loving the life botanic
Bee balm (Monarda didyma and M. fistulosa) is a beautiful garden plant with an affinity for the nervous system. It’s a wonderful herbal ally for lifting the spirits and supporting balanced moods. Read on to discover how to use bee balm for emotional wellness. Bee…
Although it is much loved as a garden flower, few people realize the rich herbal history behind the beautiful peony. Despite this plant’s current masquerade as a showy garden ornamental, herbalists have never entirely forgotten its true value. Read this article and learn how herbalists…
Spring greens are in full swing here on the farmstead, and it has been an incredible year for dandelions. I’ve never seen the blossoms this large or plentiful. Dandelion jelly is one of my favorite spring traditions, so I thought I would share just how…
The coronovirus pandemic changed so much overnight. I’ve always been a very goal oriented, follow your dreams, stay true to personal values type of person. Mainly, this pandemic has given me room through furlough to pivot and clarify my purpose. But my perspective on herbalism,…
My own path as an herbalist is one of constant evolution and growth. Learning herbalism is a lifelong journey! Even after fifteen years of study, there are new plants to learn, new assessment skills to master, and new frameworks to explore. I love challenging…
I’ve written several posts about peony here on IndieHerbalist. With the continuing pandemic, it’s actually a perfect time to revisit this lovely garden flower from an herbal perspective. Despite masquerading as a garden flower, there’s actually a strong traditional link between peony root and the…
Has the coronavirus pandemic impacted your employment options? I know it has mine! Even though I work online as an herbal blogger and freelance writer, I typically work as a pastry cook for my day job and write on my days off. We have all…
Just like people, dogs can benefit from the supportive, healthful nature of many herbs. Herbs for dogs can be used as powders, herbal extracts, herbal glycerites, or as teas. Giving herbs to dogs can be a bit stressful for owners, though. After all, your dog might…
I’ve been watching the news about the new coronavirus, Covid-19, very carefully. I’m sure many of you have been as well! It’s taken me a while to sift through the information and get my thoughts together. However, yesterday officials warned that Americans need to prepare…
I recently saw an article about elderberry making the rounds online. It’s called “When Not to Use Elderberry: Using a Little Discernment.” If you read it, you may be left wondering, “Wait. . . Is elderberry safe during pregnancy? Is elderberry safe during flu?” I…
Hello Friends, I’ve been working hard behind the scenes but haven’t been sending out regular newsletters. You should receive this one in your mailboxes sometime today or tomorrow. There’s lots to catch everyone up about, so let’s jump right in! I’ve been: working on the…
Hedera helix, or common ivy, is a familiar ornamental plant in modern households and gardens. It’s herbal history, on the other hand, has been all but forgotten! Let’s take a peek at some historical references and see what they have to say about the herbal…
This year, I grew Spilanthes acmella (aka Acmella oleoracea) for the first time. That was the easy part. The tricky part was figuring out the best time to harvest Spilanthes! The flowers are the best part of Spilanthes to harvest if you’re interested in making…