Can you tell us a little bit about how your herbal work began? How did you first get interested in plants or herbalism?

I think there is an intrinsic connection we all share to plants and nature. My first draw to plants was sparked by time spent in the natural world. Anytime I was able to escape the noise of my early existence I experienced a sense of ‘home’ that was like no other. I remember as a child I was obsessed with dandelion flowers and making things from leaves, petals and sticks. As I matured and entered college, I chose a small college that was surrounded by the beauty of the blue ridge mountains. No matter what was going on in my life, when I was hiking on a trail, feeling my feet on the ground and climbing over massive moss covered rocks, everything else drifted away and I felt like my most pure self. This continued to evolve as I sought out alternative plant based remedies to nourish my body and my door was blown wide open when I attended Herbstalk in 2013. I visited with many herbalists that day, and we took a plant walk that opened my eyes to a whole different version of my experience with nature. It was like someone turned on a light, and from there I was hooked.

What challenges did you face when you first started?

In the early days of formulation and making medicine I had difficulty figuring out how to assure the stability of oils and preparations. For myself and others it was sad to see oils and plant medicines turn rancid. As a resourceful person, I knew that I needed to throw my net wide to find answers. I found that scouring endless stacks of books, experimentation and personal experience proved the most helpful. Because sustainability and respect for these plants we work with is important to me, transparency with creating herbal oils and distillation techniques to assure quality is one of my values. I believe that sharing these methods at market booths and workshops over the years helps assure that our medicines don’t go to waste.

If you could go back in time to meet yourself when you were just starting on the herbal path, what would you say?

I think I would say to myself “Everyone’s connection with plants is personal and unique’. It makes my heart sad to hear others share shame or guilt because they don’t know all the answers, aren’t doing everything themselves, or the ‘right’ way. I remember feeling doubt and insecurity in the early days. I think this experience is common with any practice. We all have to start somewhere, and I think that it is important to allow the process to be messy and remember this is a practice -- so we will all continue to evolve and grow in our relationship with plants.

What is the main focus of your work within the realm of herbalism?

​The main focus of my work is helping others access tunnels of light in the dark through beautiful self care rituals. The foundation of my work is inspired by my previous trauma informed practice in social work. I wove those experiences and practices with the magic of the plants to create beauty that goes beyond skin deep in each bottle. It makes my heart soar when that love and intention shines through and people feel these beauty rituals on a deeper level.

My second passion with what I do is to grow so that I can be an integral part of helping shift a paradigm in a rapidly growing green beauty industry that is heavily saturated with the use of essential oils. While the shift towards more natural and plant based remedies is moving us to a cleaner place in our environment, similar to everything else in western society, we want it all and we want it fast. Our approach since the beginning is to help inspire that less is more. Knowing first hand how much the plants have to offer themselves to be distilled into a tiny amount of essential oil it has always begged the question for me, “For the love of plants, how are we going to sustain this and is it necessary”? This is also why I am challenging and teaching alternatives to current trends by using less essential oil if we do work with them.

I love teaching people how very simple easy preparations can go a long way. I see my herbal business as a platform. I am putting in the hard work so that the message rings loud and clear outside of just our herbal community. At the market I started at, it was always inspiring to watch people's faces the first time they connected to the actual Helichrysum flowers I had in my jars versus the essential oil they connected with initially. Through this process I realized that there is a huge disconnect between the plants and this major ‘essential oil’ moment. I love teaching others how to make more sustainable beauty products, and also help others access these beautiful rituals by just using a few simple items.

Can you share some of your go-to herbal books or favorite herbalists/teachers that you look to for inspiration?

My go-to books are consistently Body into Balance by Maria Noel Groves, and The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook. I have also found vintage books covering farming practices, sustainability and herbalism to be extremely appealing. I feel these “vintage’ books are teaching us how to circle back to simple and sustainable.

