by Nikki Paxton

"To live cohesively is almost a fantasy, we ought to know it starts with humbling our egos." - Nahko


When I began my venture into herbalism, I thought I knew it all. I was growing herbs, making lotions and potions, taking walks in the woods, reading any herbalism book I could get my hands on, and visiting my favorite herb store on the regular. I knew I needed more formal training if this was something I was to seriously pursue. I began my studies in Boston thinking I already knew most of the herbs we would discuss. 

I was wrong. 

There were 89 and counting. I knew a small fraction of them. As we dove in, the herb that really resonated with me was Ghost Pipe. This is a flower that grows without chlorophyll, and is commonly mistaken for a mushroom. This plant cannot be propagated, it sprouts only where it wants, and the soil must meet the perfect conditions required for growth. If you haven't already guessed, it is on the watch list for endangered plants. Ghost pipe thrives on acidic soil with filtered sunlight. I absolutely love finding it in the woods. I am in love with the nature of its growth pattern. I find the way it breaks through the ground inspiring, staying blanketed under the warmth of  the leaves and pine needles until it’s ready to unveil. 

So, why am I writing about this fun little plant? I sat in our cozy classroom and was taught that this plant is quite rare. Suddenly, this modest plant seemed so enchanted, mystical, and elusive — a unicorn in the world of herbalism. One evening while picking up my daughter from soccer practice, in a heap of leaves on the edge of the parking lot, was Ghost Pipe. I wanted to grab a small sign and write “Please do not harm.” I wanted to alert the world that right here was this little magical plant, and I felt it was my duty to guard it. But I knew I couldn't, and I wondered if bringing attention to it might bring more harm than good. I went home flustered and excited, dreaming of the delicate and gracefully-bowing flower head. 

The following day, I took a walk in the woods with my dogs and as I was getting back to the car there it was — again! Twice in 24 hours. As this plant made a forever home in my consciousness, I started seeing it everywhere! But I asked myself, didn't I just learn that this plant is rare?

As the next season came and my studies continued, I was still plagued by this whole scenario. I waited for August - thinking maybe last year was just a fluke and somehow produced the perfect conditions for this plant to thrive. 

Nope. 

The summer seemed to bring even more than last year... At least two flushes of Ghost Pipe came, and the second produced even more than the first. How on Earth could this be? I began to meditate on the idea of rarity and what it meant for Ghost Pipe. What I started to realize is that I live in one tiny slice of the world. What is flourishing here could quite possibly be extinct everywhere else. Cape Cod is full of moisture, pine trees, and mostly sandy soil — the conditions Ghost Pipe is known to thrive on.

​It became apparent that I had been thinking about this incorrectly all along. I had no choice but to open my mind to the world and take a moment to feel small. 

In our high-tech, convenience-driven society, it's hard not to feel like everything is at our fingertips. All our wants and needs can be fulfilled by the click of a button, a car drive into town, or the pluck of a stem. It can be hard to understand that some things are in fact rare and cannot be taken for the pleasure of possession.

​It can be hard to remember that Mother Nature is not a factory used to produce things for us. Instead, She’s here to share her gifts in synergy. We need plants to live, to breath... Animals need nature for food and shelter. We can show gratitude by taking a step back, not by harvesting because something is seemingly abundant, but by reveling in the wonderment of what surrounds us every day -- without exhaustion. Remember, next time you want to pick from nature because something seems to be flourishing, you might just be in a lucky part of the world. Do your homework and always leave plenty for the creatures around us; it might be their only source of food!

Nikki Paxton lives on Cape Cod with her husband, three children, two dogs, and fourteen chickens where she can garden until her heart is full, forage for tiny wonders in the forest, and visit the beach. She has carried a deep curiosity of plants since she was a young child; sowing seeds in her grandmother’s magical garden. This wonderment continued to grow as she earned certifications in herbalism, yoga, and horticulture. These three facets are the guiding factors in her practice as she weaves her skills together to create a balanced and unique approach. Nikki has been studying under Katja Swift and Ryn Midura at the Commonwealth Center for Holistic Herbalism since 2018. You can get in touch or find out more about her practice by visiting www.realgoodthings.com. 

by Lindsay Knecht

Autumnal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere has come and gone. That means it’s time to focus our attention to root medicine! Traditionally, herbalists save root harvest for the fall. This is when the aerial parts of the plant die back and all the plant’s energy returns to their roots. Harvesting at this time of year results in the most potent root medicine. 

