Powdered herbs are incredibly versatile; from adding flavor in culinary dishes, to making homemade capsules, and even powdering resins for incense making, there are a lot of ways where powdered herbs really shine. But not all herbal powders are created equally. Freshness and even adulteration in the market are big concerns. This is why many choose to powder their own herbs at home. 

Herbalism encompasses a wide range of traditions, each with similarities and differences from each other. However, one core principle that applies to traditions found all around the world is herbal energetics. To some, the word energetics conjures thoughts of the esoteric or "woo-woo", but energetics are very real and can be felt in the body. You can experience this simply by sipping on a cup of ginger tea and then following that up with a cup of marshmallow tea. Upon sipping the ginger tea, your body will begin to feel warmth, followed by a drying sensation. After you have had time to sit with that sensation, sip on the marshmallow tea and feel the difference. The cooling and moistening effects will counteract the ginger and your body will feel very different after that next sip. That is energetics in action!

Opening children up to a world of wonder, nourishment, and magic can be as simple as introducing them to the plants that grow in your backyard. Learning how to sink in, slow down, and listen to the plants is both inspiring and grounding.

Shower time is sacred to me. These precious moments wash away the physical grime of the day and offer an emotional reprieve from just about anything that is going on in my life. The act of bathing has long been known as a ritualistic expression of self-care. It is a time to slow down, to inspect your skin, and to give it the attention it needs. It’s a time with little to no distraction and where you can envelop yourself in the warmth and comfort of flowing water. It’s truly a meditative practice and is a key reason that DIY skin care is one of my favorite things.

I have mixed feelings about going into the fall this year. While I welcome the return of the Pacific Northwest rains, flannels, hoodies, pumpkin spice, and autumn colors, I also find myself savoring these last days in the garden. So this year, instead of turning my focus to the season ahead, I decided to celebrate my garden’s ongoing bounty and extend the spirit of the season just a little longer. Drawing inspiration from the abundance of fresh herbs still sharing their aromatic and wellness supporting gifts, I created this foaming hand soap recipe to embody the energy of a flourishing herb garden.

Heading back into the school season means that we are entering into a new season of needs. Even those of us without children at home feel the subtle shift—altered traffic patterns, busier schedules, and the ripple of energy that comes as our communities gather again for learning. This transition also brings considerations for personal well-being, particularly with the heightened exposure to group settings where our bodies may encounter new stressors (and maybe even some cooties). 

By the time September rolls around, the summer garden and markets have mostly had their say. The jars of dried herbs are stacking up, the freezer is filling up, and my family is back to wearing sweaters in the morning. This is when I start thinking about my herbal pantry and what needs restocking and what can go.  

My family always has grand goals of getting out to the mountains once a month for a couple nights of tent camping from May through October. Camping in the shoulder months often means chilly temperatures and rain, which we’ve gotten good at dealing with. Mosquito season, however, can be a little more daunting. A few summers ago, we were camping at a Southern Oregon lake with friends who had school-age children. The mosquitos were SO vicious, particularly for the kiddos, and I spent the whole time kicking myself for not having made a batch of herbal mosquito repellent beforehand. Our friends had some over-the-counter natural spray, but it was passing-useless and none of us wanted to douse the children in a toxic DEET-based repellent. I vowed never to be caught by surprise again. Now this natural spray is a must-have for camping and any other activity that puts us close to water and mosquitos.

Meet the family whose commitment to crafting the finest organic jojoba oil in the world transcends trends and spans generations.

With any herbal practice, conservation and protection should be the first part of the conversation. Safety and sustainability are vital when foraging. In today's world, countless individuals share images of plants they've harvested, often asking, "What is this, and what can I use it for?" This highlights the importance of education. Understanding herbs involves responsible usage, not just identification. Prioritizing education promotes wildcrafting practices that respect nature while ensuring safety and realizing the benefits of herbs.