I have had the privilege of learning about plants and herbalism from many people who I call my teachers. First and foremost the plants are my teachers. For people in my life who have been teachers, one would definitely be Kate Clearlight who runs Plantfolk Apothecary, she is a true pioneer of the green beauty movement in my opinion.  She has been an inspiration to me for a very long time and I had a total ‘fan girl’ moment when I attended her workshops at the International Herb Symposium in 2017. I would also not be where I am today if it weren’t for my teachers at the Herbal Academy and Sage Maurer from the Gaia School of Healing in Vermont. My husband Tom Groves has taught me a great deal as well and it has been interesting to be on this journey together with plants from totally different perspectives. As the saying goes, “always a student”, the ‘students’ who attend classes I teach are also my teachers. We all bring a unique perspective to this practice, and we can learn from each other.

Where do you see the future of herbalism going in the next few years?​

I think we are going to see herbalism continue to spiral out into the collective culture. We are watching Cannabis being decriminalized and people are shifting more and more to plants; stepping away from pharmaceuticals. With decriminalization and also the growth of herbalism it is shining a light on communities who have been marginalized for years - whether it be incarceration for practicing herbal medicine or being downright exploited. I think it is our responsibility to assure that everyone has equal access and to have the difficult conversations so that we can heal the harm that has been done. Therefore, I see herbalism being more than just physical medicine, I think that there is a social justice movement that will continue to grow within the practice that will be really potent medicine for all of us.

Do you have a favorite plant or two at the moment?

Oh goodness yes, Dandelion -- not only internally; they are also a sight for sore eyes. The flowers are everywhere right now and they are like little yellow puff pillows I just want to lay on all day in the sun. Working with dandelion is like drops of sunshine for my body and spirit.

What advice would you give to budding herbalists?

Find your roots. Exploring herbalism through our early experiences with plants and digging into the roots of our ancestors is powerful.

What would be your top five deserted island herbs? 
Roses to protect the heart and skin, big beautiful Burdock to nourish my body and wear as clothing, Mint as reminder that there is abundance everywhere and to cool it down, Hibiscus to hydrate and Jasmine to dream. ​​

Are there any non-herbal hobbies or interests that you love doing?

I love to run and move my body, especially outside. I would describe myself as ‘simple bouje’. I am a total foodie, scouring vintage books and trinkets, and finding ways to bring luxe experiences into simple spaces-especially outdoors. Bring on cheese plates and candlelight surrounding a campfire, beauty rituals outside, herbal beverages pouring from crystal decanters, and vintage vinyl spinning on the record player.

What made you want to be a part of Herbstalk?

I was so inspired by the community that was built and how accessible “all things plants” was in one beautiful weekend. The first herbstalk we vended fostered relationships that now feel like home every time we come back. Steph, Henry and team have really built something special. 

by Katja Swift

​I'll just go ahead and admit it: I'm not wild about the flavor of Nettles. I know that many herbalists think Nettles are just totally delicious, but I find the flavor... dull.

However it's such an important and nourishing plant that I don't let my feelings about its flavor stand in the way of drinking Nettle infusions regularly - I just blend it up with other herbs I do love, and now I've got a tea that tastes good and is good for me!

​Whether you love Nettle's green grassy flavor or not, give these blends a try:

Nettle and Tulsi (Holy Basil) 
Nettle is one of my very favorite plants for working with adrenal fatigue and general burnout. Nettle's deep nourishing support for the kidneys feeds the adrenal glands too, and provides your body with the nutrients it needs to rebuild after a long period of stress. When you blend in the Tulsi, you get a very targeted and powerful effect! Tulsi is a gentle adaptogen, building up the endocrine system and restoring what has been used up over the course of stress, sleep debt, or illness. Plus, Tulsi helps to boost mood and improves the way your brain can process emotions and experiences. 

Nettle and Ginger 
Ginger is one of my favorite flavors, and since Nettle tends just a little bit on the cooling side, the warmth from the Ginger is a real benefit for folks like me who run a little cold. Plus, adding Ginger really builds on Nettle's anti-inflammatory actions. Whether you're battling seasonal allergies or any other chronic inflammatory condition, these two anti-inflammatory powerhouses can make a big difference.

Nettle and Linden
For some people, the astringency of Nettle is a little too much for every day drinking. To counteract that drying effect, I love to add Linden! Linden is a moistening nervous system supporter, and this is another blend that can keep you going through stressful times. If you are feeling "frazzled" and "fried", a month with this blend will help you recuperate.