In the Western Rocky Mountains of North America a very special root is known to grow. In areas in the Southwest, Mexico and the upper Rio Grande, it is referred to as Chuchupate, an ancient Aztec name for “bear medicine”. Throughout herbalism it is known as Oshá, Bear Root, or Lovage (Ligusticum porteri). 

Bear Medicine you ask?  In many cultures around the world, bears symbolize strength and healing; they truly are the herbalists of the animal kingdom. In fact, it has been documented that bears use over 40 species of plants as medicine and food. Oshá is especially important to the bears of North America. They are known to seek out Oshá roots in the spring after coming out of hibernation. 

Once they find an Oshá plant, the bears will dig and chew the roots then spray it into their hands, on their fur, and rub it all over themselves. Oshá is superior at moving stagnation and it stimulates any organ it passes through. It is especially stimulating to the excretory system (skin, kidneys, intestines and lungs), so it makes perfect sense that bears seek out this plant for these actions after their long winter slumber. To go even deeper down the den, there is documentation of male bears using Oshá in courtship by presenting this plant as gifts to female mates! ​

As the bears instinctively know, Oshá is a powerful medicinal for our species as well. This plant has strong volatile oils, and thus, has the ability to cross the brain-blood barrier. The entire plant can be used, but most commonly the herb’s root is dug and tinctured, chewed, or dried for tea. My personal experience includes using Oshá tincture for bronchial infections and general immune support upon the onset of cold or flu-like symptoms. I love to use this powerful ally when you need to kick your system into high gear.  Honey infused with Oshá root makes a fabulous cough syrup and delicious addition to herbal teas. With the distinct celery crossed with licorice flavor Oshá leaves have traditionally been used for seasoning soups and stews in southwest cultures.  The leaves are also medicinal and can be used as an herbal smoke or tea. Oshá has emmenagogic tendencies and can sometimes induce menstruation. For this reason, it is recommended to be avoided during pregnancy. 

In my opinion, the main consideration when wildcrafting, especially when we’re talking about root medicine, is being ethical.  What I mean by that is, typically when you harvest a root, you’re extinguishing the life of the plant. It is important to ask yourself, ‘how badly and how much do I really need?’

Oshá is on the United Plant Savers “At Risk” list. United Plant Savers is the only organization of its kind focused on the conservation of native medicinal plant species of North America and their habitats. The “At Risk” label indicates that Oshá has been in decline over the last several decades and is one of a handful of medicinal plants that are severely at risk of over harvest and sensitive to the impact of human activities. Oshá is very difficult (almost impossible) to cultivate. It only grows in certain conditions, usually on mountain sides over 7,000 ft altitude. (I like to say Oshá has the best views of all the flora in North America). Plus, Oshá seeds do not readily germinate. Michael Cottingham recommends planting the umbel and then stepping on it, to mimic elk hoof prints where Oshá seedlings have been observed.  We wildcraft Oshá responsibly, (only a small amount for personal use) from a few pieces of land that we intend to steward for years to come.  Good news is, studies by Dr. Kelly Kindscher and colleagues have indicated that rhizomes left in the ground can re-sprout! This is very exciting for those of us who want to assure abundance and access to these medicines in the future. ​

Oshá is a member of the Apiaceae family. This is a notorious plant family that includes a variety of other edible and medicinal plants like Dill, Parsley, Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), as well as the deadly Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) and Water Hemlock (Cicuta spp.). The two Hemlocks are very close look-alikes to our beloved Oshá. This makes identification all the more important with this medicinal.  There are several important characteristics to check for when identifying Oshá. (I chose not to elaborate on those here due to the sensitive nature of this plant). Please do not attempt to wildcraft Oshá on your own without prior hands-on experience guided by other experienced herbalists or field botanists. 

