Learn Herbalism Archives

Thyme tea for health and wellness

Agatha NoveilleMay 11, 2023May 19, 2023

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has a flavor profile that is bright, aromatic, and pungent. This herb makes a lovely beverage tea, but there are also traditional medicinal benefits associated with thyme...

Blue Vervain Herbs Learn Herbalism

Blue vervain uses for home herbalists

Agatha NoveilleFebruary 2, 2023March 6, 2023

Blue vervain (Verbena hastata) is a nervine herb native to eastern North America. It is related to European vervain (V. officinalis), which shares many of the same uses. A common...

Learn Herbalism materia medica

Discovering the herbal history of pleurisy root

Agatha NoveilleJanuary 5, 2023December 16, 2022

Pleurisy root, Asclepias tuberosa, is a milkweed with a storied herbal history. It was influential in the Eclectic tradition in the United States in the late 1800s, which drew on...

Herbal DIY Learn Herbalism

Dried berries for herbal winter wellness

Agatha NoveilleDecember 1, 2022November 19, 2022

Dried berries are a staple ingredient in the winter herbal cupboard. They add flavor and bountiful benefits for cold-weather wellness. These three, especially, are good to keep on hand. Learn...

Herbal DIY Herbal Teas Learn Herbalism

A guide to making herbal tea for new herbalists

Agatha NoveilleOctober 6, 2022November 2, 2022

Herbal tea is one of the most accessible ways to use plants to support wellness. It's easy to make and endlessly customizable. Here's my complete guide on herbal teas, including...

Books Learn Herbalism

Southern Folk Medicine book review

Agatha NoveilleAugust 4, 2022July 7, 2022

I recently read this gem of a book about folk herbalism, so here's my Southern Folk Medicine review! In this book, Alabama herbalist Phyllis D. Light shares her wisdom from...

Home Herbalists Learn Herbalism Valerian

Why valerian is essential for your herbal cupboard

Agatha NoveilleMay 19, 2022May 19, 2022

Valerian is an herb with a little bit of an attitude. The dried roots are stinky, and it has an unreliable reputation among some herbalists. If you're a home herbalist...

Learn Herbalism Mushrooms Natural Wellness

Mushroom class! My Mushroom Course review

Agatha NoveilleMarch 17, 2022March 9, 2022

As an herbalist, I've focused more on plants and left fungi to their own devices. Until now! I took an online mushroom class and loved it. To be honest, I...

Books Herbal Business Learn Herbalism

Nervous system herbs book review

Agatha NoveilleJanuary 20, 2022January 16, 2022

This year I'm adding a new series to my herbal bookshelf: Herbal Formularies for Health Professionals. I haven't gone sequentially, though. I needed volume four for a friend so that's...

Herbal DIY Learn Herbalism Mullein

An herbalist’s guide to mullein flowers + an infused oil recipe

Agatha NoveilleJanuary 6, 2022December 31, 2021

Mullein flowers have many traditional uses and modern benefits. Here's an herbalist's guide for using them safely and effectively. This article also includes directions for making a simple infused oil...