loving the life botanic
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…
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 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…
Throughout history, dried herbs have been used to make incense, smudges, and herbal smoking blends. After all, there’s something fascinating about the alchemy of herbs and smoke. Part of it is visual. We can see the plants undergo a violent physical change to become smoke…
It’s almost cold and flu season, and that means it’s a great time of year to discuss herbs for lung health! There are actually quite a few categories we could look at in this case. For today’s post, let’s examine some herbs that have a…
Have you heard of AromaCulture magazine? I am so impressed by this publication! It’s a great resource for the client-focused side of botanical wellness. I wrote an article about TCM and cardiovascular health for this month’s issue. One of the most interesting things to me…
The Modern Herbal Dispensatory by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne is a valuable addition to any herbal home library. It’s especially useful for home herbalists interested in taking their DIY home apothecary skills to the next level. What’s Inside The Modern Herbal Dispensatory Did you…
Are you curious about the herbal uses of self heal? There are quite a few! Self-heal has a long tradition of use in many cultures. With names like Self Heal and All Heal, you know there’s a long tradition of folkloric use with this herb.…
How many herbs to choose for an herbal formula is a common question for home herbalists. Read on for some things to consider as you create your next herbal blend. Probably the biggest problem with creating herbal formulations is the temptation to use too many…