Nettle and Rosehips
This blend is a super-food powerhouse! Vitamins, minerals, bioflavinoids, anti-oxidants - everything your body needs to stay strong and healthy day in and day out. Plus, it's got a delicious tangy flavor that even your kids will like!
​

And if all of these things sound fantastic and just exactly like what you need - blend it all together! Whether you work in these pairs, or combine several of the pairs together, you'll have a delicious way to work with Nettles every day!

by Jade Alicandro Mace

The first Nettles (Urtica dioica) harvest is easily one of my most eagerly anticipated harvests of spring. To me, spring hasn’t truly sprung until the Nettles are here. When it comes to harvesting Nettles, one of the first things folks always ask is, “But don’t they sting?” They do.

​The next question is, “Do you wear gloves?” My answer? Nope. You’d be hard-pressed to find an herbalist who doesn’t choose to harvest Nettles bare-handed at least once a season on purpose. Why? Because the sting, just like almost every other part of the plant, is medicinal! ​

Jade brings a love of the bioregionally abundant herbs to her work as a community and clinical herbalist. When she’s not teaching bioregional herbalism, you can find her roaming the hedges with her harvest basket or at home in the kitchen brewing-up some potent food as medicine. She’s a mother to her 10 and 6 year-old daughters, partner, tender of chickens and cats and new puppy, blogger and writer, online educator, and half-gardener to her mostly wild gardens. She co-founded the Greenfield Community Herbal Clinic, dedicated to affordable herbal care and also maintains a long-distance clinical practice. She lives in the rolling hills of western Massachusetts in unceded Nipmuk territory. Learn more about her work at www.milkandhoneyherbs.com or follow her on facebook or instagram (@milkandhoneyherbs).

by Jersey Griggs

Are you normally hot or cold? Is your skin dry or moist? Are you more prone to anxiety or depression?

You may be asked these questions when you visit a clinical herbalist or an Ayurveda practitioner. Understanding your body’s tendencies is key to discovering your energetic constitution, or in the language of Ayurveda, your dosha.

Ayurveda — the ancient sister science of yoga —  does not subscribe to a one-size-fits-all attitude. Each dosha (vata, pitta, kapha) is comprised of different energetic forces that make up a person’s constitution, also known as prakriti. When a body is in balance, all three doshas are in equilibrium. When a body is out of balance, one or more of the doshas may be in excess.

In order to bring healing to the body, Ayurveda requires a balance of opposite energetics, which can be achieved through the use of herbs. A cup of chamomile tea might ground the anxious energy of vata, while peppermint can provide stimulation for a sluggish kapha.

Not sure which dosha(s) you are? Take a quiz and then read on to discover the best herbs for your dosha.

​

VATA

Vata is the dosha of movement.  Do you have a friend who walks and talks fast, is a bit distracted and is always late? Chances are, your friend is vata. Vatas are creative and spontaneous, but they’re also plagued by anxiety and worry. As a result, they tend towards digestive upset, constipation, and bloating. As they’re typically cold and dry, vatas respond well to herbs that are warming and moistening.

Ginger
Ginger is a warming herb and perfect for the colder tendencies of vata. Fresh ginger promotes circulation and will warm a vata’s cold extremities. Dried ginger is also warming, but this action is directed toward’s the body’s core, thereby improving digestion. Regardless of whether it’s fresh or dried, the grounding energy of ginger is ideal for pacifying vata.

Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is a unique herb in that it is both warming and cooling. Initially warming, it is excellent for a stagnant digestive system. It also works to calm the nervous system and gently sedates any anxiety that may be caused by excessive vata.

Chamomile
Chamomile is an excellent herb for all ages and doshas but is especially soothing for vatas. A natural relaxant, chamomile is an age-old remedy for calming the nerves. It also supports the digestive system and can relieve gas or bloating, both common ailments of the vata dosha.

​

PITTA

Pitta is the dosha of transformation and is often represented by fire. While pittas have strong digestion, they are prone to heartburn, upset stomach, and skin problems. Do you have a type-A, super-smart, and organized friend who tends to be a bit competitive? Say hello to pitta. Pittas are hot, oily, and sharp and they benefit from cooling and drying herbs that calm their fire.

