3 reasons to use dried herbs instead of fresh
Dried herbs are easier to obtain than fresh, but are you missing out by not having access to fresh herbs? Not at all! For several reasons, dried herbs are usually...
Taking Time to Sit
Taking time to sit is important. I admit I'm not very good at it, but this little monster and his sister help a lot. They are just as happy to...
Herbal cultivars, species, and hybrids for safe gardening
What are herbal cultivars? Knowing the difference between cultivars, species, and hybrids helps you identify herbs correctly. You might not realize it, but if you’ve ever asked questions like: “I have...
Alcohol vs glycerin extract for the best herbal tinctures
Herbal extracts can be made with either alcohol or glycerin. Home herbalists often have lots of questions about the difference between these two types of herbal extracts. So what’s...
How to grow jiaogulan as a houseplant
Did you know there's an adaptogen you can grow as a houseplant? Jiaogulan, also known as immortality vine, is a lush plant from the cucumber family. Surprisingly, the leaves contain...
Valerian, Illustrated!
I'm starting a new project for my Patrons called Herbalism: Illustrated. One Friday each month I will add another downloadable herbal illustration to the Top Secret Patrons Only! Blog Feed....
Nettle Seeds for Adaptogen Seasoning Blends
Most people can rattle off a long list of the ways nettle can be used. The leaves can be eaten like a vegetable, the stems can be turned into cordage...
May 2016 Leaflet
The May 2016 Leaflet is available from my Etsy Shop! The theme for this issue is The Anywhere Apothecary. It covers articles on basic medicine making, and profiles several herbs...
Grandmother Apples
I love apples. Especially old ones. I'm honored to be trusted with the care of a particularly old apple right now, one that's probably around 60yrs old, and was planted...
The Scoop on Cayenne for First Aid
The hyperbole surrounding cayenne (Capsicum annuum) is pretty impressive. Once you get past all of the “herban” legends about this plant you’ll discover that it still earns it’s keep as...