Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), also called schizandra, magnolia berry, Wǔ Wèi Zi, or five-flavor fruit, is a powerful botanical ally to add to your personal Materia medica. In this monograph, we will uncover the botany, history, and uses of this plant, along with a flavorful mocktail recipe to help you develop a deeper relationship with schisandra.

Homemade perfumes are wonderful for a myriad of reasons. From the ability to try new things without an enormous price tag to the pleasure of crafting something both beautiful and useful, perfume making is a pastime that I’ve grown to truly love. I custom tailor fragrances to match my mood or emotional needs or to harness the energetics of certain plants. But I also have a fondness for crafting blends that match the seasons.

It is said that no two junipers are the same; each twisted trunk is as uniquely identifiable as a person's face. The tree’s structural differences vary based on where they grow, the climatic changes it experiences throughout its life, among other variables. Some turn toward other trees, and some turn away. Some have split trunks and grow up and around boulders, while others twist so severely that they turn back down on themselves and creep along the ground. They remind me of a fingerprint whorl with endless unique loops and personalities.

If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I love a cold, refreshing beverage. In fact, I am sipping on a tall glass oficed teaas I write this very blog! There’s something about having a sweet, citrusy, bubbly, floral, or fruity drink in my hand that can melt away a bad day in no time. The only problem with this refreshment obsession of mine is that those $6 bottles of kombucha and $4 cans of prebiotic sodas tend to add up pretty quickly, especially when I require one in hand at all times on these hot summer days. While my bank account may not appreciate my beverage habit, my taste buds certainly do, so rather than give up my daily afternoon refreshment, I’ve opened myself up to a whole new world of fun and affordable ways to keep my glass full: homemade tea refreshers.

Our animal companions give us unconditional love every day, and they deserve the same thoughtful care in return. Whether you share your life with a playful puppy, a curious cat, a hardworking horse, or another beloved companion, herbs can be a wonderful way to support their overall wellness.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has long been loved for its pleasing and relaxing scent. We know that it was used by people in the Mediterranean for at least 2,500 years, and judging by our continued frequent use of lavender in candles, bath products, and even detergents, lavender isn't going out of style. If we didn't know better, we could dismiss lavender as a good-smelling plant and leave it at that. But lavender has two stories to tell. The first is that the smell is a surprisingly important part of its wellness-supporting qualities. The second is that this complex plant has many benefits beyond its scent.

When many of us hear the name Fire Cider, we think of a common immune-supporting oxymel made and enjoyed in the autumn and winter months. But this herbal tonic can be used in myriad ways throughout the year. Fire Cider is a popular herbal folk remedy invented by esteemed herbalist Rosemary Gladstar. The preparation is made by infusing apple cider vinegar and honey with wellness-supporting ingredients such as horseradish, garlic, onion, ginger, cayenne, and sometimes turmeric and rosemary. The result is a timeless and tasty herbal preparation found in the pantries of herbalists around the world.

If you’ve ever endeavored to brew your own kombucha, you know that the result of your initial ferment has a rather plain flavor when compared with your favorite professionally made varieties, but it doesn’t have to stay that way! The combinations of herbs, spices, fruits, and juices that can add flavor to your homemade kombucha are almost endless, allowing you to transform your original tangy tea canvas into countless quaffable masterpieces.