Rose
Rose is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy for pitta and a lovely herb for bringing this dosha back into balance. The petals of a rose can be used to make teas and tinctures, and when used as an ingredient in skin care, rose tones the skin and alleviates redness. Rose is also a calming herb, both physically and emotionally, and can be used to support the circulation and cardiovascular system of an imbalanced pitta.

Linden
Linden is another wonderful herb to support cardiovascular health. As both a cooling and relaxing herb, it soothes the fires of pitta and is comforting for the emotional heart. When aggravated, a pitta may be plagued by perfectionism or competitiveness. Fortunately, the nervine action of linden helps to soothe any anxiety or agitation that may promote such behaviors.

Dandelion
Dandelion, a well-known liver tonic, is also ideal for the pitta dosha. Pitta governs the functioning of the liver. When your liver is overtaxed, your body may react with rashes, inflammation, and skin breakouts — all signs of excess pitta. In response, dandelion tones and rejuvenates the liver, and as both a cooling and drying herb, it is able to pacify pitta.



KAPHA

Kapha is the dosha of structure and stability. People with predominant kapha doshas are often very grounded and make for loyal friends and trusted confidantes. Do you have a friend who is stable and nurturing, who cares for you through thick and thin? That is the beauty of kapha. On the flip side, kaphas can be slow-moving and stubborn and tend towards weight gain, water retention, and congestion. As kaphas are moist and cold, they find balance in herbs that are drying, warming, and tonifying.

Peppermint
Peppermint is both a warming and cooling herb and surprisingly enough, kapha benefits from both of these actions. For sluggish and tired kaphas, peppermint is uplifting and stimulating. It also thins mucus and reduces phlegm in the body, thereby aiding the congestion brought on by excess kapha.

Tulsi
Also known as “Holy Basil,” tulsi is revered in Ayurveda, often being referred to as “the queen of herbs.” Indeed, tulsi can be an extremely effective herbal remedy and is ideal for kaphas who need stimulation. A mood elevator, a cup of tulsi tea will aid kaphas when they are feeling blue or particularly stagnant.

Sage
Warming, drying, and tonifying, sage is the perfect herb for kapha types. When excess kapha increases mucus, sage is an excellent decongestant for the lungs and sinus tracts. Plus, sage moves heat and blood throughout the body, which can motivate the sluggishness brought on by too much kapha.

Jersey Griggs is a freelance writer and editor for hire. A student of both Ayurveda and herbalism, Jersey was first introduced to these concepts when she received her 200-hour yoga certification in 2015. Since then, she has used both modalities as a way to achieve wellness in body and mind and has developed a particular interest in growing her own herbs for healing. She currently lives in Portland, Maine with her husband and pup. To learn more about Jersey, visit her website or follow her on Twitter.

​Patrice Green is the founder of Green Aromatics, a holistic practice offering education and consultations in many healing modalities. Certified as both a clinical herbalist and aromatherapist, Patrice is also passionate about Reiki and the healing properties of flower essences.  She incorporates energy healing and shamanic techniques in her session work with clients and is also an Animal Reiki practitioner.  Patrice maintains a mentorship practice with master healer Catherine Miller, which began in 2010.  Available for workshops or consultations, she is also a regular contributor to the Herbstalk blog and volunteers at Wolf Hollow in Ipswich, an educational sanctuary dedicated to the preservation of the wolf in the wild through education and exposure.

What is Nettle?

The arrival of spring calls the lovely rebirth of the Nettle plant. This abundant (and edible!) herb
is a member of the Urticaceae plant family. Nettle grows widely in nitrogen rich soils -- found in
both the United States and dispersed throughout Europe. Although painful to the touch, when
used internally, nettle is a gentle healer for various ailments.

What are the benefits of Nettle?

Nettle has a plethora of vitamins and minerals housed within its green leaves. It’s commonly
known to herbalists as a revitalizing plant -- used to “revive” the entire body and increase organ
functionality. In particular, nettle works to improve daily kidney, liver, and stomach functions.

For many, nettle has been used as an essential herb for stress, fatigue, and burnout. Herbalists
recommend nettle for prolonged stress since the plant works profoundly on the adrenal system.
Nettle is also the perfect herb for treating seasonal allergy symptoms - such as runny nose,
itching, and allergy-related headaches due to its natural anti-histamine property.