A very sustainable substitute for Oshá can be Pine needles and sap (Pinus spp.). Pine is plentiful and readily available in most regions. It’s fantastic for your immune and respiratory systems and acts in the body similarly to Oshá. ​

Oshá is an under appreciated herbal medicine, yet an herb that is misused and exploited in the Rocky Mountains. I hope you can find a way to utilize the amazing Oshá plant when it is both local to your region and truly needed. Please leave the rest for the Bears. 

References:
Kindscher, K. et. al. 
   (2019) The Sustainable Harvest of Wild Populations of Oshá (Ligusticum porteri) in Southern Colorado for the Herbal Products Trade. Economic Botany, XX(X), 2019, pp. 1–16.
      (2017). Harvesting and Recolonization of Wild Populations of Oshá (Ligusticum porteri) in Southern Colorado. Natural Areas Journal, 37(2), 178–187.

Curtin, L., Moore, M. (1947/1997) Healing Herb of the Upper Rio Grande, Sante Fe: Western Edge Press. 

And thank you to YouTube Channels:
    Michael Cottingham (Voyage Botanica)
    The School of Evolutionary Herbalism     ​

Margi Flint practices in the seacoast town of Marblehead, Massachusetts and over the past forty years has become their "village herbalist." Margi has been an Adjunct Professor at North Shore Community College, The Tufts University School of Medicine and currently at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Pacific Rim College in British Columbia. She lectures in Canada, Europe and the States (so far). 
​
Margi has been working with people and herbs since she began her herbal studies in 1974. Her clinical practice evolved through continued study with admired herbalists. Influential herbalists have been Rosemary Gladstar, David Winston, Matthew Wood, Christopher Hobbs, Kate Gilday, Mindy Green, Chancel Chabrera, Annie McIntyre, Jeffrey Bland, the late great William LeSassier, David Crow, Karyn Sanders and many more. Learn more at EarthSong Herbals.

By: Marissa Ranahan


Fall is a time for immense transition. This is evident in our bodies and surrounding environment. The earth begins to turn brown, trees shed their summer leaves, and the air transitions from heavy to crisp. And for most, autumn leaves us feeling empty, vulnerable, and raw. However, it also cultivates feelings of new energy and possibilities ahead.

Autumn welcomes us with its dominant prana energy. Our outer air becomes dry, cooling, and subtle – all traits that are shared with the Vata Dosha. This is why, out of all the seasons, autumn is categorized as predominently vata.

Given vata season is almost here, Autumn is perfect for settling into a new routine. Follow the guide below to explore how you can slowly start embracing vata season:


Embrace Seasonal Routines:

The cornerstone of health in Ayurveda begins with a seasonal routine. It’s important to align your lifestyle choices with what’s optimal for the current season. By doing this, you’ll prevent seasonally-induced Dosha imbalances.

Begin by observing your climate and its seasonal fluctuations. In most parts of North America, this is a heavy vata season. Luckily, our culture has allowed us to adapt to these changes. It’s common to see Americans go from eating lighter summer meals – such as soups, salads, and greens – to making heartier breads with warm, nourishing vegetable stews. These heavier foods work well by naturally counteracting Autumn’s dry nature. By making seasonal lifestyle changes, you can remain connected to both yourself and the environment.   


Autumn and Vata Season:

To balance vata’s dryness, it’s best to fill your autumn with nourishment, loving relationships, and an attainable daily routine. Fortunately, this becomes easier to maintain as the season goes on.

Create an Ideal Morning Routine:

One of the best ways to establish alignment is through a morning routine. This starts by creating a rhythm during your day (going to bed at the same time, eating meals at the same time, etc.). By practicing this, you’ll give your body an automatic sense of structure.

