With all the information out there on herbs, it’s hard to know where to even start. While it’d be great to be able to run out and forage for, or purchase all the herbs known to mankind, it’s just not that feasible in the budget for most of us. In many cases, it’s not necessary …
Chickweed, or Stellaria media is also known by the names “scarwort”, “star weed”, and “satin flower”. It’s a common weed, easily found all over the world. It’s edible and has an abundance of nutrients, including protein, vitamins and minerals. But be aware of chickweed lookalikes because some of them can be toxic. Externally, it is …
Wild Cherry Bark, Prunus serotina, is an herb that is often lesser known. The bark is stripped from young plants in early fall, and dried in the shade to avoid losing the essential oil properties. It has anti-tussive, expectorant, astrigent and sedative properties. It has a traditional use of being used as a cough suppressant, …
The cold and flu season is nearly upon us, and I want to be ready. Yes, I feed my family a whole foods diet, rich in nutrients and vitamins and minerals. But, despite my best efforts, sometimes a bug comes to stay in our house. Of course, my kids learned how to share, so they …
How to Make Elderberry Syrup with dried Elderberries Read More »
Astragalus is a Chinese legume, often used in culinary medicine in healing soups or other nourishing foods. It is an adaptogen, which means that it helps the body return to normal function, especially during times of stress. It is safe for most situations, even with long term use as there are no known contradications. It …
Being out in the sun, wind, cold, any time of year is a necessity for homesteaders. After all, that’s where the animals live, right? (unless you’re one of my goats, in which case, you keep coming into the house and kicking the dog off her bed, but that’s another story) Keeping your lips protected from being …
Dandelion Infused Lip Balm (all natural chapstick) Read More »
After a long day gardening, a long hot bath is just the ticket to soothe sore and tired muscles. Herb infused bath salts, hot water, a few candles and some soft piano music to the rescue! (if you were to grab a glass of red wine, I sure won’t tell) Adding bath salts to your …
Being outside, any time of year can cause you to get a sunburn. Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall, your exposed skin is susceptible. Most of us naturally spend more time outside, gardening, tending animals, foraging, or just enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. Getting fresh air and sunshine is vital to health, actually. You still …
Comfrey is an amazing herb. This comfrey salve is a must-have for your home herbal apothecary. Comfrey is known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and decongestant properties. It is also known as one of the herbs to heal broken bones. I like to have this salve to use on bumps and bruises. Comfrey root salve has been …
When you or your loved ones get a cold, the last thing you want to have to worry about is their suffering, right? You want that nasty cough to stop, the one that seems to keep them up all night long. You want them to be able to rest during the day without hacking all …
