Field of Lavender Lavender is the herb I use more than any other – in tea blends, extracts, solar-infused oils to make lotions and salves for skincare, as well as its essential oil for aromatherapy. Lavender Festivals are held throughout the summer month's in many states, as well as in Europe, to celebrate this wonderful plant. So, Lavender is our herbal ally for August. Lavender – August’s Herbal Ally Lavender plants Botanical Information Lavender comprises around 30 plant s

Vinegar is a kitchen staple that adds zest and depth to many dishes. But did you know that infusing vinegar with herbs can boost its health benefits and flavor? I’ve been making my own herbal-infused vinegars and oils for years, using fresh herbs from my garden. It’s a simple way to create delicious salad dressings and add a natural touch to your meals. Let's look at the different vinegars and herbs you can use, and how to make your own herbal-infused vinegar at home. This is

Caprese Salad with Prosciutto Summer calls for meals that are light, fresh, and easy to prepare. One of my favorite dishes to enjoy during warm days is a Caprese salad with prosciutto. This simple yet elegant salad combines juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and the salty richness of prosciutto. It’s a perfect way to nourish your body with wholesome ingredients while keeping your meal cool and satisfying. Ingredients You’ll Need for Caprese Salad with Prosciut

Lemon Balm Tea When life feels overwhelming, and your body seems to be fighting battles you can't always see, finding gentle, natural support can make a world of difference. Let’s explore how Lemon Balm, July's herbal ally, can become a part of your wellness routine, offering comfort and balance when you need it most. Lemon Balm - July's Herbal Ally Lemon Balm growing in a garden Botanical Information Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb with a bushy appearanc

Growing herbs in your garden during the summer is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh flavors and aromas. But have you ever thought about preserving those herbs so you can enjoy them all year long? Store-bought herbs often lack the vibrant taste and potency of home-grown ones. Air-drying your herbs is a simple, natural way to keep their flavor alive through the colder months. How to Air-dry Your Herbs at Home Drying herbs by air is an easy process that anyone can do. Here’s how

Brain Fog Brain fog is something many of us have felt at one time or another. It’s that fuzzy, slow feeling in your mind that makes it hard to focus, remember things, or think clearly. While it’s not a medical condition itself, brain fog often shows up as a symptom in many long-term health issues. Inflammation, stress, poor sleep, and certain medications can all play a part. Many chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases, diabetes, thyroid problems, infections like L

Aging is a wonderful journey, though it frequently presents challenges that may impact your energy, mobility, digestion, and sleep. Embracing natural herbal remedies can be a gentle and nurturing method to support your body. These remedies provide a holistic approach to aging gracefully, allowing us to feel strong, and clear each day. So let's take a look at some herbal allies that can help you sustain your vitality and live life to the fullest. Discovering Herbal Remedies fo

Calendula Blossoms Calendula is one of my favorite herbs for skin care. I grow it every year and make infused oils with the calendula blossoms, which I use in massage oils, lotions, creams, and salves. With the Summer Solstice coming later this month, Calendula's sunny blossoms make it the perfect herbal ally for June. Calendula – June’s Herbal Ally Botanical Information Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a hardy, daisy-like annual in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Its comm

Meadow with wildflowers Wildcrafting, also known as foraging, is a wonderful way to gather herbs, plants, and fungi from their natural habitats. When done with care, it can provide fresh, natural ingredients for food and medicine. Wildcrafting not only connects me with nature but also supports my well-being in a gentle, sustainable way. Understanding Wildcrafting Wildcrafting means more than just picking plants. It’s about respecting the environment and ensuring the plants wi

Comfrey salve on a wooden table When it comes to natural remedies, comfrey salve has long been cherished for its soothing properties. If you’re looking for a gentle, effective way to address wounds or ease aches and pains, comfrey salve might just be the answer. Let’s dive into how comfrey salve can support wound care and provide pain relief. Understanding Comfrey Salve for Wounds and Pain Relief Comfrey salve is a topical ointment made from the comfrey plant (Symphytum offic