Another way to healthfully start the day involves waking up early. The morning is an ideal time for contemplative practices and enjoying life’s stillness. During these hours, it’s best to gently reflect on the upcoming day. Afterward, you can ground yourself with an oil massage. For vata, organic sesame oil is recommended.

To further your wellness, consider incorporating 10 minutes of light yoga or meditation into your day. Since vata thrives in gentle movements, simple yoga poses are recommended while tuning into the breath. If you enjoy the smell of essential oils during meditation, put a few drops of orange or geranium oil in a diffuser for added relaxation.

Remember: When ending the day, try to go to sleep before (or around) 10 pm to ensure adequate rest and recovery.

Exercise During Vata Season:

For vata, it’s best to incorporate gentle movement into your exercise routine. Vata is easily aggravated by vigorous movement, so slower activities are best for daily practices. Some of the best exercises for vata include yoga, walking, hiking, and tai chi. All of these activities avoid putting unneeded stress on the body.

While exercising, it’s best to avoid using your full athletic compacity. Instead, put 50% of your effort into your activity and breathe through the moments. After you’re done, remember to make rest a priority so your body can properly recover. ​

Herbal Support for Vata Season:

One of the best herbs to take during vata season is Chyavanprash. This herb helps with boosting immunity during the transition from summer to fall. Ideally, it’s best to take this herb at the start of your day. Ashwagandha is another wonderful herb that helps with anxiety and nervousness while promoting optimal digestion and elimination. If taking supplements are difficult for you, Ashwagandha can also be taken in liquid form. Additionally, others might gravitate towards Triphala if they’re looking for a gentle herb to aid in just digestive support.

Herbal teas are also perfect for cultivating warmth in the Autumn weather. More specifically, those made from licorice root, ginger, and fennel promote easy digestion within the body. These teas can be ingested throughout the day as needed.

Autumn Diet for Vata:

Your diet is critical for soothing vata energy during autumn. Preferably, eating nourishing foods that have a high fat and protein content – along with warming spices – will help keep you grounded. Try to eat soft foods and top them with ghee or olive oil. For breakfast, it’s best to cook your grains with cinnamon and warm milk (either dairy or non-dairy is fine). Lunch and dinner should include soup with spices and steamed vegetables. If you’re not following a strict vegetarian diet, fall is the best time to consume meat and eggs.

Most importantly, it’s wise to avoid cold, raw foods this season. Make sure to cook your vegetables to kickstart and help your digestion. Try to avoid white potatoes, broccoli, leafy greens and cabbage during the autumn months. However, if you enjoy these foods, consume them in moderation and cook them in organic ghee. ​

Here are some ideal foods for vata season:

Fruits: Apples, Bananas, Figs, Grapes, Mangoes, Oranges, Tangerines, Prunes, and Raisins

Vegetables: Beets, Carrots, Garlic, Onions, Pumpkin, Squash, and Sweet Potato

Animal Products: Beef, Buffalo, Chicken, Crab, Eggs, Fish, Lobster, Oyster, and Turkey

Dairy: Butter, Cheese, Cream, Kefir, Warm Milk, Sour Cream, and Yogurt

Spices: Allspice, Basil, Bay Leaf, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Dill, Garlic, Ginger, Nutmeg, Oregano, Paprika, Parsley, Rosemary, Saffron, and Turmeric

Oils: Almond Oil, Ghee, Olive Oil, Peanut Oil, Saffron Oil, and Sesame Oil

Closing Thoughts on Vata Season:

While routines can vary from person to person, aligning yourself with the rhythm of the seasons is key for staying grounded. This fall, try incorporating a vata balancing routine into your day. Even a few small changes can readily improve your overall health and wellness. And remember, don’t be afraid to embrace the earthly gifts autumn brings for you! ​

by Natalie Johnson of Gaia Gems


We live in a time of great change and upheaval. The condition of our own mind and health is mirrored in the fluctuating state of the environment. Increasing incidence of floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and chaos in all forms show that the Earth is restless and in distress. Much of what we see is the result of humanity’s ignorance of natural law. Because we have become disconnected from the natural world and no longer see ourselves as a part of the Web of Life, we make decisions that further disrupt the balance of nature and help to create the aberrant weather patterns that are on the rise.

