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
Above: Dried red clover and yarrow flowers ready to be infused in oil. This blog post is part of my 2021 Herbal Oil Blog Series, and addresses what herb-infused oils are, which herbs to use, and the specific usages of each. What are Herb-Infused Oils? Herb-infused oils, or just herbal oils, are made by gently … Read more
Above: Dandelion flowers and violet leaves and flowers infusing in olive oil. Healing calendula oil, soothing violet oil, seducing wild rose oil… Herb-infused oils are very useful in skincare regimens, wound healing, and pain relief. Learn which herbs can be infused in oil, the specific usages of each, and how to easily and inexpensively make … Read more
Winter Solstice, also known as Yule, is upon those of us that live in the northern hemisphere. Yule marks the middle of the season of rest and reflection, and is a celebration of the steadily returning daylight after the longest night of the year. It represents hope, rebirth, and renewal. During these cold and dark … Read more
Following-up on last week’s post, breast self-massage can be made even better if we use a massage oil that is infused with 2 herbs that are specific for breast health: Dandelion flowers and Violet leaves and flowers. Dandelions and Violets are among the first plants to pop up in the spring. Through an Ayurvedic perspective, … Read more
Spring is a time that many of us renew our vows to practice self-care. While I have written extensively about self-care (or what I like to call “health non-negotiables”) in a broader sense here and here and here, this post is specifically written for womxn (including trans) and those assigned female at birth. If you … Read more