Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), also called schizandra, magnolia berry, Wǔ Wèi Zi, or five-flavor fruit, is a powerful botanical ally to add to your personal Materia medica. In this monograph, we will uncover the botany, history, and uses of this plant, along with a flavorful mocktail recipe to help you develop a deeper relationship with schisandra.

The United Nations declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This effort is an important step in highlighting the often-overlooked work of women in food and wellness systems around the world. It is also raising awareness about the unique challenges women face in agriculture. This inspired us to reflect on the incredible women farmers we work with and share how their knowledge and perspective have shaped the herbal industry.

Homemade perfumes are wonderful for a myriad of reasons. From the ability to try new things without an enormous price tag to the pleasure of crafting something both beautiful and useful, perfume making is a pastime that I’ve grown to truly love. I custom tailor fragrances to match my mood or emotional needs or to harness the energetics of certain plants. But I also have a fondness for crafting blends that match the seasons.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrh) has been a cherished botanical for thousands of years. Native to the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, this sacred tree has been called upon for traditional medicine, religious incense, and perfumery for over 5,000 years. It has a long lineage of folklore and spirituality, and was so prized that it was used to anoint kings and scent the fabrics of pilgrims traveling to holy places. It's no less adored today.

When many of us hear the name Fire Cider, we think of a common immune-supporting oxymel made and enjoyed in the autumn and winter months. But this herbal tonic can be used in myriad ways throughout the year. Fire Cider is a popular herbal folk remedy invented by esteemed herbalist Rosemary Gladstar. The preparation is made by infusing apple cider vinegar and honey with wellness-supporting ingredients such as horseradish, garlic, onion, ginger, cayenne, and sometimes turmeric and rosemary. The result is a timeless and tasty herbal preparation found in the pantries of herbalists around the world.

 
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.

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.

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.

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.

A few weeks back, I wound up catching a “bug” that really took me out. While I’m usually pretty prepared for most things that may come up in my household, I didn’t have what I needed when I needed it. I was in no condition to be making medicine or trying to source it. With a high fever and intense fatigue, it was hard to even think straight, let alone try to guide someone else to find what I needed or make me something.