Suzanne Tabert- Guest Writer

Suzanne Tabert is a bioregional herbalist, author, speaker, director of herbal education at the Cedar Mountain Herb School and adjunct professor at Bastyr University. Her passion is taking students to wild places and sharing tools to engage and connect with flora, fauna, and the exquisite beauty of nature. Suzanne has been inspiring students with joy and excitement for all-natural living for over 35 years, offering an amazing platform for folks all over the world to connect with each other and with nature. Suzanne is author of Wild & Beautiful; An Herbal Encyclopedia For Naturally Healthy Skin and Quest for Calm: Herbal Empowerment for Resilient Emotional Health.
Find me on:

Recent Posts

What is Inulin and How it Supports Digestion + Herbal Recipes

What do dandelion, burdock, chicory, and garlic have in common? They all contain inulin. Inulin is a naturally occurring polysaccharide made up of chains of fructose molecules that are not digested in the small intestine and belong to a class of dietary fibers known as fructans.

Read More

Herbalist Tips to Beat the Summer Heat

With the heat and sun come sunburn, heat rash, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke. There are things we can do to prevent these from happening and natural remedies for when they do.

Read More

Ashwagandha: Uses and Benefits + Tasty Recipes


Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) a plant highly praised in the Ayurvedic tradition, is in the Solanaceae, or nightshade, family. It’s been said that the herb may give both energy and calmness to those plagued with physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. The species name somnifera means sleep-inducing, whereas ashwagandha comes from the Sanskrit words “ashva” and “gandha,” meaning “horse smell” since some think the roots of this calming plant smell like a horse. To each their own in the smell department; however, being a trophorestorative herb, it can bring “horselike” strength and vitality when used consistently over time.  Ashwagandha has also been known to have a positive effect on cortisol levels due to real and perceived stress triggers and their subsequent physical and emotional symptoms. With stress being a way of life for many, the release of stress may also result in increased vigor and energy.

Read More

What Are Alkaloids in Plants & How to Extract Them


In our quest to unravel the tangled strings of phytochemistry, it’s important to understand that it takes time and practice to grasp the ins and outs. Taking it slowly, leaning into one constituent group at a time, can help the herbalist fully embrace their actions and needs. While studying the constituents in plants and the menstrua that extract and preserve them seems a bit too “science-y” for some, remember that is what the alchemists of yesterday were all about.

Read More

What Are Polysaccharides & How to Extract Them

In our continuing study of phytochemistry, let’s advance further with Polysaccharides. Studies show the many benefits of polysaccharides. They are immune modulating which means they help the immune system to regulate itself, whether stimulating or suppressing its actions. Polysaccharides stimulate the parasympathetic action to produce mucous, our body’s natural demulcent, to soothe dry, irritated tissues and assist in elimination. Contained in the primary cell walls of plants, polysaccharides act as a prebiotic, as most fiber does, to support beneficial bacteria and decrease non-beneficial bacteria. Serving as a soluble fiber, polysaccharides slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream as they enter the gut and bind bile acids. Bile acids then leave the body through the digestive system. Polysaccharides also prevent the absorption of cholesterol from food in the gastrointestinal tract and relieve constipation. 

Read More

How to Extract Vitamins and Minerals Out of Herbs

Continuing our study of phytochemistry, the focus of this post is on the nutritional benefits of plants. Every plant needs vitamins and minerals to thrive just as we do. In turn, plants are fantastically nutrient-rich, some more than others. We’ve been told to eat our veggies because they’re good for us! All cultures cook with botanicals for taste and health. However, there are also other excellent ways to incorporate the nutritional benefits of plants. We can readily extract plant nutrients in low ethanol (<40%) alcohol tinctures, in water, and in herb-infused vinegar and honey. Let’s delve into how to extract vitamins and minerals in plants, preserve them, and utilize them in ways our loved ones will enjoy taking.

Read More

Phytochemistry For Beginners: Constituent Groups and the Menstrua That Love Them


Phytochemistry is the study of the constituents in plants that cause physiological changes (aka health benefits) in the human body. These changes are what herbalists are attempting to achieve when creating herbal remedies. We call that herbal medicine. Knowing the actions and needs of constituents and which menstrua will extract and preserve them gives the medicine maker a clear view on pairing constituents with the correct menstrua to create effective remedies. 
Menstruum, or plural menstrua, is the extractor and preserver of plant medicine. The most common menstrua are water, alcohol, honey, glycerine, and apple cider vinegar.

Read More

WELCOME

We offer one of the most thorough selections of certified organic herbs, spices, and botanical products and are commited to responsible sourcing.

Suzanne Tabert- Guest Writer

Suzanne Tabert is a bioregional herbalist, author, speaker, director of herbal education at the Cedar Mountain Herb School and adjunct professor at Bastyr University. Her passion is taking students to wild places and sharing tools to engage and connect with flora, fauna, and the exquisite beauty of nature. Suzanne has been inspiring students with joy and excitement for all-natural living for over 35 years, offering an amazing platform for folks all over the world to connect with each other and with nature. Suzanne is author of Wild & Beautiful; An Herbal Encyclopedia For Naturally Healthy Skin and Quest for Calm: Herbal Empowerment for Resilient Emotional Health.
Find me on:

Recent Posts

What is Inulin and How it Supports Digestion + Herbal Recipes

Did you know that some of the most common herbal allies contain inulin, a gut-supporting prebiotic?
WRITTEN BY Suzanne Tabert- Guest Writer

November 21, 2023

Herbalist Tips to Beat the Summer Heat

With the heat and sun come sunburn, heat rash, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke. There are things we can do to prevent these from happening and natural ways to support ourselves when they do.
WRITTEN BY Suzanne Tabert- Guest Writer

August 9, 2023

Ashwagandha: Uses and Benefits + Tasty Recipes

Learn the many benefits of ashwagandha root and try a tasty whipped cream and elixir recipe!
WRITTEN BY Suzanne Tabert- Guest Writer

March 1, 2023

What Are Alkaloids in Plants & How to Extract Them

Having a basic understanding of phytochemistry is vital to herbalists. In this article, you'll learn about the alkaloids found in herbs like Oregon Grape, California poppy, and motherwort.
WRITTEN BY Suzanne Tabert- Guest Writer

January 11, 2023

What Are Polysaccharides & How to Extract Them

Learn how polysaccharides can support health and wellness and some of the herbs and mushrooms that contain them. You will also find a soothing reishi mushroom skin cream recipe!
WRITTEN BY Suzanne Tabert- Guest Writer

October 11, 2022

How to Extract Vitamins and Minerals Out of Herbs

Knowing the actions and needs of constituents and which menstrua will extract and preserve them helps herbalists to craft effective remedies. Learn how to extract vitamins and minerals from plants so you can make nutritive preparations for your wellness routines.
WRITTEN BY Suzanne Tabert- Guest Writer

July 8, 2022

Phytochemistry For Beginners: Constituent Groups and the Menstrua That Love Them

Knowing the actions and needs of constituents and which menstrua will extract and preserve them gives herbalists a clear view on pairing constituents with the correct medium to create effective remedies
WRITTEN BY Suzanne Tabert- Guest Writer

May 4, 2022