Plantain (Plantago major & lanceolata) When I see a plant growing out of a crack in the sidewalk or a junk-filled lot, my heart is torn. One the one hand, it demonstrates the amazing resilience of the green world. I draw some strength from seeing a plant to continue to grow and do its thing … Read more
Above: Cayenne peppers on my cutting board, waiting to be sliced and dehydrated. This blog post is part of my 2021 Herbal Oil Blog Series and addresses Cayenne, including how to make a Cayenne-infused oil. Cayenne (Capsicum annum) A beloved spice important in many cultures and cuisines, Cayenne’s benefits extend well past its culinary uses. … Read more
Above: Calendula flowering in the garden. This blog post is part of my 2021 Herbal Oil Blog Series and addresses Calendula, including how to make a Calendula-infused oil. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) July is when my Calendula flowers really take off in my garden here in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US. Calendula’s bright resinous blooms … Read more
Above: Red Clover blossoms in the dehydrator. This blog post is part of my 2021 Herbal Oil Blog Series and addresses Red Clover, including how to make a Red Clover-infused oil. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Red Clover is another early summer bloomer that fortunately lasts for a much longer period than our last herb, Wild … Read more
Above: Yarrow growing in my garden. This blog post is part of my 2021 Herbal Oil Blog Series and addresses Yarrow, including how to make a yarrow oil for first aid. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Yarrow gets it Latin name, Achillea, because it was said to have grown all over the battlefields of the Trojan War, … Read more
With the break in the weather and Dandelions, Violets, Ground Ivy, and Plantain running amok in my neck of the woods, it’s peak spring foraging season! My Favorite Uses Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) used to be a popular herb in our home, as my partner was extremely susceptible to colds and they would easily turn into full-blown bronchitis. … Read more
Above: Wild Rose petals harvested last May. This blog post is part of my 2021 Herbal Oil Blog Series and addresses Wild Rose, including how to make a Wild Rose-infused facial oil. Wild Rose (Rosa multiflora) It’s April, and here in the mid-Atlantic region of the US the early spring plants are popping, and their … Read more
Above: Dandelions in flower, photo by Wild Food Girl. This blog post is part of my 2021 Herbal Oil Blog Series and addresses Dandelion, including how to make a Dandelion flower-infused oil. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Many early spring plants play an important role for the eliminatory systems, and Dandelion is no exception. As I addressed … Read more
Above: Violet soraria, photo by Auntie Dogmas Garden Spot This blog post is part of my 2021 Herbal Oil Blog Series and addresses Violet leaf and flower, including how to make a Violet-infused oil. Violet (Viola soraria, V. odorata, V. yeodensis) Violets are among the first plants to pop up in the spring. Through an … Read more
Above: Dried dandelion flowers and violet leaves and flowers infusing in oil. This blog post is part of my 2021 Herbal Oil Blog Series and addresses how to make herb-infused oils. You will need: Dry plant material (see Step 1 for gathering and drying instructions) Jar size of your choice. A 12 oz. or 16 … Read more