Herbs Archives

Beautiful blue tea with foraged violets

Agatha NoveilleApril 8, 2014December 28, 2021

Foraged violets are a spring treat for many herbalists. They are one of the first wild greens to appear after winter. Herbalists also love them for their ability to help...

Gardening News Valerian Yarrow

Spring growth in my herbal garden

Agatha NoveilleFebruary 2, 2014December 29, 2021

I was able to get out and do some garden clean-up today and was very surprised that the snow and ice from last week didn't seem to bother my herb...

Emotional Wellness Herbs Learn Herbalism

Nervine herbs for emotional comfort

Agatha NoveilleOctober 10, 2013December 30, 2021

It's good to know a few herbs for emotional comfort. Daily life can be hectic. Unexpected things happen. We face unpleasant surprises or disappointment. Regardless of the cause, our emotions...

Herbal DIY Home Apothecary Spring vinegar Violets

Learn to make a violet oxymel with springtime flowers

Agatha NoveilleApril 7, 2013December 30, 2021

Sweet violets are in full swing! So far, I have made sweet violet tea, sweet violet syrup, and have made two types of violet blossom vinegar. The success with the...

Dandelions Kitchen Spring Wildcrafting

Celebrate spring with homemade dandelion jelly

Agatha NoveilleMarch 14, 2013December 30, 2021

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...

Black willow Herbs Learn Herbalism Wildcrafting

Medicinal use of black willow in historical accounts

Agatha NoveilleAugust 23, 2012December 28, 2021

Willow trees have long been used in healing, and there are many traditional medicinal uses for willow. When most herbalists turn to willow, they reach for white willow, Salix alba, which...

Herbal DIY Herbs Tulip Tree Wildcrafting

How to forage and use tulip tree bark

Agatha NoveilleMay 14, 2012December 30, 2021

Tulip tree (Liriodedron tulipifera), also known as tulip poplar or tulip magnolia, is a native medicinal herb and folk remedy of the Appalachians. In my experience, tulip tree bark is...

Bee Balm Monarda Recipes

Creative ways to use bee balm in the kitchen

Agatha NoveilleOctober 16, 2011December 28, 2021

Sometimes the most familiar plants in your garden can surprise you! My mom always grew bee balm (Monarda spp.) in her garden because it attracts birds and butterflies. As a...

Herbal DIY Herbs Home Apothecary Home Herbalists Learn Herbalism

How to organize herbal supplies as a home herbalist

Agatha NoveilleOctober 16, 2011December 30, 2021

It doesn't take long for a new home herbalist to gather an impressive collection of dried herbs, extracts, herbal supplies, and information! Feeling overwhelmed about how to organize your herbal...