One of the things I love most about the world of herbal mocktails is the fact that there are limitless flavor combinations to try. In my kitchen, oxymels are a key ingredient for mocktails: they impart a complexity of flavor that can be hard to achieve without alcohol. I enjoy experimenting with different vinegars and even citrus juices. Eventually, my kitchen explorations led to balsamic vinegar. 

Bitters are having a viral moment, but rather than chewing on a celery stalk with a wry face while others douse themselves on the alcohol-based bitters bandwagon, I’m excited to introduce you to a zesty, alcohol-free contender. As a sober herbalist, I’ve come up with a powerful, sophisticated bitters blend that stands up to the hype, and possesses the celebrated digestive support and versatile uses like traditional bitters recipes. 

The winter season is a time of rest and reflection for many of us. It’s also the perfect time of year to get cozy with a good book and a hot cup of herbal tea. For me, winter is the season of tea. Whether I’m in need of a nourishing brew to help keep my body healthy or am just looking for something to cut through the chill of winter’s air, a flavorful cup of tea is just what I need. Here are some of my favorite winter tea blends.

In this overwhelming and often stress-inducing world, there is little that is more healing than moments of precious tranquility. Stress has a profound impact on the body and mind, with studies showing it can lead to macroscopic changes in brain structure over time (Mariotti, A. 2015). This, in turn, can lead to other issues, such as a weakened immune system, difficulty in absorbing nutrients into the body properly, and a general decrease in quality of life. Amidst the whirlwind of life, there are centers of calm to be found—places where we can pause, reorient, and connect with Eirene, the Greek goddess and personification of peace.

Passionflower (passiflora icarnata) is one such herb that can aid us in finding these centers of calm. A commonly known nervine, used for promoting restful sleep, softening tension, and even easing occasional aches and pains. Native to Central and South America and now flourishing in many other areas of the world, its hypnotic blossoms invite us to slow down, find our footing, and welcome tranquility into our tired minds. 

In today’s world of healthcare, there’s a big divide. On one side, you have people who swear by "western medicine," celebrating its cutting-edge technology and life-saving interventions. On the other, you have folks who are all about natural remedies, often dismissing modern medicine entirely. But the truth is, both sides bring something valuable to the table. What really matters is asking the right questions—starting with “Why?”

As we move through our daily lives, we seek meaningful connections, and it is this very search that often leads us back to nature. In this endeavor, plants are our allies. Not only do plants physically nurture the animal body through food, shelter, and physiological support—plants also remind us of what it means to be a part of this wild and wonderful world.

Embarking on my journey with herbalism was a leap of faith that has profoundly enriched my life. Having spent over a decade as a business owner, I understood the importance of having a vision and a plan, but I also learned that flexibility and intuition are key. My background in design provided me with strong organizational skills, yet I found myself in uncharted territory when it came to running an herbal business. Nonetheless, I felt a compelling call to explore herbal medicine, driven by a deep-seated passion and an inner knowing that this was my path.

Here's to the many wonderful herbal events that took place in 2024 and the upcoming event endeavors we're thrilled to continue embarking on in 2025! All of us here at Mountain Rose Herbs are looking forward to blossoming new and old connections in the new year and continue strengthening the bond of the ever-expanding herbalism community all throughout 2025. 

I remember fondly the moment I finished my herbalism degree program. Even though that was almost 20 years ago, the sense of accomplishment I felt is still palpable. However, what I wasn’t prepared for in that moment all those years ago was the mountain that stood between my successes as a student and my goal of becoming a practicing clinician. At its base I stood, well-trained in the art and science of clinical herbalism, yet lacking the entrepreneurial tools I needed to forge into clinical practice…and this is how I almost lost the path altogether. I wasn’t prepared for the reality that clinical herbal practice is a business and a tricky one at that.

  
When crafting mocktail recipes, I have several goals in mind. The first is to make a booze-free drink that tastes amazing and has the bite of a cocktail. I don't want my mocktails to just taste like juice or iced teas! Secondly, I do not like using alcohol-free spirits. I find it unnecessary when you can achieve similar flavors through the use of herbs. Lastly, I like to use botanical ingredients that also support health in various ways. With all of these things in mind, I crafted this stunning ruby red mocktail to support heart health.

Even from a young age, I turned to nature for healing—most often in the arms of the large beech tree outside my home. I would seek solace in the strong limbs until I felt safe and restored. As I jumped down to the ground, I gathered dandelion blossoms and plantain seed heads, twisting them into flower crowns. Long before I knew about the physical properties of the herbs, I instinctively felt called to the plants. I felt safe in nature and I knew I could always turn to her.