I’ve always had a soft spot for recipes that feel a little extra without actually being complicated. Just like any good relationship, there’s something comforting about knowing you can create something special without overthinking every step or ingredient. This very sentiment is what inspired Every Rose Has Its Hawthorn—a Valentine’s Day mocktail crafted to encapsulate love in all its layered, often messy, yet simplistic nature at heart.

Herbalism is rich in that it encompasses many traditions, modalities, and vibrant cultures globally. Oftentimes, modalities develop that are deeply connected to a place, time, or even a people and become codified into traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. This is the story of African-American herbalism. 

Just as we witness the turning of the seasons in the world around us, I have come to realize that we experience changing seasons within us as well. In nature, winter is a time of retreat and rest. In this part of the world, everything becomes darker, colder, and less colorful. Though life is still bustling all around me, it becomes quieter and more subdued (just as I do). While I welcome the rest and reflection that winter invites, there are times when I feel like the cold darkness weighs on me, and feelings of hopelessness can ensnare me.* And though I understand that it is important to give yourself space to feel your feelings and not run away from discomfort, it is also important to give yourself some extra self-care during these times.

When I first started taking herb classes in the mid-1980’s, herbs like lady’s slipper, osha, and goldenseal were being widely taught about and consumed. As herbalism gained in popularity, these precious herbs were sought after, beyond what could be sustainably harvested. Many of them also became very expensive, and were being wild harvested as a way of making money without regard for the long-term impact of over-harvesting.

You don’t have to stretch your imagination far to understand Black herbalism. You’ve likely already lived it. A kitchen with worn counters. A pot that gets used more than anything else in the house. Roots drying on a windowsill. Someone older than you telling you, “Drink this. You’ll be alright.” 

These days more and more folks are participating in Dry January. Whether it be a New Years resolution, a health reset after holiday indulgence, or a lifestyle shift, a month without alcohol can feel like a sacrifice of sorts. But does it have to? With the holidays now over and months to go before the return of the sun, it’s important to find ways of bringing celebration into our lives. Which is why we like to think of Dry January as a celebration. And what better way to celebrate then by making copious amounts of delicious mocktails to replace the boozy beverages we might be missing?

At a Lammas harvest celebration one summer evening, I gazed up at a towering vitex beside a weathered chestnut-board barn. Violet flower spikes were alive with bees. I rubbed a few of the delicate palmate leaves between my fingers and breathed in the earthy scent.

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.

As we reflect on the last year, we want to share our most notable accomplishments and extend our gratitude to you. We could not have accomplished these things without your incredible support. Here are some of our favorite initiatives from 2025 and a peek at what’s coming up in 2026.

“Seeing that certain medicines are discovered,”

wrote Paracelsus, physician-alchemist of plants,

“which preserve the human body and its power to recover

from sundry ailments, and which perchance

When we think of bitters, most of us think of taking an extract before eating to get our digestive juices flowing and prepare our bodies to process a meal. While this is most certainly a core part of working with bitters, there is more that can be considered.