There are few things more satisfying than a large glass of cold lemonade on a hot day. One of my core childhood memories is visiting the lemonade stand at the Saturday Market here in Eugene. Fresh lemon juice, water, sweetener, and optional fruit compotes; all shaken up by hand and served ice cold and sweet. At that time in life, the way they mixed these simple ingredients to create something so delicious seemed like an especially magical type of alchemy to me. There were multiple fruit options, but I was always a die-hard strawberry lemonade fan. Even now, I can vividly remember the way the bits of strawberries came slurping up through the straw and the way their fruity sweetness mingled with the tangy flavor of lemon. As an adult, I still love strawberry lemonade, and even though it is hard to improve on perfection, I have also discovered the joy of practicing my own kind of alchemy with it, namely by adding different herbal allies. Herbs are a beautiful way to add both depth of flavor and health benefits to a lemonade recipe. With local strawberries beginning to appear at the farmers market, it felt like the perfect time to kick off some summer lemonade crafting.

Stop me if you have heard this one before. You wake up enervated after not getting good or enough sleep the night before. Even though you rise to greet whatever the day brings, a part of you can’t help but look forward to the moment when your head will hit the pillow at the end of it. The day passes, and at last the moment arrives, you are snuggled into your blankets, the lights are turned off, and all that remains is to close your eyes and await a visit from the Sandman. But suddenly you don’t feel so tired; in fact, your brain is lighting up with thoughts. Maybe you are rehashing the day’s events, remembering that task you forgot to do, agonizing over what you could have done differently, or planning for the week ahead. It is like a nonstop parade of should-haves and could-haves trumpeting through your head at the worst possible time and creating a vicious cycle of unrest.

Have you ever noticed how your body reacts the moment something hits your tongue? Most people can tell you their favorite flavor without thinking twice, sweet, salty, maybe something spicy. But very few have ever stopped to ask, what does my body actually need more of? Even fewer realize that what we crave can sometimes reflect what the body is seeking.

Oxymels, a type of sipping vinegar,  make for a delightful and healthy way to incorporate the benefits of herbs into your daily routine. These tangy concoctions, made from a blend of vinegar, honey, and herbs, can support digestion and promote healthy skin. Whether you’re adding them to mocktails, cocktails, or enjoying them on their own, oxymels offer a unique and versatile addition to your diet. With spring in full bloom, it’s the perfect time to use fresh, seasonal plants like dandelion, nettles, burdock, sage, and oregano to create your own homemade sipping vinegar.

 
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you make finishing salt a part of your culinary repertoire. This artisanal balsamic and basil blend is the ultimate example—a sophisticated, dual-toned addition to top your favorite proteins, salads, or even desserts. The best part? It’s an exercise in effortless gourmet living. It requires no specialized equipment and very little active time, yet the result turns what may have otherwise been a simple meal into something truly memorable.

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!