We have set ourselves apart from the rest of nature and we do not understand our interconnectedness and interdependence, resulting in making choices that adversely affect all of creation.

As Gaia struggles to regain her equilibrium, so too must we. We must work to recover that which is sacred and right within ourselves and in our own lives as an important first step in making changes to the ecological crises that we face. The recent unprecedented heat wave continuing to manifest across the globe can be seen as a direct reflection of our own rise in anger, hatred, senseless destruction and unbridled greed. The dangerously high temperatures worldwide can be seen as metaphor for our own unchecked emotional eruptions.  Neither humanity nor the Earth can withstand such extremes for long.

In order to become effective agents of positive change, we must each look deep within ourselves and seek to restore our own inner balance and well-being. We must return to abiding by natural law as the highest authority. We must understand in our core that we are a part of the Web of Life along with all other-than-human beings and that everything is alive and has Spirit. Our capacity for critical thinking does not put us ahead of other life forms in importance. Rather, it calls us to a place of greater responsibility toward the planet we call home.

We must become a voice for all those who are at this time not heard.

We tend to protect that which we love and understand. All of us, regardless of ethnicity or country of origin have ancestors who lived their lives in a world that was sacred. It was a world of wonder and miracles. They planted by the moon and the seasons, navigated by the stars, studied plants and animals to learn what to eat and how to make medicine. From the generosity of the world around them they fed, clothed, sheltered and healed themselves.

They created ritual and celebration to honor the spirits of the land. They gave thanks on a daily basis for their lives. They rose early to greet each new day for they knew that the sun gave life to all. To them, everything was important, everything was connected, everything was sacred. It was incomprehensible to use the Earth for their own greed, to take without giving back, to abuse the land, to take things for granted, to neglect to offer thanks or prayer. This is what has been lost and this is what we must bring back.

I invite all of us to go out and reestablish that connection with Mother Earth.  In spite of our transgressions, She still wants to have a conversation with us.  It is the way of mothers to always be there for us no matter what. Our spiritual growth is intertwined with Hers and She cannot evolve to her full potential without us.

You can start small. Just go out in your backyard or to a place in nature that you enjoy. Make yourself quiet, center yourself and just “be”. Notice who is around  - - plants, birds, insects, animals, the breeze on your face, the sun on your skin. Make known your intention to connect and then just wait. It might take a few times but it will happen.

There are many things we all can do to tread more lightly on the planet. But perhaps the most meaningful place to start is to just notice what is around you and sit quietly and offer Mother Earth your love. She needs to hear and feel that.  She has been waiting a long time for us to come home. Her arms are outstretched and Her heart is open. Let’s run to Her now.

by Marissa Ranahan

During the summer months, herbs are extremely helpful for dealing with humidity and heavy heat. And personally, it’s my favorite season to start incorporating these herbs into my daily routine!
 
Certain herbs are highly beneficial in the summertime, thanks to their ability to regulate body temperature, aid in digestion, and soothe seasonal rashes. If you haven’t already, start working with these herbs to create more soothing (and delicious!) summer days. 
 
ROSE
Due to its gentle scent, rose is typically applied as an essential oil on the skin. Using rose water on your face is the perfect solution for dealing with dry skin and excessive sweating. Plus, rosewater also aids in reducing skin redness and inflammation from the heat.
 
When ingested, this herb provides a number of benefits for the body. For example, it’s perfect for internal cooling and providing relief from menstrual cramps. Typically, rose is consumed through herbal tinctures, teas, or water. This month, start treating yourself to some iced rose tea to stay cool – all while boosting your mood immune system between sips!  ​

ROSEMARY
Now, let’s talk about everyone’s favorite part of summer – food!
 
