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.

Well, it’s official folks. We’ve approached the time of year when the gloomy clouds outside aren’t the only ones feeling under the weather. “Sniffle season” has been rearing its particularly unpleasant head around the Pacific Northwest this year, and it’s beginning to feel a bit like a game of “last man standing” within my family (which I did not win). Being bogged down with a case of the sniffles during the chilly winter months can make the damp weather and shorter days feel all the more dreary. So, having a well-equipped herbal toolbelt can lend an invaluable helping hand towards making it through the germy winter season unscathed. One of my most relied on tools in my seasonally supportive toolbelt this time of year is herbal-infused syrups.

Herbal medicine is found around the world and is still used by many societies as a primary form of healthcare. Both Western Herbal Medicine and Chinese Medicine (CM) utilize herbs to maintain vitality, but their philosophies and classifications differ significantly. In Western herbal medicine, tonics are herbs used to tone and strengthen the body. In CM, however, tonic, or more accurately, "supplementing” herbs serve a broader function, working to balance the body's vital energies, including qi, blood, yin, and yang. This article will clarify the distinctions between Western tonics and CM supplementing herbs, providing a deeper understanding of their unique roles. It will also explore five key Chinese supplementing herbs. 

Many years ago perched on a damp wooded hillside while mushroom foraging, I was struck with a simple yet profound lesson: Nature’s diversity is its might. Quietly kneeling on a soft bright green moss to closely observe the tiny fruiting body of a local fungi species, I felt hope.

As the new year approaches, many of us begin to think more about our health and goals. An increasingly popular practice is starting the year with "Dry January," meaning that alcohol is not used for the month of January. Fortunately, if you find yourself wanting to enjoy tasty beverages, you can still experience the social and stress-supporting aspects of drinking with herbal mocktails.

There's a special kind of comfort that comes from a steaming bowl of soup, especially when it's crafted with ingredients designed to support your immune system. Soup can be much more than just a cozy meal; it can be a nourishing elixir packed with essential nutrients. By incorporating herbs and fresh produce, you can create a flavorful dish that not only warms you up but also fortifies your body's defenses. Let's delve into the art of making an immune-supporting soup, blending taste and wellness into one delightful pot. 

Some of my fondest memories are centered around shared meals. My fiancé and I host dinners at our home quite frequently, and we find that it’s the little extra efforts we put in that make people feel special and pampered during their visits. One fun thing I started to include on the table are colorful finishing salts. I love to bring the powers and vibrancy of herbs to the dinner table. Not only do finishing salts add fun flavors, but they are also a good conversation piece. Their uncommon beauty piques curiosity and allows me to share my love of herbs when my guests ask, “What’s in the shakers?”

Each year, when I make my holiday gift list, I aim to meet a set of criteria. Offerings that are thoughtful, personal, and useful are amongst the most important to me. I have generally found that homemade gifts are more appreciated than things I can find in mass quantities at any big box store. Small-batch DIY gifts also allow customization, making them personalized for your beloved recipient. It can also help to keep waste out of landfills.