Cottonwood & Willow: Nature’s Pain Relievers
Cottonwood, Populus balsamifera, is the largest broadleaf deciduous tree in the Pacific Northwest. It is a member of the Salicaceae family, which makes it willow’s cousin. Cottonwood trees exist near rivers and lakes. They grow to be very tall and are on the narrow side. I’m not talking about Lombardy poplars, Populus nigra, the super […]
Recipe: Immune-Boosting Roots & Herbs Potage
Potage is a French word for thick soup. Just the thought of a bowl of hot nourishing soup evokes thoughts of blankets wrapped around us to ward off the chill, fun with friends in front of an outdoor fire. Our roots and herbs potage is perfect for any time of year. So tasty and nutrient […]
Herbal Respiratory Support
Winter can be harsh on the respiratory system. Everywhere we go, we hear people coughing! We need relief and we need it now! Herbal Support for a Healthy Respiratory System The respiratory system is the site of exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Oxygen is an integral component in turning the food we eat into […]
Winter Herbal Remedies
It was a dark and stormy night. That’s how all exciting stories begin, isn’t it? Our story begins with the advent of the cold and flu season. Dark and stormy days turn to dark and stormy nights, with us fragile folk heading indoors for warmth and comfort. As we breathe in the warm inside air, […]
The Power of Plants for Peace
When life feels chaotic and the nervous system is on high alert, the natural world offers steadfast support. In this second part of our series, we explore how plants can help us find calm, strengthen resilience, and restore inner peace. Herbs work through complex and elegant mechanisms, calming the nervous system, nourishing the adrenals, and balancing the body’s response to stress.
Recipe: Herbal Truffles
Herbal truffles are super yummy, healthy, and carry the medicine of plants to people in a way that they will happily eat! The truffles can be adapted to accommodate needs and what you have available in your apothecary. Every time I make herbal truffles, I vary the ingredients to suit the occasion, need, and the […]
Breathe Easy Homemade Vapor Rub Recipe!
Stuffy noses are no fun! An all natural vapor rub can open the breathing passages, soothe the tissues, and bring relief to otherwise uncomfortable situations. The first time I had a stuffy nose after moving far away from my mom was a turning point in my life. Being away from mom was sad enough, but […]
Fortify Chai Recipe
Who doesn’t love a nice cup of creamy spicy tasting chai on a cold winter day? Our version of chai not only fortifies your senses; it’s super warming, and will strengthen the immune system, calm the nerves, and gets the digestive system ready for hearty winter meals! Chai spice is not only for drinking though, […]
Quinoa, Veggie & Herb Stuffed Pumpkin
Hello friends and happy holidays! Whether it‘s time with friends, family, or starting new traditions, this time of year means gathering together and eating savory food! I’ve put together a paleo friendly recipe geared towards health and great taste! May it become one of your traditional crowd pleasing sides. Quinoa facts Quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa, is […]
Practical Pathways to Balance Body, Mind & Nerves
Our journey toward calm begins by understanding the very system that governs how we respond to life’s challenges. Stress isn’t just a mental state—it’s a full-body event directed by the nervous system. Before we can truly restore balance through herbs and lifestyle shifts, we must first see how this intricate network shapes every thought, feeling, and physical reaction.