Shatavari is an Ayurvedic herb whose name can be loosely translated to mean “a thousand husbands”, indicating its ability to improve female reproductive health. Since May is National Women's Health month, and Shatavari is an herb that is specific for women’s reproductive health, it’s our herbal ally for May. Shatavari - May's Herbal Ally Dried Shatavari Roots Botanical Information Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a climbing, thorny perennial in the asparagus family, nati

Herbal salve in a wooden bowl with dried flowers around Life's unexpected moments often lead to minor cuts and wounds. Be it a kitchen accident or a gardening nick, these small injuries require delicate care for proper healing. Natural salves not only calm the skin but also aid the body's natural healing process. If you're seeking a nurturing approach to skin care, this guide is for you. Discover how natural remedies can assist your wounds in healing safely and comfortably. W

Welcome to allergy season! As spring arrives, the snow melts, and plants start to bloom. Our bodies also transition from winter to spring, shedding extra weight in preparation for warmer weather. However, seasonal allergies can pose a problem for many. While flowers also release pollen in summer, springtime pollen tends to affect us more. This is because, during spring, the body sheds winter fats, enriching the blood with sweetness. When the blood becomes rich and sweet, even

If you're living with a chronic disease, you may want to learn how to improve your digestive health to reduce symptoms as well as flareups. As someone living with a chronic condition, I can tell you honestly that digestion plays a huge role in feeling better, improving symptoms, and lessening the chances of relapses. I have found that nurturing my digestive system makes a world of difference in how I feel every day. By improving my digestion, I’ve been able to lose excess wei

One of the first weeds to pop up in the springtime is the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)! This weed is both food and medicine, and not an annoying weed that clutters our lawns. It has a rich history with many health benefits. Learn about Dandelion - March's Herbal Ally. Dandelion - March's Herbal Ally Botanical Information The common dandelion (Taraxcacum officinale) is a hardy perennial in the daisy family. It's known for its deep taproot, basal rosette of jagged leaves,

In February, we're still experiencing cold weather, but we may also enjoy a few warmer days here and there, pointing to the warmer weather that will be coming in spring. The days are noticeably longer now too. It's natural to want to slim down, rejuvenate, and refresh yourself in late winter, so consider following some of these selfcare tips for February. February Selfcare Tips Food You may notice that your body naturally wants some lighter foods now, particularly green leafy

February is Heart Health Month and is celebrated to raise awareness about heart disease and to promote cardiovascular health. Heart disease is a leading cause of death, so throughout the month, people are encouraged to focus on their heart health through lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, and managing stress. So, let’s explore Hawthorn – our wonderful herbal ally for February. Hawthorn - February’s Herbal Ally Hawthorn Flowers and Berries Botanical

Various dried herbs stored in glass jars for herbal remedies Living with a chronic disease, such as an autoimmune condition, heart disease, and diabetes, can feel like navigating a maze. Every day brings new challenges, and finding ways to support your body gently and effectively is essential. That’s where custom herbal remedies come in. These natural allies can help soothe symptoms, boost your energy, and nurture your overall well-being. Understanding Custom Herbal Remedies

The holidays are behind us and we’re now in the heart of Winter, or “cold and flu season”. To ward off viruses and bacteria as well as to strengthen the respiratory system, learn about Garlic - January's herbal ally. Garlic - January's Herbal Ally Botanical Information Garlic (Allium sativum) is an edible bulb belonging to the amaryllis family. Originating from Central Asia, it is closely related to onions and leeks. Garlic is distinguished by its head composed of separate cl

A calming cup of herbal tea to support wellness Living with a chronic disease can feel like a constant balancing act. Some days are better than others, and finding ways to support your body gently and effectively is key. Over time, I’ve discovered that embracing effective natural remedies can make a real difference in managing symptoms and boosting overall wellness. These remedies don’t replace medical care but can complement it beautifully, helping you feel more in control a