Here is a little peek into my favorite home cabinet:
It's my herbal home apothecary!
I have a certificate in Herbalism (from the legendary herbal teacher, Rosemary Gladstar) and an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counselor certificate from the teacher David Frawley.
Both certificates are specializations in lifestyle support with an emphasis on herbs as allies to wellness. I offer 1:1 coaching in this lifestyle support, you can learn more about that program here. Personally, I enjoy wild-crafting plants and mushrooms and purchasing blends from other herbalists. Over the years I have acquired quite an extensive collection of herbal allies that I use daily.
Now, I am a firm believer in using western medicine too. I am quick to call my primary doctor whenever I, or my family, have a health problem, and I know that vaccinations have helped to save many lives. Modern medicine saved my own daughter's life many years ago, and it continues to help her live with Type-1 diabetes. So, I don't think it is one method or the other; I am happy to embrace both healing methodologies. I always make sure to research and test new herbs before I introduce them into my routines.
Herbal Terms and Basics:
Technically there is a difference between a tea and a tisane infusion. Tea refers to the plant camellia sinensis, that is the plant that gives us black, green, oolong, and white tea. It all originates with the same plant, and the name simply refers to the color of the roast, drying method, or region of harvest.
A tisane is the technical term for what we generally call herbal tea. A tisane is a blend of herbs mixed with hot water and left to sit (infuse) for a time. Usually one lets a tisane sit for quite a while, 10 minutes or more (depending on the herbs). The other way to make tea is by decoction. A decoction is done by boiling roots, seeds, bark, and some mushrooms (like chaga chunks). These harder plant materials need a long boil time to extract the medicinal compounds. One can also make sun teas and moon teas by leaving a jar of water and herbs out in the sun and/or moon.
A tincture is usually done with an alcohol base, but one can also use vegetable glycerites or apple cider vinegar. It is said that the alcohol makes a better extraction of the herbs. In a tincture, herbs, mushrooms, or other plant materials are left to sit in a jar of alcohol for a length of time, often 6 weeks or more. One needs to be sure to shake the jar every day to distribute the herbs. Then the herbs are strained out of the base solution and bottled. One only needs to consume a small amount of the tincture to glean the benefits of the herbs.
My Daily Blends
Herbs are a vital component of my daily healthy lifestyle, and I consume many herbal teas and tinctures.
Morning–I like to start my day with black tea and cardamom (both are good for digestion, are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory), and I add a tiny scoop of powdered Chaga (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory), Lion's Mane (Brain Health), and Ashwagandha (for the Central Nervous System and stress support). This blend gives me the energy and support I need for my day.
Afternoon–My favorite afternoon herbal blend is a mix of oat straw, dandelion leaf, raspberry leaf, nettles, and red clover. Yes, this is a mix of basic weeds from the backyard! Our ancestors used to consume wild weeds on a regular basis, and it is only in recent generations that we have stopped consuming these foods in favor of industrially produced plants. This blend is a potent mix of natural minerals—high in iron, magnesium, silica, and zinc. I treasure the weeds in my backyard, and I hope you might too. Here are some benefits of the most common of weeds, the dandelion.
Evening–After dinner, I focus on herbs that help me to unwind and sleep. I might make an evening latte with plant-mylk that includes shilajit (an ancient Ayurvedic remedy), cardamom, reishi, and turkey tail (both of these are mushrooms that help with sleep and immunity). Sometimes I make golden-milk, a turmeric, milk, and honey drink. Or I drink an infusion of mint, catnip, skullcap, mugwort, blue-lotus flower, butterfly pea flower, and chamomile. If I need an extra-boost in calming down and sleeping, I will add valerian root or kava-kava to my evening blend. These are all potent herbs that help soothe the nervous system and induce sleep.
I also have a little stash of tinctures and tonics, both alcohol and vinegar blends, that I consume (about 1 tablespoon full) each evening. My favorites are elderberry, turmeric, ginger, and various mushroom blends.
***Warning and Caveats***
I share this as information and not medical advice. Please remember that you should always get your doctor's approval before taking any herbs or supplements. Herbs and mushrooms are indeed potent and powerful, and some may cause complications and/or interfere with your medications. Be sure to read up on an herb to learn any precautions, I can't list them all here! Additionally, it can take time for your digestion to adjust to new foods (especially mushrooms). You may want to start with a very small amount of an herb or mushroom to make sure you don't have a bad reaction. But I think it is completely worth this careful research and trial period to introduce these powerful herbal allies into your daily routines!
Herbal Companies and Products
Here are a few of my favorite brands and products. NO, I do not receive any financial benefit from these links. I just enjoy sharing good products with others:
Mountain Rose Herbs–I consider this company to be the gold standard in herbs. They carefully cultivate and craft their herbs, and educate people on the use and benefits of herbs. When buying in bulk, I usually start here.
TerraSoul–They sell a nice selection of dried mushrooms, Ayurvedic herbs (like the Ashwagandha ). They also sell dried fruits, nuts, and baking supplies.
Anima-Mundi–A lovely collection of unique herbs and blends. Even if you don't purchase anything here, their weekly newsletter is an incredible source of information on herbs (and I just love the name). They sell a soothing evening Golden Moon Milk .
Free Verse Farm–If you live in the Upper Valley region of VT and NH, you probably know of this farm! They offer an herbal CSA (how cool is that!!!) and make some lovely local products.
I hope you have fun bringing the magic and wonder of herbs and mushrooms into your life. And let me know your favorite herbs and products, I love to grow my resources.
"We need the tonic of the wilderness," said Henry David Thoreau. The ocean, the mountains, the deserts, a wooded grove–all contain the magic needed to restore pure radiant energy to a stressed soul. Mother Earth, in all her infinite compassion and strength has remarkable powers to restore vitality. Wash yourself in the pure waters of the streams, put your bare feet on the good earth, fall asleep in the arms of an ancient tree. There is good medicine to be found in nature. It is long lasting and heals the soul. Rosemary Gladstar