Nettle is known as a “super herb” regarding its ability to help women at every stage of life.
Specifically, it helps women combat fatigue caused by low iron. For expecting mothers, nettles
provide high amounts of Vitamin K to prevent blood clots from pregnancy. Once the child is
born, taking nettle supplements increases the supply of a mother’s breast milk. The plant
provides deep nutrition for both the newborn baby and the mother’s health.

How do you take Nettle?

The way nettle is taken depends on personal preference. The most common ways are teas,
tinctures, and herbal capsules. Many herbalists will also incorporate nettle into their daily meals
(via soups, sauces, or infused vinegars) for the best assimilation of the plant’s vitamin and
mineral content. As a food-grade plant, nettle is gentle enough for people of all ages and
constitutions to use in moderation.

Note: Fresh nettle leaves will sting upon contact. This property is deactivated with drying or
cooking, so have no fear!

If you are feeling adventurous and want to make a healthy green smoothie with foraged nettle,
try this recipe during the upcoming spring months:  
​

• Half a cup of fresh nettle leaves (you’ll need to wear gloves to harvest them!)
• Half of an organic cucumber
• One large banana
• Half cup of organic sliced pineapple
• Two cups of organic coconut water (or regular water)
• Half an avocado
  
  

After carefully collecting your fresh nettle leaves, you’ll need to blanch them quickly in hot water
to deactivate the sting in their leaf hairs. Bring a pot of water to a boil and drop the clean leaves
in, allowing them to cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir frequently. Strain out the leaves and add them,
along with the rest of the ingredients, to the blender. Puree and drink!

Marissa has been drawn to the world of aromatics and plants since she was a child. Certified in aromatherapy, Reiki, and meditation, she actively changes lives using these healing practices. Additionally, she is a holistic life coach, and works towards helping others heal while simultaneously getting in touch with their spiritual side. As Herbstalk's Marketing Manager, Marissa draws upon years of experience to oversee vendor relations, event management, and marketing campaigns. As a longtime attendee and member of the Herbstalk community, she is beyond thrilled to be a part of the team! 

Rachel Delphine Berndt is a Bioregional Clinical Herbalist in Des Moines, Iowa. She is the owner of The Potager, an herbalism practice that offers hands-on workshops and intensive herbalism courses, educational wellness consultations and high-quality bioregional remedies. Rachel is sincerely passionate about teaching herbalism to others and has had the great honor of presenting at the Good Medicine Confluence and the Midwest Women's Herbal Conference. She also loves to write and you can find her herbal musings featured in publications such as Plant Healer Magazine.  ​

This time of year can be both so fun, and so stressful. We might feel really excited about gifts for loved ones, and seeing friends, and celebrations -- but there's also the stress of the hustle and bustle, and the sometimes complicated emotions that can go along with complicated family relationships.

Fortunately, there's a sweet herbal remedy for both of those things!

Elixirs are a blend of something sweet plus a tincture. You can use any sweet thing, be it a plain simple sugar syrup, maple syrup, honey, or glycerin -- but my favorite is herbal infused honey. They're easy to make, they're easy to keep with you on the go, and they even make great gifts -- you can make one big batch and presto! You've got a gift everyone will love, and an ally to lean on when you're feeling stressed!

To make an elixir, you'll first need to choose the herbs you want to work with. You can choose any of your favorites -- nearly any herb goes well with a bit of honey! -- but here are some suggestions:

• Chamomile, Sage, and Tulsi: to keep you calm and positive even when your schedule feels completely overwhelming
  
  
• Lemonbalm, Hawthorn, and Basil: to help you stay calm and cool even if you have conflicting emotions or sadness about your relationships with family members or loved ones
  
  
• Sage, Tarragon, and Catnip if nervousness and anxiety in social situations makes you want to just pretend you're sick and stay home
  
  
• St. Johnswort, Orange Peel, and Ginger if you need a little help digesting rich holiday meals or complex emotions

Once you've chosen a formula, you need to figure out which is the tincture part, and which is the honey part. This is pretty easy, especially this time of year, because in order to make infused honey, you must use fresh herbs -- honey won't extract dry herbs. But Sage, Tarragon, Ginger root, and Basil are easy to get your hands on at your local health food store, and you will probably find others there to choose from as well.

