The intersection of art and nature has always been my biggest draw to herbalism. Throughout history, the roots of herbalism and art have long been intertwined by the rich tradition of botanical illustration and self-expression. Just as no two artists would illustrate a figure drawing in the same way, it’s unlikely you’ll find two herbalists whose home apothecaries display identical herbs—and that right there is the beauty of creativity!

Vegetable achard has always felt like home to me. Growing up in Mauritius, my mom and my aunties would make jars of it that always lined the fridge—bright, bold, and alive with flavor. Each bite carries memories of family meals, laughter, and the simple joy of food that makes you pause and smile. I wanted to bring that same feeling into my cookbook, Vegan Soulicious, so others could experience the nourishing power of these perfectly pickled veggies. This recipe is more than just a condiment—it's a little jar of culture, history, and heart.

I love the peace of knowing that I have both the skills and stock on hand to thrive in most of the situations life throws my way. I can confidently rely on my resourcefulness and forethought to help me whether I can’t get to the grocery store for a bit, need to pinch some pennies, or just ran out of laundry soap. The efforts that I put into this lifestyle are also in line with my sustainability goals and significantly reduce the waste generated from my household.

There are some meals that feel like they know exactly what your body needs. This chickpea curry is one of them. It is fragrant, deeply satisfying, and comes together with pantry staples you likely already have on hand. It is the kind of dinner that fills the kitchen with incredible aromas and somehow tastes even better the next day.

Creating a nighttime routine isn't just for those who have trouble with sleep. Calming evening rituals are excellent ways to prepare the body for restful sleep filled with exciting and inspiring dreams! There are even traditions in which herbs are used during sleep, not only to bring about a peaceful slumber, but also to evoke vivid, lucid dreaming landscapes sure to bring happiness, rather than grogginess, to your waking state.

After months of bundled-up hibernation under gloomy grey skies, the arrival of spring feels like a long-awaited exhale. Although the springtime seasonal shift tends to stir us awake with a returned sense of energy, it often arrives with its own unique kind of overwhelm. Calendars start to fill up, all your friends want to make plans, and suddenly the gentle transition into spring turns into a never-ending to-do list. In the midst of all this regrowth, it’s no wonder many of us find ourselves a bit scatter-brained. That’s where our herbal allies come in!

With the exception of my stuffed mushroom recipe, this is my most requested potluck dish. I created this side dish 12 years ago when trying to figure out what to bring to a gathering. I was working with a pretty tight budget at the time, so I looked to my cupboard to see what I could make with what I had on hand. Rye berries—lots and lots of rye berries!I happened to be experimenting with growing oyster mushrooms and was using rye berries as a substrate.Since they are completely edible and I had an abundance, I decided that would be the main ingredient to build on. What I later learned was that rye berries weren’t just a cost-effective way to feed a lot of people. They are actually a great source of fiber and chock full of vitamins A, K, B2, and B6. Rye berries also contain manganese, potassium, copper, and phosphorus. So what I was staring at in my bulk goods pantry was a gold mine of nutritious possibilities.

A Code of Honor is a personal standard of conduct measured, attributed, and continuously tested not by convention or authorities, but by us ourselves. It’s an unbreakable agreement that we make to our missions and our world, containing standards and stipulations we can’t just weaken or amend depending on shifting circumstances. It’s always evolving as our self-awareness and understandings of the world grow, yet it remains uncompromisable and resolute—an oath reflecting our values and priorities; our calling; purpose and aims.

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room for a second. 

Every year, a lot of us say we want to eat better. We want to use more herbs. We’ve read the articles,  seen the posts, and we already know herbs are good for us. And at the same time, there’s a quiet voice in the back of your mind saying, this probably isn’t going to stick.

For over a decade, I have been practicing and teaching natural skin care.I have formulated dozens of homemade skincare products, but I also purchase some that I know are made with the same integrity, quality, and thought I put into my formulations. One of the newest additions to this “can purchase elsewhere” category is Mountain Rose Herbs’ new line of housemade skincare. Now, I may be a little biased, but I would not put something on my face that I didn’t trust, and I can tell you honestly that I love the new line.

I relish my morning cup of tea; sometimes, the thought of it is the only way I can get myself to leave the cozy warmth of my bed. That first sip is always just the thing I need to start feeling like an actual person that can function in the world. Would it be too dramatic to say that your first sip of tea is the most important sip of the day? Not only is it the thing that gets me out of bed, but it also sets the tone for the day and gives me a little opportunity to treat myself. Because of this, I like to switch up what I am drinking to keep it fresh and exciting.