable medicine to fussy children. For people with an upset stomach, a glycerite is welcomed over a tincture any day.
Easy-To-Sew T Shirt Bag
Collection bags are handy to have during harvest season. This project involves changing an old t-shirt into a collection bag that can be stuffed into a pocket until ready for use. These bags are great to have around when you happen to stumble upon an apple tree ripe and ready for the picking. They also come in handy for carrying beach towels, coloring books or sack lunches.
Herbal Dyes for Easter Eggs
Children have enjoyed coloring eggs with plants for centuries. This procedure uses easy plants to find in the garden in early spring.
Elderberry: The Flu Fighter
Sambuccus nigra, a. k. a. Black Elderberry, Blue Elderberry Elder was called the “country people’s medicine chest.” Elder keeps viruses at bay by blocking the virus from entering the cell itself. All flu viruses have trouble with elderberry’s blockades. The symptoms of flus like coughs, sore throats and sinus congestion melt under this herb’s attention. […]
Milling Soap: A Stove Top How-to
Soap milling, also called French Milling, is an easy traditional process for enhancing cakes or bars of soaps. Milling allows you to add a variety of healing, soothing, or cleansing ingredients, such as extra fats or oatmeal or essential oils, to your soaps. I like to make hand milled soaps to give as gifts as well as to add luxury to our daily lives.
Milling Soap: A Kid-friendly How-to
This is a basic procedure, not a recipe. I haven’t included specific measurements but have instead described the process and what to look for as you’re working. For specific recipes using this technique, see The Practical Herbalist® Recipes.
How to Make and Use Dryer Hankies: Easy All Natural Housekeeping
Dryer Hankies are a simple, frugal, and surprisingly luxurious alternative to commercial dryer sheets. I keep a small stack next to my laundry machines along with a selection of my favorite essential oils. I usually use old wash cloths or hankies, so the edges are already finished. If you’re using scraps of fabric, I recommend […]
How to Make Dryer Sachets: Easy All Natural Housekeeping
Dryer sachets are a frugal, practical, organic alternative to commercial dryer sheets. I usually hand-sew mine because it takes less time to thread a needle and get sewing than to pull out my sewing machine. I recommend a French seam, particularly if you sew by hand, to give your seam more strength.
Strawberry: Nature’s Toothpaste
Fragaria vesca, a. k. a. Wild Strawberry, Woodland Strawberry Nothing says summer like a ripening field of strawberries. The tingly scent of the freshly picked fruit can bring a smile to almost any child’s face. It makes the herbalist smile, too, as this delicate woodland plant offers a wealth of healing in one sweet, tasty […]
Lemon Balm: Herb of Good Cheer
Melissa Officinalis, a. k. a. Sweet Melissa, Balm Like most other members of the Mint Family, lemon balm is durable. Come spring in the Willamette Valley, it greets the neighborhood in every available corner. Lemon balm grows happily in my drought garden, along the driveway, under the tire swing and between my vegetable beds. The […]
Chickweed: Skin Rejuvenator
Stellaria media, a. k. a. Starwort or Common Chickweed I am always delighted to see chickweed emerging from a layer of winter mulch in my garden. This delicate plant specializes in pH balanced soils, which means the little chickweed patches are signals the heavy composting I have done all year has truly paid off. Weeding […]