To make an infused honey, just fill a jar at least half full with the fresh herb of your choice. (If you choose Ginger or other roots, make sure to chop them up or slice them first.) Pour honey in to cover them, and put the lid on. Now just wait for one to two weeks - you'll see the plant matter sort of wilt in the honey, and you'll notice that the honey becomes thinner - that's because it's absorbing the water from the plants, and all the goodness that comes with it. When you remove the herbs from the honey, you can use them in a cup of tea - anything left in them will come out in the tea water, plus the honey still clinging to them will sweeten your drink!

Next, you'll need a tincture. It's not cheating to purchase a tincture ready made! And especially because tincturing usually takes a month, you might need your tincture to be ready faster than that. No problem! Check out the Herbstalk vendors list for some great product makers, or order it from Mountain Rose or HerbPharm -- it's totally ok!
​
But if you have the time to make it yourself, it's easy: just fill a jar with the dry or fresh herb you want to tincture, and then pour in enough vodka or brandy to completely cover the herb. Cover it, and shake it once or twice a day for a month - presto! A tincture! You can get fancy and use rum if you prefer, especially if you're going for heavier flavors like Cardamom or Cinnamon - really any 80 proof alcohol will do! But vodka is flavor-neutral, so it's usually our standard: that way you all the plant flavor comes through. If you prefer not to work with alcohol, you can tincture in vinegar instead. (When you blend vinegar and honey together, it's not called an elixir anymore, it's called an oxymel, which is also fun to say!)

Once you have your infused honey and your tincture(s), the last step is to simply mix them together! I like to put in equal parts alcohol and honey, but if that is too sweet for your taste, you can use less honey. 

So if, for example, you have a tincture of Chamomile, a tincture of Tulsi, and a Sage infused honey, you could put in 50% honey, 25% Chamomile, and 25% Tulsi. Or go crazy and put 33% of each one! The beauty of herbalism is that there's plenty of room for experimentation. 

And if that feels a little too free-form, don't worry - there's an app for that! We teach herbalism online by video, so that you can learn when it's convenient for you. The Herbalism 101 bundle includes videos covering more than 85 different herbs close-up and in-depth, as well as step-by-step instructions showing you how to make all the different kinds of herbal products and remedies. You can watch it anytime, on any device connected to the internet - you can even watch it in your kitchen while you make your herbal goodies right along with us! And there are weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask us all your herby questions, plus a discussion thread you can type your questions into next to every video. 

Happy elixir creating!

Katja Swift has been teaching herbalism and practicing as a clinical herbalist since 1996. In 2011, she and her husband Ryn Midura founded the CommonWealth Center for Holistic Herbalism, a vitalist school with a three-year clinical training program. In addition to this program, they offer a one-year community herbalist program and community classes and workshops. Katja serves as adjunct faculty at MCPHS University and Northeastern University, and is also trained as a street medic and Wilderness First Responder. Learn more about her work and online herbal classes here.

by Josia DeChiara

Back in September 2017, I decided to do some googling to find out what other organizations around the Somerville area were involved in urban farming and gardening work. I stumbled upon the Herbstalk website, began talking to Steph about various ways the two organizations could work together, and the rest is history!

Groundwork Somerville is an environmental justice nonprofit based out of Union Square, whose mission is to create a cleaner, greener, healthier, more equitable Somerville. Our programs fall into three main categories: Youth Programs, Food and Farms, and Sustainable Environment. Within the Youth Programs, we have our Green Team and the Schoolyard Gardens.

The Green Team works on projects in urban agriculture, environmental justice, and civic engagement. Green Team Members develop leadership and job skills while building a team and serving their community. The Green Team grows the leadership potential of Somerville youth to work for environmental and social justice.

​Our Schoolyard Gardens program brings year-round garden-based education to children from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. Groundwork Somerville manages gardens at all nine of the city’s public elementary and middle schools, a public charter school, and a public library.  In both in-school and after-school programs, children learn to plan, plant, tend, harvest, and cook food from their own school gardens.