How to Tell the Quality of Dried Herbs
Learning to judge the quality of dried herbs can be tricky. It's a skill that's built with experience. Growing your own herbs and drying them at home are the best...
An Introduction to Elecampane Herb
I hope you enjoy this excerpt from my new Elecampane Masterclass. I give you a little taste in this post, but the full lesson is available for free on the Teacup...
Exploring the Herbal Uses of Holly in Global Traditions
The holly and the ivy. Winter decorations wouldn't be complete without them, but most people don't give them a second thought the rest of the year. This is a shame,...
Drunken Botanist Book Review (Why I love this book)
A book after my own heart, this little handbook covers history, trivia, and serving suggestions for serving up a unique botanical experience. I've had this book for about a year,...
Alcohol Free Herbs for the Home Apothecary
Steeping herbs in alcohol is a quick and simple way to extract and preserve their benefits. Alcohol-based herbal extracts are potent and have a good shelf-life, so it’s no wonder...
Herbal Uses for Bee Balm
Bee balm is a native plant with a gorgeous flower. Depending on the species, the flowers may be pink, purple, or red. It's a beautiful addition to pollinator-friendly gardens and...
Ten Ways to Simplify Learning Herbalism
One thing I remember from when I first started learning herbalism was feeling overwhelmed. There was just so much information available! Herbalism can be very complex. There are plants and...
How to Use Safer Herbal Language
It's time to talk about using safer herbal language. Why? Well, the coronavirus pandemic has raised awareness of herbalism in a big way. On the one hand, hey - that's...
Learning Herbalism with Matthew Wood
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...
Historic and Modern Herbal Uses for Ivy
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...