For topping off your signature dishes, nothing tastes better than a pinch of rosemary. Its delicious, aromatic flavor is a wonderful addition to any summer cuisine. Rosemary is perfect for 
adding as a light coating to roasted chicken and root vegetables. This herb also works well when blended with olive oil for rubs.
 
And while you’re munching away, you’ll also be helping your digestive system. Rosemary actively reduces inflammation and indigestion, even for the most sensitive stomachs. Thankfully, all ages can reap the benefits of incorporating rosemary into their diet!

Marissa has been drawn to the world of aromatics and plants since she was a child. Certified in aromatherapy, Reiki, and meditation, she is determined to create a life centered around healing others. Additionally, Marissa is a holistic life coach, and works towards helping others heal while simultaneously getting in touch with their spiritual side. As Herbstalk's Market Manager & Community Engagement Assistant, Marissa draws upon years of experience to oversee Herbstalk’s vendor relations, event management, and social media outreach. As a longtime attendee and member of the Herbstalk community, she is beyond thrilled to be a part of the team! ​

by Caitlin Moakley

My relationship with Cannabis began when my first intimate relationship ended. Cannabis welcomed me with open arms - offering an entrance and an exit -- a portal where I would dive into my journey of self-discovery. 

My first experience with Cannabis was when I was 20 years old. Upon that first inhale, sparks most certainly were flying. This feeling was totally new to me: mindfulness. The moments after inhaling were laced with a sense of peace, this beautiful pause that was unfamiliar. I was able to have my thoughts separated into slices of sensuality, self-worth and awareness. The previous years I had spent in a relationship that left me depleted and feeling as if I had lost myself were being swept away, piece by piece, allowing me the time and space to remember how to put myself back together. 

As with any relationship, opportunities for growth, evolution, and change present themselves -- and sometimes they require a reflective, constructive break to move forward and/or upward. 

When I first began my relationship with Cannabis, I was smoking her -- a lot. Honestly, more than I should have been. It felt like a very one-sided relationship for a few years. I went from smoking and ingesting Cannabis multiple times a day, all day, to not being able to smoke or ingest Cannabis at all. This time came during my senior year of college. Waves of panic and anxiety would pulse through me when I would engage with Cannabis. There was a blockage that I simply did not have the tools to break down. ​

We can now walk into a dispensary and choose different cultivars that will allow us to experience the maximum healing benefits that we can from this plant. With more and more research surfacing regarding the benefit of terpenes (the molecules in plants that give off a scent), we can now buy based on what we’d like to “cater to” on our healing journeys.

I personally look to terpenes pinene, linalool, myrcene and beta caryophyllene when I need a little extra help from my cannabis friends. Both linalool and beta caryophyllene can offer anesthetic and analgesic effects, pinene can offer anti-inflammatory benefits and myrcene can offer the benefit of muscle relaxation and sedation.

I find that having more access to information of the health benefits of cannabis has served me well - some cultivars really help me (especially during my menstrual cycle), whereas some cultivars can make me paranoid or give me a racing feeling rather than relax me. I personally really like the way THC-dominant cultivars distract me from my pains and allow me to get creative rather than be consumed by discomfort. I find that when we have this knowledge available to us, we have power!

I am still on a journey with Cannabis. We are learning from each other and about each other every day.

Interested in learning more about where I am with Cannabis now and how our relationship has further evolved? Catch me on the Women of Cannabis panel at Herbstalk 2019! I will be contributing alongside other strong, fierce women of Cannabis who will share their knowledge and power with you. ​

Hailing from South Boston, MA, Caitlin Moakley is a plant medicine advocate, floral and fungal foodie and champion of conscious ingredients in personal care. Caitlin is the owner and operator of Soil and Spirit, an independent consultancy focusing on collaborating and creating with small businesses in the natural products industry and cannabis and psychedelic communities. When Caitlin isn't thinking outside of the box with her clients, she's orchestrating quite the cacophony in the kitchen with her weapon of choice: the S-Blade or browsing through her many books in her home resource library. Caitlin is thrilled to be teaching at Herbstalk this year, and can't wait to learn with you! ​

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!
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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!